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THE
WAR OF THE REBELLION:
A COMPILATION OF THE
OF'U'ICI^L KKCORDS
OK THR
UNION AND CONFEDERATE ARMIES.
/
J^DDITIONS AXD CORRECTIONS
TO
SEBIE8 I— VOLUME L.
("I>o 1>o iiie^rt«»ci in Ihe volume. For explanation see GJ^nernl
Ind«3c volume. Serial No. 130, page XXVIII.)
PUBLISHED UNDER THE DIRKCTIUN OP
The Hon. EIilUU BOOT, Secretary of War,
BV
BRIG. GEN. FRED C. AINSWORTH,
Chief o«f thk Record and Pension Office, War Department,
AND
MR. JOSEPH W. KIRKLEY.
jar. jrOHN S. mOODEY, Indexer.
WASHINGTON:
eOVISBNMENT PRINTING OFKIOB.
1902.
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2 ADDITIONS AND CORRECTIONS.
TEXT.
PART I.
Page 525. Erase bracket note dated June 30, 1861.
Pages 632, 633. In foot-notes, for Series /J' read Series III.
INDEX.
Insert all words and figures in italics and strike out all in [brackets]. An asterisk (*) following a
correction indicate? that "Additions and Corrections " to the text should be consulted. References
are to parts of volume.
Part. ' Part.
Beale, Edward [Edwin] F 1 I State Department, V. S.
Black, William L 3 Correspondence with
£/aRylnuAi> [Blakenship], Benson i | Cro/rov [Geoftroy], Louis de 2
Boland, /fi7//a« [ ] i ^ Stevenson, yo«a/Aflii [John] D 1,2
Bonaparte, Ckartfs L. N. See Sapoleon, Louis 2 Swain, Edward .<4 2
Davis, Jefferson. ! Trinity River, Cal.
Mentioned, [525]* i ' Skirmishes on South Fork, near the Big
Cio/roy [Geoffrey], I,ouisde 2 \ Bar. .\ov. ij-14, iS6s. .See Big Bar, on
Heckmann, John F., 140 [420] 1 the South Fork, etc i
[Jones, W. Claude, 525]* 1 [Walker, Leroy Pope, 525]* i
[Macwillie, M. H., 525]» 1 I War Department, U. S.
Owen's River, Cal. Correspondence with
Expedition from Camp Latham to [etc.], Stevenson, yona/Aan [John] D i
Juneii-Oct. 8, 1862 2 Wheeler, John O., ^M [562] i
Rudd, C. C. [ ] 2 Wheeler, Samuel P., .?«.? [26S] i
Shannahan,y(>An [ ] 2 ' Wilson, Spencer //. [W.] 2
Smith, Joseph {Mormon), ^^i,4g^ 2 | ^M^tVan [Zubrian], Juan A' a
Smith. Joseph (j/ACa/.), [371,493] 2 '
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THE
WAR OF THE REBELLION:
A COMPILATION OF THE
UNION AND CONFEDERATE ARMIES ' ^^
"-■ \
V '.N
PTTBU8HBD UNDKR TRK DIRBCTION OP
' -^ c.- W f- ^ -
The Hon. DANIBIj B. laAMONT, Secretary .of War,
'- "' ^ /
UY • -. ^- ■ •
Maj. GEORGE W. DAVIS, 17. 8. Abmy, \ * , ^, /
Mr. LESLIE J. PERRY, Civilian Expkkt, ^ .^. ' ' ' .-
Mb. JOSEPH W. KIRKLEY, Civiijax Expert,
Board of rublithm.
SEBIES I— yOLUME L— DT TWO PABT8.
PART I-REPORTS, CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.
WASHINGTON:
OOYBBNMBNT PBINTINO OFFIOK.
1897.
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'34
\\l 55
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PREFACE.
The work of preparing the records of the war for public use was
begun under the resolation of Congress of May 19, 1804, by Adjt. Gen.
E. I). Townsentl, U.S. Army, who caused copies to be made of reports
of battles ox\ Me in his ofBce and steps to be taken to collect missing
records.
Under the provisions of joint resolution No. 91, of 1860, lion. Peter
H. VTataon was appointed to supervise the preparation and formulate
a plan for the publication of the records, but he did no work and drew
DO jtay under this appointment, which expired July 27, 1808, by limi-
tation of the Tesolution. This resolution also repealed the former one
and work ceased.
The first decisive step taken in this work was the act of June 23,
1874, providing the necessary means "to enable the Secretary of War
to hegin the i>ublication of the OflQcial Kecords of the War of the
Kebellion, both of the Union and Confederate Armies," and directing
him "to have copied for the Public Printer all reports, letters, tele-
grams, and general orders, not heretofore copied or printed, and prop-
erly arranged in chronological order." Appropriations have been made
Irom time to time for continuing such preparation. Under this act the
preliminary work was resumed by General Townsend, who first out-
lined the plan on which the records are printed, though it appears
that originally he contemplated publishing to the world only the more
imxmrtant military reports.
Subsequently, under meager appropriations, it was prosecuted in a
somewhat desultory manner by various subordinates of the War De-
partment until December 14, 1877, when the Secretary of War, i)er-
ceiving that the undertaking iteeded the undivided attention of a single
head, detailed Lieut. Col. Eobert N. Scott, U. S. Army, to take charge
of the bureau and devote himself exclusively to tlie work.
The act of June 23, 1874, greatly enlarged njKtn the first crude
scheme of publication. On this more comprehensive basis it was de-
termined that the volumes should include not only the battle rei>orts,
but also "all official documents that can be obtained by the compiler,
and that appear to be of any historical value." Colonel Scott system-
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IV PREFACE.
atized the work and the plaa and presented the records in the following
order of arrangement, which has been adhered to by his successors:
The first series will embrace the formal reports, both Union and Confederate, of
the first seizures of United States property in the Sonthem States, and of all mil-
itary operations in the field, with the correspondence, orders, and returns relating
specially thereto, and, as proposed, is to be accompanied by an Atlas.
In this series the reports will be arranged according to the campaigns and sev-
eral theaters of operations (in the chronological order of the events), and the Union
reports of any event will, as a mle, be immediately followed by the Confederate
accounts. The correspondence, etc., not embraced in the "reports" proper will
follow (first Union and next Confederate) in chronological order.
The second series will contain the correspondence, orders, reports, and retnms.
Union and Confederate, relating to prisoners of war, and (so far us the military
authorities were concerned) to State or political prisoners.
The third series will contain the correspondence, orders, reports, and returns of
the Union authorities (embracing their correspondence with the Confederate offi-
cials) not relating specially to the subjects of the first and second series. It will
set forth the annual and special report-s of the Secretary of War, of the General-
in-Chief, and of the chiefs of the several staff corps and departments; the calls
for troops, and the correspondence between the National and the several State
authorities.
The fourth series will exhibit the correspondence, orders, reports, and returns
of the Confederate authorities, similar to that indicated for the Union officials,
as of tUo third series, but excluding the correspondence between the Union and
Confederate authorities given in that series.
The first volume of the records was issued in the early fall of 1880.
The act approved June 16, 1880, provided "for the printing and bind-
ing, nndei- direction of the Secretary of War, of 10,000 copies of a com-
pilation of the OfScial Becords (Union and Confederate) of the War of
the Eebellion, so far as the same may be ready for publication, during
the fiscal year; " and that " of said number 7,000 copies shall be for
the use of the House of Bepresentatives, 2,000 copies for the use of the
Senate, and 1,000 copies for the use of the Executive Departments."
Under this act Colonel Scott proceeded to publish the first five volumes
of the records.*
'All subsequent volumes have been distributed under the act approved August
7, 1882, which provides that :
"The volumes of the Official Records of the War of the Rebellion shall be dis-
tributed as follows : One thousand copies to the Executive Departments, as now
provided by law. One thousand copies for distribution by the Secretary of War
among officers of the Army and contributors to the work. Eight thousand three
hundred copies shall be sent by the Secretary of War to such libraries, organiza-
tiouB, and individuals as may be designated by the Senators, Representatives, and
Delegates of the Forty-seventh Congress. Each Senator shall designate not exceed-
ing twenty-six, and each Representative and Delegate not exceeding twenty-one, of
such addresses, and the volumes shall be sent thereto from time to time as they are
published, until the publication is completed. Senators, Representatives, and Dele-
gates shall inform the Secretary of War in each case how many volumes of those
heretofore pablished they have forwarded to such addresses. The remaining copies
of the eleven thousand to be published, and all sets that may not be ordered to be
distributed as provided herein, shall be sold by the Secretary of War for cost of
publication with ten per cent, added thereto, and the proceeds of such sale shall be
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PBEFACE. V
Col. Bobert N. Scott died March 5, 1887, before the completion of the
work, which, daring a ten years' service, he had come to love so dearly.
At his death some twenty-six books only had been issued, but he had
compiled a large amount of matter for forthcoming volumes; conse-
quently his name as compiler was retained in all the books up to and
including Vol. XXXVI, although his successors had added largely to
his compilations from new material found after his demise.
The Secretary of War, May 7, 1887, assigned Lieut. Ool. H. M. Lazelle,
U. S. Army, to duty as the successor of Colonel Scott. He had con-
tinued in charge about two years, when, in the act approved March 2,
1889, it was provided —
That hereafter the preparation and publication of said records shall be condnoted,
nnder the Secretary of War, by a board of three persons, one of whom shall be an
ofiBcer of the Army, and two civilian experts, to be appointed by the Secretary of
War, the compensation of said civilian experts to be fixed by the Secretary of War.
The Secretary of War appointed Maj. George B. Davis, judge-advo-
cate, U. S. Army, as the military member, and Leslie J. Perry, of Kan-
sas, and Joseph W. Kirkley, of Maryland, as the civilian expert mem-
bers of said board. The board assumed direction of the publication at
the commencement of the fiscal year 1889, its first work beginning with
Serial Xo. 36 of Vol. XXIV.
July 1, 1895, by direction of the Secretary of War, Maj. George W.
Davis, Eleventh Infantry, U. S. Army, relieved M^. George B. Davis,
IT. S. Army, as the military member and president of the Board of
Publication.
Each volume includes a copious and accurate index, and for the fur-
ther convenience of investigators there will be, in addition, a general
index to the entire set when complete, in a volume by itself.
I^othing is printed in these volumes except duly authenticated con-
temporaneous records of the war. The scope of the board's work is to
decide upon and arrange the matter to be published ; to correct and
veriiy the orthography of the papers used, and occasionally to add a
foot-note of explanation.
GEO. W. DAVIS, Major 11th Infty., U. 8. A.,
LESLIE J. PERRY, Civilian Expert,
JOSEPH W. KIRKLEY. Civilian Expert,
Board of Publication.
Approved:
DANIEL S. LAMONT,
Secretary of War,
Wab Depabthbnt, Washington, D. C, March 26, 1896.
covered into the Treasury. If two or more sets of said volamee are ordered to the
same address, the Secretary of War shall inform the Senators, Representatives, or
Delegates who have designated the same, who thereupon may designate other
libraries, organizations, or individuals. The Secretary of War shall report to the
first session of the Forty-eighth Congress what volumes of the series heretofore
published have not been furnished to such libraries, organizations, and individuals.
He shall also inform distributees at whose instance the volumes are sent."
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CONTENTS.
CHAPTER LXII.
P»ge-
Operatious on the Pacific Coast. January 1, ItMtl— Juue 30, 1865 1-1170
VII
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CONTENTS OF PRECEDING VOLUMES.
CHAPTER 1.
Operatioiw in Charleston Harbor, South
Carolina. December 20, 1810-April 14,
1«1 1-317
CHAPTER II.
The aeceesion of Georgia. Jannary 3-26,
1861 318-325
CHAPTER III.
Tbeaeoeaalonof Alabamaaad Uiasiaaippi.
Jannary 4-20, 1881 326-.'l3a
CHAPTER IV.
Operations ill Florida. Jannary ft-Angnet
31, 1881 331-173
VOIiUME I.
Page. I
I CHAPTER V. Page.
I The aecesBion of North Carolina. Janu-
' ary S-Hay 20, 1861 474-188
CHAPTER VI.
Theseceasionof LouialanA. Jannary 10-
Febmary 19, 1881 48S-G01
CHAPTER VII.
Operations in Texas and Kew Mexico.
February 1-June 11, 1861 502-636
CHAPTER Vm.
Operations In ArlLsnsas, the Indian Terri-
tory, and Missouri. February 7-Hay 9,
1861 e37-«»l
VOLUME II.
CHAPTER IX. Page.
Operations in Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia. April 16-JaIy 31, 1861. 1-lOU
VOIiUMB III.
CHAPTER X.
Operations in Missouri, Arkansas, Kansas, and Indian Territory. May lO-Novemher 19, 1861.
VOIiUME IV.
Page.
Page.
1-740
CHAPTER XI.
Operations in Texas, Xeir Mexico, and
Arisona. Jnnell,1861-Febmary 1,1862. 1-174
CHAPTER XII.
Operations in Kentucky and Tennessee.
July l-Norember 19, 1861 175-565
CHAPTER Xm. Page.
Operations in North Carolina and South-
eastoru Virginia. Aiiguatl,1861-Janu-
ary 11, 1862 506-721
VOLUME V.
CHAPTER XIV. Page.
OperatiansinMaryland,NorthomVirginia,andWest Virginia. Augnstl,1861-Marchl7.18e2. 1-1106
CHAPTER XV.
Operations on the coasts of South Caro-
lina, Georgia, and Middle and East
Florida. Angast21,1861.Aprilll,1862. 1-435
VOLUME VI.
Page.
CHAPTER XVI. Page.
Operations in West Florida, Southern Al
abama, Sunthern Mississippi, and Lou-
isiana. Septomber 1, 1861-May 12, 1862. 436-894
VOLUME VII.
CHAPTER XVU. Page.
Operations in Kentucky, T jnnesaee. North Alabama, and Sonthwest Virginia. KoTember 19,
1881-Maroh 4, 1882 1-M6
I
' VOLUME VIII.
CHAPTER XVlli. Page.
Oparations in Mlaaonri, Arkansas, Kansas, and Indian ToTitory. KoT.10,18ei-AprillO,1862.. 1-834
IX
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CONTENTS OF PRECEDINO VOLUMES.
VOLUME IX.
CHAPTER XIX. Page.
Operatlona Id Soutkeastem VirgiuU. Jan-
uary ll-Marcb 17,1862 1-71
CHAPTEU XX.
Operations iu North Oaroliua. Jauaary
ll-AaKiMt20, 1862 72-180
CHAPTER XXI. Page.
Operations tn Texan, Kew Mexieo, and
Arisona. February 1-Septouber 2U,
1862 481-736
VOLUME X— IN TWO PARTS.
CHAPTER XXII.
Operations in Eentuoky, Tennessee, Kurtti Mississippi, North Alabama, atiil Southwest Virginia.
March 4-Jniio 10, 1862.
Page-
Part I— Reports 1-027
Part II — Correspondence, etc 1-642
VOLUME XI— IN THREE PARTS.
CHAPTER XXIIl.
The PeninsrJar Campaign, Virginia. March 17-September 2, 1862.
Page.
Part I— Beports, March 17-June 24 1-1077
Part II— Reports, June 25-September 2 1-994
Part II I— Correspondence, eto 1-Wl
VOLUME XII— IN THREE PARTS.
CHAPTER XXIV.
Operations in Northern Virginia, West Virginia, and Maryland. March i7-Sepleinl>er 2, 1862.
Page.
Pari I— Reports, March 17-Jane 25 1 -Sis
Part 1 1— Reports, June 26-.September 2 1-820
Part If I— Correspondence, etc 1-966
VOLUME XIII.
CHAPTER XXV.
Page.
Operatlona In Miasonri, Arkansas, Kansas, the Indian Territory, and the Department of the
Northwest. April la-Movember '.'0, 1862 1-981
VOLUME XIV.
CHAPTER XXVI.
Page.
Operations on the coasts of South Carolina, Georgia, and Middle and East Florida. April 12,
1862-Junell, 1863 1-1025
VOLUME XV.
CHAPTER XXVII.
Page.
Operations in West Florida, Southern Alabama, Southern Mississippi (embracing ail operations
agaiost Vicksburg, May 18-July 27, 1862), and Louisiana, May 12, 186-i-May 14, 1863; and
operations iu Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona. September20. 1862-May 14, 1863 1-1135
VOLUME XVI— IN TWO PARTS.
CHAPTER XXVm.
Operations in Kentucky, Middle and East Tennessee, North Alabama, and Southwest Tirginia.
Juno 10-()etober31, 1862.
Page.
Part I— ReporU 1-1168
Part II— Corrosiwudi-uco, etc 1-1017
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CONTENTS OP PRECEDING VOLUMES. XI
VOLUME XVII— IN TWO PARTS.
CHAPTER XXIX.
Opantions In West Tenneaaee and Nortbem MiMlssippi. June 10, 18e2-Jannikr; 20, 18S3.
Page.
Pnrt I— Reports 1-807
Part II — Correepondence, eto 1-916
VOLUME XVIII.
CHAPTER XXX.
Paite.
Operationa in Korth Carolina and Sontheaatern Virginia. August 20. 1862-Jane 3, 1M3 1-1104
VOLUME XIX— EN TWO PARTS.
CHAPTER XXXI.
Operations in Nortliem Virginia, W^est Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania. September 3-Kovem-
ber U, 1862.
Page.
Part I— Reports, September 3-20 1-1108
Part ■■ — Reports, September 20- November 14; Correspondence, etc., Sept«ml>er 3-Novem-
ber 14 1-739
VOLUME XX— IN TWO PARTS.
CHAPTER XXXH.
Operations in Keutacky, Middle and East Tennessee, North Alalmma, and Southveet Virginia. No-
vember 1, 18(2-Jannary 20, 1863.
Page
Part ■— Reports 1-997
Part II— Correspondence, eto 1-510
VOLUME XXI.
CHAPTER XXXIU.
Page.
Operations in Kortfaem Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania. NoTemlier
15, 1802-January 25, 1863 1-1152
VOLUME XXII— IN TWO PARTS.
CHAPTER XXXrV.
Operations in Missouri, Arkansas, Kansas, the Indian Territory, and the Department of th'4 North-
west. Novemlwr 20, 1882-December 31, 1863.
Page.
Part I— Reports 1-926
Part II — Correspondence, eto 1-1163
VOLUME XXIII— IN TWO PARTS.
CHAPTER XXXV.
Operations in Kentucky, Middle and East Tennessee, North Alalnma, and Southwest Virginia. Jan-
nary 2I-Aagu8t ID, 1863.
Pago.
Part I— Reports 1-858
Part II— Correspondence, eto 1-986
VOLUME XXIV— IN THREE PARTS.
CHAPTER XXXVI.
Operations in Mississippi and TVest Tennessee, including those in Arkansas and Louisiana connected
with the Siege ofViolubnrg, January 20-August 10, 1863.
Page.
Part I— Reports, January 20-May 16, inelnding the " General Reports " for whole period.
January 20-August 10 1-787
Part II— Reports, May 16-August 10 1-609
Part III — Correspondence, etc 1-1070
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XII CONTENTS OF PRECEDINO VOLUMES.
VOLUME XXV— IN TWO PARTS.
CHAPTBR XXXVII
OpentiOM in Nortbern Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania. January 26-Jane 3,
1863.
Page.
Pnr« I— Report* 1-1123
Part 11 — Cnnespondenoe, etc 1-862
VOIiUMB XXVI— IN TWO PARTS.
CHAPTER TTTTTTT
Operetlnns In West Florida, Southern Alabama, Southern Mississippi, Lonlsiana, Texas, and New
Mexico. May 14>Deoeniber 31, 1863.
Page.
Part I — Reports, Union Correspondence, eto 1-920
P»rt 11— Confederate Correspondence, etc .... 1-C81
VOLUME XXVn— IN THREE PARTS.
CHAPTER XXXIX.
Operations in Korth CarAlna, Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Department of
the East. June 3-Angnst 3, 1863.
Page.
Part I— Reports 1-1059
Part II— ReporU 1-1005
Part III— Correspondence, eto 1-1092
VOLUME XXVIII— IN TWO PARTS.
CHAPTER XL.
Operations on the coasts of South Carolina and Oeorgia, and in Middle and East Florida. June 12-
DecemberSl, 1863.
Pnge.
Part ■— Reports 1-755
Part II — Correspondence, etc 1-600
VOLUME XXIX— IN TWO PARTS.
CHAI'TBR XLI.
Operations in North Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania. August 4-De-
cember 31, 1883.
Page.
Part 1— Reports 1-1018
Part II — Correspondence, eto 1-933
VOLUME XXX— IN FOUR PARTS.
CHAPTER XLU.
Operations in Eentnoky, Southwest Virginia, Tennessee, Mississippi, North Alabama, and North
Oeorgia. August 11-Ootober 19, 1863.
Page.
Part ■— Reports 1-1071
Part II— Reports 1-821
Part III— Union Correspondence, etc 1-1017
Part IT — Union and Confederate Correspondence, eto 1-768
VOLUME XXXI— IN THREE PARTS.
CHAPTER XUn.
Operations in Kentucky, Southwest Virginia, Tennessee, Mississippi, North Alabama, and North
Georgia. October 20-Deoember 31, 1868.
Page.
Part I— Reports and Union Correapondenoe 1-852
Part II— Reports 1-782
Part III— Union and Confederate Coirespondenoe, eto 1-883
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OOimtNTS OF PRECEDING VOLUMES. XIII
VOLUME XXXn— IN THBEB PARTS.
CBAPTKS XUV.
Opentiona In Kentucky, Soathweat Virginia, Tenn«aaM, Mlaainippi, AJabuna, and North Georgia.
January 1-April 30, 18M.
Page.
Part ■— Repona 1-703
Pan II— Union and Confederate Comapondenoe, eto 1-633
Part III— Union and Confederate Correapoodenoe, eto 1-87S
VOIiUME XXXIU.
CHAPTBK XLV.
PaRfc
Operationa in Korth Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, and Pennaylvania. Jan-
uary 1-April 30, 18M 1-I33S
VOLUME XXXIV— IN FOUR PARTS.
CHAPTER XLVI.
Operationa in Lonlaiana and tbe Trana-Miaaiaaippl States and Territociea. January 1-Jnne 80, 18M.
Page.
Part ■— Reports l-ia'8
Part 11— Union and Confederate Correspondsnoe, etc 1-1IU7
Part III— Union and Confederate Correapondence, eto 1-836
Part ■▼ — Union and Confederate Correapondence, etc 1-701
VOLUME XXXV— IN TWO PARTS.
CHAPTKR XLVn.
Operations in Soutli Carolina and Florida, and on the Georgia Coast. January l-Kovember 13, I8U.
Pago.
Part I— Reports, Union and Confederate Correspondence, eto 1-4HS
Part II— Union and Confedente Correspondence, ato 1-MO
VOLUME XXXVI-IN THREE PARTS.
CHAPTKR XLVm.
Operationa in Southeastern Virginia and North Carolina. Kay l-Jone 12, 18M.
Part I— Reports 1-1101
Part II— Reports, Union and Confederate Correspondence, etc 1-1027
Part III— Union and Confederate Coirespoidenoe, eto 1-003
VOLUME XXXVII— IN TWO PARTS.
CHAPTER XLIZ.
Operations in NoAhem Virginia, Weat Virginia, Maryland, and Pennajtvanla. May 1-Angn«t 3, 1804.
Page.
Part I— Reports, Union and Confederate Coneapondenee, eto 1-770
Part II— Unionand Confederate Correspondence, eto 1-406
VOLUME XXXVIII— IN FIVE PARTS.
CHAPTER L.
The Atlanta, Oa., Campaign. May 1-Scptember 8, 1864.
P«ge.
Part i— Reports 1-936
Part II— Reporu 1-030
Part III— Reports 1-1006
Part IT— Unionand Confederate Correspondence, etc 1-807
Par* T— Union and Confederate Coneapondenee, etc 1-1031
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XIV CONTENTS OF PRECEDING VOLUMES.
VOLUME XXXIX— IN THREE PARTS.
CHAPTER LI.
Operations in Eentnclcy, SonthweRt Virginia, TonnosMe. MlsRiiwippl, Alabama, and Nortli Georgia
(the Atlanta Campaign excepted). May l-KoTember 13, 1861.
Page.
Part ■— Reports 1-908
Part II— Union anil Confederate Coireapondence, etc 1-889
Part III^Tnion and Confederate Correspondence, eta 1-918
VOIiUMB XL— IN THREE PARTS.
CHAPTER Lir.
Operations in Soatbeastem Yirginia and North Carolina. June IS-Jnly 31, 18S4.
Pagc^
Part I— Reports 1-823
Part Il-'Union and Confederat« Correspondence, etc 1-717
Part III— Union and Confederate Correspondence, etc 1-823
VOIjUME Xlil— IN POUR PARTS.
CHAPTER LIU.
Operations iq Lonisiana and tbe Trans-Mississippi States and Territories. Jnly 1-December 31, 18M.
Page.
Part I— Reports 1-1006
Part II— Union and Confederate Correspondence, eto 1-1099
Part III — Union and <%>nfederate Correspondenne, etc 1-1U15
Part IT — Union and Confederate Correspondence, etc 1-1147
VOLUME XliU— IN THREE PARTS.
CHAPTER LIV.
Operations In Sontteastem Virginia and North Carolina. August 1-Deoember 31, 1864.
Page.
Part I— Reports 1-1029
Part II— Union and Confederate Correspondence 1-1311
Part III— Union and Confederate Correspondence — 1-1370
VOLUME XLUI— IN TWO PARTS.
CHAPTER LV.
Operations in Northern Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania, Aagast 4-December
31, 1864.
Page.
Part I — Reporta, Union and Confederate Correspondence, etc 1 1032
Part II — Union and Confederate Correspondence, etc 1-961
VOLUME XLIV.
CHAPTER LVI.
Page.
Operations in 5oath Carolina. Georgia, and Florida. Norember 14-December 31, 1884 1-1013
VOLUME XLV— IN TWO PARTS.
CHAPTER LVll.
0|>crations in Kentucky, Sontbweat Virginia, Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama, and North Georgia,
November 14, 1864-Jannary 23, 1865.'
Pago.
Part I— Reports, Union and Confederate Correspondence, etc 1-1262
Part II — Union and Confederate Correspondence, etc 1-806
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CONTENTS OF PRECEDING VOLUMES. XV
VOIitJME XliVI— IN THREE PARTS.
CHAPTER LVIII.
Oprraiioiis In Northern and SoutheMtem Virgliiia, Korth CuoUoa (Jaonarj- 1-31), WmI Vir^nU,
Hsryland, and Peonsylnnla. Jaaiuuy I-Jnne 3D, IMS.
Page.
Pmrt ■— KepdrU 1-13M
Pari 1 1 — V niun and Confedente Correapoodenoe I-I3I8
Part III — TTnion and Confederate CorreapoDdenre 1-1396
VOIilTME XliVII— IN THREE PARTS.
CHAPTBK LIX.
Operatiooa In Nortli Carolin* (from February l),8ontb Carolina, Soutbem Georgia, and Eaat Florida.
Jaooary 1-Jnne M, IMS.
P»gr.
Part I— Reporta 1-1138
Part 1 1 —rnion and Confederate CorreapoDdenoe 1-1442
Part III— Union and Confederaie Correapondenoe l-tHi
VOLUME Xr,VIll-IN TWO PARTS.
CHAPTER LX.
Operations in (.piiiaiana and tlie Trana-Hisaiaaippi Statea and Teiritoriea. January 1— Jnne 30, ISOS.
Page.
Pan I— Reportn. Union and Confederate Correspondence 1-I4S9
Pan II— Union and Confederate Correapondence 1-1324
VOIiirME XLIX— IN TWO PARTS.
CHAPTER LXI.
Operation* in Kentucky, Soutliweittern Virginia, Tennessee, Northern and Central (ieorgia, Mlaais
eippi, Alabama, and Weat Florida. January 1— June 30, 18A5.
Page.
Para I —Reporta. I'nion and Confederate Correspondence 1-IU62
Part 11— Union and Confederate Correspondence I-12M
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1865.
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XVI
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CHAPTER IjXII.
OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST."
JAIRTAST 1, 1861-Jni7E 30, 1865.
r'ART I.
SmVIMA-RY OI'' THK PRINCIPAL KVKlMTS.t
Jan. 16, 1861. — The Departments of Califoraia and Oregon merged into the Depart-
ment of the Pacific.
Col. Albert Sidney Johnston, Second U. S. Cavalry, brevet brig-
adier-general, U. S. Army, assumes command of the Depart-
ment of the Pacific.
16-May 18, 1861. — Operations in the vicinity of Fort Hnmboldt, Cal.
Feb. 5-17, 1861.— Scouts from Fort Walla WalU, Wash. Ter. , and Fort Dalles, Oreg.,
to the Umatilla River and to Wiliow and Butter Creeks, Oreg.,
irith skirmishes (8th ana 10th) on the Columbia River.
Mar. 18, 1861. — Affair on the Columbia River, near the Kootenay River, Wash.
Ter.
23, 1861.— Brig. Oen. Edwin V. Sumner, U. S. Army, assigned to command
the Department of the Pacific.
• The operations reporte<l in this volume wore carried on in that portion of the
territory of the United States lying west of the Rocky Mountains, including so much
of the Territory of Utah as lay west of the one hundred and seventeenth meridian
of west longitade and so much of the Territory of New Mexico as lay west of the
one hundred and tenth meridian of west longitude. This area composed the Depart-
ments of California and Oregon. The Department of California was created by
General Orders, No. 10, War Department, Adjutant-General's Office, of September
13, 1858, and included the territory west of the Rocky Mountains south of Oregon,
except so much of Utah as lay east of the one hundred and seventeenth meridian of
west longitude, and of New Mexico as lay east of the one hundred and tenth merid-
ian of west longitude. It also included the Rogue River and Umpqua Districts in
Sonthwestem Oregon. It was commanded on January 1, 1861, by Lieut. Col. Bei^ja-
min L. Beall, First U. S. Dragoons, who had assumed command, by seniority of rank,
on the death of Bvt. Brig. Gen. Newman S. Clarke, colonel Sixth U. S. Infantry,
which occurred on October 17, 1860. It was merged into the Department of the
Pacific on January 15, 1861. The Department of Oregon was created by General
Orders, No. 10, War Department, Adjutant-General's Office, September 13, 1858, and
was composed of the Territories of Washington and Oregon, except the Rogue River
and UmMna Districts. It was commanded on December 31, 1860, by Col. George
Wright, Is'inth U. S. Infantry, uader assignment dated June 8, 1860. It was merged
into the Department of the Pacific on January 15, 1861.
tOf some of the minor conflicts noted in this summary no circumstantial reports
am on file.
1 B B— VOL L, PT I
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2 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Cha». LXn.
Apr. 14-15, 1861. — Skirmishes on Van Dnsen's Creek, near Mad River, Cal.
25, 1861. — Brig. Gen. Edwin V. Sumner, U. S. Army, (Msames command of
the Department of the Pacific, relieving Col. Albert Sidney
Johnston, Second U. 8. Cavalry, brevet brigadier-general, U. S.
Army.
May 23-Jane 17, 1861. — Operations on the Mad and Eel Rivers, Cal., with skirmishes
(May 23) near Larrahee's Ranch, (May 26) on Eel River,
(May 28) on the South Fork of Eel River, (May 30) on
Keatuck Creek, (Jnne 4) opposite Bell Spring on the Eel
River, (Jnne 2 and 8) near Larrabee's house, (Jnne 14 and
16) on the Sonth Fork of Eel River, and (Jnne 17) near
Kettenshaw.
July 21, 1861.— Skirmish on the Sonth Fork of Eel River, Cal.
Aug. 3-12, 1861.— Scout from Fort Crook to Round Valley, Cal., with skirmish (Stb)
in the Upper Pitt River Valley.
8-9, 1861. — Attack on emigrant train, near the Great Salt Lake, Utah Ter.
15-22, 1861.— Expedition from Fort Crook to the Pitt River, Cal., with skir-
mish (19th) near Kellogg's Lake, Cal.
26, 1861. — CoL Benjamin L. Beall, First U. S. Dragoons, bssigned to com-
mand the District of Oregon.
Sept. 7, 1861.— Skirmish near the Santa ADa CaDon, Cal.
13, 1861. — Col. Benjamin L. Beall, First U. S. Dragoons, assumes command
of the District of Oregon.
14, 1861. — Col. George Wright, Ninth U. S. Infantry, assigned to command
all troops serving in Southern California.
26, 1861. — The District of Southern California created, comprising the coun-
ties of San Luis Obispo, Buena Vista, Tulare, Santa Barbara,
Los Angeles, San Bernardino, and San Diego, and Col. George
Wright, Ninth U. S. Infantry, assigned to its command.
25-Oot. 5, 1861. — Expedition from San Bernardino to the Temecula Ranch
and Oak Grove, Cal.
Oct. 4, 1861.— Col. George Wright, Ninth U. S. Infantry, assamee command of
the District of Southern California.
11, 1861.— Lieut. Col. Albemarle Cady, Seventh U. S. Infantry, assigned to
command the District of Oregon.
14, 1861. — Col. George Wright, Ninth U. S. Infantry, transfers command of
District of Southern California to Col. James H, Carleton, First
California Infantry.
20, 1861. — Brig. Gen. Edwin V. Sumner, U. S. Army, relinquishes command of
the Department of the Pacific to Col. George Wright, Ninth
U. 8. Infantry.
23, 1861.— Lieut. Col. Albemarle Cady, Seventh U. 8. Infantry, relieves Col.
Benjamin L. Beall, Firat U. 8. Cavalry,- in command of the Dis-
trict of Oregon.
26, 1861. — Col. George Wright, Ninth U. S. Infantry, assumes command of
the Department of the Pacific.
Nov. 18, 1861. — Col. James H. Carleton, First California Infantry, relieved from
command of the District of Southern California.
19, 1861.— Brig. Gen. George Wright, U. S. Army, formally assigned to com-
mand the Department of the Pacific.
20-29, 1861.— Pursuit aud capture of the Sho waiter Party at Warner's Ranch
in the San Josd Valley, Cal.
Dec. 12, 1861.— District of Unmboldt created, to consist of the counties of
Sonoma, Napa, Mendocino, Trinity, Humboldt, Klamath, and
Del Norte, in Northetii California, and Col. Francis J. Lippitt,
Second California Infantry, assigned to its command.
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CBtf.LXn.) pUMMARY OF THE PBISCIPAL EVENTS. 3
Jan. 9, 1862. — Col. Francis J. Lippitt, Second California Infantry, asaomes com-
mand of the Humboldt Military District.
Feb. 5,1862. — Col. J.imeH H. Carletou, First California Infantry, resumes com-
mand of the District of Sonthern California.
Mar. 19-Apr. 28, 1862. — Expedition from ('amp Latham to Owen's River, Cal.,
with skirmish (April Oj near Bishop's Creek, in the
Owen's River Valley.
22-Au(;. 31, 1862. — Operations in the Humboldt Military District, Cal.
Apr. 10, 1862. — Col. Ferris Forman, Fourth California Infantry, assumes com-
mand of the District of Southern California.
13-Sept. 20, 1862. — Expedition from Southern California, through Arizona,
to Northwestern Texas and New Mexico.
18, 1862. — Col. Justus Steinberger, First Washington Territory Infantry,
assigned to command the District of Oregon.
Hay 5, 1862. — Col. Justus Steinberger, First Washington Territory Infantry,
relieves Lieut. Col. Albemarle Cady, Seventh U. S. Infantry, in
command of the District of Oregon.
15, 1862. — Expedition from California to Arizona and New Mexico, organ,
ized 80 the Column from California, Col. James H. Carleton,
First California Infantry, conuianding.
Col. James H. Carleton, First California Infantry, relinquishes
command of the District of Southern California.
17,1862. — Col. George W. Bowie, Fifth California Infantry, assumes com-
mand of the District of Sonthern California.
Jnne 11-Oct. 8, 1862. — Expedition from Camp Latham to Owen's River, Cal., with
skirmish (Jnne 24) at Owen's Lake.
16-Oet. 30, 1862.— Emigrant Road expedition from Omaha, Nebr. Ter., to Port-
land, Oreg.
23, 1862. — Brig. Gen. Benjamin Alvord, U. S. Army, assigned to command the
District of Oregon.
July 7, 1862. — Brig. Gen. Benjamin Alvord, U. S. Army, assumes command of the
District of Oregon.
7, 1862-Oct. 6, 1863.— Operations in the District of Oregon.
Aug. 6, 1862. — Col. P. Edward Connor, Third California Infantry, assumes com-
mand of the District of Utah.
9-22, 1862.— Expedition from Fort Walla Walla to the Grande Ronde Prairie,
Wash. Ter., with aifair (14th) at th« Grande Ronde Prairie.
19-Oct. 11, 1862. — Expedition against the Snake Indians in Idaho.
26, 1862. — Col. James H. Carleton, First California Infantry, assigned to
command the Department of New Mexico.
30, 1862,^The District of Arizona constituted to comprise all the territory
ttom Fort Thorn, N. Mex., along the north bank of the Rio
Grande River to Fort Qnitman, Tex.
Sept. 6, 1862.— M%j. David Fergnason, First California Cavalry, relieved from
command of the District of Western Arizona.
ilaj. Theodore A. Conlt, Fifth California Infantry, assigned to
command of the District of Western Arizona.
Col. Joseph R. West, First California Infantry, assumes command
of the District of Arizona.
8, 1862.— Skirmish on Redwood Creek, Cal.
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4 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. (Chap. LXn.
Sept. 18, 1863. — Brig. Gen. James H. Carleton, U. S. Army, relieves Brig. Gen.
Edward R. S. Cauby, U. S. Army, in command of the Department
of New Mexico.
21, 1862.— Affair at the San Pedro Crossing, Ariz. Ter.
Affair ou the Yreka Road, near Fort Croolc, Cal.
30-Oct. 29, 1862.— Expedition from Fort Ruby, Nev. Ter., to Camp Douglas,
Utah Ter , with affairs (Oct. 11 and 15) on the Humboldt
River, Nev. Ter.
Oct. 21, 1862. — Skirmi-sh near Simmons' Ranch, near Hydesville, Cal.
Nov. 3-29, 1862.— Scouts from Fort Crook, Cal., and Fort Chorohill, Nev. Ter., to
Honey Lake Valley, Cal.
2(^27, 1862.— Expedition from Camp Douglas to the Cache VaUey, Utah Ter.,
with Hkirmish (23d) in the Cache Valley.
22-27, 1862.— Expedition from Fort Ruby, Nev. Ter., to the Sierra Nevada Moun-
tains.
Tan. 14, 1863. — Western Arizona transferred to the Department of New Mexico.
29, 1863.— Engagement on the Bear River, Utah Ter.
Feb. 7, 1863.— Lieut. Col. Harvey Lee, Fourth California Infantry, assumes com-
mand of the District of Southern California.
Mar. 10-July 10, 1863.— Operations in the Humboldt Military District, Cal.
26-Apr. 3, 1863. — ^Expedition from Camp Douglas to the Cedar Mountains, Utah
Ter., with skirmish (April 1) at Cedar Fort.
28, 1863. — Col. Ferris Forman, Fourth California Infantry, assigned to
command the District of Southern California.
Apr. 2-6, 1863. — Expedition from Camp Douglas to the Spanish Fork, Utah Ter.,
with action (4th) at the Spanish Fork CaDon.
7-11, 1863.— Expedition from Fort Wright to Williams' Valley, Cal., with
skirmish (9th) in Williams' Valley.
10, 1863. — Col. Ferris Forman, Fourth California Infantry, assomes command
of the District of Southern California.
11-20, 1863.— Expedition from Camp Douglas to the Spanish Fork Cafion,
Utah Ter., with skirmish (12th) at Pleasant Grove, and action
(15th) at Spanish Fork CaQon.
13-24, 1863.— Expedition from Camp Babbitt to Keysville, Cal.
34-May 36, 1863. — Operations in Owen's River and adjacent valleys, Cal.
25, 1863.— Skirmish near Fort Bowie, Ariz. Ter.
May 4-Oct. 36, 1863. — Expedition to the Snake Indian Country, Idaho Ter.
5-30, 1863. — Expedition from Camp Douglas, Utah Ter., to Soda Springs, on '
the Bear River, Idaho Ter.
^nne 19, 1863. — Lieut. Col. James F. Curtis, Fourth California Infantry, assigned
to command the District of Southern California, relieving Col.
Ferris Formau, Fourth California Infantry.
80, 1863. — Skirmish near Government Springs, Utah Ter.
23, 1863.— Affair at Cafion Station, Nev. Ter.
July 13, 1863.— Lieut. Col. Stephen G. Whipple, First Battalion of Mountaineers,
California Volunteers, relieves Col. Francis J. Lippitt, Second
California Infantry, in command of the Humboldt Military
District.
20-36, 1863.— Operations in Round Valley, Cal.
Aug. 30, 1863.— The District of Utah declared to include the Territory of Utah,
Camp Ruby, Nev. Ter., and the new post at Soda Springs, Idaho
Ter.
22, 1863.— Affair at San Pedro Crossing, Ariz. Ter.
22-Sept. 20, 1863.— Expedition from Fort Lapwai, Idaho Ter., to The Meadows.
27, 1863.— AfEair at Fort Bowie, Ariz. Ter.
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C«AP.Lxn.l SUHMABY OF THE PBpfCIPAL EVENTS. 5
Sept. 3-Deo. 31, 1863.— Operations in the Humboldt Military District. Cal.
8-9, 1863. — Skirmishes in the Cbiric.ihua Mountains, Ariz. Ter.
Not. 4, 1863. — Skirmish in the P>inal Mountains on the Gila River, Ariz. Ter.
Jan. 1-28, 1864. — Operations in the Humboldt Military District, Cal.
2, 1864.— Occupation of Santa Catalina Island, Cal.
Feb. l^ane 30, 1864. — Operations in the Hnmboldt Military District, Cal.
6, 1864. — Col. Henry M. Black, Sixth California Infantry, assigned to com-
mand the District of Humboldt.
16-23, 1864.— Expedition from Fort Walla Walla to Snake River, Wash. Ter.
Mar. 24-Apr. 16, 1864. — Exp<^dition firom Camp Lincoln, near Canyon City, to
Harney Valley, Oreg., vrith skirmishes.
Apr. 20-Oct. 26, 1864.— £xpe<litionsfromFortDalIes,Oreg.,andFort Walla Walla,
Wash. Ter., to Southeastern Orogou, with skirmishes.
21-May 12, 1864.— Kxpeditiou from th«> Siletz River Block- House to Coos
Bay, Grog.
May 9-June 22, 1864. — Expedition from Fort Crittenden, Utah Ter., to Fort
Mojave, Ariz. Ter.
16-Aag. 2, 1864. — Expedition from Fort Craig, N. Mex., to Fort Goodwin,
Ariz. Ter.
25-July 13, 1864. — Expedition from Fort Wingate, N. Mex., to the Gila and
San Carlos Rivers, Ariz. Ter., with skirmishes (June?
and 8) on the San Carlos River.
June 8-Ang. 9, 1864. — Expedition from Fort Churchill to the Humboldt River,
Nev. Ter.
24, 1864. — Attack on wagon train on the John Day's Road, near Fort
Klamath, Oreg.
July 1, 1864. — Brig. Gen. George Wright, U. S. Army, assigned to commaud the
District of California.
M^j. Gen. Irvin McDowell, U. S. Army, assames command of the
Department of the Pacific.
aO-Ang. 17, 1864.— Expedition from Fort Bois^ to Boonville, Idaho Ter.
Aug. 8-12, 1861. — Scout from Camp Andenton to Bald Mountain, Cal.
27-Oct. 5, 1864. — Expedition from Fort BoisiS to Salmon Falls, Idaho Ter., with
skirmishes.
Sept. 1-29, 1864.— Scout ttom Camp Grant to the North Fork of the Eel River, Cal.
1-Dec. 3, 1864.— Operations in the Trinity River Valley, Cal.
Jan. 1-Nov. 30, 1865. — Operations on the Canyon City Boad, Oreg., with skir-
mishes.
20, 1865. — Territory of Arizona re-annexed to Department of the Pacific.
Feb. 1-20, 1865.— Operations about Fort Bois<!, Idaho Ter., with skirmish (15th)
near the Bruneau Valley.
17, 1865.— Skirmish at Port Buchanan, Ariz. Ter.
The Territory of Utah and that part of Nebraska Territory lying
west of the twenty-seventh degree of longitnde added to the
Department of the Missouri.
20, 1865. — Brig. Gen. John S. Mason, V. S. Army, assigned to command the
District of Arizona.
Mar. 3, 1866. — Territory of Idaho attached to the District of Oregon.
7,1865. — Brig. Gen. Bei^amin Alvord, 17. S. Army, relieved ttom command
of the District of Oregon.
12-19, 1866.— Expeditions from Fort Churohill to Pyramid and Walker's Lakes,
Nev., with skirmish (14th) at Mud Lake and affair (16th) near
Walker's Lake, Nev.
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5 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Chap. LXn.
Mar. 14, 1865. — Limits of District of Oregon extended to iiicliido the entire State
of Oregon.
23, 1866. — Brig. Gen. Benjamin Alvord, V. S. Army, relinqnisbes command of
the District of Oregon. ,
Col. Reuben F. Maury, First Oregon Cavalry, assumes command
of the District of Oregon.
Apr. 5-18, 1865. — Expedition from Camp Bidwoll to Antelope Creek, Cal.
May 3-June 15, 1865. — Expeditions from Fort Churchill to Carson Lake and Trnckee
and Humboldt Rivers, Nev.
25-Jone 15, 1865. — Expedition from Port Ruby to the Hamboldt Valley, Nev.,
trith skirmish (May 29) near Austin, Nev.
June 13-26, 1865. — Expedition from Dun Glen to Fairbanks Station, Nev.
26-July 6, 1865. — Expedition from Fort Bowie to the Gila River, Ariz. Ter.,
with skirmishes (.luly 3) at Cottonwood Creek and (4th)
at Cavalry CaQon, Ariz. Ter.
27, 1865. — Military Division of the Pacific created, to consist of the Depart-
ments of California and the Columbia.
Maj. Gen. Henry W. Halleck, U. S. Army, assigned to command the
Military Division of the Pacific.
Department of California created, to consist of the States of Cali-
fornia and Nevada and the Territories of New Mexico and
Arizona.
M^.Cien. Irvin McDowell, U. S. Army, assigned to command the
Department of California.
Department of the Columbia created, to consist of the State of
Oregon and the Territories of AVashington and Idaho.
Brig. Gen. George Wright, U. S. Army, assigned to command the
Department of the Columbia.
Jnly 2-13, 1865. — Expedition from Camp Lyon, Idaho Ter., to the Malheur River,
Oreg., with skirmish (9tb).
10-21, 1865.— Expedition from Fort Bowie to Maricopa Wells, Ariz. Ter.
17, 1865. — SkirmiNfa on the Owyhee River, Idaho Ter.
Sept. 23, 1865.— Skirmish in the Harney Lake Valley, Oreg.
JAirUABT 16-MAT 18, 1861.— Operations in the vloiiuty of Fort Hnni'
boldt, CaL
REPORTS.
No. 1.— Capt. Charles S. Lovell, Sixth U. 8. Infantry.
No. 2.— Lieut. Daniel D. Lynn, Sixth U. S. Infantry.
No. 3.— Lieut. Joseph B. Collins, Fourth U. S. Infantry.
No. 1.
Report of Capt. Charles 8. Lovell, Sixth U. 8. Infantry.
FoET Humboldt, Cal., March 23, 1861.
Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt last evening of
your letter of the 6th instant, and to state for the information of the
commanding general that I have had a command of thirty men, under
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CHi». Lxn.) OPERATIONS ABOUT FOET HUMBOLDT, OAL. 7
Lieateuant Lynn, operating against the Indians in the Eel Biver coun-
try since the middle of January last. In his letter to me dated Camp
Armstrong, Soath Fork of Bel River, Febmary 9, 1861, speaking of the
Indians, Lieutenant Ljrnn says :
They have no principal man exercising any control except on the field of battle.
They avoid combat and mn on all occasions. Having no chief or principal man, it
is impossible to treat with them. Being scattered over a wide area, and but few ia
any one locality, it is impossible to cover one's self with glory in lighting them, 1
have already many times wished they were braver, so as to give us at least the ghost
of a chance for the display of onr chivalrous qualities. In place of this, being
meet always on the alert, with the eye of the eagle and the ken of a sparrow-
hawk, they discover their foes, give the war whoop, and run. They, suspecting, as
I suppose, onr arrival, committed a few depredations and fled to the Bald Hills and
other tribes. Jost here or in this vicinity there may possibly be a hostile straggling
Indian here and there, but they are not nnmerons, nor resident long in a place. I
have endeavored with scmpulous exactitude to carry out literally your instructions.
I have modeled my orders upon them, and every scouting or hunting party has been
enjoined to respect them. A scouting party has been out almost every day. Already
the whole conntry for many miles around, in all directions, has been quite thoioaghly
sconred, bat few trophies and no Indians have been taken.
In regard to the number and character of the citizens and their
losses in cattle, &c., he says :
It is my conviction that there are abont a dozen altogether, and that they are rene-
gades ttom the States, va^bonds from society, escaped convicts from justice, and
outlaws forced to leave their homes and seek a livelihood in parts unknown. They
are clothed like the best clad of the natives, and you wonid mistake them for natives
did you not know them. They indulge in the most extravagant style of conversa-
tion ; yea, so extravagant that truth is almost out of the pale of their thoughts. On
my arrival they had many hard stories to tell of the depredations committed by the
Indians and wrongs unredressed received from them, with no provocation, according
to them, on the part of the white men. They told me, also, where I could find sev-
eral rancherias. I thought I would put their knowledge to the test. Their cattle
and horses, which had grazed in the mountains and mountain gorges weeks and
months nnseen and unheard of, were collected and losses found much less — yea, very
much less, perhaps two-thirds less — than reckoned or anticipated. I let two volun-
teer detachments, guided by them, proceed to two of their rancherias. Both expe-
ditions were oomplete failures. No rancherias were found. One of the citizens,
mistaking another citizen — both of the same party — for an Indian, fired upon him
and killed him, but not instantly; died the following night about 10 o'clock. The
other rancherias they had told of could not be found either. They were so ashamed
of their ignorance of the Indians and their rancherias that they would not present
themselves.
« « « n « » «
Whenever they do anything or see anything they magnify it a hundredfold, and
on their return boast of their fast running and of their wounding so many Diggers.
'TIS a little strange that in firing on so many Indians they never kill any, or that we
never have the pleasure of seeing some of their marvelous exploits.
The latter part of February I heard that the Indians had attacked
and burnt the house of Mr. Larrabee (in his absence), situated on Van
Dusen's Fork of the Eel River, and killed the cook, a white woman.
Accordingly I directed Lieutenant Lynn to proceed with his detach-
ment to and endeavor to pnnish the Indians in that vicinity. The
result is not yet known. This attack cannot be wondered at when it is
known that about a year ago it was reported, and I believe never con-
tradicted, that Mr. Hagan, living with and a partner of Mr. Larrabee,
had an Indian called Yo-keel-la-bah tied to a tree and shot in cold
blood. He had been in the habit of visiting the house in a friendly
manner, and always expressed himself friendly disposed toward the
whites. He was of great service to me in that vicinity during the sum-
mer and fall of 1859.
The mules composing our pack train have been worked very hard for
the last year. Many of them are almost completely broken down and
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8 0PEBATI0N8 ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Chat. LXn.
must have rest or will die. To supply Fort Gaston and the detach-
ments in the field will involve the necessity of dividing the train and
the employment of two or three additional packers, if we can get them,
which is extremely doubtful unless the acting assistant quartermaster
is furnished with funds to pay them promptly every month or two.
The country is a very hard one to operate in — indeed, the hardest I
ever served in, both npon men and animals. The mountains are pre-
cipitous and broken; the divides so imperfectly defined that any one
but a good woodsman is liable to get lost in a march of a few hours,
particularly if in hot pursuit of Indians. Each separate party ought,
therefore, to be furnished with a good guide.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
CHAS. S. LOVELL,
Captain, Sixth Infantry, Commanding Post.
Maj. W. W. Mackall,
Aast. Adjt. Gen., Dept. of the Pacific, San Francisco, Col.
, No. 2.
Report of Lieut. Daniel D. Lynn, Sixth U. S. Infantry.
FoBT Humboldt, Oal., March 28, 1861.
SiK : In conformity with recent verbal instructions from you I have
*\ie honor to enter upon a somewhat detailed account of the campaign
from the South Fork of Eel Kiver to its termination. But, firstly, per-
mit me to state that I do not consider it out of place to submit a state-
ment of the origin of the South Fork difficulties.
Origin ofths South Fork difficulties. — The only reliable and satisfac-
oory account of these diflBculties and their origin that I have yet
received is one from Mr. Bruce, a partner of Mr. Armstrong, of the
Valley of the South Fork. I regret that I am unable to give all the par-
ticulars. It appears that Mr. Ross, widely known as a trafficker with
Indians, with one or more i>er8on3, was going up the South Fork
between Mr. Armstrong's place and that of Messrs. Sproul, and over-
taken by a small party of rather bold Indians. The Indians did not
run, but slowly proceeded toward the white men, but Mr. Eoss, either
fearing that the Indians were dangerous, or thinking they were " too
fast," fired on and, I think, killed one. The Sproul boys appearing
and taking sides with Boss and escorting him to their home, led the
Indians to think that the Sprouts shared Mr. Boss' sentiments, and were
their enemies — a very rational conclusion, especially when it is added
that the boys then sheltered and protected him, so that the Indians,
keenly alive to their wrongs, at the first good opportunity thought they
would clean out the boys. The boys had killed a bear and were dress-
ing it when the Indians attacked them. The sequel you know; both
boys were nearly killed. The white man's side of the story I presume
you have heard. Yet, notwithstanding this sad warning, those Sprouls
shelter, at every visit, even now, the same desperate character who was
their guest on that ssul occasion. If the past has anything to do with
the future they ought to take warning and eschew all such dangerous
hospitality. In addition to the above, white men at the South Fork
had whipped and raped Indian women. For farther particulars I can
be consulted personally at any moment.
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CHAP, ixn.] OPERATIONS ABOUT FOET HUMBOLDT, CAL. 9
Are tlie bueialnn gentry pioneers of civilization t —Jjfit us see. As
this appears to be the proper connection in which to answer this ques-
tion, I will discuss it now. The term " buckskin gentry " is a more com>
prehensive one than buckskin hunters, and embraces all who hunt for
a living — all who have a few ideas about agriculture and grazing and
herding of stock, but who hunt at intervals; all who are brought into
contact with Indians, to the extent of employing and forcibly obtaining
Indian servants, and cohabiting with squaws, and all who, leading the
life of an Indian, wander from place to place with no definite object.
Such a life it will readily be seen, on the slightest reflection or by the
slightest experience, is anything but refining. At the South Fork the
same Jones who shot Mr. Wright, in partnership with Mr. McFarland
cultivated some ground and raised a piece of corn, but went away and
did not gather it that season: A pair of oxen ate some of it, but that
same miserable buckskin clan that I found at th£ South Fork on my
arrival appeared at the time in question, saying that they were out of
everything and on the jwint of starvation. The settlers proper very
hospitably shared with them, but they were not satisfied. They called
a council of war, but instead of counseling the destruction of the Dig-
ger race, as they had uniformly done hitherto, they re8olve4 on the
destruction of the corn-field. The entire field was taken. Neither
McFarland nor Jones were there to defend their claims or even to
enter a protest, yet these same buckskin outlaws were those to tell me
that the Indians had taken McFarland's corn-field, and that the white
men had given no provocation. The above question is accordingly
answered in the negative. ,
Scouting. — The scouting party sent out to Spruce Grove under charge
of Corporal Heron from the camp at the South Fork remained there tUl
the last practicable moment, and only joined the command after the
latter had passed Spruce Grove on its way to Larrabee's. The corpo-
ral's pi«:ty succeeded in capturing an Indian, but by the prisoner's
general conduct I was fully convinced that he did not belong to the
hostile tribe at the South Fork, and on his rendering valuable services
at Main Eel Itiver I released him. Corporal Heron was quite confident
of success at Spruce Grove had time permitted him to make use of the
prisoner's services in finding rancherias. At Larrabee's the scouting
was resumed. Determined to strike the Indians a blow if they could
be found, I sent out three parties the same day in as many different
directions. One started out in the direction of Van Dusen's Creek,
proceeding down it; another started out to the left of the trail with
orders to proceed to strike a point low down on the Van Duseu and go
up it till its intersection with the trail. The third, composed of sixteen
men under Cori>oral Heron, ha<l three days' rations. It relieved the
camp of all its disposable men. This party struck across toward the
Van Dusen, but high up, and proceeded over in the direction of Mad
River, with orders to go wherever success was probable and to join the
command at laqua Ranch. This vast field had been crossed by a par-
cel of hunters, now resident at the Thousand Acre Field, a few days
before. It was this which prevented success. Corporal Heron reported
on his return that there were no very recent Indian signs and that there
was not an Indian in twenty miles of laqna Ranch. From laqua Ranch
three scouting parties were sent out. One, under Sergeant Wiedemer,
proceeded to Yager Creek Settlement to scout the South and Middle
Yager Valleys, and the Red Woods near by. This party espied four
Indians, one squaw and three bucks, gathering clover apparently, but
they were too distant to be fired on. The party approached nearer, but
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10 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Chap. LXH.
the Indians had already taken warning. Another party under Simon
Daysey proceeded down the North Yager and into the Red "Woods in
that qoiurter. The third, largest, fonrt^n men strong, and most impor-
tant, under Corporal Heron, with five days' rations, crossed Mad River
from laqua Ranch and proceeded up that river while Indian signs ren-
dered success probable and then struck across toward Pilot Creek in
the direction of flay Fork Valley. They did not reach Pilot Creek,
but turned to the left and northward, scoured a wide field, and returned
by descending Mad River. They were gone five days and a half. The
time allotted was so limited that scouting had to be done as the com-
mand moved from x>oint to point or not at all. From the camp near
Kneeland's Prairie but one party was sent out. This was under charge
of Sergeant Wiedemer. The sergeant on his return reported no Indians
and no traces of any. The day after Corporal Heron's party united
with the main command at Kneeland's Prairie it stormed and continued
up to the 27th, two days after the command reached the garrison, so
that all further scouting after his return to that point was at an end.
I will now proceed to advert to a few incidents of campaigning, quite
noticeable on our return, before passing to the contrast to which your
instructions invite me.
Oame. — Between Spruce Grove and Wilburn's place, on Eel River,
and especially between main Eel River and Larrabee's Creek, game,
particularly deer, is quite plenty, owing mainly to the fact, I suppose,
that buckskin hunters, killing deer in contravention of the game laws
and for their skins, have not yet, to any great extent, infested that
region. Coyotes are quite plenty in the mountains to the south pf
Larrabee's Valley.
Friendly Indians. — ^A party of these, and belonging to it the prisoner
mentioned above, was seen at main Eel River. Their tokens of friend-
ship, and not fleeing from us at our approach, as the guilty most always
do, convinced me that they had no hand in the South Pork depreda-
tions, and I gave orders not to fire on them. A party of squaws and
children was seen gathering clover on the side of a lofty spur to the
'.eft of the trail between Eel River and Larrabee's Creek. Only one
ran away. Quite .a number first and last were seen whose abode was
with white men and their services at their control.
Larrabee^a Valley. — This is nothing but a basin in the mountains. In
corroboration of this, limbs are found on the ground in the valley, hav-
ing been broken oflf by the snow from the trees growing there. Another
reason is the slight difference of level between the basin and adjoining
mountains. In the summer time the basin is, I expect, a very pleasant
locality. Its high level would indicate it cool and refreshing. Scenery
on every side picturesque. Respecting its agricultural qualities, it is,
I should think, quite fertile and admirably adapted for the cultivation
of oats. Here in this apparently lovely valley lived a man about whose
qualities I feel myself impelled to speak. I visited the premises on the
morning after arriving in the valley. In this one exceptional instance
I found truth had been told. I was very much surprised, because I
had hitherto found it much rarer than gold. I found everything just
as chronicled in the Humboldt Times. I had no conversation with Mr.
Larrabee. I do not know that I ever saw the man. I heard no man
speak in his favor, or even intimate one redeeming trait in his char-
acter. The universal cry was against him. At the Thousand Acre
Field and laqua Ranch even the woman who was shot and burned to
death was condemned for living with such a man. Of most enormities
of which he stands accused you are aware. An accomplice and actor
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Chap. Lin.] OPERATIONS ABOUT PORT HUMBOLDT, CAL. 11
in the massacre at Indian Island and Sonth Beach : the murderer of
Yo- keel-la-ball ; recently engaged in killing nnofTending Indians, his
party, according to their own story, having killed eighteen at one time
(eight bncks and ten squaws aud children), and now at work imbraiug
bis hands in the blood of slaughtered innocence, I do not think Mr.
Larrabee can be too emphatically condemned. He certainly richly
merited his recent losses.
Summer and winter campaigning — the contrast. — The surface of the
campaigning country is very uneven and exceedingly irregular — here
somewhat gradual, there suddenly precipitous; here mountainous,
there a deep, impassable gulch; here a branch, there a deep, windy,
nntraversed chasm or caiion. In the Bald Mountain region lofty peaks,
rising much above the ordinary Bald Mountain height, are seen at con-
venient intervals for watch-towers. At the approach of an enemy
Indian spies on these lofty summits, with commendable vigilance and
admirable keenness of vision, give the alarm and flee, so that by the
time you are looking for them they .are lost to view and, perhaps, many
miles away. On the western side of the Bald Hills lies a very dense
forest, impenetrable in many places, and extending to the Pacific
Ocean, familiarly known ■ as the Bed Woods, though this appellation
has a more limited significance with those who most frequently use it.
To the east lies a wide expanse, alternately diversified with dense side-
hill forests and bald ridges, stretching for miles away till lost in the
dizziness of distance. To the south the Bald Hills terminate in two
principal ranges of mountains, covered in the winter season with snow.
Northward they sink away into the great Bed Wood forest. With this
brief survey before us, it will readily be seen how difBcult it must be
to campaign in such a country successfully or otherwise. The remarks
thus far touching campaigning are alike applicable to summer and
winter. Bnt, then, is there no difference? Let us see. In the sum-
mer the days being much longer and sun rising much earlier, a much
earlier start, and consequently a much earlier camp, may be had by
both men and train. Another very material consideration is the much
greater certainty of progress in going from point to jwint. Water-
courses low, and many perhaps dried up; little or no snow on the
mountains to prevent progress. In the summer time there is usually
but little rain to make it muddy and disagreeable. Nature herself in
the springtime and summer, clad in the freshness of perennial verdure,
wears a most pleasing aspect — a hope-inspiring sight and a solace to
man desponding of success; bnt in winter how different the scene, how
striking the contrast. In the more elevated regions the impress of
death is frequently visible. The little life stirring, all exotic, foreign
to the soil that principally, if not entirely, nourishes its existence.
Bivers high and swollen, snow on the mountains, melting, together
with rain falling, making it muddy, slippery, cold, and disagreeable;
piercing winds from long and deep canons, driving a cold rain with
them, only to chill you through, all combine to make one dislike the
sport altogether. Winter is the season of storms. When they do
come they usually last some time.
Defense of officers in the field, — I embrace this opportunity to express
my perfect willingness and desire to defend my brother officers and
companions in arms right straight through against the taunts, sneers,
and slurs of hewgagism, whose principal business is iniquity, and
whose loftiest ambition calumniation ; against the floating rottenness
of filthy tatters ; against the surplus filth and scum of outraged society ;
against the fleeting and shadowy fun of wholesale lying and cracking
jokes at the expense of innocence.
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12 OPEEATION8 ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Chap. LXM.
Personal. — Touching the matter of contrasting campaigning in sum-
mer and winter, I have been fully alive, and have felt myself unequal
to the magnitude of the task. For any further explanations you may
desire I can be consulted personally at any time in your convenience.
I have the honor to remain, with many assurances, your friend,
D. D. LYNN,
Second JAeutenant, Sw;th Infantry.
Capt. Charles S. Lovell, U. S. Army,
Sixth Infantry, Commanding Fort Humboldt, Oal.
No. 3.
Report of Lieut. Joseph B. Collins, Fourth U. 8. Infantry.
Camp near the head of Larbabee Creek, May 9, 1861.
Captain: Iu compliance with instructions from department head-
quarters dated March 6, 1861, 1 have the honor to submit the following
report :
Since my report of the 19th ultimo I have attacked two ranches and
killed fifteen Indians. The entire country is mountainous, well tim-
bered, watered, and furnishes suificient grass all the year for large
herds of beef-cattle and horses; indeed, it is one of the finest mountain
grazing countries I have ever seen. I cannot at this time report cor-
rectly upon the number of inhabitants, though they are considerable,
at least enough to expect protection, and are located over a country of
more than fifty miles. In consequence of the serious depredations of
the Indians many of the inhabitants have deserted their homes, and
been compelled to drive their cattle to the more thickly settled por-
tions of the country, though since some of the Indians have been
chastised they are returning aud feel more secure in their i)ersons and
property. The best position for a post is, in my opinion, on Eel River,
near the head of Larrabee Creek, about sixty-five miles southeast from
Fort Humboldt. It should be built immediately, and garrisoned by at
least one full company, with a sufficient number of mules and riding
saddles to mount a party large enough (say thirty) to follow rapidly
and chastise all Indians that may commit depredations within fifty
miles of it. This I believe will soon put a stop to all depredations and
give ample security to the inhabitants and their property. Without
a post but little can be accomplished and proper protection is almost
impossible. The roads will be good for pack animals during the dry
season, and the facilities for building good; that is, for small dry
houses. The Indians are always informed that they are punished for
committing depredations on the citizens and their property, and that
they will be followed and severely chastised until they desist and give
some reliable pledge of permitting them to remain and follow their
avocations unmolested. As I have no means of subsisting the women
and children found in the different ranches, of course they are not
detained as prisoners, and lose uo time in informing other hostile
Indians of my acts. This gives many ranches an opportunity of escap-
ing for the time.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JOS. B. COLLINS,
First Lieutenant, Fourth Infantry, Commanding Detachment.
Capt. Charles S. Lovell,
Commanding Fort Humboldt, Cal.
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CHAP.LXn.] SCOUTS FEOM FORT WALLA WALLA, WASH. TEB. 13
EBBRUAST 5-17, 1861.— Scmtts firom Fort Walla Walla, Wash. Tear., and
Fort Dalles, Oreg., to the Umatilla Eiver and to Willow and Bnttar
Cr«du, Oceg., with Bkirmuhes (8th and 10th) on the Cdnmbia BItot.
KKPORTS.
No. 1.— M^j. Enoch Steeu, First U. S. Dragoons.
No. 2.— Bvt. M^j. WUliam N. Gtier, Flist U. S. I>Tagoon8.
No. 3. — Lient. Marcos A. Reno, First U. S. Dragoons.
Ko. 4.— Capt. Joseph H. Whittlesey, First U. S. Dragoons.
No. 1.
Beport of Maj. Enoch Steen, First U. 8. Dragoons.
IlEADQUABTEBS,
Fort WalUi Walla, Wash. Ter., February 18, 1861.
Major: I have the honor to forward, for the informatiou of the gen-
eral commanding the department, the accompanying reports. I dis-
patched Major Grier upon receiving the first reliable information of the
depredations on Umatilla, Willow, and Bntter Creeks, and soon after
learning that there were more disturbances at Old Fort Walla Walla I
sent a detachment, under Lieutenant Beno, in that direction. Of the
five Indians of whom Major Grier was in jrarsuit, two were apprehended
and promptly hung by Lieutenant Reno. The others are now probably
with Smoke Hollow, near Priest's Bapids. It is unfortunate that the
major did not persist, having them almost within his grasp. Homely,
the chief at Old Fort Walla Walla, promises to give information of
their return to this vicinity, and will assist with his people in captur-
ing them. I will also keep a close watch upon the actions of disaffected
Indians and take immediate steps to put down any disturbances.
I am, sir, very respectflilly, your most obedient servant,
B. STEEN,
Major, First Dragoons, Commanding.
Maj. W. W. Mackall,
Asst. Adjt. Oen., Dept. of the Pacific, San Francisco, Cal.
No. 2.
Report of Bvt. Maj. William N. Orier, First IT. 8. Dragoons.
Fort Walla Walla, Wash. Ter., February 14, 1861.
Sir : For the information of the commanding officer I have the honor
to make the following report of a march made by my company pursuant
to Orders, No. 6, dated headquarters Fort Walla Walla, Wash. Ter.,
February 4, 1861 :
Pursuant to the above named order I marched from this post on the
5th instant with forty men of my company. On the evening of the 6th
was joined at my camp on the Upper Umatilla by the Indian agent
(Mr. Abbott), an interpreter, and two Indian guides, who were said to
know the precise position of the lodge occupied by the Indians who
had been robbing in the white settlements.
Next day marched to the Lower Umatilla Grossing, and, after resting
and feeding my horses, left the teams in care of ten men (to follow on
next day) and marched with thirty men to the banks of the Columbia
near the mouth of Umatilla Biver. Beached that point after dark.
As it watt totally impracticable to get the horses across the Columbia^
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14 OPEBATIONS ON THE PACiFlC COAST. [Chap. LXn.
I left them on the bank of the river in charge of thirteen men, and by
means of two very leaky skiffs managed to get seveuteen men across
the river by 11 o'clock at night; then proceeded on foot through the
rain and darkness, over rocks and hills, desirous to reach the point sup-
posed to be occupied by the Indians before daylight. After marching
ten to twelve miles reached the place (about an hour before day) where
these Indians were known to have been a day or two before. Made the
necessary disposition for surrounding them at break of day. On clos-
ing in upon that point, with great disappointment discovered that the
occupants had fled, on warning given them (as I afterward learned) by
a Walla Walla Indian. Our guides, who were mounted, then moved
up the river in search of them, and returned with information that they
were in camp some six miles higher up on the Columbia. I theu
moved up with my weary and foot-sore detachment, the last two miles
compelled to move in full view of the Indians, who took the alarm and
mounted their horses to make their e8cax)e up the river. Just before
coming into the range of view from the lodge I put four of my men on
the ponies of our guides, and sent them ou a circuitous route behind the
hills, so as to get onto the river-bank above the lodge. They succeeded
in doing so before my men on foot could get up, and met live Indians
mounted endeavoring to escape; fired on them, killing one of their
horses. The Indians then dismounted and ascended the mountain, the
soldiers firing upon them, but without effect. The detachment on foot
arrived too late — after the Indians had got out of reach. Captured
six or seven horses and two saddles. On one of the saddles found a
pair of saddle-bags containing a pocket-book and other articles said to
have been stolen from a Mr. Grover, one of the settlers on Butter Creek
or Willow Creek. . The captured property was taken charge of by Mr.
Abbott with a view to return it to the owners when called for. I then
returned, and succeeded in recrossing the Columbia and joined my camp
soon after dark on same day. Next day (the 9th) returned to Lower
Umatilla Crossing, at the same time sent a message to the occupants
of some fifteen to twenty lodges scattered along the right bank of the
Columbia between the mouth of Umatilla River and Willow Creek.
These Indians were directed to move at once to their reserves, and next
morning proceeded to do so, a portion of them moving toward the
Simcoe Reservation, where they belonged, and the others crossing to
this side of the Columbia to come to the Umatilla Reservation. I then
returned with my command, reaching this post to-day. Total distance
traveled, about 180 miles.
Very respectfully,
WM. N. GRIER,
Brevet Major, Captain, First Dragoon
Lieut. J. Wheeler, Jr.,
Post Adjutant, Fort Walla Waila, Wash. Ter.
No. 3.
Report of Lieut. Marcus A. Beno, First U. S. Dragoons.
Port Walla Walla, February 14, 1861.
Sir: I have the honor to report that in obedience to instructions I
left this post February 9, 1861, with Company E, First Dragoons, and
proceeded to the Columbia River, encamping near the place where the
Indians of whom I was in pursuit had been last seen. Immediately
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CHAP. Lxn.] SCOUTS FROM PORT WALLA WALLA, WASH. TER. 15
upon my arrival I sent oat scouts to discover, if possible, any dae ^tuch
would enable me to capture them. About 9 o'clock that night I received
information that they were some miles below my camp on the river. 1
started with a small party and, proceeding rapidly, succeeded in sur-
prising their camp. 1 found but two of the Indians who had been com-
mitting depredations in that vicinity. After a short but severe struggle,
in which but my first sergeant, Private Moran, and myself were engaged
for a short time, I succeeded in securing them and bringing them to
my camp. They were immediately recognized as desperate characters,
having been punished in the guard-house and whipped by Colonel
Wright. Early next morning and in presence of the whole tribe with
whom they had been living I had them hung, telling their tribe at the
same time that any future harboring of such murderers and thieves
would be interpreted as hostility to the whites, and punished accord-
ingly. I have particularly to recommend the zeal and activity of Lieu-
tenant Kellogg, First Sergt. Daniel Coleman, and Private Moran, of
Company E, First Dragoons.
I am, sir, very respectfully, vour obedient servant,
M. A. RENO,
Second Lieutenant, Firtt Dragoons, Commanding Troop E.
Lieut. J. Wheelbr, Jr.,
Adjutant, Fort Walla Walla, Wash. Ter.
No. 4.
Report of Oapt. Joseph H. Whittlesey, First JJ. 8. Dragoonti.
Poet Dalles, Oeeg., February 17, 1861.
Sir : I have the honor to report, for the information of the major
commanding, that iu confonnity with his orders and instructions of the
9th 1 left this post on the 10th instant with twenty-eight of my com-
pany, suitably rationed and equipped. Crossed to the north bank of
the Columbia and proceeded up the river for the purpose of "finding
and chastising the Indians who had recently committed depredations
upon the property of settlers on the Umatilla River, Willow Creek, and
Butter Creek," &c. Having learned from the whites on the route and
from friendly Indians that the depredations had been committed by a
party of seven Indians whose names and nationality are as follows —
Hal-eese, Cul-pas, How-deu-doo, Lask Chlueu (IJmatillas), and Nuck-ea-
pal-a-te,Wee-lo-la-cum, and Why-ame (supposed to be Walla Wallas) —
and that Hal-eese and Cul-pas were on the same side of the river on
which I was moving, and that the first was among the Indians at the
month of Nowaway Creek, near the foot of Long Island, I made a night
march with twenty men to surround and surprise the village and cap-
ture him at daylight on the morning of the 14th instant. On my arri-
val, however, I found that the villagers had fled the night before,
abandoning their houses and property. Notwithstanding this I soon
placed myself in communication with them by means of friendly Indians
who accompanied me, and demanded the surrender of any of the offend-
ers who might be with them. Alarmed as they were by the proximity
of a detachment of dragoons a little above, on the other side of the
Columbia from Fort Walla Walla, and the presence of those of my
party, they readily agreed to this and SQon delivered to me Hal-eese.
The next morning they informed me where Cul-pas could be found, and
sent three men to accompany my guide, Cris Gilson, and two Rock
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16 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Chaf.LXH.
Biver Indians, in making the capture, which was accomplished by the
party at a x>oint. near the junction of the ^Naches and Yakima Bivers,
with the aid of the Yakimas. The prisoner was brought in to me two
days afterward. We also received reliable information of the capture
of three others of the band by troops from Walla Walla in the Uma-
tilla country, and that the remaining two had probably taken refuge
among the Nez Percys. 25'othing more being left for me to do, I sent
information of what I had learned and accomplished to the command-
ing officer of Fort Walla Walla and to the agent of the Umatillas, and
returned with my two prisoners to this post, where I arrived this
morning. I am happy to state that it is my conviction, based upon the
opinion of Judge Humason and Mr. Fairchild, of this place, who accom-
panied me as volunteers, and of Mr. Sykes and Mr. Gilson, my guides
and interpreters, that all the Indians in this region are well affected
toward the whites, and that not the slightest danger of an outbreak
this summer exists. The prompt show of force from this post and
from Fort Walla Walla, so happily and spontaneously combined, though
in the present disx)osition of the Indians not requisite for the preserva-
tion of general friendly relations, will have an excellent eflFect in prov-
ing our ability and promptness to punish the evil-disposed. Two
horses, two rifles, a saddle, &c., of the stolen property are in my hands.
My prisoners say that of the fourteen horses they stole ten broke away
from them and escaped, and that they had no aid or connivance of
others except of the seven above named. I received valuable counsel
and assistance from the citizens who accompanied me, and the exploit
of Oris Gilson, who with Ave friendly Indians captured Gul-pas and
after a ride of nearly 200 miles without rest brought him in security to
me, is worthy of high commendation.
I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully^ your obedient servant,
J. H. WHITTLESEY,
Captain, First Dragoons, Commanding Company R.
Lieut. H. C. Hodges,
Fourth Infantry, Post Adjutant.
[IndontemeDt.!
FOBT Daxles, Obbg., February 17, 1861.
Respectftilly forwarded.
Section 26 of an act approved June 30, 1834, requires the offenders to
be " transported to the Territory or judicial district having jurisdiction."
But not knowing where to send the prisoners I ask for instructions
from the district commander. The witnesses are: Capt Joseph H.
Whittlesey, First Dragoons; Mr. Sykes, Mr. Christopher Gilson, and
Judge O. Humason, of Dalles City, Oreg.
W. SCOTT KETCHUM,
Major Fourth Infantry, Commanding Post.
KABCH 18, 1861.— A&ir on the Columbia Biver near the Kootenay Biver,
Wash. Ter.
Reports of Bvt. Maj. Pinkney Lugenbeel, Ninth U. 8. Infantry.
Headqxtartebs,
Fort ColviUe, Wash. Ter., March 31, 1861.
Sib: I have the honor to report for your information that a drunken
row occurred on the 18th instant between some miners, eleven in num-
ber, and some Lake Indians, nine in number, on the Columbia Biver,
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CBAP.LXH.] SKIBldSHES ON VAN DUSEM'S CBEEK, CAL. 17
immediately above the forty-ninth parallel, which resulted in the death
of two miners, two severely and two slightly woauded. Four Indians
were killed and one wounded. The remaining whites and Indians both
retreated, the Indians to the month of the Kootenay, and the miners to
the opposite side of the river from the light, both parties being very
much frightened. I immediately sent Captain Archer with a detach-
ment of sixty men from his company (I, Ninth Infantry) to the scene
of action for the purpose of quieting the miners and Indians, and
ascertaining the facts iu the case. The detachment has not yet returned,
but Bvt. Second Lieut. S. S. Marsh, Muth Infantry, who accompanied
Captain Archer, returned this morning and reports everything quiet.
I anticipate no difiQculty in settling this afTair, but I regret to say that
similar occurrences may take plaee at any time, so long as liquor is
Introduced into the Indian country, and Indian testimony will not be
taken to conviet whisky dealers of selling liquor to Indians. From
all I can learn, the whites brought on the fight by crossing over the
Columbia Eiver for the purpose, as they expressed it, of "rushing the
Indian village."
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
PINKNEY LUGENBEBL,
Brevet Mc^or, Captain, Ninth Infantry, Commanding.
Capt. James A. Habdie, U. S. Army,
Acting Assistant Adjutant- General, Oregon District,
Headquarters Fort Vancouver, Wash. Ter.
Headqttabtebs,
Fort ColviUe, Wash. Ter., April 14, 1861.
Sib: Captain Archer returned with his command on the 6th instant
from the mouth of the Pend d'Oreille Biver. He reports that peace has
been restored between the Indians and miners. I do not think hostili-
ties will be resumed unless the Indians of the tribe who are now hunting
on the Upper Columbia should succeed in getting liquor from the miners
and settlers when they return. Lieutenant Marsh, Ninth Infantry, in
command of a detachment of twenty-one men, leaves to-morrow for
Lake Osoyoos to act as an escort to the Northwest Boundary Survey.
This detachment will be in the field until the end of July. When the
supply trains c^mmeiH-e running I will send another detachment to the
crossing of the Spokane Eiver. The Indians appear quiet, but liquor
is abundant, and numbers of bad white men infest this whole country.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
PINKNEY LUGENBEEL,
Breeet Major, Captain, Ninth Infantry, Commanding,
Capt J. A. Hasdie,
Actg. Asst. Adjt. Gen., Edgrs. District of Oregon,
Fort Vancouver, Wash, Ter.
AFIUL 14-15, 1861.— Sldrmiflhes on Van Snsen's Creek, near Mad
Biver, CaL
Report of Lieut. Joseph B. Collins, Fourth U. 8. Infantry.
Camp at Neil's Banoh,
Van Dusen's Creek, April 15, 1861.
Captain : Private Casey, of your company, was badly wounded this
morning in an engagement with the Indians near Mad Biver, about
2 B B— yoL L, PT I
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18 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Chap. LXU.
twenty miles from liere. He was shot with an arrow about two inches
below the right shoulder-blade and near the backbone. I pulled the
arrow out, but the stone head was so deeply imbedded that it broke
short off, and of course yet remains in him. He was carried from the
ranch, where the iight took place, to where he now is, on a litter, com-
plaining of suffering much pain, and is really so bad that I could not
move him here. Will you please send medical attendance for him. I
had a fight with the Indians yesterday not far from where I again
attacked them this morning, and killed between 15 and 20; to-day 5
were killed and 3 wounded. The Indians are very troublesome and
almost constantly killing stock. I will report more fully the first
opportunity.
Very respectfully, and in haste, your obedient servant,
JOS. B. COLLINS,
First Lieut, Fourth Infty., Gomdg. Detach. Go. B; Sixth U. S. Infty.
Oapt Chables S. Lovell, ,
Commanding Fort Humboldt, Cal.
MAT 23-JUNE 17,1861. — Operations on the Mad and Eel Eivers, CaL,
with skirmishes (May 23) near Larrahee's Eanch, (May 26) on Eel Biver,
(May 28) on the South Fork of Eel Biver, (May 30) on Eeatuck Creek,
(June 4) opposite Bell Spring on the Eel Biver, (June 2 and 8) near Lar-
rahee's house, (June 14 and 16) on the South Fork of Eel Biver, and
(June 17) near kettenshaw.
REPORTS.
No. 1. — Lieat. Joseph B. Collins, Foarth IT. S. Infantry.
No. 2. — Lieut. James P. Martin, Seventh U. S. Infantry.
So. 1.
Report of Lieut. Joseph B. Collins, Fourth U. 8. Infantry.
FOET HXTMBOLDT, Oal., July 5, 1861.
Maj. D. C. BuELL,
Asst. Adjt. Oen., Dept. of the Petcific, San Francisco, Cal. :
SiB : I have the honor to transmit herewith reports received from
Lieutenants Collins and Martin, commanding detachments in the field.
Copies of your letters of May 22 and June 14 [13J were sent to those
oflBcers for their guidance in the treatment to be pursued toward the
Indians in future.
I am, sir, very respectfullv, your obedient servant,
CHAS. S. LOVELL,
Captain, Sixth Infantry, Commanding.
Camp on Laerabee's Creek, Cal., June 18, 1861.
Captain : I have the honor to submit the following report, embracing
my operations against hostile Indians since May 9, 1861, on Mad and
Eel Eivers and their tributaries:
May 23, attacked an Indian rancheria between the head of Larrabee's
Creek and Main Eel Eiver, and killed 10 of their number. May 26,
attacked a rancheria about twelves miles from and farther up the river
than the one attacked on the 23d instant, and killed 4 Indians. May
30, attacked a very large rancheria near Keatuck Creek; killed 25
Indians and wounded 10. At this place the Indians fought with more
determination than upon any former occasion. Packer John Steward
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Our. LXn.] OPERATIONS ON THE MAD AND EEL RIVERS, CAL. 19
vas shot through the middle finger with an arrow, which fortunately
struck the stock of his rifle, preventing a serious if not fatal wound.
Twelve bows and quivers with a large number of arrows were taken
from this rancheria. June 2, attacked a rancheria about five miles firom
Larrabee's honse; killed 20 Indians. June 8, attacked a rancheria
about three miles south of Larrabee's honse; killed 4 and wounded
1. June 16, attacked a rancheria near Kettenshaw Valley; killed 4
Indians. Corporal Larrabet!, of the volunteers, wounded in the left
arm by an arrow. This rancheria was occupied by Las-sic's band, prob-
ably the most desperate and troublesome Indians in the mountains.
They have frequently been engaged in murdering whites, burning
houses, and killing horses and cattle. I regret so few of them were
killed, but they were constantly on the alert and could only be <-aught
by following them day and night, the troops carrying their provisions
and blankets on their backs. The attack was made near noon, and as
the Indians were prepared for it, many of them escaped through the
almost impassable bushes. June 17, attacked a rancheria on the trail
leading from Kettenshaw to Sound Valley; killed 6 Indians, only 1
escaped. In this rancheria there was found over 200 pounds of pork;
hogs recently killed by the Indians. The number of Indians reported
killed and wounded in the several engagements were, of course, all
males, competent to bear arras. Percussion caps, bullets, and parts of
fire-arms have been found in their possession. The Indians in the vicin-
ity of every neighborhood between Mad and Eel Eivers, where depreda-
tions have been committed for the last four or five months, have been
severely chastised, and nearly all of them driven from the settlements.
In no instance have Indians been punished who were supposed to be
innocent. The volunteers have rendered very efficient service in the
manner in which they are associated with the regular troops, and their
retention until the expiration of their term of service is important and
judicious. No troops could have done better than the detachment from
your company, and I take great pleasure in saying that both regulars
and volunteers, cheerfully and without a murmur, bore the fatigues,
night marches, and deprivations incident to pursuing, finding, and
chastising hostile Indians. But little more remains to be done by the
present command; probably it will be suflBcient after the term of serv-
ice of the volunteers expires, July 17, to i emaiu where we now are and
keep all Indians from the settlements. In my opinion the establish-
ment of a military post is the only mode of affording reliable security
to the citizens and their property.
I am, captain, very respectftiUy, your obedient servant,
JOS. B. COLLINS,
First Lieutenant, Fourth Infantry, Commanding.
Capt. Charles S. Loyell,
Sixth Infantry, Commanding Fort Humboldt, Cal.
No. 2.
Report of Lieut. James P. Martin, Seventh U. S. Infantry.
Camp near Spruce Grove, June 27, 1861.
Sir : I have the honor to submit the following report of the oper-
ations of this command up to this date, viz :
On the 24th of May a party of thirteen men (seven enlisted men and
six volunteers) left this camp on a scout. On the 28th, at 11 a. m., they
came upon a rancheria on the South Fork of Eel Biver about one mile
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20 OPEBATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Chap. LXH.
above its month. The Indians were attacked and 8 killed, 1 squaw
accidently woanded. Of those killed 1 is known to have killed a white
man.
June 1, fourteen men (seveu enlisted and seven volunteers) left camp.
At daylight on the 4th a party of Indians were discovered on Eel Eiver
about opposite Bell Spring. They were attacked and 16 killed and 1
wounded. I regret to state that among the number killed were three
squaws, but owing to the hour of the attack it was impossible to dis-
tinguish male from female. These Indians are supposed to be those
who killed stock belonging to Messrs. Fleming and Wilbum. June 10,
nineteen men (one officer, eleven enlisted men, six volunteers, and one
interpreter) left on a scout of fifteen days. On the same day (the 10th)
we were joined by a party of five hunters, who volunteered their serv-
ices for the trip. On the night of the 14th we discovered what was sup-
posed to be two Indian fires in opposite <lirections; the party was
divided into two of ten each, four being left in charge of the animals.
One of the parties was taken command of by myself. We found after
marching more than half the night that we were mistaken in seeing a
fire. We continued our march, and at daylight came upon and attackeil
a rancheria containing four Indians, two men and two women. The
men were killed, and one of the squaws being mistaken for a male was
slightly wounded. The second party did not succeed in finding any
Indians. Whilst we were encamped on the 1 6th four Indians were found
lurking about our camp and were killed as spies. On the 18th I left
the party on account of sickness and returned to camp. One Indian was
shot by the party before its return; he was running from them at the
time he was killed. June 13, a party of seven men (three enlisted, one
volunteer, one huntei-, and one ibidian) were sent out. After marching
for thirty- six hours without seeing any signs of Indians, the party
divided, one volunteer and one enlisted man taking charge of the animals
to return to camp. The second party (two enlisted men, hunter, and one
Indian) returned by a different route on foot. On the 14th, at 10 a. m.,
they came upon and attacked a rancheria, killing 7 and wounding 1.
The rancheria was on a gulch emptying into the South Fork of Eel River
about fifteen miles above its mouth. These Indians were found in the
immediate vicinity of places where stock had been killed. June 15,
three men (one volunteer and two enlisted) were sent out as scouts.
About 9 p. m. they discovered a ranch, and dispatched one of their num-
ber to camp for more men. Eight enlisted men were sent to their aid,
reaching them about daylight, when an attack was made and 2 killed
and 3 wounded. One boy was slightly wounded. A squaw in this
ranch at the time of the attack having been seen afterward says that
10 of their number were killed. These Indians were found in the same
place, and supposed to be part of the same tribe as were those kUled by
the party which left camp on the 13th. The country over which the
operations of this command have to be conducted is very rough, in many
places almost impassable and very favorable for the secretion of Indians
who commit depredations. They keep no fires burning at night, and
in daylight so arrange them as to make as little smoke as possible. I
do not know positively what depredations^ if any, have been committed
by the Indians killed by this command. I have no means of finding
out whether those that we may come upon are guilty or innocent; no
communication can be held with them. Circumstantial evidence goes
to show that they are all guilty. My instructions are to consider all
who roQ OQ approaching them as hostile, and to fire upon them. lu
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Ciur.l.m.1 8C0DT PROM PORT CBOOK, CAL. 21
every case where any have been killed they ran at the first sight of the
men. Sickness has prevented my making this report at any earlier date.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JAS. P. MAKTIN,
Second Lieutenant, Seventh Infantry, Commanding Detachment.
Capt. 0. S. LovBLL,
Sixth Infantry, Fort Humboldt, Oal.
JOLT 81, 1861.— Skiimish on the Sonth Fork of Eel Biver, Cal.
Report of Lieut. James P. Martin, Seventh U. S. Infantry.
Camp on the Mattole Ritee, July 25, 1861.
Sir : Your letter of the 12th instant has been received. I have the
honor to report that a party, consisting of one oflQcer, twor volxinteer
guides, one interpreter, and two enlisted men, left my camp July 20, 1861,
for the purpose of prospecting a route to Shelter Cove. When about
twenty- five miles above the mouth of the South Fork of Eel River, and
immediately on the river, the party came upon and attacked a rancheria
containing about forty Indians. Twelve of the number were killed,
among whom, unfortunately, were two women; the latter were killed
through mistake. I do not know positively that these Indians belong
to the tribe at Shelter Cove, but I am satisfied that they had committed
depredations on the property of white people, because evidence to that
effect was discovered before they were fired upon. One Indian that was
captured says that two of the number killed were Shelter Cove Indians.
I believe that the Indians in this part of the country are immediately
connected with the Shelter Coves, and are perhaps as much concerned
in killing stock on the coast as the Shelter Coves themselves Accord-
ing to their own statement they help the latter to eat the cattle that are
killed, and the Indian above referred to as having been captured stated
once that they had assisted in killing white men on the coast, but after'
ward contradicted this statement. One story is as liable to be true as
the other. The country over which the operations of this command have
now to be conducted presents more difficulties than any yet operated
in, and the greater portion of it is, I think, almost, if not entirely,
impassable.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JAS, P. MARTIN,
Second Lieut., Seventh Infty., Comdg. Detach. Co. D, Sixth Infty,
Oapt. G. S. LoTBLL,
Sixth Infantry, Commanding Fort Humboldt, Cal.
AUGUST S-12, 1861. — Soont firom Fort Crook to Eonnd Valley, CaL, with
skirmJHh (6th) in the Upper Pitt Biver Valley.
Report of Lieut. John Feilner, First U. S. Dragoons.
Hbakquaetbes,
Fort CrooTc, Cal., August 18, 1861.
Capt. R. C. Dbttu,
Assistant Adjutant-General, U. S. Army, San Francisco, Cal.:
Sir: Herewith inclosed I have the honor to forward Lieutenant
Feilner's rejwrt of a scout after Indians. On account of having lost
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22 OPEEATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Chap.LXIL
some provisions by the mules falling in while crossing Pitt Eiver, Lien-
tenant Feiluer bad to return sooner than he desired^ and before he had
an opportunity of punishing the Indians and hunting up all the cat-
tle, about 350 head out of 850 being all ho could find alive, while out.
I did, therefore, order him out again, with two non-commissioned
ofBcers and twenty-seven privates of Company F, First Dragoons, on
the 15th instant, with instructions to' collect all the cattle he could find
belonging to the drovers, and to punish the Indians known to have
been engaged in the murder and theft.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
J, H. KELLOGMJ,
Second Lieutenant, First Dragoons, Commanding.
Fort Obook, Cal., August 13, 1S61.
Sib : I have the honor to report that in accordance with Post Order
No. 19, 1 left Fort Crook, Cal., on the 3d instant with one non-commis-
sioned officer, one bugler, and twelve men of Company F, First Dra-
goons, Mr. Pugb, and one Indian as guide, for the purpose of examining
the country northeast of this valley, and of ascertaining the truth of
rumor of an attack by Indians on a party of citizens out prospecting.
We had marched about eight or nine miles front the post when we met
two men who had survived a fight which took place on the 1st instant,
in a valley near the head of Pitt Eiver, about eighty miles from here,
between a party of nineteen cattle-drovers on their way ftom Oregon
to Washoe, with about 850 head of cattle, and a party of Indians,
variously estimated, numbering from 150 to 500. Two of those cattle-
drivers, Mr. Bailey and Mr. Evans, the principal owners of the cattle,
were killed, and three others wounded. The party made for the fort,
leaving the cattle and wagons behind them. Believing the force I
started with insufficient, I sent back after more men and encamped at
Ealf s Crossing, on Pitt Eiver, distant from the fort twelve miles. The
same afternoon Sergeant Moore and six men joined me. August 4, we
.started about 4 a. m., eight citizens of the party who lost the cattle
along. Crossed the mountains to Big or Eound Valley. After march-
ing about thirty-five miles we stopped on Pitt Eiver to wait for three
of the men who were with the pack animals, and who lost our trail com-
ing across the mountains. They did not come up until late, conse-
quently we had to remain here all night. August 5, marched along
the river up Pitt Eiver CaSLon (about ten miles long) ; found fifty-two
head of cattle, and proceeded about eight miles into what I should
call Upper Pitt Eiver Valley, where we saw Indians driving cattle
toward the river about two miles ahead. Took after them ; killed 1
and wounded 3 others. Some ran for the tulles and swamps, others
for the timber, up the side of a mountain studded with rocks and brush,
where it was impossible to find them. The whole command, including
Mr. Pugh, the guide, behaved very courageously and soldierlike, espe-
cially James Katliburn, private of Company F, First Dragoons. I
received two slight arrow wounds, one in the right arm and one in the
breast, but was lucky enough to kill the Indian. Several head of cat-
tle had been killed and the beef hung up on the trees to dry. We
destroyed all the meat we could find, and then went to where the
drovers' wagons had been burned by the Indians, and from there two
miles farther, where the fight between the citizens and Indians took
place. There we found the bodies of Mr. Bailey and Mr. Evans, both
entirely naked and terribly mutilated. We buried the bodies and
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Chap. LXn.] SCOUT FROM PORT CROOK, CAL. 23
encamped in the valley for the night. Including the run after the
Indians, we traveled over sixty miles to-day.
Aagnst 6, there being some cattle scattered all over the valley,! sent
small escorts with the owners to collect them together, after which we
proceeded with them (176 head) toward Round or Big Valley. On the
way one of the citizens accidentally shot one of our horses. August 7,
believing the cattle and citizens out of danger, and also believing that
the various Indian tribes all around here had been engaged in this
affair, and that each had made off to the interior of the mountains with
his share of the spoils, I concluded to take a northeast direction, and
wherever I would come across an Indian trail with cattle tracks to fol-
low it up. About noon I came to a very pretty little valley, with water
and grass, suit>able for a camp. Here we halted, and having seen sev-
eral cattle and Indian tracks, I sent several scouts out, who returned
toward evening without success. Bugler Arnold having been sick all
along, I sent him back to the post this morning with the citizens.
August 8, marched southeast. About 10 a. m. struck an Indian trail;
followed up northeast for about two miles; came on a very large Indian
rancheria, which seemed to have been abandoned about one day since,
and temporarily arranged for about loO Indians. We kept on up the
mountains; crossed, and came toward evening to a small valley, where
we found near a deserted Indian rancheria fifteen head of cattle. We
also found a large cattle trail. It being late we had to camp. August
9, took up the cattle and Indian trail (eastern direction) ; follow^ it
through the mountains for eight or nine miles; took a northeast direc-
tion; passed a lake, where the Indians with cattle must have camped.
Followed on the trail over a very rocky country ; came on the edge of
the mountain overlooking a very large valley, on the South Fork of
Pitt Biver. Saw some cattle at a distance and a number of Indians
scattering in all directions. Got in the valley and made for their
rancheria, at the month of a caiion. Here the Indians sent off their
women and children, and about 100 warriors paraded. The rocky
country compelled us to dismount and attack them on foot, but before
we came within shot distance, all of them ran up the canon. Our pur-
suit was fruitless. Here I found over fifty head of cattle killed and the
beef hung up to dry. I burned all I could find belonging to the Indians.
Here we encamped.
August 10, having over 100 head of cattle, it was impossible for me
to follow the Indians — more so as we were out of provisions — there-
fore I struck for home. On the way home I found about fifty head of
cattle more. Camped on Pitt River. August 11, followed the Pitt
River down and encamped at the month of Pitt Biver Caiion. August
12, citizens and cattle being out of danger, I started ahead and arrived
at sunset at the post. On the way I found in the Big Valley all the
grass on fire; also the mountains dividing the Big Valley from Fall
Biver Valley ; also a house burned down at Ralf s Crossing, on Pitt
Biver. Since my arrival I learn that one of the men who got wounded
died; also four horses, which fully proves that the arrows were poisoned
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JOHN FEILNEB,
Second Lieutenant, First Dragoons, U. 8. Army,
Second Lieut. J. H. Eellogg,
First Dragoons, Commanding Fort Crook, Cal.
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24 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. tCHAP.I.XII.
AirOUST 8-9, 1861.— Attack -on Emigrant Train near the Great Salt Lake,
irtali, Ter.
Report of Lieut. Eugene M. Baker, Firgt U. 8. Dragoons.
Headquabtebs,
Fort Churchill, Nev. Ter., September 10, 1861.
Capt, E. C. Dexjm,
Asst. Adjt. Qen., Hdqrs. Dept. of the Pacific, Sam Francisco, Oal. :
Sib : I have the houor to transmit herewith the report of Lieut. E.
M. Baker, First Dragoons, who was detached from this post ou the 6th
of September, 1861, for the purpose of meeting and relieving a party
of emigrants who were robbed by the Indians this side of &ilt Lake.
According to the statement of Mr. S. M. Harriman, in charge of the
train, to me, the train consisted of 74 persons, 11 wagons, 89 head of
work cattle, 5 horses, and 2 mules, which was the total number of the
party when attacked. The total nnmber brought into this post was
54, viz, 22 men, 13 women, and 19 children. The train was attacked
on the night of the 8th of August, and abandoned on the morning of
the 9th of August, ISGl. Almost daily emigrant trains are passing in
want of provisions, and I have issued such quantities necessary to carry
them to the settlements, and for which I would ask the approval of
the general commanding the department.
1 am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
GEO. A. H. BLAKE,
Lieutenant- CoUmel First Dragoons, Commanding Post.
Fort Chueohill, Nev. Tee., September 10, 1861.
Sib : I have the honor to state that in compliance with orders dated
headquarters Fort Churchill, September 6, 1861, I proceeded with a
detachment, consisting of one noncommissioned officer and ten men,
and a wagon containing provisions, for the purpose of assisting such
emigrauts as were absolutely in need of it. I found about thirty miles
from this post (on the Cairson Hiver) a party of emigrants, about fifty
in number, who had been attacked and robbed of everything (except
what they had on their backs) about sixty -five miles northeast of Salt
Lake. They stated that the party who attacked them were Indians,
commanded by white men. They were attacked on the night of the
8th of August, and lost all their animals on the night of the 9th.
They had since walked the whole distance to the Carson River, receiv-
ing such assistance from other trains as they were able to give them.
I distributed 400 pounds of flour, 300 jraunds of pork, 26 pounds of
rice, 44 pounds sugar, 00 pounds coffee, and 1 quart of salt, which, with
the assistance received from the citizens of Virginia and Carson Cities,
will be sufficient to last them until they reach their destination. The
women and children belonging to the party were brought to this post,
and have since gone on to (.'arson and Virginia.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
E. M. BAKER,
Second Lieutenant, First Dragoons.
Lieut. Col. G. A. H. Blake.
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Cmtr.isn.] EXPEDITION FROM FORT CROOK, CAL. 25
AU0U8T 16-82, 1861.— EqMditioa tnm Fort Crook to the Pitt Kivor, CaL,
with skinniBh (19th) near Kellogg'i Lake, Cal
Report of Lieut. John Feilner, First U. 8. Dragoons.
FoET Crook, Cal., August 25, 1861.
Gapt. B. 0. Dbxtm,
Assistant Adjutant-Oeneral, U. 8. Army, 8an Francisco, Cal.:
Captain: I have the honor to inclose Lieutenant Peilner's report
Aa I have but twenty-eight horses now in the company altogether, it
is impossible to do anything with these Indians this fall. In case that
I get horses to fill up company complement, I will go over with the
company when the first snow falls.
I am, very respectftilly, your obedient servant,
J. H. KELLOGG,
Second Lieutenant, First Dragoons, Commanding,
Fort Crook, Cal., August 23, 1861.
SlE: In compliance with Post Order, No. — , headqaarters Fort
Crook, Cal., August 14, 1861, 1 left this post August 15, 1861, with two
non-commissioned officers and twenty-seven men of Company F, First
Dragoons, and Mr. Pugh as guide, in a northeast direction to retake the
cattle taken by the various Indian tribes east and north of this post,
and punish those Indians. The first day, August 15, 1 marched into
Big or Koand Valley and encamped on the eastern side, on Sage Hen
Creek. Thirty miles; plenty of wood, grass, and water. August 16,
marched east. About noon I saw several Indian spies to the right and
left on the mountains. I sent two parties in pursuit. The mountains
being very rocky and brushy, the Indians easily kept out of shot range
and escaped. We encamped in Mercer's Valley, east side. This valley
is well watered by a number of springs, forming a considerable creek,
which takes, after leaving the valley on the northwest side, an almost
westerly course, emptying into Sage Hen Creek, then into Pitt River,
in Big or Bound Valley. Twenty-five miles. August 17, started in a
northeast direction, across the mountains; found all along abundance
of grass, wood, and water (springs), and plenty signs of Indians.
About 11 a. m. came in sight of a large valley extending northwest to
southeast. On the west side, by a spring and plenty of grass, we found
tracks of about fifteen head of cattle; also ponies' tracks. Taking a
north- northeast course toward the South Fork of Pitt Biver, we
tracked them until evening, when we lost them in the rocky country.
The valley last spoken of is poorly supplied with water and grass.
We encamped on South Fork of Pitt Kiver. Thirty mUes; plenty of
wood, water, and grass.
August 18, found cattle trail again ; also another where about 200 head
must have passed. Followed in a southeast direction across the moun-
tains, and came, after about three hours' travel, to a little flat with
plenty of grass and a little spring. Here we found that the Indians
had camped and butchered about twenty-tive head of cattle. About
forty or fifty horses must have been in camp at this place, and it seems
that the beef was taken away on pack animals in different directions,
some toward Willow Creek, emptying in Susan liiver; some toward
Smoke Creek, emptying into Lower Mud Lake. About twenty head of
cattle were driven by about twenty or twenty-five horsemen toward the
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26 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. (Cha^.LXQ.
head of McNemanyBiver. WithoutdoubttheywerePah-Ute Indians —
the more so as I had learned by Indians before I started that the Upper
Pitt Eiver Valley Indians had given to the Pah-Utes ten squaws and a
reasonable share of cattle to allow them to go to their country, and if
necessary to protect them. Here the cattle having been driven in
every direction forward and backward, it took us several hours to find
the right direction. Taking northeast again to the head of South Fork
of Pitt Eiver, about 3 p. m. we saw about fifteen Indians crossing said
creek two miles distant. We pursued them in two parties. Seeing as
in pursuit, they fired signal shots, their camp being then aboat one
mUe farther of. The nature of the country did not allow as to pursae
them in a direct coarse, and we had to travel at least six miles before
we came to their now deserted -camp. Here we found a large quantity
of beef hung up on the trees to dry; also a large quantity of Indian
clothing, &c. Judging by the size of the camp, there mast have been
over 3W) persons. I left here one part of the command to bam the .
rancheria, &c. The other part of the command I divided into two
parties and pursued the IncUans, but we all returned after sunset with-
out success, and encamped on the head of the South Fork of Pitt
Eiver, ten miles farther up from the camp of yesterday. Traveled over
sixty miles to-day.
August 19, we followed the Indian trail in a northwest direction for
about eight miles, when we came to a little lake (Kellogg's Lake) about
half a mile square. Here the scattered tracks took toward the Basaltic
Desert, bat finding still cattle tracks in a northwest direction we fol-
lowed, and came after six miles' travel to a large valley watered by a
creek coming from east and by another from north, both joining on the
west side and forming a large-size stream. This ought to be called the
South Fork of Pitt Eiver. It joins the so-called South Fork after leaving
this valley, taking a west course for about six or eight miles through a
rough and steep canon. Toward evening we came in sight of another
rancheria on a high bluff. These Indians I understand were Goose
Lake Indians. These Indians, acquainted with the country, knowing
their almost perfect safety, awaited our approach within a mile, being
separated by the creek and ste«p bluifs. I fired at them at a distance
from 800 to 1,000 yards, and can say with certainty that several of the
Indians got wounded. Two Indians answered the firing, and I mast
say directed their shots well. Several balls fell amongst us. We had
to remove the horses. Half of the command I had sent through the
brash and rocks to get on the opposite side and rear of the Indians,
the only place to approach them ; but the Indians found this movement
oat in time and ran off. Pursuit on horseback was impossible, and on
foot we were left far behind. The sun was setting and further pursalt
impossible — the more so as the whole command for the last few days
was day and night engaged in the most fatiguing marches. We
encamped on this creek on the southeast side of a large valley.
Marched about sixty miles. Having collected forty-two head of cattle,
and seeing that it was impossible at present to get at the Indians, they
being constantly on their guard, I started, August 20, homeward.
Crossed the mountains between Pitt Eiver and South Fork of Pitt
Eiver ; thirty miles. August 21, mai-ched down Pitt Eiver and encamped
on the north side of Big or Eonnd Valley; twenty-five miles. August
22, arrived at this post; thirty- two miles. As far as I could learn,
those two tribes of Indians that I came across were the Upper Pitt
Eiver Valley and Goose Lake Indians. The nature of the country
where those Indians are at present requires several large parties to
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CHAP. LXn.] EXPEDITION FROM SAN BERNARDINO, CAL. 27
panish them. The most of the cattle are killed, finding almost on eveiy
tree on top <»f the mountains beef hang up to dry. The forty-two bead
of cattle collected I turned over to one of the cattle owners.
I am, sir, very respectfally, your obedient servant,
JOHN FEILNEB,
Second Lieutenant, First Dragoons, U. 8, Army.
Lieut. J. H. EsLLOOO,
First Dragoons, Commanding Fort Crook, Cal.
SEFTEMBES 25-OCTOBEB 6, 1861.— Expedition firom San Bemmrdino to
the Temeonla Banch and Oak Grove, CaL
REPORTS.
No. 1.— M^. W. Scott Ketcham, Fonrth U. S. Infantry.
No. 2.— Lient. Thomas E. Turner, Fonrth U. 8. Infantry.
No. 1.
Re/port of Maj. W. Scott Ketch urn, Fourth U. 8. Infantry.
Headquaetbes,
Camp near San Bernardino, Cal., October 7, 1861.
SiE: The attention of the general commanding the dei)artment is
respectfully called to such portions of the inclos^ report as embrace
the names of Morgan, Grooms, Greenwade, and Cline, secessionists,
Cable, a Union man ; also that portion relating to Jack Hays. Mor-
gan, at Temecula, Knight of the Golden Circle, and secessionist, states
that eight men were detailed from an organization of 300 men to seize
the arms sent to Los Angeles for the Union men, or home guards, but
some of the men backed out, consequently the arms were not seized.
Had the arms been seized my camp was to have been attacked. Fer-
guson, said to be a lieutenant in Kelly's band, gave Morgan this
information. This confirms the report made to me by the Union men
prior to the election. I understand that a law has been passed to pre-
vent conspiracies and to punish conspirators, but I have received noth-
ing of the kind, or, in fact, anjrthing ofiicial from the War Department
since General Orders, No. 43, of this year, or any general order from
Army Headquarters since General Orders, No. 11, 1801. I. judge from
the map inclosed that Cable's, or its vicinity, would be a good station
for troops to look after and capture secessionists, if accompanied by a
U. 8. marshal and some authority for the capture. There should be ^
a large cx)mmand of foot and horsemen somewhere between the desert*
and this place with full powers to act. Supplies could be furnished
from New San Diego, which should have a sufficient force to escort the
trains containing supplies, defend the depot, and operate toward Lower
Ci^ifomia. I have been told that there is a wagon road from Temec-
ula, via San Luis Bey, to San Diego; distance about sixty-five or
seventy miles. There is another wagon road from San Diego to War-
ner's ranch, distance about the same as above, but as it crosses the
San Paaqual Mountain, it is difficult to travel in wet weather. The
San Pasqual Mountain is very higb, and the road on the west side very
narrow, very steep, and much washed or full of gullies. From what I
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28 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. IChap. Lxn.
can learn, the road between Temecola and San Diego is mach better
than the other.
Bespectfdlly, yonr obedient servant,
W. SCOTT KETCHUM,
Major Fourth Infantry, Commanding.
Assistant Adjutant -Generai., U. S. Army,
Hdqra. Department of the Pacific, San Francisco, Cal.
No. 2.
Report of Lieut. Thomas E. Turner, Fourth U. 8. Infantry.
Camp neae San Beenaedino, OAii., October 5, 1861.
Majob: I have the honor herewith to submit the following report of
my expedition to Temecnla Kanch :
On the 25th of September, 1861, 1 left this camp at about 7.30 a. m.
in command of Company D, Fourth Kegimeut of Infantry. We crossed
the Santa Ana Biver about nine miles from here, and after marching a
distance of twelve miles over a barren, rocky wagon road without water,
arrived in camp at a place called Coyote Hole. The water at this camp
is very bad and scarce. There is plenty of shade at this place, but no .
grass. On the 26th of September we left Coyote Hole at 3 a. m., and
marched at least thirty miles to Willow Springs without watei, save
what remained in holes from the rain. The ro^ has been during this
day nearly level and very hard, through an immense valley. At Willow
Springs we found a small spring of good water about 1()0 yards down
the ravine, but no shade or grass. We arrived here at about 4 p. m.
On the 27th of September we left Willow Springs at 2 a. m., and after
marching about six miles over a level plain we crossed through a
mountain pass, and striking Temecnla Valley, we encamped at Temec-
nla Banch at about 9.30 a. ra. We found during this march water at
intervals of five miles. The distance marched was fifteen miles. We
encamped on the banks of a small lake, where we found plenty of shade,
a good spring of water, and a fine bathing place. Wood is found in
abundance at a distance of two or three miles from this camp, but at
other places along the road so far we have depended mostly upon the
sagebrush. Beef can be purchased here for about 3 cents per pound,
barley for If cents per pound, hay $25 per ton, lumber $40 per 1,000
feet, and beans for 3 cents per pound. A portion of the San Luis Rey
Indians occupy this ranch, and have a number of small farms under
cultivation. They were very friendly disposed toward us, and offered
600 warriors in case their services might be needed. John Magee and
his assistant (a Mr. Morgan) are the only whites living at this place.
Magee is a strong Kepubhcan and Morgan a secessionist. They keep
a small store in rear of the lake. Lieut. M. T. Carr reached here this
day at about 4 p. m. with a company of the First Dragoons. September
28, we left Temecula at 11 a. m., with the dragoons in advance, and after
traveling through a rocky canon for sixteen miles we encamped at
Tajeowanda at about 5 p. m. The water at this camp is bad, and both
wood and water scarce. This place is in a small valley, and inhabited
by two white men engaged in farming.
September 29, we left Tajeowanda at midnight, and after marching
with the greatest caution through a mountain pass we encamped at
Oak Grove; distance ten miles. We arrived here at early daylight and
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CBip. Lxn.] EXPEDITION FROM SAN BERNAEDINO, CAIi. 29
found a pleasant shady camp with plenty of wood and good water.
There is a tavern kept here by a Mr. Gable. This man told me pri-
vately that he was for the Union, but was afraid on account of his
lonely position to let it be known, and that as soon as he could ho
should leave this part of the country, as he did not consider himself
safe; that parties of armed men were constantly passing through Oak
Grove, and that the property of Union men was in g(ea.t danger. From
private reasons I am pretty well satisfied that Mr. Cable is a man to be
relied upon. I met here also Mr. Eeed, of the Overland Mail, who
informed me that Lieutenants Bryant and Foster arrived at Fort Yuma
in safety, the men marching at times through mud and water nearly
waist deep. We left this place at about 3 p. m,, having received an
order from Capt. J. W. Davidson, First Dragoons, to return immedi-
ately to Temecula. Lieutenant Oarr went on later in the day toward
Warner's ranch in expectation of meeting the wagon train from Fort
Yuma. We reached Tajeowanda in two hours and twenty minutes and
encamped there. September 30, left camp at 5 a. m. Encamped at
Temecula at 12 m. I here met Captain Davidson with his dragoons,
who gave me an order to return to San Bernardino, allowing us a day's
rest. I learned to-day from Mr. Morgan that he (Morgan) was a Knight
of the Golden Circle. He said he did not think that there were many
of the order in this part of the country, and that he expected Col. Jack
Hays through here some time in October with a number of men, and
that if he hiul any money he should join them and go to Texas. I asked
if they would cause trouble as they went through. He said not unless
they were molested. I then asked if he really thought there would
be a difliculty here. He said he was satisfied that there would be
in a short time. Morgan was very anxious for me to join the South,
and I think he doubts my loyalty. He showed the badge of the order
on his breast, a gold ring with a Saint Andrew's cross in the center.
Another man, a noted secessionist, by name of Grooms, remarked in
the presence of Captain Davidson and others, that when the taxes
came to be collected it was human nature, and there would be trouble
in this State. I also learned here that a party of twenty or thirty
armed men had passed this road on to the desert, but had branched off
at New River, and other small parties had followed them. This report
I heard from several persons, and some seemed to think there was a
possibility of Port Yuma being attacked. A detachment of dragoons
met the wagons at Carriso all safe. In the neighborhood of Temecula
there are the San Diego Indians, about 1,800 souls; the San Luis Rey
Indians, about 2,000; the Agua Caliente, about 400, and the Ooahuila
Indians, about 2,000. I understand they .offer all the assistance in their
power. They number about 1,000 warriors and are poorly armed, but
would make (excellent scouts. When we left, Ramon Carrillo had the
Coahaila Indians hunting the mountains as spies without pay. Tlie
Indian express can cross the desert in twenty hours. Grass can be
found a short distance from the Temecula Ranch. Mr. Cable reported
to me that some of Bryant's men are disloyal, and have threatened to
kill Bryant the first one in case of a disturbance. This report has been
confirmed in different places along the road. I consulted with Captain
Davidson in regard to this matter, and consider it best to report it.
October 1 , I received an express from Captain Davidson at 10 a. m.
to join him at Oline's ranch the next day, as he had received important
news. At 12 midnight I left Temecula. October 2, joined Captain
Davidson at 4 a. m. at Oline's ranch. We found here, after marching
six miles, good water, but wood and shade scarce. The grazing is fair,
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30 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. (Chap.LXII.
bat belongs to Mr. Gline. I do not consider that Mr. Gline can be
trusted. October 3, left Cline's at 6 a. m., and after marching twenty-
six miles over a roagh, hilly road arrived at Temescal about 6 p. m.
At Temescal there is good water, wood, and some grass. October 4,
left Temescal abont 6.30 a. m.; marched three miles to Greenwade's;
halted for half an hoar. Mr. Greenwade is a rank secessionist. There
is plenty of wood and water at this place, and I think a better camp
than Temescal. From Greenwade's we marched about one mile, and
then taking the rigbthand road, crossed a level plain of about nineteen
miles to Mr. liubidore's ranch, where we found wood and water plenty
and some little grass. We reaehed Eubidore's about 6 p. m. There is
no water on the road fipom Greenwade's for nearly twenty miles. Octo-
ber 5, left Bubidore's at 6 a. m. ; in an hour's rapid march crossed the
Santa ASa Kiver. Marched about thirteen miles to this place, where
we arrived at 11.30 a. m. Please find inclosed a rough sketch* of our
march ; also one of Temecula Banch, which may be aseful for future
reference.
I am, major, very respectftdly, your obedient servant,
THOMAS E. TUENER,
Second Lieutenant, Fourth Infantry, Commanding Company D.
Miy. W. S. Ketchum,
Comdg. Fourth Begt. of Infty,, Camp near San Bernardino, Cal
HOVEMBE£ 20-29, 1861.— Porrait and Capture of the Showalter Party at
Warner's BAnch in the San Jo86 Valley, CaL
REPORTS.
No. 1. — Btig. Gen. George Wright, U. S. Army, commanding Department of the
Pacific.
No. 2.— Mi^j- Edwin A. Kigg, First California Infantry.
No. 3. — Capt. Henry A. Greene, First California Infantry.
No. 4. — Lient. Chauqcey R, WeUman, First California Cavalry.
No. 1.
Report of Brig. Gen, George Wright, U. S. Army, commanding Depart-
ment of the Pacific.
Headqvabtebs Department of the Paoifio,
San Francisco, Cal., December 10, 1861.
Genebat : For several weeks past small parties have been organiz-
ing in the Southern District of this State, with the avowed purpose of
proceeding to Texas to aid the rebels. To enable me to frustrate their
designs I have seized all the boats and ferries on the Colorado Biver,
and have them strongly guarded. I have re-enforced Fort Yuma with
two more companies, one of infantry and one of cavalry; also with two
12-pounder brass cannon. M^or Bigg, First California Volunteer*
Infantry, commanding U. S. troops near Warner's ranch, on the border
of the desert between that place and Fort Yuma, has arrested a man
by the name of Showalter, a notorious secessionist, and his party of sev-
enteen men. I have ordered the whole party to be taken to Fort Yuma
and held securely guarded until further orders. I have given positive
orders that no person shall be i)ermitted to pass beyond Tama or cross
• See p. 31.
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CXAT. I.XXI.]
EXPEDITION FROM SAN BEBNABDIKO, CAL.
31
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32 OPEEATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Chap. LXH.
the Oolorado Eiver without my s]tecial permit; also that all persons
approaching the frontier of the State shall be arrested and held in con-
iinement, unless satisfactory evidence is produced of their fidelity to
the Union. The time has arrived when individual rights must give
way, and I shall not hesitate to adopt the most stringent measures to
crush any attempt at rebellion within this department. £ will not
I)ermit our Government and institutions to be assailed byword or deed
without promptly suppressing it by the strong arm of power, feeling
assured that I shall be sustained by my Government and receive the
cordial support of every patriotic citizen on this coast.
Hoping that what I have done or propose to do may be approved by
the General-in-Chief and Secretary of War, I have the honor to be,
your obedient servant,
G. WRIGHT,
liriffadier-General, U. S. Army, Commanding.
Brig. Gen. L. Thomas,
Adjutant-Oeneral U. S. Army, Washington, D. C.
[Indorvement.]
Adjutant-General: •
Please inform General Wright that his course is ftilly approved.
GEO. B. McCLELLAN,
Major- General.
No. 2.
Reports of Maj. Edtcin A. Rigg, First California Infantry.
HEADQtIARTERS DISTRICT OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA,
Los Angeles, Col., December 3, 1861.
Colonel Oarleton,
First Infantry California Volunteers, San Francisco, Oal.:
Colonel : I have the honor to forward herewith copies of two letters
received to-night from Major Bigg, from which you will see that the
major has captured Showaiter and his entire party. Major Fergusson
goes out to Camp Wright in the morning without waiting for the train.
The moment that Major Bigg's detailed adeount of the afiTair reaches
me I will send to yon and to headquarters an official account of it.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
BEN. C. CUTLEB,
First Lieut,, First Infty. California Vols., Actg. Asst. Adjt. Oen.
[Inclosnie No. 1.]
Camp Weight,
Oak Grove, November 30, 1861.
Lieutenant : I have written to Colonel Carleton informing him of
the capture by my commanu of Showalter's party, consisting of eighteen
men, all well armed. I have them now prisoners at this camp. They
were taken on a trail leading from Temecnla to San Jo86 Valley, at
John Winter's ranch. I will forward to him a detailed account of the
whole afi'air by an express to-morrow. I will have them all examined
by that time. They were taken at daylight on the morning of the 29tb.
If Colonel Carleton has left for San Francisco you had better telegraph
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CHip.LXn.l CAPTURE OP THE 8H0WALTEE PARTY. 33
to bim. I did expect to leave here for Yama, bat voald like to hear
what disposition to make of them before I leave, unless M^or Fergos-
Bon should come up.
Yours, truly,
EDWIN A. BIGG,
Major First Infantry California Vols., Comdg. Camp Wright.
First Lieut. B. 0, Cutler,
First Infantry California Volunteers, Aetg. Asst. Adjt. Oen.
llnelosnreNo. 2.]
Camp Wright,
Oak Orove, San Diego County, Southern California,
November 30, 1861.
Colonel: I take advantage of SeSor Sepulva, Bamon Carrillo's
brother-in-law, to inform you of the capture of the Showalter party,
Showalter with them. The party consists of sixteen men, each man
armed with a rifle and pair of revolvers. They gave us a hard chase,
but we finally captured them. They parleyed, but finally concluded
not to resist, although against the advice of Showalter. The names of
the parties are : T. A. Wilson, Tennessee ; W. Woods, Missouri ; Charles
Benbrook, Kentucky; William Sands, Tennessee; T. L. Boberts, South
Carolina; B. H. Ward, Mississippi; T. W. Woods, Virginia; J. M. Samp-
son, Kentucky; S. A. Bogers, Tennessee; J. Lawrence, Arkansas;
William Edwards, Arkansas; Levi Bogers, Alabama; Henry Crowell,
Pennsylvania; William Turner, Georgia; Dan Showalter, Pennsyl-
vania; A. King, Tennessee. 1 took two of the party on the 27th near
this post, viz, E. B. Sumner, F. N. Chum. They were the advance party.
Eighteen in all. I am now examining them, and will send you by
express that will leave here to-night some time full particulars. They
now regret that they did not resist. If they had they would have given
us a hard fight. There is no doubt but every one of them is a rank
secessionist, and are on their way to lend aid and comfort to the enemy.
I would like to know as soon as possible what to do with them. They
have pack-mules and are well fitted out, and a desperate set of men.
I will send you, as I have stated, a full account of all the facts by an
express that will leave tonight, or perhaps not until the morning. I
am under great obligations to Francisco O'Campo for my success. It
is reported that some eighty-one more are getting ready and on the
road. I will keep a good watch for them.
Very respectfnlly,
EDWIN A. BIGG,
Major First Infantry, Commanding Camp Wright.
P. S. — They were captured at daylight on the morning of the 29th
at John Winter's ranch, near San Jos6 Valley.
B. A. B.
Col. James H. Carleton,
First Infantry California Volunteers, Los Angeles, Cat.
Hi)Q3Ets. Detach. First Infantry California Vols.,
Camp Wri^iht, Oak Orove Station, San Diego County,
Southern California, December 4, 1861.
Colonel : I have the honor to report to you that on the morning of the
27th of November, 4 a. m., Mr. Cable handed me a note which he had
3 B R— VOL L, PT I
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34 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. (Chap.LXII.
received from £. M. Morgan, at Temecala, requesting him to hand an
inclosed letter to £. B. Sumner, Trho had arrived at this place with Mr.
J. J. Warner, a copy of which I inclose. Sumner had not arrived with
Mr. Warner here. He and his companion had stopped at the Dutch-
man's. I sent out early to look after Sumner and companion, and they
were reported coming in at 10 a. m. As soon as they arrived here 1 had
them arrested. The letter to B. B. Sumner gave me good reason to
suppose that he and the man traveling with him were the advance of a
party that I have been looking for. After the arrest of Sumuer and
the man with him, I ordered Lieutenant Wellman, with his detachment
of cavalry, to proceed to Temecula and arrest and examine the party
of eighteen alluded to in the letter to Sumner. On his arrival there, as
per instructions from me, the party had moved on, taking a trail from
Temecula to avoid our camp. Lieutenant Wellman, however, dis-
covered the trail they had taken and followed it up, sending an express
to me. I ordered Capt. H. A. Greene, of Company G, to proceed with
his company to the Valley of San Jos6 and there detach twenty men,
under command of Lieutenant Smith, of Company G, to look after the
valley — several trails come down into this vaUey — and to take the bal-
ance of his command and go on to Santa Isabel (O'Campo's). At the
same time I sent a note to Mr. O'Campo to send an express through on
the trail to Temecula. At 12 midnight he sent me an express that they
were at Mr. Winter's, on the trail, and as soon as they moved in the
morning I would be informed of the direction they took. At daylight
on the morning of the 29th the Indians reported them on the move to
San Jos6 Valley. I immediately sent off Lieutenant Vestal, with
twenty men from Company D, to close another trail that came out in
the valley, but at about 11 a. m. Lieutenant Wellman reported to me
the capture of the whole parly at daylight in the morning. His report
I inclose to you, and would beg leave to say that to the industry of
Lieutenant Wellman and men are we indebted for our prisoners. There
are nineteen in all. I have examined them all, and send copies of their
statements to you; also the oath of allegiance I administered to them.
I have had no particular form of oath, and drew one to suit myself. I
could find nothing about them that would go to show what they really
are. Their ostensible destination is Sonora. I had concluded to dis-
charge them, and informed them that I would, but Lieutenant Wellman
has just returned from another scout. His report yon will please find
inclosed, as well as a diagram* of the trails branching off from the
main trail. You will perceive that there are many of them. He
intercepted many letters, copies of which, or rather the originals, I
send you, which, in my opinion clearly proves that a regular organi-
zation exists, and that this party, with a few exceptions, is in it. I
think there are a few of them who are honest in going to Sonora
for mining purposes, but that they have been drawn into this organi-
zation. From the fact that the men who are all bound for Sonora
are Southern men is suspicious, for where good mines are good miners
will go without respect to section. Under the circumstances I have
concluded to hold them prisoners until directed to release them by my
superior officer. You will see that Showalter only desired to get over
the line, and then if interrupted or interfered with to make the best
fight they could. You will also find our late comptroller of State, or
rather Mr. Brooks, who will vacate the ofSce, is as deep in the mire as
they ai-e in the mud. Colonel West sent on two men with Lieutenant
•See p. 46.
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OuF.Lxn.] CAPTURE OP THE SHOWALTER PARTY. 36
fionter to take the ambalaDce back which he sent through with Mrs.
Dryer, and directed me to send it back on the 3d ; that he had written
to you to have .in express meet it here. I will leave this morning at 7
o'clock on my way to Yuma, and, as directed, leave the command to
next in rank. I wish Major Fergusson were here. I have stirred up a
hornet's nest, and hear of releasing the prisoners by force if not other-
wise released. This is of little consequence. They cannot release
them, and if I could be here would hope they would attempt it. I had
Morgan arrested. Be gave the cavalry also a long chase. I would
respectfully suggest to the colonel that at least one full company of cav-
alry should be here. It is twenty miles or more to. Temecnla ftom here,
and to take the trail from there to either outlet it counts up fifty miles
around, and no barley or hay on the route. Grass is good and plenty,
but the cavalry have no time to turn out their horses. I cannot close
this without testifying to Lieutenant Wellman's merits as an officer,
and to the good behavior of his men. He is fast earning the name of
the fox hound. He has bad two long scouts, and in both instances
fulfilled his errand. I will leave here at 7 a. m., leaving Camp Wright
commanded by Captain Gorley, Company D, First fiegiment California
Volunteers. The prisoners I have instructed him to hold until he
receives orders from yourself or Colonel West. I will endeavor to
replace Colonel West with credit, and unless odds are much against us
I think we will give a good account of our stewardship.
Trusting that my acts will meet with your approbation, I am, very
respectfully, your obedient servant,
EDWm A. EIGG,
Major First Infantry.
Col. James H. Cableton,
Commanding First California Volunteers, Los Angeles, Col.
(Incloeure No. 1.]
Temeoula, Cal,., November 27, 1861.
(Received 4 a. m.)
Mr. Cable :
Dear Sir : You will please deliver the inclosed letter to Mr. Sumner,
the gentleman that came to your place with Mr. Warner, and teU him
to hurry up, and oblige.
Yours, truly,
E. M. MORGAN.
P. S. — Please deliver immediately at any expense.
[SuMnclosuTe.]
Temecula, Cal., December 30,* 1861.
Friend Sumner : We arrived here this evening and were sorry to
find you gone, for various reasons. I have hired a man to go after
you, and I want you to start back as soon as he gets to where you are,
and also bring Mr. Chum with you, and look sharp that he don't play
you some trick. He is a bad man for us, and we want him back as
soon as possible. There are eighteen of us here. Say nothing to him
about what I have written, but tell him we want men, and we are going
another road. I have no time to write more.
Yours, truly,
T. A. WILSON.
'Eyidently mis-dated, bat bo in copy on file.
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36 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Chaf.LXII.
[Inoloann No. 2.]
I. T. A. Wilson says :
I was elected foreman of the party traveling with me for the purpose of selecting
camping places and the like; any further than this I have no control over them;
designed going to Sonora and spending a portion of the winter, and then proceeding
tomy home in TounesHei! ; have an aged mother living in Tennessee, whom I wish tosee ;
have ro intenticm of taking up arms against the Federal Government; perfectly
willing to take the oath of allegiance. Served eighteen months in the U. 8. Army in
Mexico; will never take arms against the Government of the United States; am not
acquainted with all the men belonging to the party ; a portion of them I never saw
until they joined the party at El Monte; did not know that Showalter was coming
until I saw him at the Monte; had no preconcerted arrangements to meet Showalter
or any other party ; am twenty-nine years of age.
T. A. WILSON.
Lieut. 0. R. Wellman states that Wilson did not object to coming to
camp; said he was perfectly willing to be examined, and to take the
oath of allegiance, but would abide the decision of the party; did not
see any impropriety in their being required to undergo an examination.
I certify that the above is correct.
0. K. WELLMAN,
Second Lieutenant, First Cavalry Califomia Volunteers.
IL William Woods says:
I am from Clay County, Mo. ; have lived for the last three years in Los Angeles
County, Cal. ; came to Califomia in 1850; have lived the most of the time in Sierra
and Plumas Counties, except the time that I lived in Los Angeles; lived in Sierra
County from 1852 to 1854. Was engaged in mining; lived with a man by the name
of Carpenter in Los Angeles; left Los Angeles alone; joined the party at El Monte;
knew a portion of the party were at El Monte when I left I^os Angeles; my sympa-
thies bavi heretofore been with the South, having been born there; if I were in
Missouri and obliged to take sides it is hard to say which side I would take; have
no objections to tikkiug the oath of allegiance; aoi thirty years of age.
WM. WOODS.
m. Charles Benbrook says:
Am from Simpson Connty, Ky. ; left Mariposa County on the 26th day of October,
1861; lived in Mariposa County since August, 1850, when Sands and myself left
Mariposa together; left Mariposa with the intention of spending the winter in Los
Angeles; when I got to Los Angeles I found a party was forming to go to Sonora,
Mexico, and joined it; was acquainted with Wilson before I started; he had left
Mariposa some time before I left; bad no idea of meeting Wilson on the trip; I left
Kentucky when I was a boy; came to Califomia in 1849 from Texas; do not like to
take the oath of allegiance if it can be avoided; have never held the doctrine that
any State has a right to secede; will never take arms against the Government of the
United States under any circumstances.
CHARLES BENBROOK.
IV. William Sands says :
I am firom Mariposa; came to Califomia in 1849; lived ten years in Calaveras
County; I was born in Wilson County, Tenn. ; came to Califomia from Memphis,
Teiin. ; Charles Benbrook left Mariposa with me ; we started to go to Sonora, Mexico ;
were going to Sonora to better onr condition; my sympathies are with my people;
if I were in Tennessee I can't say which side I would take in the present war; do
not think that one State alone has any right to secede; am willing to take the oath
of allegiance; am forty years of age.
WILLIAM (his z mark) SANDS.
"V. T. L. Roberts says:
I was bora in Fairfield, S. C; left there when a boy; came to Califomia in 1860;
came from Placer Connty to this place, via Los Angeles j stopped in Los Angeles
about fonr months j went to San l^'^ancisco with the intentiou of taking the steamer
for Gnaymas, Mexico; waited two weeks for the steamer, and finally concluded to
go through by land ; was going with the intention of going into business if the
country suited me; had not made up my mind whether I would return to San Fran-
cisco or to my native State, in case Sonora did not suit me; my sympathies are with
the people of the South, but would not like to see them break np uie Qovmunent;
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Cntr.J^xn.) CAPTURE OP THE SHO WALTER PARTY, 37
am aincerely opposed to taking np arms against tbe Government; am also opposed
to taking np arms against my own people ; do not like to take theoatli of allegiance
because I raiglit thereby be compelled to take up arms against my own people; will,
however, take it if it is required; am thirty years of age.
T. L. ROBERTS.
VI. R. H.Ward says:
I am from Jackson, Miss.; came to California in 1862; for the first ten months in
California 1 lived in Santa Barbara; then lived in Tuolumne till 1856; since that
time I have lived in Merced County ; a man by the name of Holland started with me
from Merced; Holland has gone on overland to tbe Atlantic States; was acquainted
with Benbrook and Hamilton before starting from Merced; when I started it was my
intention to go to Arkansas; when I got to Los Angeles I gave up the notion of
going to Arkansas, and was about startinju; back to Merced when I beard of this
party forming to go to 8onora, and made up my mind to go with it ; thought of stay-
ing in Sonera a year or two, and then either returning to California or to Arkansas;
was not fnlly determined to which State; I am conditionally a Union man; I do not
believe in the right of any State to secede; all my sympathies are with the people
of the South; aU my people are in tbe South; am perfectly willing to take the oath
of allegiance; never thought of taking np arms against the Federal Government;
I consider the seceded States as a portion of the United States ; am twenty-seven
years old.
R. H. WARD.
VII. T. W. Woods says:
I am from Bedford County, Va. ; have been in California since Jnly, 1852; came
from Missonri to this State; I left Placer County with the intention of going to
Sonora, Mexico; T. L. Roberts and a man by the name of South wick started with
me; hstd heard a good deal of Sonora as being a good country for mining; thought
of prospecting for mines; I am a Union man, and always have been; don't believe
any State has a right to secede; am perfectly willing to take the oath of allegiance.
T. W. (his X mark) WOODS.
Vni. J. M. Sampson says:
I was bom in Louisville, Ky.; came to this State in 1850; lived in Placer and
El Dorado Connties a considerable portion of the time since I have been in this State ;
lived in Mariposa County three years; started to go to Mexico by water; heard of a
party forming to go by land and joined it; I am a Uuion man; have no objection to
taking the oath of allegiance; am thirty-five years old.
J. M. SAMPSON.
IX. S. A. Bogers says:
I am ttom Warren County, Tenn. ; came to California in 1854 ; came ftfym Alabama
to this State ; have resided in Sacramento County since I have been in this State ; left
Sacramento with the intention of going to Sonora, Mexico; my brother, who is now
here, started with me: I was engaged in gardening in Sacramento County; knew of
no party forming at the time I started from Sacramento; had no definite object in
view in case Sonora did not suit me; wanted to go to tlie Atlantic States as soon as
the present difiiculty was settled; I am not an unconditional Union man; am willing
to take the oath of allegiance; my object in leaving the country was to avoid having
anything to do with the present troubles.
S. A. ROGERS.
X. William Edwards says:
I am from Arkansas; came to California in 1854* have resided prinoipally in Mari-
posa County until within the last two years, which time I have resided in Mono and
Carson Valleys; came from Mono to this place in company with J. Lawrence; left
Mono with the intention of spending the winter in Los Angeles, and then returning
to Mono ; met some acrjuaintances at Los Angeles wlio were going to Sonora, Mexico,
and concluded to go with them; expected no difficulty in getting to Sonora, unless
it shonid be with Indians; was going to Sonora prospecting, and if I found nothing
there that suited me to return to California; have mining claims at Mono; my people
are residing in Arkansas ; am a Union man ; do not believe in the right of secession ;
am willing to take tbe oath of allegiance; am twenty-two years. old.
W1LLL4M EDWARDS.
XI. James Lawrence says:
I am from Washington Connty, Ark. ; came to California in 1853; am twenty-three
years of age : came to California when I was fourteen years old ; have resided most of
the time in Ifariposa Connty ; am a miner by occupation ; came from Mono to this
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38 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. (Chap. LXn.
plac«; left Mono with the intention of goin^ to the Bear Valley mines, in California;
afterward concladed to go to Sonora, Mexico; left Mono in company with William
Edwards; knew of no party forming to go sooth when I started; met Sho waiter at
Los Angeles ; he indnced me to go to Sonora ; was going for the purpose of prospect-
ing; my relatives reside in Arkansas ; did not expect to nave any dimcnlty in getting
out of California; Wilson was elected captain of the party; intended crossing the
Colorado at Fort Yuma; I am a Union man; helieve that the present Administration
has done right in all things pertuning to the present war with the South ; am twenty-
three years old.
JAMES LAWRENCE.
XII. Levi Eogers says:
I am fi-om the State of Alabama; came to Cftlifomia in 1858; have lived in Saerft-
mento County all the time I have been in the State ; am a brother of S. A. Rogers,
who is with the party; left Sacramento County alone; met my brother at Visalia;
left Sacramento with the intention of going to Sonora; had thought of going to
Alabama to see my folks ; expected to have no difficulty in going to Alabama and
returning when I pleased; am willing to serve the Government of the United States
if necessary ; am a Union man ; do not believe in the doctrine of secession ; am will-
ing to take the oath of allegiance; saw a man at Temecula named Morgan, who, I
thmk, told our party that we would probably be arrested if we followed the road;
am tweuty.five years of age.
LEVI ROGERS.
Xlil. Henry Qrowell says:
I am from Erie County, Pa. ; left there in 1849; went to Illinois ; came to California
in 1851 ; have lived most of the time in Mariposa County ; am a miner by_ occapation ;
started to go to Sonora or Arizona; my object was to prospect for mines; started
in company with a man by the name of Gilbert, who is now in Mariposa, and Dan
Showaltor, who is now here with this party; have mining claims in Mono, to which
I intend returning after going to Sonora; I am a constitutional Union man, and
believe the Constitution is all Union; am willing to take the oath of allegiance;
Ritchie and Morgan at Temecula recommended our party to take the trail to Santa
Isabel to strike the overland route at Carriso Creek ; seemed to take a good deal of
interest in the matter; am twenty-four years of age.
HENRY CROWELL.
XIV. William Tamer says:
I was bom in Cass County, Ga.; came f^om Arkansas to Califomia in 1849; have
lived in Amador County ever since; am a miner by occupation; left Amador with
the intention of spending the winter in Los Angeles; when I got to Los Angeles I
heard of a party forming at El Monte to go to Sonora, Mexico; I conelnded to join
it and bought my horse at £1 Monte ; am a Union man; willing to take the oath of
allegiauoe ; am twenty-two years of age.
WM. TURNER.
XV. A. King says :
I am from Carroll County. Tenn. ; came £rom Texas to Califomia in 1854 ; have
been in Oregon part of the time since 1854; am a laborer; have lived in Mariposa
the most of the time for the last two years, driving team the most of the time for
Colonel Fremont ; came from Mono here; left Mono alone; came from Mariposa in
company with Wilson and Sumner; thought of going to Texas when Ileft Mariposa;
at the Monte I gave up the idea of going to Texas, and joined the party to go to
Sonora; am a Union man; was going to Texas to visit my relatives; intended going
through to Texas from Sonora if I could get through ; Wilson intended going through
to Texas, and Sumner to North Carolina; am willing to take the oath of allegiance;
am thirty-five years old.
A KINO.
XVI. Dan. Showalter says:
I was bom in Greene County, Pa.; came to California in 1852; hare lived the
greater portion of the time in Mariposa County ; my occupation is that of a miner;
started for Sonora from Virginia City about one month since ; intended going to
some mines in Los Alamos, Sonora, and if an opportunity offered, to go through to
Texns or Missouri, if J did not like Sonora; had no organized party whatever;
started from Virginio City in company with a man by the name of Gilbert; was
joined by Crowell at Aurora; Gilbert stopped at Mariposa; taking the trail from
Temecula was very mnch against my wish ; a majority of the party were in favor of
it, and I acceded to it; am perfectly willing to take the oath of allegiance; am
thirty years of age.
DAN. SHOWALTER.
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Cttip.LXn.] CAPTURE OF THE SHOW ALTER PARTY. 39
XVn. Statement of William HamUton:
lam an American citizen; was bom near Lexington, Ky. ; am fifty-one years of
age; left Kentucky wtien twelve years old ; went to Saint Lonis, Mo. ; resided there
eighteen months, then went to Santa ¥6, M. Mex. ; went from there to the city of
Mexico; resided in Mexico till October, 1845; went from Mexico to Pensacola: thence
to New Orleans: thence to Corpus Christ! ; thence to Point Isabel, where I joined
Captain Walkers company, and served in General Taylor's army for three months ;
I thenfoUowed the army as contractor and interprt^ter to the close of the war between
the United States and Mexico ; resided in the frontier of Mexico till 1850 ; came from
there to California, where I arrived in Jnly or Aagast in the same year went to
Fort Tejon in April or May, 1855; had a oontrskct there for making aidobes for the
Government ; resided there till October or November of the same year ; went from
there to Stockton ; worked there awhile at my trade (gunsmithing) ; resided in the
neighborhood of Stockton and Mariposa until about two years ago, when I went to
Mono, Cal., where I have resided until abont the Ist of October of the present year;
came from' Mono via Fort Tejon on my way to Fort Ynma; when I left Mono I
designed going to Los Angeles to work at my trade: at Los Angeles I heard of a
part^ forming to go to Texas; thoaght of joining it, but abandoned the idea before
leaving Loa Angeles.
WILLLIM HAMILTON.
XVni. E. B. Sumner says:
I am from Perquimans County, N. C. ; am thirty-fonr years old ; came to California
in 1849; am a miner by occupation; have lived in Mariposa the greater portion
of the time in California; knew Showalter in Mariposa; started with Wilson and
King; left them at El Monte; at £1 Monte a man by the name of Morgan came to
onr camp and said he had heard that oar party was going to Texas : Wilson told him
that the party was abont returning, and had given up the idea of going to Texas ;
Morgan said that he was going to Texas, and would go alone if ho could get no one
to go with him; Morgan resides at Temecula ; was on my way back from San Ber-
nardino when I met Chum, who told me he was going through to Texas; concluded
to go with him; it was my intention to go to, North Carolina; am not acquainted in
Texas ; have always been a Union man ; have no idea of taking up arms against the
Qovernment of the United States ; am willing to take the oath of allegiance.
£. B. SUMNER.
XIX. F. N. Chum says:
I am from Texas; was born in Choctaw Connty, Miss. ; left Mississippi when qnite
yonng; am thirty years of age; came to California in 1856 from Arkansas; considered
Texas my home ; am a, laborer by occupation ; lived in Tuolumne County mostly ; my
last residence was in Los Angeles; lived there with a man known as little Jack
Watson ; my object in going to Texas was to see an aged mother, whom I am anxious
to see once more ; had no intention of taking up arms against the Government of the
United States; consider myself a good and loyal citizen of the United States; am
perfectly willing to take the oath of allegiance.
r. N. CHUM.
[Indosme Ko. 3.]
I, — — . , da solemnly sv^r tiiat I will bear true aHegiance to the
Government of the United States ; that I will serve them honestly and
£uthftilly against all their enemies and opposers whatsoever, and that
I will support, maintain, and defend the supremacy of the Constitution
of the United States, and all laws of Congress made in pursuance
thereof, and that I will in all things well and faithfully discharge the
duties of a citizen of the United States to the best of my ability. So
help me God.
Subscribed and sworn to before me this Ist day of December, 1861.
Camp Wright, Oak Grove Station, San Diego County, Southern
California.
Hbadquabtebs District of Southern California,
Los Angeles, Gal, December 7, 1861.
The above is a true copy of the oath administered by Maj. E. A. Eigg,
First Infantry California Volunteers, and by Lieut. J. P. Hargrave,
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40 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Chap. LXn.
First Infantry California Volunteers, post adjutant at Gamp Wriglit, to
the men composing tlie party with Dan. Showalter. It was sworn and
subscribed to by the following-named persons : T. A. Wilson, William
Woods, 0, Benbrook, William Sands, T. L. Eoberts, E. H, Wdfd, T. W.
Woods, J. M. Sampson, S. A. Kogers, William Edwards, James Law-
rence, William Turner, A. King, Levi Rogers, Henry Crowell, Dan.
Showalter, William Hamilton, E. B. Sumner, F. l!f. Cham.
BEN, C. CUTLERj
First Lieut., First Infty. California Vols., Aetg. Asst. Adjt. Oen.
[Inclosnre Vo. i.]
Temeoula, Cal., November 30, 1861.
Fbiend Wild : Times have changed so that I feel it will be impossi-
ble for me to get to my friends in the East, and therefore have half
resolved to stay in the God-forsaken country, provided I can get a
situation in a place where I will be satisfied. Now I think that if I
could get a place with Jeagers, at the Colorado River, I might be con-
tented for a few years. When you go out I wish you would speak to
Jeagers or some one out at the river in my behalf. I will be satisfied
with any agreement that you may make, so I am well paid. I hear
nothing of interest from the States.
Tours, truly,
E. M. MORGAN.
P. S. — I would write more, but I am afraid that I might spin off on
a subject that would not be acceptable to some people, provided this
did not reach you in safety.
Tours, &c.,
E. M. M.
Temecula, San Diegh) County,
November 26, 1861.
Fbiend Fbank : For the last chance I drop you a few lines, that you
may know we are on the road at last, and are now within forty miles of
Warner's ranch. We will leave the road at this place to avoid the
troops at that place, as they are aware that we are coming and are look-
ing for us, and the chances are that we would have some trouble with
them. We will have to cross the Colorado in Souora to avoid Fort
Tuma. Perhaps the chances are tough, though I think we will make it.
It is quite different to what I thought it was when I wrote you before.
There are nineteen of us"in company, and all in good spirits. There are
eleven of them that you know, though I don't think it policy to do so
at this time. Give my respects to all the boysj so good-by once more.
i will write again if 1 have a chance.
Tours, respectfully,
C. BENBROOK.
Temecula.
Allison and Powell:
Deab Fbibnds: After waiting at Los Angeles and getting no word
from you I thought it best to leave, as the boys were getting very
impatient. We expected to have from 50 to 100 men, but we number
only twenty as yet. Still we expect a party of twenty men from San
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CBAP.LXn.] CAPITTRE OP THE 8H0WALTEB PABTY. 41
Bernardino to overtake as. If you get ready to come soon commani-
cate with Sam. Brooks at Sacramento. My kind regards to all the boys.
Why did not Gilbert come? We will cross the Colorado at Gonzales'
Ferry, in Sonora, about thirty miles below the fort. No one can pass
that point now without submitting to be searched or taking the oath.
Your friend,
SHOWALTEB.
Temecula, November 25, 1861.
Fbeehd Coultee: We arrived here this evening, all in good health
and spirits. Our animals are in good condition. I have three good
ones, and have no fears of getting through. We will be compelled to
cross the Colorado south of Fort Yuma about thirty miles, on the
Sonora side, in order to avoid trouble. After that, if they annoy us, we
will make the best fight we can. Bemember me to Mrs. Coulter and all
friends, and especially to Gifi'ord and Nether Wood.
Truly, your friend,
DAN. SHOWALTEB.
^MEGTJLA, 100 Miles South of Los Angeles,
November 26, 1861.
Q. H. Ceenshaw, Esq. :
Deab Friend : We reached here this evening, all well, and I have
only time to say goodby. Write to Scott and Montre at Aurora for
me. I have not time. Baker is well and sends his kind wishes. We
will cross the Colorado in about six days, but will be compelled to cross
on the Mexican side in order to avoid trouble at Fort Yuma. Bemem-
ber me kindly to all the boys.
Truly, your ii-iend,
DAN. 8.
Tehecula, 100 Miles South of Los Angeles,
November 26, 1861.
Hon. Samuel Brooks:
My Dear Friend : I received your letter at Los Angeles, but was
very busy. I forgot to reply. We left Los Angeles four days ago, and
will reach the Colorado in about six more. We will be compelled to
cross the river about thirty miles below Fort Yuma on the Sonora side,
as no one can pass that \wu\t without submitting to a search. This, of
course, would not suit me. If you shi.uld come this road during the
winter, come to Los Angeles by water and get your outfit there. Your
animals will then be fresh and ready for a start. Bemember me kindly
to all friends.
Very truly, your friend,
«ON THE WAY."
Temecula, November 26, 1861.
Dear Brother: Our party arrived at this place at sundown to-
night, which is about 100 miles from Los Angeles. We had quite a
pleasant trip after we got started. We are now within about fifty miles
of Warner's ranch, where there are about 200 troops stationed and about
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42 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Chap.LXIL
thirty dragoons. We will leave here iii the morning by way of a trail
to avoid the stationed troops. We expect to cross the Colorado below
the fort in order to avoid the stationed troops at Fort Ynma. I have
nothing more of interest to write. Woods is well and in onr party.
He came down from San Francisco by stage. We expect some difficulty
in getting across the river. I have received no letters from you since
the answer to mine sent you by Woods. Give my compliments to my
friend O. Will write as soon as convenient.
Yours, brotherly,
T. L. ROBERTS.
No. 3.
Report of Gapt. Henry A. Greene, First California Infantry.
[November 30, 1861.1
Major: My command, with detachment from Company F, of ten
men, First Infantry Regiment California Volunteers, left Oak Grove
Station November 28, 18C1, at 1.30 p. m., in accordance with instruc-
tions from Maj. E. A. Rigg, commanding Camp Wright and Oak Grove,
in Sau Diego County, Cal., and proceeded to the Indian viHage (Village
of the Cross), where 1 detached Second Lieut. W. B. Smith, of Com-
pany G, First Infantry Regiment California Volunteers, with twenty-
three men, to guard the pass entering Sau Jos6 Valley from Pala. I
then proceeded with the residue of my command (thirty-four rank and
file) on the trail leading to O'Campo's ranch, or Santa Isabel, where I
arrived with twenty-six men at 1 a. m. the 29th of November, 1861.
On my arrival at Santa Isabel scouts were sent to learn the movements
of the enemy. At 12 m. the scouts returned, informing me of the cap-
ture of the enemy. Upon receiving this news I immediately sent a
dispatch to Maj. E. A. Rigg, informing him also of the capture, where-
upon I received a message from Maj. E. A. Rigg informing me to return
to camp at Oak Grove Station. I immediately retraced my steps, arriv-
ing at Oak Grove Station on the 30th day of November, 1861.
I have the honor to submit the above report to your consideration.
HENRY A. GREENE,
Gapt., Comdg. Company O, First Infantry California Volunteers.
M^j. Edwin A. Rioo,
Commanding First Infantry Regiment California Volunteers.
■ No. 4.
Reports of Lieut. Ghauncey R. WellmM,n, First California Cavalry.
Headquarters,
Camp Wright, November 22, 1861.
Major : I have the honor to present you with a report of a detach-
ment of cavalry on patrol duty, under my command, pursuant to
special orders from the headquarters at Camp Wright, dated Novem-
ber 19, 1861:
I left Camp Wright at 8 a. m. November 20, 1861, and proceeded
to Santa Isabel ; was delayed about one hour at Buena Vista look-
ing for Francisco O'Campo, two miles from here. I with my de-
tachment arrived at Santa Isabel at 11 a. m. I immediately pro-
ceeded to examine a trail leading from that place to Temecula and -the
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Chap. LXn.) CAPTUBE OF THE 8HOWALTER PAKTT. 43
rest of the conntry. I returned aboat 1.30 p. m., and encamped at
O'Campo's ranch. At 6.30 j). m. O'Campo came home. I immediately,
or as soon as possible, sent a servant (a Spaniard) on tlie trail leading
from that place to Temecula, with the instractious that you turned
over to me. He started at 7 p. m. November 20, and returned on the
21st, at 6.30 p. m., and reported of having seen no party or parties of
men either on the trail or at Temecula; also having made inquiries,
bat did not hear of any party or parties of men approaching. He
reports the trail being rough, hilly, and very bad for traveling. The
trail passes through several small villages, which are as follows : From
Santa Isabel to Mesa de Stata, 3 miles; to Mesa Grande, 6 miles; to
La Joya, 9 miles; to La Pioche, 1^ miles; to Posteau, 1 mUe; to Pauma,
8 miles; to Pala, 12 miles; to Temecula, 8 miles; whole distance 48
miles. There is also a trail leading from Bueua Yista (two miles from
here), and passes over the mountains to San Josd, on the Los Angeles
road. The Temecula trail crosses it at La Mesa Grande (some three miles
from Bnena Vista) ; there is also another trail which leads from Santa
Isabel to San Felipe; it is a pretty good road for horses (but impassable
for wagons) ; examined it for about five miles ; there is considerable
travel on it. At 1 p. m. November 21 sent out a party of three men on
the San Diego road. They returned at 4.30 p. m., and reported no per-
sons seen on the road for twelve miles. They saw a Spaniard (well
known to Mr. O'Campo, who says that he is a Union man) who says
that he left Los Angeles on the 18th of November, but did not see or
hear of any party or parties of men going south, and that it was
quiet as usual along the road. There is an Indian village on the San
Diego road, about thirty-one miles from Gamp Wright, called San Pas-
qual. It is near the junction of the San Pedro and San Diego roads.
From this village there is a trail that leads to Viecito, and another
trail about three or four miles this side of the village (San Pasqual)
that goes to San Felipe. Left camp at Santa Isabel 6.30 a. m., and
arrived at Camp Wright at 8.30 a. m. November 22, 1861.
I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
C. E. WELLMAN,
Second Lieut., First Cavalry California Vols., Comdg, Detachment.
iiaj. E. A. BiGO,
First Infantry California Volunteers, Commanding.
Headqttabteks Camp Wright,
Oak Orove Station, November 30, 1861.
Major : Pursuant to special orders, dated November 27, 1861, 1 pro-
ceeded in search of a party of men at Temecula, going toward the Col-
orado. Arriving at the Dutchman's, Geftarens, I met a man by the
name of Hamilton, who said that he (Hamilton) was in search of a man
(he not knowing his name) that had taken his horse; that the said
man was with another called Sumner. I searched him. I found noth-
ing on him, with the exception of a slip of paper that I gave you last
night. After I examined him (Hamilton) I proceeded to Temecula, and
arrived there at 11 p. m. November 27. I made inquiries of the party
in question, but could get no other information than that a party of
sixteen men had been there on the night of the 2Gth, and had left for
parts unknown on the morning of the 27th, at 10 o'clock. On the morn-
ing of the 28th I took their trail, via Temecula, within about one-quarter
of a mUe of Mr. Winter's ranch. About 8.30 p. m. I camped there for
the night without water or forage. Early on the morning of the 2<Jth I
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44 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Cai*. LXH,
discovered the party that I went in search of. They were encami>ed at
John Winter's ranch. I saddled up and pi'oceeded with my detach-
ment to their camp, and proceeded to question them as to their busi-
ness, destination, and purpose, to which I received the following reply :
That their destination was Sonora, Mexico; that their mission was
peaceable, and the reason of their taking that route was to avoid any
unpleasant difficulty with the troops of the Government. I then asked
them it they would go with me peaceably to Oak Grove, and there
undergo an examination. The most of them ap])eiixed willing. There
were two or three that demurred. Showalter was one of them. He
(Showalter) said he did not see why they could not be allowed to pro-
ceed quietly, as other parties had, and as for himself he should say no
decidedly, and he would take the consequences, but finally said that
he would abide by the decision of the company. The company wanted
that I should pledge my word that if there was nothing — no evidence
of treason or disloyalty — against them that they would or should be
released and be allowed to go about their business, to which I assented.
At about 9 a. m. proceeded en route for Oak Grove Station, by the way
of Bueca Vista, Drycke's ranch, and La Pnerta. At La Puebla los
Indians I was joined by Lieutenant Vestal with a detachment of Com-
pany D, First Kegiment California Volunteer Infantry (with a detach-
ment of twenty men), and finally arrived at camp at Oak Grove at 6
p. m. November 29, 1861. I forgot to state that I sent to you at Warner's
ranch word that I would move on slowly toward Oak Grove, and to
send me more assistance, and to meet me at the Indian village, which
you did.
Kecapitulation : Started fi*om camp at Oak Grove at 3.30 p. m. Novem-
ber 27, Arrested Hamilton at Geftarfus' at 6 p. m. Arrived at Temec-
ula at 11.30, Left Temecula about 8 a. m. November 28. Arrived near
Winter's ranch at 8.30 p. m. Arrested the party in question the follow-
ing moruing. Started the party from Winter's at 8 or 9 ». m. Novem-
ber 29. Lieutenant Vestal overtook me about 3 p. m. November 29.
Arrived at Camp Wright November 29 at 6 p. m.
Very respectfully, I am, your obedient servant,
C. R. WELLMAN,
/Second Li^ut, First Cavalry California Vols., Comdg. DeUushment.
Maj. E. A. Rmo,
First Infantry California Volunteers, Comdg. at Camp Wright.
Camp Wbight, December 3, 1861.
Majob: Pursuant to special orders from headquarters at Camp
Wright, dated December 1, 1861, 1 left camp at 11 p. m. December 1,
1861, en route for Temecula, with eight men of my detachment and pro-
ceeded to the above-named place; arrived at Temecula about one
hour before daylight December 2. At daylight I made a thorough but
fruitless search for the parties in question. The men, two in number,
that were encami)ed at Temecula had left their camping place and had
gone back to San Bernardino. This was the statement of Mr. Ritchie,
of Temecula. The man Morgan that was at Temecula had gone to San
Luis Mission, and, on learning that, 1 followed after him, leaving Temec-
ula at 9 a. m. December 2, and arrived at the Mission of Saa Lois
about 6 p. m. Having found Mr. Morgan at Mr. Tibbetts' ranch (near
San Luis), I arrested him and started on the morning of the 3d of
December for Camp Wright, bringing the prisoner along with me;
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ch^p. Lxn.]
CAPTUEE OF THE SHOWALTER PABTY.
45
arrived at Camp Wright at 9.45 p. m. December 3, 1861. While I was
at Temecala I secured a number of letters of a suspicions character,
the same I turned over to you.
Recapitulation: I left Camp Wright on the 1st day of December,
1861, at 11 p.m.; arrived at Temecula December 2, at 5 a. m.^Hielayed
for four honrs in a fruitless search for two men that had been encamped
near that ])lace; started at 2 a. m. same day for San Luis Mission, on
the San Diego road; arrived at Tibbetts' ranch, near the Mission, at
or about sundown same day; left San Luis for Camp Wright at 2 a. m.
on the 3d of December; came by the way of San Luis Rey Mission to
Temecula. Arrived at Temecula at 2.45; fed the horses and proceeded
to Camp Wright, arriving there at 9.45. The road is very good most
of the way. Distance traveled from Oak Grove to Temecnla, 25 miles;
from Temecnla to San Luis Mission, by the San Diego road, 26 miles;
from San Luis to Temecula, by San Luis Rey, 35 miles, making the
distance traveled 111 miles.
Your obedient servant,
C. R. WELLMAN,
Second Lieutenant, First Cavalry California Volunteers.
llaj. B. A. RiGHJ,
First Infantry California Volunteers, Comdg. Camp Wright.
Indian VtUatre <^ the Cross.
Aqua Cttliente.
9>-^ffSi>
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46 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Chap. LXn.
HABCH 19-APBIL 28, 1862.— Expedition from Camp Latham to Owen's
Biver, CaL, with skirmish (April 9) near Bishop's Creek, in the Owen's
Biver Valley.
Report of Lieut. Col. George S. Evans, Second California Cavalry.
Camp Latham, April 20, 1862.
Maj. R. C. Dbum,
Assistant Adjutant- Oeneral, San Francisco:
Majoe : Inclosed I have the honor to forward a report of my expe-
dition to Owen's lliver, pursuant to Special Orders, No. 7, issued by Col.
George W. Bowie, Fifth Infantry California Volunteers.
Hoping that my action in the premises may meet the approbation of
the general commanding the Department of the Pacific, 1 am, respect-
fully, your obedient servant,
GEO. S. EVANS,
Lieutenant- Colonel Second Cavalry California Volunteers.
Camp Latham, April 29, 1862.
Major : In pursuance of Special Orders, No. 7, a copy of which is
hereto annexed, I have the honor to forward through you to the gen-
eral commanding the Department of the Pacific tlie following report:
I started from Los Angeles on -the 19th day of March, 1862, and
arrived at Owen's. Lake on the 2d day of April, a distance, as laid down
by the map of the country, made by Captain Davidson, of the U. S.
Army, at 302 miles. On the 4th day of April I reached Putnam's
Store, or what is known now as The Fort, situated on Pine Creek,
forty-three miles above Owen's Lake. Here I found some twelve or
fifteen men and some women and children, and learned, for the first
time, something of the real condition of afl'airs in the valley and of the
difiiculties with the Indians. I found that the settlers had for some
considerable time been threatened by the Indians, and been hemmed
in at The Fort, so called ; that the Indians bad collected together sev-
eral hundred warriors, and had t.ireatened to kill every white man in
the valley; that they claimed that the country east of the Sierra
Nevada Mountains, and particularly Owen's River Valley, belonged to
them, and said that no white man should live there ; that they had
killed two men that were known of, one by the name of Taylor and one
known as Yank, and had burned every bouse and everything in the
shape of improvements in the lower part of the valley. I also learned
that some time about the 20th of March there had been a fight at the
Lone Pine between twenty white men, under command of Captain
Anderson, of Aurora, and about forty Indians, in which engagement 11
Indians were killed and 3 white men wounded; that since that time
some assistance had arrived from Visalia and Aurora, and that some
sixty men had started up two days before my arrival at The Fort to
give the Indians battle. I immediately prepared to move on to their
assistance. 1 left Captain Winne with seven men in charge of wagons
and to assist in iirotecting The Fort ; took twelve of my best males,
packed them, and started up the valley on the morning of April 5.
On the 6th, at about 9 a. m., I met the citizen soldiers retreating
back for The Fort. I stopped them and we camped together at what is
known as Big Pine Creek, about tliirty miles above The Fort. Here we
found and buried the bodies of two men, a Mr. Talman and a Mr. Han-
son, who had been killed by the Indians apparently some two weeks
previous when on the way down from Aurora. I learned from the citi-
zen soldiers that they had come upon the Indians the day before, about
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CHAP. Lxn.] EXPEDITION TO OWEN'S EIVEE, CAL. 47
twenty miles above; had given them battle and got badly whipped;
that the Indians, numbering some 400 or 500, a great many of them
with good flre-arms, had come out of the caiioiis and mountain rapines
and charged them, attempting to surround them, and had driven the
whites back some two miles to a stich, which they took ]x>sses8ion oi^
and with the advantage of which they had managed to keep the Indians
off untU night, when under cover of the darkness they made good their
retreat to where I met them, losing 3 men, 18 horses and mules, and all
their provisions. After hearing this statement of facts I told Colonel
Mayfield, who was in charge or command of the citizen soldiers, that
I intended going on in the morning, and that if there were as many
Indians as represented my force of thirty-three men would be a very
small one to contend against them and would therefore like to have his
men go with me. On the 7th, when I got ready to march. Colonel
Mayfield reported to me with about forty men, the rest having declined
returning. With this force I moved on, and when within eight miles
of the battle-ground I saw moving objects some three miles off to my
right. I immediately halted the command and sent Lieutenant French
out with five men to reconnoiter and report the result. He soon
returned and reported it to be Lieutenant Koble, of Company A, Second
Cavalry California Volunteers, with fifty men from Fort Churchill on
his way down to Putnam's Store to the relief of the citizens. After
halting until Lieutenant Noble's command came np, I moved on to the
battle-ground, which I reached about 3 p. m. Found no Indians.
Moved on three miles to Bishop's Pine Creek and camped for the night.
I then sent down and had the bodies of the killed brought up and
buried on the south bank of the creek.
April 8, 1 sent out scouts in three different parties of five each to look
for the Indian trail. At about 1 p. m. I met one of the scouts, sent back
by Lieutenant Oliver, who reported the Indians to be in force about
twelve miles from there. I moved the command on briskly, and arrived
on the ground where the Indians were supposed to be at 3 p. m., but
found no Indians, they having scattered at our approach and took to
the hills like partridges, and after riding two hours over the hills in a
pitiless hail-storm, was compelled to go back intothevaUeyto camp for
the night without catehing an Indian. April 9, left camp at sunup, and
had traveled some three miles when I saw my scouts oft" to my left about
entering a caDon. I immediately halted the command to await the
result of their investigation, but had halted but a few moments when I
heard the report of fire-arms. I immediately ordered Lieutenant French
with twenty men to move up on a gallop, the rest of the command mov-
ing up at the same time at a more moderate gait until we met the scouts,
who reported that they had been fired upon by the Indians ; that Pri-
vate Gillespie, of Company A, Second Cavalry California Volunteers,
was killed, and Corporal Harris, of the same company and regiment,
wounded. I then moved the men up to within 400 yards of the mouth
of the cafion, dismounted, and prepared to fight on foot. Upon an
examination of the ground or stronghold selected by the Indians, I was
fearful that it would be an impossibility to dislodge them without the aid
of a mountain howitzer, but still could not know the fact without mak-
ing the attempt. In order to recover the body of Private Gillespie that
had been left in the canon where killed, and at the same time to deterr
mine by actual experiment the possibility or impossibility of ascending
the mountain and getting at the Indians, it was necessary to get posses-
sion of the points covering the mouth of the canon, so I ordered Lieu-
tenant Noble and Lieutenant Oliver with forty men to ascend the point
on the left, while I took Lieutenant French and fortymen to the right,
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48 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Chap. LXn.
leaving nearly forty men to guard the animals and tbe montli of the
canon. After getting upon the first points, which had to be ascended
under a brisk fire from an unseen enemy, I found that the Indians
numbered from 500 to 700, had a great many good guns among them,
and were in possession among the rocks clear up to the top of the tallest
mountains, in places, too, that could scarcely be reached with ladders,
and that there was no possible chance of getting to them, for, after pul-
ling and tugging for an hour to get up to a ledge of rocks from which I
could see the smoke of their rifles, when I reached it there was no
Indian there, but I could see the smoke of his gun from a ledge still
higher up, and so, after laboring industriously for two hours, climbing
over almost impassable points, I saw that it would be madness and no
less than murder to attempt to go any farther; that I could do nothing
but get half of my men killed without as much as getting a fair shot at
an Indian, and was necessarily compelled to order the men to fall back.
In thus reconnoiteriug and recovering the body of Private (rillespie
from the caiion. Colonel Mayfleld was killed, and being a large, heavy
man, weighing over 200 pounds, the men, after carrying him some 100
yards down the mountain, were compelled to leave his body or get
more killed or wounded in bearing it off. After returning to the horses
and trying for some time without avail to get the Indians out into the
valley, I tell back to Bishop's Creek and camped for the night.
April 10, being almost entirely out of provisions, having ftirnished
flour, &c., to the citizens who were entirely out all through the valley,
and being near 400 miles from Camp Latham, where I was expected to
be by the 28th. I found that I must be retracing my steps and so inti-
mated to the citizens, whereupon the settlers and stock owners waited
upon me and claimed the i)rotection of the Government for themselves
and property. I explained to them my position ; that I had no authority
to leave any troops with them, and had no provisions for them to live
upon if I had the authority, but that I would go with them to The Fort
and there remain until they could get their cattle up and separate
them ; that those who wished to go to Aurora or Carson Valley could
go under escort of Lieutenant Noble and his command and those who .
wished to go to Visalia or Los Angeles could go with me, which arrange-
ment seemed to be satisfactory. I reached The Fort on the 11th of April
and on the 13th moved down the river a few miles to good grass, leav-
ing Lieutenant Noble and command at The Fort. On the 14th all the
I>arties desiring to go south came up and I moved on. I reached Sol-
diers' Wells, a few miles east of "Walker's Pass, on the 20th, nothing
interesting occurring on the route except the Indians stealing a few of
the citizens' cattle. At this point we parted company, the citizens
going in over the pass to Kern River, whilst I started to look out a
new road or cut-off.
I left the Soldiers' Wells at sunup on the 21st and traveled due south
over a sagebrush and grease wood table land some sixteen mifes, when
I came to the head of a large open canon running north and south,
which I went down six miles and came to water and grass. From this
point I still kept down the canon three miles to its mouth, which came
out into an open desert plain. Here I turned to the westward and
traveled five miles to the old road, at the point where it starts into
Kelso Canon to go through on to Kern River, thus traveling in one
day what it took me over four days to travel in going up by the way of
Kern River and W^alker's Pass. This new route to Owen's Lake short-
ens the road from Los Angeles, without doubt, seventy miles, and is
much the best road and can be traveled at all seasons of the year.
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Chip. LXU.] EXPEDITION TO OWEN'S RIVER. CAt. 49
I arrived at Camp Latham on the 28th of April, having been out
forty-one days and traveled some 800 miles over, at this season of the
year, one of the roughest countries to travel through that there is in
California, encountering snow-storms, hail, rain, and windy, freezing
weather alternately &om the time that I reached Kern £iver in going
np until I passed over, or rather through, the mountains on my return.
From all the information that I could get and from what I know of my
own knowledge, I am of the opinion that the Owen's River Indians,
together with detachments from the Tejon, Tulare, and Mono Indians,
and some of the Piutes, have banded together, numbering not far A*om
800 to 1,000 warriors; that they have 100 or more good guns, and are
determined to carry out their threat that no white man should live in
the valley. As an earnest of their sincerity in making the threat they
have burnt and destroyed every house and improvement of the whit«8
from Walker's Pass through to as far as I went (and that was to the
extreme head of Owen's Kiver Valley and within fifty miles of Mono
Lake); have killed nine white men that have been found and buried,
and, I have no doubt, others that have not yet been found. They have
killed at least 1,000 head of cattle, and have been drying the meat and
preparing evidently for a long war, and to-day there is not a white soul
left living in the valley. The mining interests of that section are too
great for the whites to give it up tamely. Some two or three mills have
already been erected, and the machinery was on the ground and upon
the road for several more; and there are now stopped on Kern Eiver, by
reason of these Indian difficulties, perhaps not less than 100 people who
were en route for the Coso and other mines in that section, with thou-
sands of dollars' worth of property, all awaiting the action of the Gov-
ernment in sending out troops and establishing a post in the valley for
their protection. Again, the Owen's River Valley is the great thorough-
fare and only route, except to go around by Placerville, through which
the growing trade and travel of this southern country must pass in and
to the Esmeralda and Washoe districts, and upon which the people of
Esmeralda are almost entirely dependent for their beef and other fresh
meats. In consideration of these facts and in compliance with my
instructions, I would most respectfully urge the necessity of a military
post being established in the valley, and recommend Big Pine Creek as
the most eligible location. Big Pine Creek is a large, bold stream of
water making out of the eastern slope of the Sierras and emptying into
Owen's River on its western bank, furnishing fine water-power for
machinery and running through one of the finest bodies of land that
there is in the valley, where tons upon tons of hay could be cut in its
season. Again, it is situated about the center of the valley, or rather
is about midway between Walker's Pass and Esmeralda, and is adja-
cent to good stone and timber for building purposes.
In conclusion I beg leave to say that the officers and men, both of the
detachment from Fort Churchill and of the escort from Camp Latham,
behaved with great coolness and bravery under fire, and bore the hard-
ships of the trip, living on fresh beef alone as they did a portion of the
time without a murmur, showing at all times a willingness to obey orders
and do whatever was required to be done, either night or day, even to
acting as mules and assisting in hauling the wagons when the wom-
ont, condemned mules (all I could get for the trip) could not. That is
worthy of all praise.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
GEO. S. EVANS,
Lieutenant- Colonel Second Cavalry California Volunteers.
4 B B— VOL L, PT I r ' I
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50 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. (Chap. LXIL
BEABCH 22-AVGUST 31, 1862.— Operations in the Hmnboldt IClitary
District, CaL
STTIUMARY OW THE PRIN-CIPAJJ B3VB3NTS.
Apr. 4, 1862.— Affair at Table Bluff, Cal.
6, 1862. — Skirmish near Fort Anderson, Cal.
8, 1862. — Skirmish near Areata, Cal.
26, 1863. — Skirmishes on the Eel Biver and near Fort Baker, CaL
May 7, 1862. — Skirmish at Croghan's Ranch, Cal.
14, 1862. — Skirmish at Angel's Ranch on the Mad River, Cal.
31, 1862. — Skirmish on the Eel River, near Van Dnsen's Creek, Cal.
June 6-7, 1862. — Skirmishes at Daley's Ferry and on the Mad River, near Areata, Cal.
7, 1862.— Skirmish in the Mattole Valley, Cal.
8, 1862. — Skirmish at Fawn Prairie, near Liscombe's Hill, Cal.
11, 1862.— Skirmish on the Mad River, Cal.
July 2, 1862. — Attack on Cutterback's House on Van Dnsen's Creek, Cal.
9, 1862. — Affair at the Weaverville Crossing of the Mad River, Cal.
28, 1862. — Attack on Whitney's Ranch, near Fort Anderson, CaL
29, 1862.— Skirmish near Albee's Ranch, Cal.
30, 1862.— Affair at MiUer's Ranch, near Elk Camp, Cal.
Aug. 6, 1862.— Skirmish near Fort Gaston, Cal.
21, 1862. — Skirmish at Light Prairie, near Areata, CaL
23, 1862.— Affair on Little River, Cal.
REPORTS.
No. 1. — CoL Francis J. Lippitt, Second California Infantry, commanding the Ham-
boldt District.
No. 2. — ^Lient. Col. James N. Olney, Second California Infantry.
No. 3. — Capt. Charles D. Douglas, Second California Infantry.
No. 4. — Lieut. Henry Flynn, Second California Infantry.
No. 5. — Lieut. Charles 6. Hubbard, Second California Infantry.
No. 6 — Lient. Parish B. Johnson, Second California Infantry.
No. 7. — Capt. Thomas E. Ketcham, Third California Infantry.
No. 8. — Lieut. John F. Staples, Third California Infantry.
No. 9. — Lient. Joseph Anderson, Third California Infantry.
No. 10. — Lient. John D. Myers, Third California Infantry.
No. 11. — Capt. David B. Akey, Second California Cavalry.
No. 12. — Corpl. Charles H. Eaton, Second California Cavalry. '
No. 1.
Reports o^ Col. Francis J, Lippitt, Second California Infantry, com-
manding the Humboldt District.
Headquabtebs Humboldt Militabt Disteict,
Fort Humboldt, April 1, 1862.
Majob : On the evening of the 25th of March an express arrived
fcom Areata reporting that the settlement at Angel's ranch, a place
about twelve miles i^om Areata, had been attacked on the 22d, 23d,
24th, and 25th ultimo by Indians, the settlers shot or driven away, their
stock killed, and their houses and Improvements burnt to the ground.
I immediately ordered Captain Akey's, Captain Douglas', and Captain
Heflfernan's commands to concentrate at Angel's ranch, but in order
that the three commands might arrive there at the same time, without
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CHAP.LXn.] OPERATIONS IN THE HUMBOLDT DISTRICT, CAli. 51
which there was no chance of driving the Indians in, Captain Akey
was directed not to leave till the 27th. The next evening (the 26th)
another express arrived with the news that the long-settled and valu-
able ranch known as Bates', seven or eight miles from Areata, on the
principal thoroughfare to Fort Gaston, and the entire country to
the north and east, had been attacked that same day by a band of
thirty Indians, who killed Bates, fired a shower of bullets after the
women and children, who had scattered into the woods on seeing their
approach, destroyed his stock, and then burnt his house and outbuild-
ings to the ground. As Bates' was on the direct route from this post
to Angel's ranch, and as, from the information received, these Indians
had moved in that direction, there was no reason for any change in the
dispositions already taken, by which the troops were to concentrate at
Angel's ranch at the earliest possible moment. The next morning
(the 27th) I accompanied Captain Akey's detachment from this post to
the scene of the outrages at Angel's ranch, passing by Bates'. Cap-
tains Akey's and Heffeman's commands arrived there at the precise
moment designated. Captain Douglas arrived there an hour after-
ward, having been delayed by following up an Indian trail for some
distance, but which he finally lost. After their arrival the three com-
mands went on a scout in the neighboring woods, crossing them in
different directions. But in the meantime a violent snow-storm had
covered up all tracks that might have existed, and they returned to
camp without having found any Indians or any Indian sign.
On the 30th I returned with Captain Akey's command to this post,
directing the two other companies to proceed to their posts by circui-
tous routes and to follow up any Indian trails they might find. This
they have done, but without success. At or near Angel's ranch, at
Patrick's, and at Zehender's the Indians obtained, in aU, five guns, at
Bates' seven, some of which were very superior fire-arms. I have sent
instructions to Captain Johns, at FortGaston, to inform me at once, by
express, of any positive indications of the Hoopa Indians preparing to
take part in these hostilities, and if the case, in his opinion, should
urgently require it, to telegraph directly to your headquarters, by
Weaverville, as this would save a delay of four days. I have also pre-
pared a dispatch ta Captain Stuart, at Fort Ter-Waw, to keep a strict
wateh upon the Klamath Indians and to report to me at once any hos-
tile indications on their part. His dispatch I have not yet sent, as it is
reported to be very doubtful whether an express can get through by
land, owing to the state of the trail, and the steamer being dally ex-
pected here, by which I can send it more surely and at a trifling exj)ense.
If the Hoopa Indians should rise they will, no doubt, carry with them
the Klamath Indians, their close allies. These tribes are said to be
but one degree below our Eastern Indians in warlike qualities, but a
very small proportion of them are believed to have fire-arms. What
their numbers may be it is impossible to say, estimates vary so much.
Captain Johns supposes that the Indians in Hoopa Valley and its
immediate neighborhood could turn out 800 warriors in forty-eight
hours. Of course, if these Indians should rise I should require large
re-enforcements. It would be weU to send a few artillery soldiers with
them to handle the two mountain howitzers, one of which is at this post,
the other at Fort Gaston . Night before last the Indians burn t Cooper's
flour mills, near Hydesville. They had pillaged them the week before,
and had previously killed two of the Cooper brothers. As Hydesville
is a small, scattered village, remote from military protection, with, no
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52 OPEKATION8 ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Chap.LXIL
doabt, a considerable quantity of ammanition kept for sale in its stores
and other inviting booty, I should not be surprised to hear of its being
attacked by the Indians at any time. Captain Akey leaves to-morrow
morning with his company to go in that direction. If the Klamath
and Hoopa Indians remain quiet, and if the other Indians now making
war upon us, after their fashion, should not band together in large
numbers (which they have seldom or never done), three more compa-
nies will be probably all I shall need ; but as I believe this number to
be indispensable to guard the inhabitants dgainst more extensive erup-
tions and massacres, which there is now some reason to fear, as well as
to secure the troops against any chance of repulse, I have the honor to
request that a re enforcement to this extent may be sent as early as
practicable. One of the three companies now asked for is needed to
furnish escorts and guard the commnnications between this post. Cap-
tain Douglas', on Kedwood Creek, and Fort Gaston, this being, more-
over, the only route of travel and trade between the bay and the
northern mines, as also to Weaverville, since the direct trail to that
place has been abandoned from fear of the Indians. Another company
will be needed at Fort Humboldt as a garrison and to furnish the
strong guards that will be necessary for the security of the Indian
prisoners, as Captain Akey's company will be constantly engaged in
scouting. A third company would be posted near Hydesville for the
protection of that place and of the settlements around it, as well as of
the communications with Mendocino and the southern country. If a
fourth company should be sent it would be very useful as a reserve, to
be encamped, say, near Areata, from which place it could readily be
thrown to any point where more force might be needed ; but if it is
intended to obtain, by the operations against the Indians, any decisive
results, a much larger re-enforcement would be necessary. To show
this, it need only be observed that the region of country over which the
present hostilities extend consists of some 2,000 square miles, three-
fourths of which are covered with dense forests of timber and chapar-
ral, almost impenetrable to white men, but excellent hiding places for
the Indians, and that no great number of them can be expected to be
found but by simultaneous scouting in numerous, though small, detach-
ments over a large extent of country. Of the seven companies now in
this district only four are available for operations in this county, for
Captain Moore's, at Fort Bragg, cannot be taken away from Mendocino,
Captain Johns', at Fort Gaston, is too small (forty-five men) to spare
any for the field, besides being needed at Hoopa Valley, and Captain
Stuart's, at Fort TerWaw, besides being inaccessible to us for the want
of a practicable route, cannot safely be called away from that post so
long as the intentions of the Klamath Indians remain in doubt. It being
a matter of the greatest importance, I may beexcused for again repeating
my assurance that if the Indians now to be captured are sent to any
reservation in this part of the State they will be sure to return again
immediately to their present haunts, and the whole work will have to
be done over again. Would it be possible to obtain, by telegraph to
Washington, authority from the Indian Bureau to send them to the
Tejon Reservation t On being ordered on the recent expedition. Cap-
tain Akey reported that he was short of ammunition; that he bad sent
his requisition for 10,000 carbine cartridges last January to department
headquarters (as he believes), but that it had not been answered. As
the infantry cartridges do not fit the carbines, I was compelled to order
the purchase of some gunpowder to enable him to have some made up
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Chap. LXH] OPERATIONS !N THE HUMBOLDT DI8TEICT, CAL. 53
before his departure. I respectfully request that a supply may be
forwarded to bim without delay.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
FRANCIS J. LIPPITT,
Col. Second California Vol. Infantry, Comdg. Humboldt Mil. IHst.
Maj. R. G. Drum, U. S. Army,
Assistant Adjutant-General, Department of the Pacific.
P. S. — If any other companies of volunteers are sent here it is very
important that I should be furnished with an ofBcial list, showing the
relative rank of the officers, including those already in the district,
especially of the company commanders.
Hbadqxtabtebs Humboldt Militaet Disteict,
Fwt Humboldt, April 7, 1862.
Majob: The post of Captain Douglas (Second Infantry California
Volunteers) is on the right bank of Kedwood Creek, a mile or less
below Minor's, and close to the trail which is the great thoroughfare
from the bay to the north and east. For several miles around the
mountain ridge instead (as is usual) of approaching close to the stream
and then shelving abruptly down its deej) side, shaggy with firs, here
draws back its crest to considerable distance, and comes stretching
gradually downward to the river side in rather gentle slopes of open
pasture land. A small creek skirted with timber falls into the river
just above Minor's. Yesterday morning at 5 o'clock a pack train
was attacked by six Indians on the open ground a mile from the post.
The packers immediately fled, uninjured, so far as is known. The flr-
ing being heard at the post. Captain Douglas promptly and sUently
got his command under arms. He had but a few men in camp, some
thirty being out on a scout with Lieutenant Flynn, and eleven being
detached to Liscombe's Hill by my orders. Sending five men under
Lieutenant Johnson to scour the timber skirting the creek near Minor's,
and taking seven men along with him, he made directly for the train,
guided by two of the packers who had fled toward his post, and whom he
met on the way. On arriving he found the Indians had been pillaging
it, and were then burning up what they could not carry away. Owing
to the fog and to the feebleness of the daylight, he came upon them
unawares. At the volley they received, one of the six fell dead and
two were wounded. They fled at once, closely pursued, but one of
them turned and fired at Captain Douglas, piercing with the ball a
glove which the captain held in his hand. Captain Douglas replied
with his revolver, and the Indian fell wounded, but was finally able to
get away with the rest. Lieutenant Johnson saw about twenty
Indians. Sergeant Hoalton (Company F, Second Infantry California
Volunteers), who brought the captain's dispatch, reports that Lieuten-
ant Johnson's party received some fifteen or twenty shots in the timber,
but that noneof our men were hurt. It is not improbable that this band
was intended to attack Minor's, which was close by. If so, that place
was saved by Captain Douglas' presence of mind. At 8 a. m., when
his dispatch was written, the captain was about to leave in pursuit,
but could not go very far, having to leave a guard for his camp and
for Minor's, fieing anxious to follow up this band at once, he sent to
me for twenty or thirty men. Captain Akey Laving left on a fifteen
days' scout with all the men that can be spaced from this post, I have
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54 Operations on- the pacific coast. [cbap. lxh
none to send him. The Indian that was killed had mth him a IT. S.
minie rifle and plenty of balls. He was recognized as a Hoopa Indian
by Captain Douglas' hospital steward (Brown), who had been stationed
for a long time at Fort Gaston. I have directed Brown's affidavit to
be taken and sent to me forthwith. "So steamer having arrived, I
have this morning sent my dispatch to Fort Ter-Waw by a special
messenger, who expects to deliver it in three days.
On the 4th instant, at Table Bluff (a point in the bay within sight of
this post), three or four Indians attacked the house of a settler, who
escaped with his family though fired at, and plundered it. The same
day Paiutei^s ranch, a mile and a half off the trail, between Areata
and Fort Lyon, was attacked and burnt by a band of Indians in full
view of our pack train, then on its way to Fort Lyon with an escort of
two or three soldiers. On the arrival of the train Captain Heffernan
immediately sent a detachment thither, of twenty-one men, under Lieu-
tenant Hubbard, which has not yet been heard from.
April 8, 1 p. m. News has just arrived that our train with supplies
for Captain Heffeman's post was this morning attacked by Indians
about eight miles from Areata. The packers were fired upon, and eight
or ten of the mules are believed to be cut off. In my letter of the 1st
instant I spoke of only three companies as being indispensable. It is
now my duty to state that in my opinion as many more ought to be
sent with the least possible delay as can well be spared. It is evident
that escorts must be everywhere considerably strengthened, and detach-
ments sent to guard, so far as possible, every exposed settlement.
Acting Commissary of Subsistence Swasey reports that he has no sup-
plies on hand for any additional force. There is no ammunition on
hand beyond what is needed by the companies to which it has been
issued. The great want is transportation. This want has caused all
our delays so far (coupled with the state of the routes), and the more
troops we have here the more it will be felt. No other conveyance
than by mules is possible in this country. The rates of hiring them
will increase in compound proportion to the increase of our need of
them. Forty mules are urgently needed at the three new posts to
transport the supplies of the scouting parties. Great delays will be
caosed as heretofore by seeking tip owners of mules, making contracts
with them, and then bringing the mules in to the point where needed.
Celerity will be the first requisite in these operations against the
Indians. I would suggest whether it would not be as economical to
purchase at once a sufficient number, even if they have to be sold after
the war is over at a sacrifice.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
F. J. LIPPITT,
Col. Second Infantry Galifomia Vok., Gomdg. Humboldt Mil. Dist.
M^. E. C. Dbum, U. S. Army,
Aasiata/nt Adjutant- Oeneral, Department of the Pacific.
Hbadquaetees Depabtmbnt op the Pacific,
San Francisco, June 5, 1862.
Brig. Gen. L. Thomas,
Adjutant- Oeneral U. 8. Army, Washington, D. C;
General: For the information of the War Department, I have the
honor to transmit herc-yith a report received from Col. Francis J. Lip-
pitt, Second Infantry California Volunteers, commanding the District
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CHAP.LXn.) OPERATIONS IN THE HUMBOLDT DISTRICT, CAL. 55
of Humboldt. The activity and zeal exhibited by Colonel Lippitt and
the troops under his command is highly commendable, and promises a
speedy termination of the Indian disturbances in that quarter.
Very respectftilly, your obedient servant,
G. WEIGHT,
Brigadier-Oeneral, U. 8. Army^ Commanding.
Headquabtbbs Humboldt Militaby Distbiot,
Fort Humboldt, May 20, 1862.
Majob : The following is a summary of my operations against the
Indians in my district since my last dispatch in April last :
On the 6th of April Captain Ketcham, with a scouting party of
Company A, Third Infantry California Volunteers, found near Yager
Greek the rancheria of the Indians that had previously robbed Cooper's
Mills of 2,500 pounds of flour. The Indians had just fled, leaving some
700 pounds of the flour, together with belting from the mills, mill files,
baskets, buUets, lead, shot pouches, bullet molds, &c., all which articles
were burnt, there being no means of packing them. On the 10th of
April a detachment of five men of Company E, Second Cavalry Cali-
fornia Volunteers, stationed near Cooper's Mills, on Yager Creek,
re-enforced by four or five citizens, went in pursuit of a band of some
forty Indians that had robbed the mills of some 3,300 pounds of flour
the night before. After a very difiBcult march to the northward of ten
miles they came upon a rancheria, where they found the flour, which,
having no means of packing, they destroyed, together with the lodges
and their contents. No Indians were seen as they had all fled on the
approach of the party. During a scout of Company F, Second Infoa-
try California Volunteers, commenced April 2 by Lieutenant Flynn,
three Indians near Trinidad, going toward the mouth of Redwood
Creek, where it was reported there was a band of some 200 hostile
Indians, were captured by him, to prevent their giving the band notice
of his approach. After being fully warned of the consequences of
their attempting to escape, they suddenly broke and ran in the same
direction they were going when taken. Lieutenant Flynn, who had no
one with him but the guide, instantly fired at them with his pistol.
One was killed on the spot; the two others escaped, one of them with
a bullet through his head.
On the 27th of April Captain Ketcham, of Company A, Third Infan-
try California Volunteers, returned to Fort Baker from a scout to
the southward of Van Dusen's Fork with twenty-four Indian prisoners,
all women and children except two young bucks. In attacking the
rancheria four Indians were killed, including a squaw shot by mis-
take. During the scout Captain Ketcham came upon a rancheria which
had been fortified by piles of logs around it, but which the Indians bad
deserted.
On the same day Lieutenant Staples, with a detachment of the same
company, came upon a large band of Indians by surprise (having pre-
viously managed to kill their scout or sentinel without giving the alarm),
killed 1.5 of them and took 40 prisoners, three of whom he left behind,
being unable to travel. On the 7th of May, instant, Captain Ketcham
reported eleven Indians as having come in at Fort Baker, eight bucks
and three squaws. He sent out two of them as runners to bring in as
many more as x>ossible, assuring them (under my instructions to that
effect) of protection. On the 14th of May, instant, Captain Ketcham
reported the return of ten men sent out by him as an escort to such
jQcUans as coaI<l be tbund by tbe rumiers willing to come in, with 19
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56 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. (Chap. Lxn.
backs, 24 sqaaws, and 16 children, making the total number of Indian
prisoners at Fort Baker 88. These, when they arrive at this post, with
the prisoners already heie, will make the totivl uamber of Indian pris-
oners about 170. On the 7th of May, instant, Lieutenant Flynn, with a
detachment of twenty men of Company F, Second Infantry California
Volunteers, then on a scout near Mad River, a few miles below Fort
Lyon, received a volley from a band of Indians in ambush. None of
the men were injured except the citizen guide, who was shot through
both thighs. The troops rushed in pursuit into the timber, which was
almost impenetrable from the dense undergrowth and chaparral with
which all tlie forests in the country are filled, but were not able to see
a single Indian, although they heard guns snapped in every direction
around them (thie caps having no doubt been spoilt by the then recent
rain).
On the 14th of May, instant, on Mad River, near Angel's ranch. Lieu-
tenant Flynn, then having fifteen men with him, "started at daybreak"
(I copy from his report) "and found a ranch of Indians about 7 a. m.
They saw me about fifteen minutes before I arrived at their ranch.
They crossed the river on their fish dam, and then cut it away, so that I
could not follow them over the river. They fought me about one hour.
I killed six of them. None of my men received a wound. The Indians
retreated up the hill. I then destroyed all their provisions, beds, cloth-
ing, &c. , All my men behaved admirably throughout the engagement.
I found a quantity of powder and gun-caps. There were alwut 150
Indians in this band, and it was useless for me to follow them with fif-
teen men. This is the tribe that murdered Mr. Bates, as I found some
of his papers in their ranch." Lieutenant Flynn then returned to Fort
Anderson, when Captain Douglas immediately left, with his whole com-
mand (Company F, Second Infantry California Volunteers) in quest of
the band with which Lieutenant Flynn had skirmished. It is not yet
known whether he has found them. On the 15th of May, instant, Cap-
tain Heiferuan, Company K, Second Infantry California Volunteers,
commanding at Fort Lyon, returned from a scout in which he had
destroyed five rancherias from which the Indians had fled before he
arrived, and killed 1 Indian and wounded 2 others, being the only
ones seen during the scout. The two wounded escaped, leaving behind
a powder-horn, which proved to belong to one of the men murdered by
the Indians on Bremen's ranch last November. These are all the
results actually obtained thus far, although the troops have been and
are still constantly and actively engaged in scouting in every direction,
through deep snows and pathless and almost impenetrable forests,
choked with undergrowth and brambles, and over a country consisting
entirely of lofty mountain ridges so steep as to render traveling alway.s
laborious and often dangerous. Escorts and expresses have been for
some time suspended. Nearly all the men of Captain Akey's company
have been called in as witnesses for the prisoners before the court-
martial.
The want of mules has caused the only interruption to active oper-
ations. In order that one-half of the effective men of every company
may be always in the field, there should be not less than sixteen mules
constantly at the disposal of each company. The country is so difiicult
that the men are compelled to pack their blankets and everything except
their arms. About twenty-five mules have already been purchased by
Regimental Quartermaster Swasey. I recommend that he be author-
ized to buy seventy-five more as soon as practicable. I am convinced
it would be a great saving to the Goverumeut, and at the same time
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CHAP. LXn.] 0PEBATI0N8 IN THE HUMBOLDT DISTRICT, CAL. 57
make oar operationB more effective, as great delays are constantly
occurring in collecting together a sufiBcient number of hired mules
when they are wanted, thus causing a great loss of time. I am catting
a trail from Fort Humboldt direct to the crossing of Yager Creek. By
the existing route the distance is twenty- five miles; by the trail, when
completed, it will not exceed fifteen, thus reducing the distance from
this post to Fort Baker ten miles, besides opening a path through
fifteen miles of dense forest hitherto unexplored by white men, but
known to be the haunt of many of those Indians who have committed
Bome of the late outrages. Elk Gamp is a settlement between Bed-
wood Creek and Klamath Biver, fifteen miles northwest of Fort Ander-
son. The Indians have recently made their appearance there and are
killing their cattle. The settlers are much alarmed and have sent in
for protection, and until it can be afforded have sent their families to
Areata. I have directed Captain Stuart, Second Infantry California
Volunteers, commanding at Fort Ter-Waw, to send a detachment there
of twenty men with an officer, and also to cut a trail direct to that
point from Fort Ter-Waw, thedistance being abouttwenty miles. When
this is completed it will open a short and sure line of communication
between Fort Ter-Waw and the posts to the south of the Klamath, which
is urgently needed. Company E, Second Infantry California Volun-
teers, just arrived, garrison this post. Company A, of same regiment,
I am mortified to say, arrived here in a state of entire disorganization,
owing solely to the continued drunkenness and misconduct of its com-
mander, Capt. Charles W. Smith, whom I have placed in arrest. Charges
against him will go down by this steamer, but his character and habits
are such as to render him unfit to remain one day longer in the service,
and I recommend that he be immediately discharged from it I have
sent his company to Yager Creek Crossing, under the command of First
Lieutenant Flyun, of Company F, Second Infantry California Volun-
teers, a very reliable young officer, who is as cool and resolute as he is
active and zealous.
I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
FBANCIS J. LIPPITT,
Col. Second Infantry Galifomia Vols., Comdg. Humboldt Mil. Dist.
M^j. B. 0. Deum, U. S. Army,
Assistant Adjutant- General, Department of the Pacific.
Headquartbes Humboldt Military District,
Fort Humboldt, June 10, 1862.
Majob: To make the record of military events complete to this
date, I have the honor to report what has transpired since my arrival
here day before yesterday.
On the 8th instant, at 6 p. m., McConaha's pack train of thirteen mules,
returning empty from Elk Camp, was suddenly surrounded at Fawn
Prairie, a piece of open ground seven miles above Liscombe's Hill, by a
band of some fifty Indians, all armed. The train had an escort of
three men from the det^hment at Liscombe's Hill. They returned the
Indians' fire, but the otlds being too great, were compelled to retreat as
speedily as possible, and the whole train was therefore captured. The
detachment of twenty men from Fort Gaston at Liscombe's Hill had
been reduced by the calls made upon it during the events of the last
two days to only five men, barely sufficient for a camp guard, so that
no pursuit could be made from that post. I could furnish no troops
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58 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Chap. Lxn.
from this post, having scarcely enoagh to gaard the prisoners here, but
I sent au order to Fort Gaston to re-enforce Liscombe's Hill with twenty
more men. All the private trains for the northern mines are now
awaiting at Areata the arrival of that detachment in order to obtain
escorts. Yesterday afternoon some Indians appeared near the Eel
River Honse, three miles this side of Hydesville, and twenty miles
from the post, but in an opposite direction from the scene of the pres-
ent hostilities, and shot a settler there named ]^ecce; whether fatally
or not is not yet known. The settlers there are alarmed, and have
just sent to me for troops. I shall send a detachment there the moment
there is any number of men returned from the field. Before going to
San Francisco, I had sent Company A, Second Infantry California Vol-
unteers (late Captain Smith's), to take post at Yager Creek, just beyond
Hydesville, for the protection of that neighborhood as well as other
puri)oses, but the urgent call from Mattole Valley had induced Colonel
Olney to send fift«en men of that company thither, and the sadden out-
break on Mad Biver on the 7th instant made it necessary, in his opinion,
to order the remainder of the company to proceed in that direction. I
am every moment expecting the return of some of the troops from the
field, or at least a report of their whereabouts. If I hear nothing
from them by to-morrow morning, I shall send out in quest of them
and direct the immediate return of a sufficient force to protect Areata,
which is in an exposed situation, and therefore iu some danger of being
attacked. The whole number of Indian prisoners now at this post is
257. Exclusive of the garrisons at Fort Bragg and Fort Ter-Waw,
which are virtually out of reach, the whole number of effective men for
garrison and field duty in this district is at present about 400, while the
field of operations extends over about 2,700 square miles of the most
difficult country on the face of the globe. The numerous settlements
to be protected are scattered over a zone embracing about 2,000 square
miles. I am doing the best I can with the materials I have, whatever
opinion the people here may have upon the subject. Under existing
circumstances the general commanding the department will no doubt
approve of my delaying for the present to send a company to Bound
Valley, in Mendocino County. I shall do so as soon as the settlements
around the bay are in comparative security. The detachment at Elk
Camp from Fort Ter-Waw, the garrison of which is ordered to Smith's
Biver, will be relieved by another from Fort Oaston. I inclose a requi-
sition from Captain Gibbs, Second Infantry California Volunteers,
commanding Company E, for 10,000 rounds of ball cartridge. I hope
it will be answered without delay, as Captain Gibbs has but 200 rounds
on hand. A portion of it I can have ■ divided with other companies
that may be in want.
I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
FRANCIS J. LIPPITT,
Col. Second Infantry California Vols., Comd^, Humboldt Mil. IHst.
Maj. R. C. Drum, U. S. Army,
Assistant Adjutant- General, Department of the Pacific.
Headquaetees Humboldt Military Disteiot,
Fort Humboldt, June 25, 1862.
Majoe : By the official report* of Lieutenant Myers, Third Califor-
nia Volunteer Infantry, received June 12, 1 find that the three soldiers
'See June 11, p. 85>
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CHAP. Lxn.] OPERATIONS IN THE HUMBOLDT DISTRICT, CAL. 59
of the Second Oalifomia Volunteer Infantry who formed the escort of
the train attacked and captured by some Ofby Indians at Fawn Prairie,
instead of retreating at once kept up a fire on the Indians from a log
hut for about half an hour. A concentrated fire upon the hut, which
was penetrated by the bullets, obliged them to retire. On the Slst of
May Lieutenant Staples, Third California Volunteer Infantry, in a
scout on Eel Eiver, surprised a party of twenty or thirty Indians,
attacked and routed them, killing I buck and capturing 12 squaws and
children. The Indians were armed and returned the soldiers' fire. On
the 10th of June the same oflScer returned to Fort Baker from a scout
in which be had captured thirty-seven Indians. I have full reports
from all the detachments ordered out by Lieutenant-Colonel Olney
before my return Jiere. They all show the most active and zealous exer-
tions on the part of both officers and men in quest of the Indians, but,
as was to be expected, made without siuccess, as the Indians on com-
mitting an outrage invariably scatter in every direction, not over any
trails by which they may be tracked, but through the dense timber
and chaparral. Captain Ketcham, Third California Volunteer Infan-
try, discovered a small rancheria, which he attacked, killing one Indian.
The men had so much difBculty in penetrating through the brush that
the rest had plenty of time to escape. The zeal and exertions of Cap-
tain Douglas, Second California Volunteer Infantry, cannot be too
highly praised. He is now ill of a fever caused by fatigue and expos-
ure and disappointment in not finding the Indians.
On the 6th [7th] of June Lieutenant Hubbard, Second California Vol-
unteer Infantry, in a scout with twelve men and seven citizens in Mattole
Valley, about seventy miles from this post, attacked a party of Indians,
killed or inortally wounded 6, and took 6 prisoners; the rest escaped.
Two of the killed were recognized as among the worst and most danger-
ous Indians in that section of country, and one of the prisoners (a boy
only twelve years old) was identified as having stolen some arms and
ammunition some time before. Lieutenant Hubbard very properly, in
my opinion, spared the boy's life, but he reports that he has great diffi-
culty to prevent his being shot down in his own camp, a reward of $100
being offered for his scalp. Among those Indians now at this post who
came in voluntarily and delivered themselves up on my pledge of protec-
tion is a Bear Eiver Indian named Bob, who it now appears killed a white
man in October last. On examining into the case I find that it was in
self defense against a party of white Indian killers who had attacked him.
But apart from this, deeming it both wrong and highly impolitic to take
his life under the circumstances, I have directed him to be simply kept
in a cell until he can be sent away, the partner of the man killed assur-
ing me that he is a dangerous Indian, and that his life would not be
safe unless he were closely guarded. I have now over 300 Indian pris-
oners at this post and some thirty-five soldiers in confinement awaiting,
some their trials, others their sentences. The guard-house is full, and
so weakly built that several prisoners have already broken through it
and escaped in spite of all the precautions taken. Additional means
of securing prisoners are absolutely necessary according to the post
commander's official report to me. He asks for twenty pairs of hand-
cuffs and ten balls and chains. As none can be bought or properly
made here, I respectfully refer his request to department headquarters.
Continued scouting through brambles and brush has left a large num-
ber of the men without pants. Some twenty-five or thirty of Company
F, Second California Volunteer Infantry, for example, are reported to
be so entirely destitute as to make it impossible for them to leave the
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60 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. tCHAP-tXlt
camp, however urgently their services may be needed. As Begimental
Qnartenti aster Swasey has none on hand, I shall direct him to purchase,
if possible, such a nomber as is absolately needed, trasting that a sup-
ply -will be sent here from below at the earliest possible moment. A
farther supply of shoes will also be needed very soon, they being rap-
idly used up by men in the tteld.
I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
FRANCIS J. LIPPITT,
Col. Second California Vol. Infantry, Comdg. Humboldt Mil. Dist.
M^. E. C. Drum, TJ. S. Army,
Assistant Adjutant- General, Department of the Pacific.
P. S. — After having waited for the "Steamer for a Ipng time in vain.
Lieutenant Uanna sent down the court-martial records in the cases
already completed yesterday by mail.
Heabquaetees Humboldt Melitaby Disteiot,
Fort Humboldt, \July 12, 1862].
Ma joe: About two weeks since Loball's ranch and the mail station
on the Van Dusen River were attacked and destroyed oy Indians. A
detachment of Company A, Second Infantry California Volunteers, then
stationed on Yager Creek, a few miles distant, went immediately in pur-
suit, but returned in a few days without h avin g succeeded in finding them.
A few days since a band of ten Indians attacked and robbed the house of
one Cutterback, about two miles from Cooper's Mills, where there is a
small detachment of the Second Cavalry California Volunteers, which
on being informed of it hurried to the spot; but the Indians bad escaped
before their arrival and our men were not able to find them. Mrs. Cut-
terback was slightly wounded in the side by a rifle-ball. In all these
attacks the Indians found fire-arms and ammunition, which was prob-
ably their chief object. Night before last four citizens were attacked
by a party of Indians in ambush on Mad River eight miles beyond Fort
Baker. One of them was killed. Another, who was wounded, crawled
into the woods and has not yet been heard of. The other two escaped.
One of them carried the news to Fort Baker, where I doubt not Captain
Ketcham promptly took such measures as the occasion required. On
the 2d of July Lieutenant Gonnisson, of Company E, Second Infantry
California Volunteers, returned from a scout with thirty-five Indian pris-
oners. A few days since Sergeant Wyatt with adetachment of Company
K, Second Infantry California Volunteers, stationed at Camp Olney,
on Mattole River, returned to camp from a scout in which he had killed
1 Indian and took 7 prisoners. The number of Indians now confined
at this post is 365. Several have died, probably owing to the close con-
finement, to which they are unaccustomed. Owing to the freshet it
was impossible for the troops to get to their camps in the interior until
the 20th of March. As some indication of the activity they have dis-
played since that time, I beg leave to state that the number of reports
of scouts already received is forty-three, and that most of them were
scouts of fifteen days each. In consequence of Captain Akey's former
requisitions for aunuinition not having been answered, I have been com-
pelled in one or two instances to authorize the purchase of powder and
lead when his men had to be sent into the field. I inclose a fresh requi-
sition from him. I am happy to state that the discipline of Ooaipany
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CRAP. UOIl OPERATIONS m THE HUMBOLDT DISTEIOT, CAL. 61
A, Second Infantry Galifomia Yolonteers (formerly Captain Smith's),
is now completely restored. That company under its new commander
(Captain Flynn) has relieved Company K, at Fort Lyon. First Liea-
tenant Hubbard, of Company K (now here as witness before the court-
martial), is stationed at Camp Olney, on the Mattole Kiver, about forty
miles south of this place, with a detachment of his own company. I am
uniting the scattered detachments of that company and sending them
to that station, where a full company is urgently needed, the settle-
ments in Mattole Valley being quite numerous and the Indians there
being in great numbers and roving about in large bands. I am now
satisfied that all that Company K wants is a good commanding officer,
and I intend to give Lieutenant Hubbard ample opitortunity to- show
whether he can become one. Captain Heffernan is still at Fort Lyon in
attendance ui>on his sick wife. I am about to direct him to turn over
his company property to Lieutenant Hubbard. A full statement of the
matters charged against him as going to show his unfitness for command
will be sent down by me per next steamer, unless in the meantime he
sboold tender his resignation, which I do not expect he will do.
I have the honor to be, very respectfiilly, your obedient servant,
FEANCIS J. LIPPITT,
Col. Second Infantry California Vols., Comdg, Humboldt Mil. Dist.
Maj. R. 0. Dexjm, U. S. Army,
Aatistant Adjutant- General, Department of the Pacific.
Heabquabtees Huhboldt Militaey Distbiot,
Fort Humboldt, August 4, 1862.
Majob: Minor's is on the north side of Bed wood Creek, on the trail
from Areata to Fort Gaston. Descending the river toward the ocean
from Minor's to Fort Anderson, Captain Douglas' post, it is one mile;
thence to Whitney's ranch four miles; thence to Albee's, four miles,
and thence to Elk Camp, seven miles. Fell's and Williams' are between
Albee's and Elk Camp. Some time since a detachment of twenty men
was sent from Fort Gaston to Elk Camp, where it relieved a detach-
ment of Captain Stuart's company ordered to Smith's Biver. Eight of
these were detached to Albee's, where they erected a stockade defense.
At Whitney's ranch, four miles above Albee's, on the 28th of July, Mr.
Whitney had with him two hired men, an Indian boy and Corporal
Kennedy and two men of Company F, Second Infantry California Vol-
unteers, whom Captain Douglas had been obliged to leave behind, they
having given out t^om fatigue during a scout. One of the hired men hav-
ing been fired at by an Indian early in the forenoon, he was sent down to
Albee's to report the fact. After he left a large band of Indians sud-
denly surrounded the settlement, killed Mitchell, the other hired man,
and Private Campbell, of Company F, and mortally wounded Mr. Whit-
ney himself, who died the next morning. The Indians took from
WhitnejT and Mitchell their two guns and a revolver. Corporal Ken-
nedy, with Private Lee and the Indian boy, bravely held the house
(on which fifty bullet holes were afterward counted), continuing to
return the Indians' fire till their departure, which was sudden, being
caused, apparently, by the approach of Captain Douglas with a detach-
ment, not, however, till they had burnt the barn, which was near the
house. What loss was sustained by the Indians is not known, as they
always carry away their dead and wounded when practicable. Mr.
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62 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Chap. LXn.
Whitney told Captain Douglas before he died that there were 300 of
them, all well armed, and Corporal Kennedy's and Private Lee's state-
ments are to the same efl'ect, but the number is probably much exag-
gerated. Captain Douglas had arrived that, forenoon at Albee's, four
miles below, with a detachment of twenty men that was with him on a
scout. The men were much fatigued, having Just completed a long and
hard march through bogs and streams. On arriving Captain Douglas,
being informed of the appearance of the Indians at Whitney's, imme-
diately double-quicked his detachment to that place, the last part of
the route on the run. The Indians had retired before his arrival, tak-
ing a direction that would lead them to Albee's. The captain therefore
immediately sent back Lieutenant Noyes with ten men to Albee's to
re-enforce that small post. His remaining ten men were too much
exhausted to pursue the Indians. The next day Privates Osgood and
Eobey, of Captain Akey's company, two of our express riders, were
fired upon by Indians in ambush about two miles below Albee's. They
received some fifteen shots in all. At the first fire Osgood was shot
through the body and Bobey's horse was wounded, but not seriously.
Bobey exchanged fire with an Indian close to him, but without injury
to either. They managed to get through to Albee's, thence to Fort
Anderson, where Osgood now is. He is expected to recover. The
next day a band of about forty Indians attacked Neil's ranch, on Bed-
wood Creek, between Albee's and Elk Camp, wounding a man named
Miller, then living there with a squaw wife, and killing his squaw and
child, Miller making good his escape. They also burnt Williams' place
adjoining. On the first report coming in of these outrages I sent
orders to the nearest posts to re-enforce Captain Douglas and co-
operate with him as he might require, of which the captain was
notified. He has availed himself of these orders, and is actively and
zealously engaged in the pursuit of the Indians, and in affording such
protection as he can to the settlements on Bed wood Creek. Last year
a party of white Indian killers attacked an Indian ranch. The Indians
defended themselves. In the fight an Indian called Bob, whose brother
had just been shot dead, killed one of the white assailants named
Parker. This Bob was one of the Indians who have come in volunta-
rily and surrendered themselves, relying on my promise of protection.
Parker's friends have obtained a warrant against him for murder, and
the sheriff has been here to execute it. I refused to give him up on the
ground of his being a prisoner of war.
I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
FBANCIS J. LIPPITT,
Col. Second Infantry California Vols., Cotndg. Humboldt Mil. Dist.
Maj. B. C. Drum, U. S. Army,
Assistant Adjutant- General, Department of tiie Pacific.
Hbadquabtebs Humboldt Military District,
Fort Humboldt, August 10, 1862.
Major : M^or Curtis arrived here on the 7th instant with Companies
B and C, Second Infantry California Volunteers. Company D had been
landed at Fort Bragg. The steamer that carries this will undoubt-
edly take down Captain Moore's company of Third Infantry Califor-
nia Volunteers, stationed there, as they have long been ready to embark.
Fort Baker is at such a distance that it will require eight days to bring
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Cntr. LXn.] OPERATIONS IN THE HUMBOLDT DI8TEICT, CAIi. 63
Captain Ketcham's company here. It will be ready to embark in the
next steamer, as will also Captain Johns' company. The latter com-
pany would have been ready by this steamer but for the recent attacks
by the Indians on the settlements near Kedwood Creek, which made it
impossible to call in the detachment of twenty men of that company at
Elk Camp under Lieutenant Anderson, as I had intended to do. The
three companies from the north arrived here much reduced. Company
O has only sixty men, having lost thirty by desertion on the march from
Fort Oolville. Company D lost forty men in the same way, having
only forty left. Company B numbers fifty-nine, including a detach-
ment of nineteen men left at Umpqua, and expected here in the next
steamer. Lieutenant Staples, TMrd Infantry California Volunteers,
has returned from his pursuit of the five men under sentence who had
deserted, as reported in my last letter. He succeeded in finding and
bringing back three of them, Kelly, Smithy, and Brennan. Company
E, Second Cavalry California Volunteers, left here for Bed Bluff on the
6th instant. They would have left on the 4th but the mule train did
not arrive here till the evening of that day. Lieutenant Daley is in
command. Unfortunately, a few days before, Captain Akey had a per-
sonal difQculty with a citizen at Eureka, who most grossly insidted
him, the result of which was that the captain was bound over in the
sum of $1,500 to appear and answer for an assault before the court
of sessions here on the second Monday of this month. Proceedings
have been taken within a day or two by which his appearance is post-
poned to the second Monday of October next. Captain Akey will there-
fore proceed by this steamer to join his company by the way of San
Francisco, and will probably arrive at Red Bluft' before his company
reaches there. Of course, in order to save his bondsmen and his honor.
Captain Akey will be obliged to appear before the court here on the
second Monday of October, even if he should have to resign in order to
do so. I trust that the convenience of the service will allow such
arrangements to be made as will enable him to fulfill his obligation.
Instep of twelve surplus saddles. Captain Akey found he haS only
five to turn over. Seven more will be absolutely necessary for express
purx)oses. So citizen can now be hired to carry dispatches at any
price unless we furnish him an escort, and if we must send an escort,
we may as well send it without the citizen and save the expense. Our
need of regular expresses is so urgent that I shall probably have to
order the purchase of seven more saddles without waiting to hear from
below. On the 4th instant Lieutenant Fairfield returned here with a
detachment of Company K, Second Infantry California Volunteers, and
forty Indian prisoners, most of themi bucks. The whole number of
Indians now at this post is 462. At Fort Baker, where twelve more
warriors of Las-Sic's band have just come in, 212; total, 674. On the
night of the 6th instant a party of about thirty Indians attacked a Mr.
Dnmphreys on the trail four miles from Fort Gaston. A shower of bul-
lets pierced his clothes, his saddle, and his mule. He escaped through
the dense undergrowth . to Fort Gaston. Colonel Olney immediately
sent out small detachments in every direction, some scouring the woods
while others were lying in ambush. They returned the next day, hav-
ing found only the tracks of the Indians, which they traced into the
thicket, where they were lost. Lieutenant Swasey having been ver-
bally informed by you that a leave of fifteen days to my adjutant.
Lieutenant Hanna, would be approved by the department commander,
he goes down by my permission on this steamer, without waiting for
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64 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. (Chi». LXH.
the reply to his written application, as his services can be better spared
for the next fifteen days than at any other time.
I Lave the honor to be, very respectfully, yonr obedient servant,
FRANCIS J. LIPPITT,
Col. Second Infantry California Vols., Comdg. Sumboldt Mil. Dist.
Maj. R, C, Drum, U. S. Army,
Ansistant Adjutant- Oeneral, Department of the Pacific.
P. S. — Lieutenant Hanna has leave till the steamer of September 5.
Headquarters Humboldt Military District,
Fort Humboldt, August 31, 1862.
CoLOirEL : In the afternoon of the 15th instant I received information
of a band of Indians having taken possession of a timbered point of
land on the coast about forty-live miles from this post, and abont
twelve above Trinidad, where they had attacked parties of travelers,
and where they were supposed to intend to remain in order to cnt off
all communication with the settlements above. I immediately repaired
to Camp Curtis, two miles beyond Areata; took with me Captain
Schmidt's company (B, Second California Volunteer Infantry) aud pro-
ceeded with it the same evening to Trinidad, where we arrived at day-
break. The people of Trinidad were much alarmed ; were expecting an
attack every hour; had placed all their women and children in a brick
store, and a loaded cannon in the main streer. All the domestic
Indians in the place were at once put on an island and watched, to pre-
vent their giving information of our march. We lay by at Trinidad the
whole of that day, and at dark commenced our march for the point
where the Indians were stated to be. The night was pitchy dark, and
as the march was conducted in the most perfect silence, there was
nothing to betray onr approach. At daybreak we arrived on the beach
about one mile below the destined point. I made the men lie down
behind the trunk of an enormous tree that was lying on the beach, and
proceeded onward with a guide, a packer, aud Lieutenant Campbell, with
a citizen overcoat thrown over him. If the Indians had fired on us we
should have retreated in such a manner as to draw them into the
ambush prepared. We passed by the timbered point a third of a mile
or more, but no Indians made their appearance. The command was
then ordered up, and was employed for some time in examining the
timber and the brush between the beach and Redwood Camp, a ranch
three miles inland, which the Indians had attacked and burnt some
three days before, and whither, it was supposed, the band had now
gone, i^om the direction of a few fresh tracks we found on the beach.
One-half of the command under Captain Schmidt was sent round to the
same point by another trail. We camped that day at Redwood Camp
to allow the men to get some sleep. In the afternoon three Indian
scouts came within a few hundred yards of the camp to reconnoiter.
On their being seen and reported by the sentry, Lieutenant Campbell
was hastily dispatched with ten men to capture them. On being pur-
sued the Indians scattered and ran into the forest in different directions.
Captain Schmidt and Lieutenant Campbell, each with a detachment
deployed as skirmishers, dashed into the woods after them, while I
posted myself with the remaining nine men as a reserve in a central
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CHAP. LXU.) OPERATIONS IN THK HUMBOLDT DISTRICT, CAL. 65
position, \rLence I could see the whole ground, keeping the* men con-
cealed in the brash. After an exhausting chase through undergrowth
and chaparral almost impenetrable the detachmeuts were obliged to
return without having succeeded in finding the Indians or their tracks.
We remained at Eedwood Camp the whole of the next day, when a
detachment was sent out and scoured the country around iu every direc-
tion, but no Indian, or sign of one, was to be seen. The following day
we marched to Elk Gamp, on the other side of Redwood Creek, where
Lieutenant Anderson had been lately posted with twelve men, which
place, from a report made by him as he was on the point of evacuating
it, there was some reason to believe was now in possession of the Indians.
On approaching the spot such dispositions were made as would have
insni^ the capture of the whole band if they had only been there; but
again, as before, no Indian or Indian sign was to be seen. The next
day we marched to Whitney's, on Redwood jCreek (the place of the
recent attack), passing by Albee's, where, also, we had supposed we
should find the Indians in possession. The next day we crossed the
Redwood and marched to Bates', near Mad River, by the way of Elk
Prairie trail, said to be frequently crossed by Indians, but neither at
any of these places, nor on our return to Areata the following day, had
we the good fortune to find any Indians or any Indian sign.
The distance marched by the troops on this seven days' scout was
eighty miles, fully equal to 140 miles over ordinary roads. I cannot too
highly praise the good order, silent marching, and discipline of Captain
Schmidt's command during the entire scout. I regret to report that
Private Kershaw was accidentally killed during the first night march.
He belonged to the rear guard of eight men who had been obliged to
scatter in order to pick their way over a swamp. Shortly afterward he
was advancing from a piece of brush to rejoin his detachment. It was
quite dark, and the sergeant in command, after challenging him three
times without a reply, supposing him to be an Indian, fired and shot
him dead on the spot. On the 20th instant (two days before my return
from the scout) an Indian trail was accidentally discovered by some
citizens who were in pursuit of two white men. Following it they were
led near a camp of some twenty-five Indians, bucks and squaws included.
They returned to Areata, organized a party of eighteeu citizens, which,
accompanied by Lieutenant Anderson and twelve men of Company D,
Third CaUfomia Volunteer Infantry, and Lieutenant Johnson with five
men of Company F, Second California Volunteer Infantry, that hap-
pened to be at Areata on duty, came op with the band at daylight.
The citizens, Lieutenant Anderson's party, and Lieutenant Johnson's,
were in separate detachments, and posted themselves so as to cut off the
Indians' retreat. In the short skirmish that ensued six Indians were
said to have been killed ; two of these are reported by Lieutenant John-
son to have been killed by his detachment, which also wounded three
others. From Lieutenant Anderson I have had no report. One of the
citizens was killed. "Five guns," Lieutenant Johnson reports, "were
captured; also 2 bows and a lot of arrows. One of the guns was a
Yager, captured by us last spring from the Indians and retaken by the
Indians when Whitney's place was bunied."
On the22d instant Lieutenant Campbell was sent by Captain Schmidt,
with eleven men of Company B, Second California Volunteer Infantry,
to accompany a party of citizens from Areata, who had started to find
a band of Indians said to be encamped somewhere on Little River, using
as a guide a squaw who had escaped from one of the settlements recently
5 B B — ^VOL L, PT I
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66 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Chap. LXII.
attacked.* On arriTing at the point where the sqaaw had last seen them
no Indians were to be foand and no tracks could be discovered. After
consultation the two parties separated, Lieutenant Campbell, with nine
of his men and two of the citizens, proceeding down the river to its
mouth, whence they returned to camp without finding any Indian sign ;
the remainder of the citizens, together with three soldiers (including
Private Bacon, of Company I, Second California Volunteer Infantry,
one of the two wounded in the attack on Daley's Ferry), went up the
river. This latter party, after a few hours, came upon an Indian trail,
which they followed up till it brought them to within 200 yards of the
band, whose proximity was discovered by the barking of a dog. As
soon as there was light enough to see they attacked them, killing, it is
said, some twenty-two bucks and unintentionally five or six squaws.
Among them was a white man, who was either killed or wounded, but
who was dragged away .by the Indians and has not been since seen.
Some seven rifles were taken and other articles of property, all of which
have been since identified as having belonged to settlements which had
been previously attacked and plundered. Lieutenant Johnson, in rela-
tion to the first skirmish, and the citizens in relation to the last one,
speak of the behavior of the soldiers in the highest terms of praise.
From the slowness, uncertainty, and expense of the communications I
have deemed it advisable to place the troops to the north of Redwood
Creek, under the immediate command of Lientenant-Colonel Olaey, who
is stationed at Fort Gaston. Under previous verbal instructions from
me Lieutenant-Colonel Olney has succeeded in making an arrangement
with the Hoopa chiefs to furnish us Indian guides to enable us tc find
the hostile Indians. I had been endeavoring to accomplish this before
Colonel Olney's arrival there, but without success, owing to the limited
authority of the three principal chiefs. Colonel Olney has managed to
induce the seventeen sub-chiefs to consent to the arrangement, which
many of them were before unwilling to do. These sub chiefs were all
present at the making of the treaty, a copy of which I have the honor
to inclose, as also that portion of Lieutenant-Colonel Olney's letter
which relates to it. If these guides are furnished us agreeably to the
treaty, I consider it the most important step that has been taken toward
the completion of the war, the only difficulty we have had being to know
where to find the Indians. The number of Indian prisoners now at this
post is 724; the number at Fort Baker is about 100, among others the
chief, Say-Winne, with some of his band. There has been lately unusual
sickness among the Indians here, and sotne deaths have occurred, caused,
according to Brigade Surgeon Egbert's ofiicLil report, by the want of a
vegetable diet, to which they are mostly accustomed. Doctor Egbert
reports that to check it potatoes and salt will have to be issued to them,
in addition to the rations of flour and meat, and that beans are not at
present a suitable diet for them. I have taken the responsibility of
ordering accordingly. I trust that my action in this will be approved,
as well as in directing the purchase of two mules over and above the lOO
I had express authority for. The last lot of eight, containing some riding
mules, much needed for express purposes, being l>ought at remarkably
reasonable terms, and the owner refusing to sell less than the entire lot.
In my previous letters I have spoken of Captain Ketcham and Lieu-
tenant Staples, of Company A, Third California Volunteer Infantry, in
terms of praise. It would be unjust to Second Lieutenant Ustick, of
the same company, to omit to say that we all consider him one of the
most soldier-like, energetic, and efficient of all our volunteer officers.
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CHAP. LXli.j OPERATIONS IN THE HUMBOLDT DISTRICT, CAL, 67
and one who, with a little experience, would prove an invalaable acqui-
sition to the regular service.
I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
FRANCIS J. LIPPITT,
Col. Second California Vol. Infantry, Comdg, Humboldt Mil. Dist.
Lieut. Col. K. 0. Drum, U. S. Army,
Assistant Adjutant- Oeneralj Department of the Padfie.
No. 2.
Reports of Lieut. Col. James N. Olney, Second California Infantry.
Headquarters Humboldt Military District,
Fort Humboldt, June 8, 1862.
Major : I have the honor to report that on the 6th instant, at 4 p. m.,
the house or hotel at Daley's Perry, on Mad River, about five miles from
Areata, and on the most constantly traveled trail, was attacked by a
band of Indians, some fifty or sixty in number, all well armed with
rifles and shotguns. There were but two soldiers stationed there, as
the owner deemed it hardly necessary to have any guard so near to
town, and on a public highway. The Indians openetl the attack by a
volley from the brush. Private Bacon was wounded iu the groin at the
first fire, but he and his comrade, Private Wyatt, rushed to the house
and commenced firing from the windows. Daley also ran to the house,
but leaving his family behind, be seized his rifle and fled to his boui
in the river. Our soldiers, thus left alone, directed the women and
children to endeavor to reach the boat, and they would remain and keep
the Indians at bay. The family were successfiil iu making good their
escape to the boat, when our men, keeping up their fire, retired slowly,
both being now wounded and faint from the loss of blood. Wyatt only
was able to reach the boat. Bacon concealed himself behind a log iu
the brush, and from that position saw and counted twenty-seveu
Indians who entered the house, pillaged and set it on fire. The party
in the boat were immediately flred upon by about twenty Indians on
the opposite bank. An old lady (Mrs. Dausken), mother of Mrs. Daley,
was struck by three balls and killed. Mrs. Daley was wounded in the
arm, and Private Wyatt was again wounded, and in the arm under
the shoulder, the ball grazing his breast, he being iu the act of firing.
His first wound was in the groin, and similar to that of Bacon. They
were then forced to put back to the shore, escaping into the brush.
Mrs. Daley struggling along with two children at last fell from exhaus-
tion, upon which her husband cowardly abandoned her, throwing his
infant that was in his arms into the bushes and making for Areata.
Some Indians came up to Mrs. Daley, robbed her of her rings and
purse, and said they would not "kill white squaw." The brave woman
made another effort and walked some distance ; then taking off some of
her clothing wrapped it around the two eldest (two and three years
old), hid them in ^e bushes and kept on, carrying her infant in her
arms, one of which was torn open from the elbow to the wrist by a rifle
bullet. She was rescued at last by people from Areata who came out
for the purpose, and who by her directions found the children calmly
sleeping at about 2 a. m. Our wounded men were also found, and are
now iu the hospital at this post, their wounds, though severe, not proving
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68 OPEEATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Chap. LXn.
daogcrous. A hired man is misBing and sapposed to be killed, and
the Indians carried off a nephew of Mrs. Daley, about five years old.
I beg leave most respectfully to bring to the notice of the general com-
manding Private Joseph N. Bacon, Company I, and Private Henry H.
Wyatt, Company H, Second Infantry California Volunteers, for admir-
able coolness and bravery under the most trying circumstances. I
omitted to mention that the soldiers finding themselves disabled put
their arms out of the reach of the Indians, one hiding his musket in
the brush the other throwing his piece into the stream.
I have the honor to be, most respectfully, your obedient servant,
JAS. N. OLNEY,
Lieut. Col. Second Infty. Cal. Vols., Comdg. Humboldt MU. Di»t.
Mty. H. O, Drum, U. S. Army.
Atiistant Adjutant- General, San Francisco.
Hkadquabtbbs Humboldt Militabt District,
Fort Humboldt, June 8, 1862.
Majob : I have the honor to report that on the 26th ultimo I ordered
a detachment from Company A, Second Infantry California Volunteers
(stationed near Hydesville), across Eel Biver to Eagle Prairie, in pur-
suit of Indians committing depredations in that locality, firing npon
settlers and robbing the house of one Hazeltine of arms and ammuni-
tion. After a four days' scout the detachment returned unsuccessful,
the character of the country rendering it almost impossible to track
the Indians. On the 29th ultimo I was called upon by a deputation
from Mattole Valley, about fifty miles south of this post and near the
coast, urgently requesting, in the name of some sixty families, mostly
women and children (the men having gone to the mines), that a force
should be sent for their protection, the Indians having commenced
their depredations, killing cattle and robbing ranches. Another mes-
senger arrived the same day stating that a party of settlers had been
fired upon, and bringing two petitions for aid, numerously signed, one
from Mattole Valley and one from Knshka, eight miles south of Mattole.
where a large number of cattle are ranging, of which the savages hau
killed over 100 head the few days previous. Of the limited force at my
disposal I could only spare fifteen men of Company A, Second Infantry
California Volunteers, who were immediately dispatched under com-
mand of Lieutenant Hubbard. Up to this date no report has been
received from this detachment.* There is no doubt a larger force is
required in that important part of the district, but under present cir-
cumstances it is utterly impossible to send more troops to that point.
On the 30th ultimo I received a request for an escort to bring in forty-
nine Indians whom some citizens of Mattole had se<-ured and who were
on the way to this post. A small detachment of cavalry was dispatched
at once, and tliree days since they were brought in safely. They are
mostly squaws and children. There is one chief among them, and five
or six other bucks. There are now en route to this post from Fort
Baker 110 Indians of the Eel Biver tribe, captured at various times by
Captain Ketcham's command, Company A, Third Infantry California
Volunteers, who have been very zealous and successful in inducing the
Indians to come in. In this he has been efficiently aided by Lieutenant
Staples of the same company. Upon the arrival here of thiB party
there will be at this post nearly 300 Indian prisoners.
* Bat see Hubbard's report, Jnne 20, p. 73.
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CHAP. I-xn.] OPERATIONS IN THE HUMBOLDT DISTRICT, CAL. 69
T have also the honor to report that on the 6th instant, at midnight,!
received a dispatch from Areata, eighteen miles north of this post, that
the house or hotel at Daley's Ferry, on Mad River, five miles from
Areata, had been attacked at 4 o'clock that p. m., and that Mrs. Daley
and two children and two of our soldiers were killed. Within thirty
minutes Lieutenant Davis with a detachment of twelve men of Com-
pany E, Second Cavalry California Volunteers, were on the march for
the ferry.
On the 7th instant, at noon, information reached me to the effect that
Lieutenant Davis' command was engaged in fighting a large well-armed
band on Mad Biver, three miles only from the town of Areata, and
required re-enforcements. I immediately ordered all the available
force at this post to march, and twenty men of Company E, Second
Cavalry California Volunteers, under Captain Akey, and twenty men
of Company E, Second Infantry California Volunteers, under Ac^atant
Hanna, started at once for the scene of action. This force I myself
accompanied. Upon arriving at Areata I learned that the Indians
having left Daley's Ferry had passed down the river about two miles,
and were in the act of burning a house when Lieutenant Davis' detach-
ment arrived. Firing commenced between the parties from opposite
sides of the stream, here about 400 yards wide; the Indians, some fifty
of them well armed and stationed upon a high bluff, thus having the
advantage in position. After a half hour's fight the cavalry dashed
across the river and the Indians broke and fled. Lieutenant Davis fol-
lowing in pursuit. Finding we were too late for the fight, I ordered
forward the detachments to co-operate with Lieutenant Davis and then
returned to this i)ost, my duties here precluding a lengthened absence.
On the same day I issued and forwarded orders for detachments from
Companies A, F, and K, Second Infantry California Volunteers, and
Company A, Third Infantry California Volunteers, to move immediately
from their different posts, so directing their march as to cut off if pos-
sible the retreat of the Indians to the mountains. Captain Douglas,
Company F, Second Infantry California Volunteers, a most efficient
officer, was ordered to taike command of the various detachments in the
field, and I hope will be successful in exterminating this formidable
band, said to number over 100, and who it is believed have been the
principal actors in most of the recent outrages in the central portion of
this district. Up to this date nothing definite has been heardfrom the
expedition, except a few penciled lines from Captain Douglas, stating
he believed he had cut off their retreat. The chances, however, are
against success. The familiarity of the Indians with all practicable
outlets, and the exceeding diflBculty, only to be appreciated by personal
experience, of troops operating in these dense forests, render it probable
they will escape. I beg respectfully to refer the general commanding
to my communication of .this same date, containing the particulars of
the affair at Daley's Ferry. I beg respectfully to report that the
limited number of troops at this post renders it impossible to detail a
sufficient guard (in addition to that required over the many general
prisoners in the very weak guard-house) to safely keep the large body
of Indians now here and constantly accumulating. This fact, together
with the frequent complaints from the Indians that white men, soldiers,
and others, were nightly having intercourse with the squaws (a knowl-
edge of which prevented many Indians at large from coming in), ren-
dered it in my judgment necessary to take measures to suppress this
evil, and at the same time secure the safe custody of the Indian pris-
oners. Accordingly I ordered the construction of a circular corral,
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70 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. fCHAP.Lxn.
DOW completed, eighty feet in diameter aud ten feet high, to be built of
two-inch plank twelve feet in length, standing upright, and two feet in
the ground. The cost will not probably exceed $150, and the plank
will be perfectly available for other purposes in the future. I trust my
action in this matter may be approved by the general commanding, as
it seemed absolutely required iu view of the facts above stated, and of
the facility with which all these Indians, collected at so much expense
by the Government, could at any hour of the night break for the dens©
forest 100 yards distant, and in five minutes thereafter be beyond
pursuit.
I have the honor to remain, your most obedient servant,
JAS. N. OLNEY,
Lieut. Col. Second Infty. Gal. Vols., Comdg. Humboldt Mil. Dist.
Maj. R. C. Drum, U. S. Army,
Assistant Adjutant- General, San Francisco.
No. 3.
Reports of Capt. Charles D. Douglas, Second California Infantry.
FOET Anderson, April 6, 1862—3 a. m.
Sir : I have just got into camp after returning from an Indian fight
which took place about one mile from this post, on the hills east of us.
About 5 o'clock this morning the sergeant of the guard reported to m©
of six shots being fired upon the mountain east of camp. I had the
camp under arms without beat of drum in five minutes, and sent Lieu-
tenant Johnson with five men up to Minor's, with orders to turn to the
left above Minor's and follow up the creek that joins the main creek at
that point. I took seven men with me up the mountain. After leaving
camp two packers came to meet me. They told me that the Indians fired
on them, and were then burning their train. I took them as guides and
started for their camp. When I came in sight I saw five or six men
around the fire, but could not make out whether they were Indians or
whites, as the fog was so very heavy, aud daylight not being very strong
as yet. I watched them a little around their fire and found out they
were Indians. Just as they saw us I fired ou them, wounding 2 and
killing 1. They then broke and ran, myself and men after them. They
got into the woods, when one of them turned and took a good aim at
me when I was giving orders to my men. His ball passed through my
glove. I had the right-hand glove in my left, and through this glove
the ball went, nearly hitting Sergeant Hoalton, a few steps behind
me. I fired at him. He fell wounded, but got away. The sergeant
found where he left some blood, but we could not find him. They burned
the train and carried away a great amount, though they had to aban-
don their packs. They threw Government tobacco and all kinds of stuff
away, as we were too closet© allow them to pack anything with them.
The Indian that was killed had a U. S. minie rifle and plenty of balls.
I am unable to follow them far from here, as I must have force enough
to protect this post and Minor's. I have but ten men able to do duty;
the rest are sick. I think more force should be here. If I had twenty
men able to march after them I would surely get every one of the band.
Mr. Johnson saw about twenty Indians, and to follow them up with five
or six men would be folly. I will, however, go as far as possible to-day.
I would be glad to see a party of thirty or twenty men here, if possible,
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Cau-.LXn.) OPEEATIONS IN THE HUMBOLDT DI8TBICT, CAL. 71
to-morrov night, as we should not allow this band any time to rest, but
follow them all the time until they are killed, every man of them.
I have the honor to be, sir, your obedient servant,
0. D. DOUGLAS,
Captain, Commanding Fort Anderson.
Colonel LippiTT,
CommandiTtg Humboldt Military District.
These are Hoopa Indians, so the hospital steward tells me. He knows
by the one killed.
Excuse haste, as I am going out.
FoBT Anderson, July 29, 1862,
Sib: I have the honor to report that I left this post on the 24th
instant, with twenty men, to scout for Indians from this post to near
Elk Gamp. I have faithfully scouted the country lying between Fort
Anderson and Elk Camp, and from Redwood Creek to Pine Creek;
thence to Tully Creek down to where the line passes dividing the Bed-
wood Indians from the Hoopa Indians, but without seeing any Indian
or any new sign. This morning about daylight I sent Lieutenant
Noyes round by the Elk Camp trail to Albee's, taking the men with me
up Redwood Creek to that point. I followed the bed of the creek,
scouting along both banks when that could be done. I had a very hard
march indeed on account of so much water being in the creek this far
down. I got to Albee's about 12 m. without finding any sign on the
creek later than what Captain Flynn saw when he was there in April.
On my arrival at Albee's a man met me there from Whitney's, three
miles above. This man informed me that when he was just leaving
Whitney's an Indian came out from the woods near the house and fired
at him. He (white man) rode ofi" without waiting for the second shot.
I forthwith ordered my men forward on double-quick, and from that to
a run. When I arrived at Whitney's I found his barn burned, himself
mortally wounded, his hired man dead, and also one of my company,
Private Campbell, dead. The Indians were nowhere to be seen, and
my men were so much run down, they being in the water all day, that
it was impossible for me to follow the Indians, and being so many of
them I was afraid they would attack Albee's; indeed, judging by the
road they left Whitney's, they were heading so as to come out above
Albee's house, and the eight men there would not be able to protect the
family against 300 well-armed Indians. I ordered Lieutenant Noyes
and ten men to post themselves in the house until further orders. I
left ten men and a sergeant at Whitney's to remain until Mr. Whitney
either dies or is moved by his friends. I have my hospital steward
attending him at present. I have brought Private Campbell's body to
this post for interment. There were six men at Whitney's during the
attack, of which three were men of my company left there by me, as
they were sick. Corporal Kennedy and Private Lee, Mr. Whitney, and
an Indian boy they had there state tliat there were no less than 300
Indians around the house. Corporal Kennedy and Private Lee deserve
much praise, for it is owing to their conduct that there are any of them
alive at all. They kept the house and fired on the Indians from the
upper part of the house. Had Mr. Whitney and the others taken the
corporal's advice there would have been no deaths, I am certain, which
was, after the first fire, to keep in the house. The Indians kept quiet
some half an hour after they fired the first shot, and Whitney thought
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72 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST, (Chap. LXIL
they had left, so himself and his hired man, Mitchell, went ont to
the field to work, and both of them were shot. Private Oampbell
went ont also against the corporal's orders, and was killed ere he got
five steps from the door. I have just heard from Hoopa that a certain
Indian there said this band intends burning all the houses and killing
all the men on Bedwood Greek this week. I have my company in so
many places that I have no force to scout with at present. In fact, I
do not see that scouting parties can do any good in the field so long as
we have good summer weather, but tbey can protect the few families
now left as well as the trails for travelers. I will wait further orders
here.
I have the honor to be, your obedient servant,
C. D. DOUGLAS,
Captain, Second Infantry California Volunteers.
First Lieut. John Hanna, Jr.,
Adjutant Second Infantry California Volunteers,
Aetg. Asst. Adjt. Oen,, Humboldt Military IHstriet.
No. 4.
Report of Lieut. Henry Flynn, Second California Infantry.
Fort Anderson, May 15, 1962.
Sir: I have the honor to report to you the return of the detachment
under my command which left this post on the Ist instant for the pur-
pose of scouting for Indians. I left Fort Anderson on the 1st of this
month with twenty men and fifteen days' provisions. I sent my pack
train direct to Long Prairie, and taking my men I proceeded up Hed-
wood Greek about seven miles above this place. I then crossed the
creek and searched some very suspicious caQons, which lie between
the creek and Bald Mountain, but could not find any signs of Indians.
I camped at Long Prairie this night. The second day I scouted the
country in this vicinity. The third day I went down the North Fork of
Mad Eiver and encamped on a prairie that runs down to the river from
Liscombe's Hill. The fourth day I scouted in this vicinity. The fifth
day I proceeded down the North Fork to the trail that leads to Angel's
ranch from Bates' ranch. Remained here until dark, and then went to
Groghan's ranch. Sixth day 1 divided my command in small parties,
and scouted in all directions for trails, as I had good reasons to believe
that there were Indians about here. Seventh day I continued the
search. I returned to the ranch at 3 o'clock with a few men that were
with me, and while my men were eating their dinner a band of Indians
crawled up within fifty yards of us and fired a volley at myself and the
guide, wounding the guide very badly. The Indians being in the tim-
ber, it was impossible to see them. I rushed into the timber after them,
but they retreated at a double-quick. I continued the search the 8th
and 9th. The tenth day I found some fresh signs at the month of Maple
Creek, on Mad River, about three miles from Fort Lyon. The eleventh
day returned to Groghan's ranch. The twelfth day put four days' rations
in our haversacks and returned to Mad River. Continued on down the
river, finding an occasional ranch that had been vacat«d but a short
time. The thirteenth day continued on down the river. The four-
teenth day I started at daybreak and found a ranch of Indians about 7
a. m. They saw me about fifteen minutes before I arrived at their
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Cbap. LXII.] operations in the HUMBOLDT DISTRICT, CAL. 73
ranch. They crossed the river on their fish dam, and then cut it away,
so that I could not follow them over the river. They fought me about
one hoar. I killed six of them. None of my men received a wound.
The Indians retreated up the hill. I then destroyed all their provis-
ions, beds, clothing, &c. All my men behaved admirably throughout
. the engagement. I found a quantity of powder and gun-caps. There
were about 150 Indians in this band, and it was useless for me to follow
them with fifteen men. This is the tribe that murdered Mr. Bates, as I
found some of his papers in their ranch.
I have the honor to remain, very respectfully,
H. FLYNN,
Mrst Lieutenant, Second Infantry California Tolunteera.
Capt. C. D. Douglas,
Commanding Fort.
No. 5.
Report of Lieut. Charles O. Hubbard, Second California Infantry.
Upper Mattole, Camp Olney, June 20, 1862.
Sir : I have the honor to report that in pursuance of Special Orders,
No. 65, with a detachment of fifteen men from Company A, Second
Infantry California Volunteers, I marched from Camp Swasey on the
Slat day of May, and arrived at my present camp on Mattole Kiver on
the 5th day of June, 1862, stopping one day in Lower Mattole for rest,
and to ascertain the most eligible position for me to operate from in
order to fully carry out the scope and intentions of the order above
referred to, and the letter of instructions accompanying the same. My
present camp was selected by me after due consultation with those
appearing to me to be best acquainted with this valley, and, from care-
ful examination and extended scouts, I am satisfied that my present
location is the very best that could have been selected for the present,
being convenient to Kushka and the coast, Lower Mattole, and the
country on Bull Creek, South Fork of Eel River, and Eel Biver. The
day after my arrival at this camp, I started with twelve men of my
command and seven citizens, with ten days' rations, to scout and pur-
sue the band of Indians who have heretofore been committing most of
the depredations in this neighborhood, and on the 7th of June, about
7.30 p. m., with a portion of the command, were successful in discov-
ering and attacking a ranch of Indians on a small branch of the
Mattole River, about twenty miles southerly from camp, and in an
almost inaccessible canon, the ranch containing about twenty Indians,
large and small, killing 4 Indians, and mortally wounding 1 buck and
1 squaw, and taking prisoners 3 squaws, 2 children, and 1 boy about
twelve years of age, the balance escaping in the darkness. Unfortu-
nately they were discovered too late in the day to capture the largest
portion of the band, some ten bucks and as many squaws having left
for Eel River a few hours before; among those killed being an Indian
named Joej the murderer of Mr. Wise, who was killed last fall in this
valley, taking from his person a Colt revolver, recognized as the prop-
erty 01 one of the citizens of this valley, and another of tlie killed, an
Indian named Jim, who was a leader in the robberies of Messrs. Porter's
and Aldrich's houses, and described as one of the most vicious charac-
ters of the gang of Indian thieves who infest this valley; the boy now
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74 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Chap. LXn.
a prisoner being the one who robbed Mr. Brizeiitiue a short time ago
of two guns and two pistols, ammunition, &c., he having been domes-
ticated up to that time, a reward of $100 is offered for his scalp, and
it is only by the closest attention that I can prevent his being shot
down even in camp — killing, mortally wounding, and capturing all the
bucks in the ranch at the time, and all of them having been active par-,
ticipants in the robberies lately committe<l ; finding also in their ranch
a coat and other property, including a Government overcoat and an ax,
•recognized as the property of Messrs. Porter, Aldri(!h. and others, and
discovering also iu another ranch (deserted) a double-oarreled shotgun
which had been bid by the Indians. Mr. Langdon's house, and also the
house of Mr. West, in Lower Mattole, it is reported, have been robbed
merely of guns, everything else being untouched. If it is so, it is by a
roving band of some five or six Indians, who are now doing most of the
damage in this immediate vicinity, and looking for arms and ammuni-
tion ; but their known and outsjioken sympathy for the Indians leads me
to believe that the public charges against them that they are furnishing
arms, ammunition, and subsistence to the Indians may, to a certain
extent, be true, and that the Indians, if they obtained their guns, did
it by collusion with them. At any rate, I shall believe such to be the
case until I have more positive information to the contrary. So far as
I can ascertain, all the Indians in this portion of the country are hostile;
in fact, will ever be so, so long as there are no active and vigorous steps
taken to put an end to cold-blooded murder, kidnaping, and treachery.
These are in my opinion the sole causes of all these difficulties with the
Indians, more especially iu this portion of the country and on Eel Eiver.
Gold-blooded Indian killing being considered honorable, shooting
Indians and murdering even squaws and children that have been
domesticated for months and years, without a moment's warning, and
with as little compunction as they would rid themselves of a dog, and,
as I am informed, one man did, beating his own child's brains out
against a tree and killing the squaw, its mother, for no other reason
than that he had no means else of disposing of them, and to keep them
from falling into other persons' hands. Human life is of no value in this
valley, and law seems only to be i-espected so far as it is backed by
visible force. It is well known that kidnaping is extensively practiced
by a gang who live in the neighboring mountains, but the difficulty is
to obtain absolut« and positive proof, so as to insure a conviction under
the statnte of this State, which, as if not sufficient of itself as a crime,
is coupled with other barbarities, murder, rape, &c., which no pen can
do justice to. If the Indians are hostile they will always be so until some
stringent measures are taken to protect them, and to wipe out the per-
petrators of these most horrible crimes against humanity. With such
examples before them going unpunished what guaranties from the
Government can they depend upont
I send to Fort Humboldt seven Indians, among them a young Indian
girl, taken by me from one supposed to be an Indian stealer, she being
found by him, as he says, wandering in the mountains. She was stolen
by the Indians from Mr. Langdon when his house was robbed. I have
also with me a squaw and child, taken from Mr. Pritehard, an old man
living near my camp with his wife and two young daughters, he keep-
ing the squaw and being, as he has generally and publicly held out, the
father of the child. The squaw, however, was taken by me on suspi-
cion of furnishing information, arms, and ammunition to the Indians,
she having also been in the mountains under suspicious circumstances
for a number of days and against my positive instructions to Mr.
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CBAP. LXII.J OPEBATIONS IN THE HUMBOLDT DI8TE1CT, CAL. 75
Pritchard. Explicit instructions for my guidance in such cases would
greatly assist mo and settle questions which are becoming rather
embarrassing to me. As a general thing I am pleased to say the citi-
zens of TJpiJer Mattole have rendered me all the assistance in their
power, accompanying me on each scout, acting as faithful and efQcient
guides, furnishing me with such transportation as they hiid. Messrs.
Tewksberry, Brown, Pritchard, Lafferty, Mann, and others, being con-
stantly with me and fiirnishing me with useful information, and it is
now suggested by them that with the two Indian guides now at Fort
Humboldt, named Joe and Charley, who acted as guides for the citi-
zens last falL we would be very likely to be successful in getting in
many of the Indians voluntarily. With ample assurances reaching the
Indians in such a way as to claim their confidence, I believe much can
be done, and it is believed that with those two Inaians much could be
accomplished. ^ The detachment from Company A, Second Infantry
California Volunteers^ now with me, I cannot but speak of in the
highest terms of praise for their promptness, obedience, energy, and
endurance; in fact, exhibiting thus far every soldierly quality, and
under many trying circumstances for beginners, bearing up without
murmur and with great cheerfulness, I have no fault to find and
believe that there can be no better men in the regiment. This section
is, in my opinion, the finest field in the whole district for operations
against the Indians, and which can be most successfully carried out
from this direction, but in order to do so, a detachment should always be
kept in the field of at least fifteen men. Plenty of occupation can be
found for a whole company, with which the Indians, if not captured en
masse, would be so hemmed in as either to be picked up in detail by
Captain Ketcham, Lieutenant Staples, or the command from this direc-
tion, surrender at discretion, or be driven into the sea; escape would be
imiK)ssible. If driven in from the coast by different detachments from
the coast at the same time (as can easily be done) and met from the Eel
Eiver direction by other detachments, the nature of the country is such
that in my opinion immense success would be inevitable, and this is
based upon personal acquaintance and examination of the country,
both on Eel River and on the coast. This valley and its vicinity has
always been the back door to let the Indians out from Bel River when
hard pressed from that direction ; but with so small a command and
scarcity of transportation scouts as a matter of necessity are both in
time and number limited, and of doubtful success. I would call atten-
tion to the necessity of prompt and early supply of rations, which
should be so arranged as to arrive at least ten days before the previous
supply is supposed to be exhausted, in order to provide against contin
gencies, such as having prisoners to provide for, as I have had from
the 7th of this month, cutting our rations down to such an extent that
we are now without a pound of flour, coffee — in fact, everything except
rice. I would also call attention to the fact that there are no means of
communication with Fort Humboldt, except by the trains arriving
here with provisions, or by chance some citizen. One express per week
wonld be a vast accommodation, so that communication could be had
with headquarters if necessary.
I remain, your most obedient servant,
CHARLES G. HUBBARD,
First Lieut., Second Infantry California VoU., Comdg. Detachment.
Col. FBANOIS J. LiPPITT,
Commanding Humboldt Military District.
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76 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. ICmtr.VSin.
No. 6.
Report of Lieut. Parish B. Johnson, Second California Infantry.
FOKT Andeeson, August 23, 1862.
Acting Assistant Adjutant-Geheeax,
Humboldt Military District:
SiE : I have the honor to herewith transmit the official report of Sec-
ond Lieut. P. B. Johnson, Second Infantry California Volunteers, of a
skirmish with Indians on Light Prairie, August 21, 1862.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
0. D. DOUGLAS,
Captain, Second Infantry California Volunteers, Commanding Post.
Port Anbbeson, Cal., August 23, 1862.
. SiE : I have the honor to report that while on detached service with
my pack train at Areata, Gal., on the evening of the 20th instant, the
citizens informed me that the camp of a band of Indians had been dis-
covered about six miles from town on what is known as Light Prairie,
and that a company of the citizens proposed to attack them at day-
light. I immediately volunteered my services with Sergeant Tuttle
and Privates Ensign, Shepherd, Stewart, and Weaver, and our guide,
Sam Overlander, to operate in conjunction with the militia under the
command of George W. Ousley. At 11.30 o'clock we started from
town. The expedition consisted of thirty citizens, twelve men of
Company D. TLird Infantry California Volunteers, under charge of
Lieutenant Anderson, and myself and command. About daylight we
separated into four parties and proceeded to surround the Indian camp.
Myself and men were stationed about 250 yards from the camp. When
it became light enough to see the sights on our guns the party of citi-
zens, called the attacking party, numbering eighteen men, with double-
barreled shotguns, commenced firing. The Indians, who were packing
up their things, broke and ran down the prairie across the line of sight
of my men. My men and self fired and ran after them. The Indians
only fired once or twice in return. The engagement lasted about thurty
minutes, and I am happy to state that my men killed or wounded every
Indian that attempted to run past them. One of the citizens — James
Brock, our former guide, an honest, brave, and good man — was shot
through the heart while engaged in a scuffle with an Indian, the pow-
der from the revolver burning his flesh. Of Indians it is reported that
six were killed. I saw two killed by my own men, and saw their bodies in
the afternoon. Five guns were captured; also two bows and a lot of
arrows. One of the guns was a Yager, captured by us last spring from
the Indians, and retaken by the Indians when Whitney's place was
burned. The Indian camp was a new and temporary one — a provision
camp. They had killed a large steer the day before and were drying
the beef. The Indians did not number to exceed, at the very largest
estimate, twenty-five bucks and squaws. The camp was located on a
small spring stream in the edge of the prairie, which is covered with a
high and dense growth of fern.
During the afternoon of the same day I returned with a party of
citizens to the prairie and found evidence to lead us to the belief that
the Indians had returned duriug our absence and carried off all the
wounded and dead save two. One of the citizens says he recognized
the language of the Indians as that of Mad River. Mr. Ousley says
that he heard the Hoopa language while spying out their camp the
vening before.
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CHAP. LXII.] OPEKATIONS IN THE HUMBOLDT DISTBICT, CAL. 77
I cannot speak too highly of the coolness, gallantry, and daring of the
five men of Oompany F, Second Infantry California Volunteers, with
me on that morning.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
' P. B, JOHNSON,
Lieutenant, Second Infantry California Volunteers. ■
Oapt. C. D. Douglas,
Second Infantry California Vols., Comdg. Fort Anderson, Cal.
No. 7.
Reports of Capt. Thomas E. Ketcham, Third California Infantry.
FoBT Baker, Cal., April 14, 1862.
SiB: I have the honor to report that on the morning of April 3, 1862,
I left the post with thirty enlisted men for a scout against the Indians.
Having received information from Mr. Beed through Faulkner, the
Government packer, that there was a band of Indians in the Bedwoods
near his (Beed's) ranch, I directed my march to a secluded point on
what is known as Abbott's ranch, between the North Fork of the Yager
and another small stream which empties into it from the east, and about
three miles north of Beed's ranch, behind a high mountain. From
thence I sent out a small scouting party in charge of the guide for the
purpose of tracing the Indians if possible. The scout was out all day
and returned in the evening, reporting an abundance of old signs, ten
deserted rancherias, but no sign less than a week old. At an early
hour on the morning of the 6th, left camp with twenty-five men of the
command, deterinined to thoroughly examine the Bedwoods in the neigh-
borhood of the Main and South Yager Creeks, the men carrying their
rations in their haversacks. At 7 a. m. crossed over to the west bank
of the Yager, and after marching about four miles discovered fresh
Indian tracks coming toward us. We followed the trail and found
that the Indians had crossed the Yager about half a mile below the
mouth of the South Yager. Not seeing any tracks of squaws or chil-
dren, I concluded that it would be well to try and take their camp, and
then meet the Indians on their way back and surprise tliem. We then
took up the march for tlieir camp, which wo discovered about one mile
distant, but entirely deserted. The ground around the camp was cov-
ered with tracks, big and little, giving evidence that a large band had
been encamped there but the day before. We felled a tree across the
Yager and passed over with the intention to cut them off if possible.
After marching about two miles through the brush and timber struck
the trail going east. We followed it up across the South Yager and
up and along the mountain side, in many places so steep that the men
could scarcely maintain their footing, until we came to a small prairie,
where I halted the men for a few moments to allow them to take breath.
The guide had scarcely stepped out of the timber before he was
observed by a squaw, who ran to give the alarm. We endeavored to
intercept her, but without success. The m^ority of the men, with
myself, pushed on as fast as we possibly could, but did not get a
glimpse of an Indian with the exception of the squaw, and of her all
that was seen was her head and basket, and that but for a moment.
The guide with a number of the men pursued down the mountain side to
the creek, whilst a number of the men with myself deployed forwartl
in pursuit, but without success. They fled, leaving everything behind
th«m th»t oould embarrass their flight. There were 17 parts of sack-
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78 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Chap. LXII.
of flour with the brand of Cooper's Mills, with qaite a quantity of
empty sacks, 5 mill files, a piece of belting, 40 or 60 pistol ballets, some
lead, a powder flask, ballet poach, 2 ballet molds, fish nets, spear
heads, some deer skins, and some 13 large baskets, besides small ones
which I did not count, the most of which property I destroyed, not
being able to carry it away. It was very mortifying to me that they
should elude my grasp, but upon an examination of the ground it was
easily accounted for. The Indians were sitting down about 250 yards
from where we entered the open ground, whilst they had their spies in
such positions that it was almost impossible for any enemy unacquainted
with the ground to get a shot at them. From their number (from fifty
to sixty) and the stories that were told by citizens about the Indians
desiring to fight the white men, I was led to the belief that we should
get a fight. We encamped that night at some old raucherias about a
quarter of a mile in the timber to the east of the open ground. In the
morning we again endeavored to obtain some trace of the Indians by
which we could follow them up, but in vain. . We then took up our
march in a northerly direction over the ridge, through heavy redwood
timber and thick brush, without being able to see any more sign than a
place by a large redwood where an Indian family had slept some months
since. We traveled about four miles and reached our camp. The day
following camp was broken up. The command marched over to the
Weaverville and Eel Eiver trail, passing through a thousand-acre field,
and camped at Ross* ranch, on th^ trail, about one mile above Large's.
April 9, camped at Reed's ranch. April 10, scouted through the tim-
ber on the south side of South Yager, down to where the Indians had
crossed on the 6th, then took a southerly course, coming out on the
Weaverville trail about three miles to the west of Reed's, arriving in
camp about 5 p. m. ^o Indian sign whatever, except that made on the
6th. From Reed's we proceeded to Grizzly Gulch. Scouted through
there without seeing any fresh sign. From Grizzly Gulch marched to
the Middle Fork of the Yager. Scouted over some fifteen miles of the
neighborhood to the eastward and northward without being able to
discover any Indians or Indian sign in the vicinity. On the morning
of the 13th took up the march for Fort Baker, arriving there at 6 p. m.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
THOS. E. KETGHAM,
Gapt, Third Infantry California Vols., Comdg. Fort Baker Dist.
Lieut. John Hanna, Jr.,
Aotg. Asst, Adjt. Oen., Humboldt ^il. Dist., Fort Humboldt.
Fort Baker, Cal., April 27, 1862.
Sib : I have the honor to report my return to the post this afternoon
from a successful scout. We have killed 3 Indians and I squaw (who
was mistaken for a buck), and have 24 prisoners, big and little, amongst
them two boys, respectively sixteen and eighteen years of age, who
were found secreted after the firing ceased, and were without weapons.
If it meet the views of the colonel commanding, I would respectfully
request that their lives be spared, as it will be likely to have a tend-
ency to induce others to surrender. I will forward a more detailed
account in the course of a day or two.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
THOS. E. KETOHAM,
Captain, Third Iitfantry California Vols., Comdg. Fort Baker.
Lieut. John Hanna, Jr.,
Actg. Asst. Adjt. Oen,, Humboldt Mil. Dist., Fort Humboldt, Cal.
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Chap. LXn.] OPEEIATIONS IN THE HUMBOLDT DISTRICT, CAL. 79
Fort Baker, Cat., April 28, 1862.
Sra: In parsaanceof orders received from district headquarters a
detacbmeDt of twenty-five enlisted men of Company A, Third Infantry
California Volunteers, nnder the command of Captain Ketcham, left
the post on the afternoon of the 23d instant in pursuit of a band of
Indians who had been liilling cattle in the neighborhood of the McEntee
Crossing, on the Van Dusen Kiver. The detachment made camp near
the edge of the Redwood, about three miles below the crossing at 10 p. m.
On the following morning found the Indian trail leading into the Red-
woods; traced the trail across the Van Dusen, up the mountain side
until dark, when we encamped. On the 25th instant followed the trace
over the mountain, across the mail trail toward the mouth of Larrabee
Creek. About 3 p. m. discovered a large ranch which had been fortified
by felling trees around it, but the Indians had deserted the ranch two
or three days previously. We finally succeeded in finding the trail
about dark, when we encamped. At daybreak of the 26th had the
men up, and after breakfast started upon the trail, coming upon the
Indians about 9 a. m. encamped in a deep ravine near Eel River. There
were 3 Indians and 1 squaw killed, 2 boys, 11 squaws, and 11 children
prisoners, two bucks and one squaw escaping. On our march home-
ward in the afternoon discovered fresh Indian tracks crossing the mail
trail toward the Van Dusen. Detached ten men from the command,
leaving fifteen to guard the prisoners to McEntee's Crossing. Followed
the trace to the Vnn Dusen, where we lost it. Not being able to regain
the trace, started for camp at McEntee's Crossing, which we reached at
9 p. m., on our way finding the ranch which had been reported by Mr.
Gray. The ranch had been deserted some days. The detachment
with the prisoners arrived at Fort Baker the afternoon of the 27th
instant. .
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
THOS. E. KETCHAM,
Captain, Third Infantry California Voh., Comdg, Fort Baker.
Lieut. John Hanna, Jr.,
Actg, Asst. Adjt, Oen., Sumboldt Military District.
Fort Baker, Cal., May 14, 1862.
Sib : I have the honor to report the return of the detachment of ten
men sent out from this post on the morning of May 11, 1862. They
brought with them fifty-nine Indians besides the three runners sent out
with the command, to wit, nineteen bucks, twenty-four squaws, and
sixteen children, making in all eighty- eight now at the post. Thedetach-
ment was sent out under orders to proceed to some eligible spot near
Lai-rabee Creek and Eel River, and from thence to send out runners
and collect as many Indians as possible and bring them to the post.
They were to remain out six days, but if they could accomplish the
object which I had in view in less than the six days, to return as soon
as" that object was accomplished. At 10 a. m. May 13 the detachment
camped near Eel River and immediately sent out runners in different
directions. The runners returned to camp early this morning, bringing
with them the Indians above mentioned. The runners report that the
rest of the Indians had run off. The most of them had gone up South
Fork of Eel River, having been scared by a large number of soldiers
(Lieutenant Hubbard's command, I presume), who were near the mouth
of Larrabee Creek. The runners could not be induced to go out again
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80 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Chap.LXH.
for fear the soldiers would shoot thein, and also stated that the Indians
could not be found for several days. Under these circumstances the
camp was broken up and the detachment, with the prisoners, returned
to this post. I am very much disappointed with the result obtained,
for I had good reason to expect at least 150 Indians to be brought to
the post. I would respectfully represent to the colonel commanding
that since Lieutenant Hubbard has been sent into my district it is no
more than just to me that I should at least be informed of his move-
ments. His scout upon Eel River at the present time will, I think, be
found to be productive of more evil than benefit. The Indians upon
Eel River generally have been desirous to come in, but were afraid to
trust the whites. In pursuance of instructions, I have promised them
protection, and many of them were waiting for me to send over some
soldiers to protect them on the way to the post, when they say that
seeing soldiers that they knew were not mine, they took to flight with
the exception of the few above mentioned. There are eight of thebucks
who came in to-day who have squaws and children at the fort, and are
very anxious about tbeni. I have promised them that the whites shall
not interfere with their squaws, and that they can go down to the fort
in a few days. I desire to know if the colonel commanding desires to
have Las-Sic's band called in, or whether I shiill pursue him, I have
been informed that the Indians are very troublesome around Kneeland's
Prairie. Will I be justified in sending an expedition there! I am sat-
isfied that my plan of employing Indian runners will be found to be of
gi'eat utility, both in calling Indians in and in hunting those who do
not come in. I have seen enough of trailing Indians to convince me
that an Indian can follow a trail when a white man would be completely
at fault.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
THOS. E. KETCHAM,
Captain, Third Infantry California Volunteers, Comdg. Post.
Lieut. John Hanna, Jr.,
Actg. Asst. Adjt. Oen., Humboldt Mil. Dist., Fort Humboldt, Cat.
FoET Humboldt, Cal., June 23, 1862.
Sib : I have the honor to report that in obedience to Sjiecial Orders,
No. 05, headquarters Humboldt Military District, I crossed Mad River
in command of thirty men of Company A, Third Infantry California
Volunteers, and thoroughly scouted the country from the mouth of
Pilot Creek to within two miles and a half of Fort Lyon and from
the summit of the mountain to Mad River. On the filth day out we
captured two young boys and forced them to lead us to their ranch.
We found that the ranch had been deserted the day ])reviou8. Took
the trail from the ranch; marched until dark, when I discovered an
Indian fire on the opposite side of the river. As soon as the moon rose
the men were put in motion, marched until daybreak, when we crossed
the river, attacked the ranch, killed one Indian, and two got away.
The brush around the ranch was so thick that it was with great diffi-
culty that the men forced their way through and greatly facilitated the
escape of the Indians. During the attack upon the ranch one of the
Indian boys made his escape. We afterward succeeded in finding the
trail of the entire band of Indians about five miles from Fort Lyon
and tracked them across the river without being able to overtake them.
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CHAP. Lxn.] 0PERATI0M8 IN THE HUMBOLDT DISTRICT, CAL. 81
Having been infonned by Captain Heffeman that my detachment bad
been ordered back to Fort Baker and my provisions being nearly oat,
■we marched back to Fort Baker, arriving there at 5 p. m. on the ninth
day from the time that the command left Fort Baker. We experienced
very unfavorable weather for some days during the scout.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
TH08. E. KETOHAM,
Captain, Third Infantry Cali/omia Voh., Comdg. DeUuskment.
Lieut. John Hanna, Jr.,
Aelg. As»t. Adjt. Gen., Humboldt Mil. Bist., Fort Humboldt, Cal.
Port Bakbb, Cal., July 11, 1862.
Sib: I have the honor to report that two citizens residing in the
neighborhood of the fort (Messrs. Lyle and Gray) came to the post yes-
terday morning and informed me that a party of citizens had been
attacked by Indians the previous evening while encamped on the
Weaverville trail near the crossing of Mad River, and one person
killed — ^Mr. Lyons, of Eel River, and Mr. Olmstead, of Eureka, badly
wounded. I started for the scene of attack with fifteen men, leaving
five men to follow with the mule train, for the purpose of rendering
whatever assistance it was in my power to render. We arrived near
Mad. River about 2.30 p. m., and found Mr. Olmstead ui)on the trail
with a number of citizens who had already arrived and rendered snch
assistance as they could under the circnmstances. Mr. Olmstead had
been shot through the thigh and one shot had lodged in his hip, and
be was suffering severely. I directed a detail of the men to bear him to
Yager Creek ^ttlement (Doctor Phelps, of Hydesville, had already
been sent for). I then proceeded to the camp and there saw the body
of Mr. Lyons lying near where the camp-fire had been. Mr. Lyons had
been shot through the face and body. The Indians after killing him
had stripped him entirely naked, cut his throat, and taken out his
heart; his right hand was also burned off. The body of Mr. Lyons was
wrapped in blankets and put njwn a mule by the citizens, for the pur-
pose of b^g delivered to his friends for burial. It appears that the
party, consisting of Messrs. Olmstead, Adams, Grounds, and Lyons,
with an Indian boy, were on the way to Weaverville with cattle, and
had encunped near the trail and were engaged in cooking their supper
when the Indians, having crawled up a ravine leading from the river,
opened fire upon the whites at a distance of about fifty yards, firing
some 100 shots, with the result before stated. Mr. Olmstead, wounded
as he was, succeeded in making his escape to a pile of driftwood in the
river, to which place he was pursued by five or six Indians, but fortu-
nately Mr. Olmstead succeeded in securing a position from which with
his six-shooter he was enabled to kill one Indian and drive the rest off.
Mr. Grounds succeeded in screening himself amongst the rocks until
midnight, when he made his way toward Yager Creek Settlement. Mr.
Adams arrived at Yager Creek Settlement about daylight yesterday
morning and gave the information to the settlers there. The Indians
also killed three horses, two on this side of the river and one on the
east side, which was cut up and carried off with them (the horse on the
east bank of the river). Mr. Hoagland, who came from Hay Fork yes-
terday, saw the trail of the Indians where they had come down from
the mountain and had gone back toward the head of Grouse Creek.
6 B B — ^VOL L, PT I
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82 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. (CHAP.LXn.
Judging from the namber of the Indians and the manner in which they
are armed, and the direction from which they came, I am satisfied that
it is the same band that committed the oatrage at Daley's Ferry a short
time since. I have been informed that the band, after making the
attack upon Daley's Ferry, went to the headwaters of Mad Eiver, and
I presume that they now are on their way back to the Bedwoods. The
Indians captured two revolvers — one six-shooter and one seven-shooter.
Mr. Olmstead being a very heavy man, I found it necessary to detail
three reliefs of four men each to carry him to the settlement. I could
not, therefore, attempt to pursue the Indians, even had I the time to
do BO.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
THOS. B. KETCHAM,
Captain, Third Infantry Caiifornia VoU., Commanding Post.
Lieut. John Hanna, Jr.,
Aotg. Asst. Adjt, Gen., Humboldt Mil. Dist., Fort Humboldt, Cal.
Report of the operations of Company A, Third Infantry California Vol-
unteers, Capt. Thomas I!. Ketoham, in the field, &e., during the month
of July, 1862.
FoET Baeeb, Cal., August 1, 1862.
July 1, 1862, Oaptain Ketebam left the post with fifteen enlisted men
on a scout against the Indians in the Bedwoods, near Iteed's ranch.
Sergeant Jones with a detachment of nine men left the i)ost the same
day under orders to proceed to Kettenshaw and endeavor to call in or
capture Las Sic and his band of Indians. July 4, Oaptain Keteham
having thoroughly scouted in the neighborhood of the South Yager
Greek, and down to the junction with the main Yager about two miles,
when, finding Indian signs proceeding up the creek, followed up the
tracks for nearly two days, when, losing the trail and not being able to
recover it, struck for Thousand-Acre Field, from thence to the post.
July 5, Sergeant Jones with detachment of nine men returned to the
post; did not succeed in finding any Indians. July 10, two citizens
(Messrs. Gray and Lyle) came to the post and stated that a party of
four citizens who were on their way to Weaverville with a band of cat-
tle had been attacked at their camp on the trail near the Upper Cross-
ing of Mad Biver by Indians on the previous evening, and that one
citizen had been killed (Mr. Lyons) and another badly wounded (Mr.
Olmstead), the two others making their escape to the Yager Creek Set-
lement. I ordered a detail of twenty men to be made, and marched
(acompanied by Messrs. Gray and Lyle as guides) for the Upper Cross-
ing of Mad Biver. Owing to the dense fog upon the mountains we
were forced to follow the trail all the way, by which we were detained
upward of two hours. A short distance from the camp where the citi-
zens had been attacked we met a number of citizens who had arrived
before us, having Mr. Olmstead in charge. Mr. Olmstead had two
bullets in his right thigh and was sufTering severely. His friends not
being able to convey him to a place of safety, twelve men of the detach-
ment were detailed for that purpose. I then proceeded to the camping
place of the citizens, and there saw the body of Mr. Lyons lying near to
where the fire had been, one bullet through his chest, another through
his face, his throat cut, his heart taken out, and his right hand burned
off to the wrist. The body had been stripped by the Indians. Two
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CHAP. LXn.] OPERATIONS IN THE HUMBOLDT DISTRICT, CAL. 83
horses were also lying near, having been killed at the same time. The
camp was situated ou the west bank of Mad Hiver, about one-quarter of a
mile &om the river, on an open space nearly surrounded by small bushes.
About fifty yards to the south there is a small gulch running down to
the river. The Indians, it is said to the number of about forty, crossed
from the Fort Lyon District, came up the gulch, and being concealed
by the brush growing upon its banks, fired upon the citizens while they
were preparing supper, killing and wounding as before stated. Five of
the Indians pursued Mr. Olmstead, who succeeded in making his escape
after killing one of the Indians with his revolver. The Indians then
recrossed the river, taking the Weaverville trail to the top of the moun-
tain, and from thence struck off toward the head of Grouse Creek.
July 11, Corporal McHirron, with the detachment detailed to carry
Mr. Olmstead to Yager Greek Settlement, returned to the post. July 15,
Sergeant Jones with detachment of fourteen men, the guide and inter-
preter and two Indian runners, left the post under orders to march to
tiie South Fork of Eel Eiver ; from thence to Fort Seward; from thence
to Kettonshaw, and from thence back to the post, and to capture and
call in as many Indians as possible, and to endeavor to surprise Say-
Winne's band and punish them severely. July 24, Sergeant Jones
with detachmentj &c., returned to the post, having succeedeid in captur-
ing and calling in 112 Indians (36 grown males, 50 squaws, and 26
children). Between the 20th and 31st days of July there were 44
Indians (amongst them the chief Las-Sic) brought to the i>o8t by citi-
zens. There are now at the post 65 warriors, 68 squaws, and 65 chil-
dren. Lieut. J. F. Staples, with nineteen enlisted men of my company,
has been stationed at the Eel Eiver House (in the district of Capt.D.B.
Akey, Second Cavalry California Volunteers) since June 28, 1862. I
have had no report from him for the month of July. In connection with
the attack upon the citizens at the Upper Crossing of Mad Biver,
I would respectfidly state that there are two bands of very hostile
Indians within striking distance of Fort Baker. One ranging in the
Redwoods, near Seed's ranch, and south to Eel Biver; another rang-
ing in the mountains and gulches on the east side of Mad Biver, be-
tween Fort Lyon and the Eel Eiver and Weaverville trail. Owing to
the nature of the country, and the fact of their being constantly upon
the alert, it is almost impossible for one body of soldiers to succeed in
getting near enough to attack them. To capture or destroy these
Indians it will be found necessary that four detachments (of fifteen or
twenty men each) should be put in motion against them at about the
same time. Whilst two parties are driving them, the other two parties
would be so placed as to intercept their retreat. The points to be occu-
pied will very readily suggest themselves to an officer acquainted with
the country. To carry out this plan with success it will be necessary
(if the exigencies of the service will permit) that the officer in command
at Fort Baker should have control of at least one company, and author-
ity to order the troops at Fort Lyon to co operate with the troops from
Fort Baker when necessary, and to provide guides when needed for
each detachment.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
THOS. E. KETOHAM,
Captain, Third Infantry Cali/omia Vols., Comdg. Fort Baker.
M^. B. 0. Dbttbi,
Assistant Adjutant- General, U. 8. Army,
Eiqrs, Department of the Faoifio, San Franoiso, Oal.
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84 0PBBATI0N8 OK THE PACIFIC COAST. [Chap. UOL
No. 8.
Report of Lieut. John F. Staples, Third Califomia Infantry.
FOET Bakeb, Oai,., June 3, 1862.
Captain: Pursuant to Post Orders, No. 22, 1 left this post on the
morning of the 29th of May with a detachment of twenty men on a scout
for Indians. Traveled eight miles to the head of Yager Greek and
camped for the night. May 30, left camp at 6 o'clock. Followed the
Hydesville trail toBeed's ranch; thence in a southwesterly direction
to the Yan Dusen, at a point known as the Van Dusen Mail Station.
Camped for the night.
May 31, crossed the Van Dnsen. Traveled in a southwest course to
Eel Biver; thence up the river one mile. Discovered a party of firom
twenty to thirty Indians, who were also traveling up the river. They saw
us first as we were coming into a small prairie. We were close to them
before they discovered us. I immediately attacked and routed them,
killing 1 buck and capturing 12 squaws and children. They had sev-
eral guns, but I am unable to say how many. They fired several shots
at us from the brush. One shot struck Corporal Collins' cap-box, pass-
ing through it, and lodging against his belt-plate, doing him no serious
harm. Returned to the mail station and camped for the night.
June 1, returned via Beed's ranch to Mc£!ntee's Crossing of the Van
Dusen.
June 2, arrived at Fort Baker at 11.30 o'clock with twelve prisoners,
having been absent four days and a hal£
J. F. STAPLES,
Firtt Lieutenant, Third Infantry California Volunteers.
Capt Thomas E. Ketcham,
Third Infantry California Vols., Comdg. Fort Baker, Col.
No. 9.
Report of Lieut. Joseph Anderson, Third California Infantry.
Elk Camp, July 31, 1862.
Lieutenant : I have the honor to inform you that we had a visit from
the Indians in this vicinity yesterday about 6.30 o'clock. They shot Mr.
Miller in the thigh, killed hissquawandchildaboutoneyearold. Miller,
after being shot, made good his escape to Mr. Saunders' house, about
three miles from where the Indians made their attack ; also his boy, about
nine years old. As soon as I got the news I had my party divided and
sent part of them to Mr. Saunders' house, and had Miller, his boy, and
Mr. Saunders, who is helpless at present, moved to this camp, which
was then about 9 o'clock at night. After getting them aU together,
with Mr. Morton's family, I m^e the best disposition I possibly could
with the small command I had for the night. I am today preparing for
another attack, and assisting Mr. Morton to have his family moved to
Trinidad; also. Miller and Mr. Saunders, as both of them require medi-
cal attendance. I received orders last night from Captain Douglas to
proceed with what available force I had and scout from this camp along
Redwood Greek to Albee's, and if I discovered any Indian signs to let
him know. The force I have here is not sufficient to protect this place,
and if I divide it I know Indians, who are now encamped about Coyote
Gamp, will come back and destroy what honsen remain standing here.
These are Mr. Saunders', Mr. McConaha's, and Mr. Morton's, which
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CajLt. LXn.] OPERATIOK8 IN THE ttUitBOLDT DISTRICT, CAL. 85
are -worth several thoasand dollars with their crops, all of which will
be destroyed by dividing the party. I therefore take the responsibility
of stopping here contrary to Captain Donglas' orders, as I think I could
accomplish nothing by scouting with the party that I could take from
this conunand, as I am positive there is a large party of Indians
between here and Albee's. The four men of Company D, Third
Infantry, which brought the order from Captain Douglas, passed two
camps, one where the mUitary express rider was shot, with fourteen
Indians they saw sitting at a camp-fire, and the other camp a little
above where Miller was shot. The number there they could not tell, but
by the noise they made at the time they passed, they judged there must
have been some thirty or forty Indians. Tliey traveled all night and
got here about 3.30 o'clock this morning. The Indians burned Mr.
Miller's house and Mr. Williams'; also, shot Miller's horse and destroyed
everything about the place. As soon as I have Miller, Saunders, and
Mr. Morton's family started for Trinidad I am going to see what other
damage they have done. I am only rationed up to the 4th of August.
I hope that a train may arrive here before that time. If they have not
started I would advise them to come by Trinidad to this camp. I hope
the colonel commanding will approve of my course of action in keeping
the small force I have here together and not complying with the order
I have received from Captain Dooglas; 1 would comply, however, with
Captain Douglas' order, but I find that the men are not very well satis-
fied to stop here after I divide the party and leave them. I have
reason to believe they would not stop here after me to afford any pro-
tection to this place, and for that reason I have thought better to keep
this party together and acquaint the colonel commanding of the course
I have taken. The party of this command now at Albee's will have to
get supplies from Fort Anderson. I cannot procure an animal to pack
them any provisions from here.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
ANDEESON,
First Lieut., Third Infantry Cali/omia Vols., Comdg. Elk Camp.
Lieut. John Hanna, Jr.,
Acting Assistant Adjutant-Oeneral, Humboldt Military District.
No. 10.
B^ort of Lieut. John J). Myers, Third California Infantry.
Liscombe's Hill, Cal., June 11, 1862.
LiKTTTBNANT ! I have the honor to report, for the information of the
colonel commanding, that a party of men — one corporal and two pri-
vates from my detachment — escorting Government stores to Elk Camp,
transported by McConaha's pack train, was, on their return from that
station on the 9th [8th] (Sunday), while encamped at Fawn Prairie, were
attacked by a party of about fifty Indians, who kept up a continual fire
on a log cabin where the men were for protection for about half an hour,
and the balls came through the cabin so fast that the men were forced to
leave. The Indians have got their blankets and overcoats, and if it
had not been dark would, Arom their numbers, have, no doubt, got the
men. 1 think from the number and the way that they came that they
are the same party that committed those depredations on Mad Biver on
that same morning. The men think that they destroyed aU belonging
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86 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Chap. LXn.
to the traio, as they fired into the males before they fired at the cabin.
The prairie is four miles from Fort Anderson and eight miles from this
hill. The men will want blankets and overcoats.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JOHN D. MYBES,
Second Lieut., Third Infty. California Vols,, Comdg. Detachment.
Lieut John Hanna, Jr.,
Acting Assistant Adjutant- General, Humboldt Military District.
No. 11.
Re^rt of Capt. David B. Akey, Second Oalifornia Cavalry.
FoET Humboldt, Cal., April 13, 1862.
Colonel: As directed by you I left Fort Humboldt Thursday,
April 3, with a detachment of my company, consisting of three non-
commissioned officers and twenty-eight men, in pursuit of Indians. Left
a detachment of one corporal and three men at the Bel River House, it
having been reported to me that an attack was threatened at Figgle-
baum's Store. Encamped at Cooper's Mills Friday, 12 m. Found the
mills robbed of from 2,000 . to 2,500 pounds of flour, and belts, ropes,
and all movable machinery cut up or destroyed. Mills had been fired in
three places, but had died out. Saturday morning, April 5, started on
the trail of the Indians, with two non-commissioned officers and twenty-
three men. From the signs supposed to be between twenty and thirty
Indians. Marched in a westerly direction; country heavily timbered;
undergrowth almost impassable. Marched a distance of fourteen miles.
No fresh sign of Indians. Encamped near a small prairie, twelve miles
from Cooper's Mills. Same night sent two men back after mules with
provisions. Weather clear, elevation above Cooper's Mills about 500
feet, distance from laqua Kanch about two miles. Sunday morning,
April 6, at daylight, sent out four scouts — ^two in the direction of Fort
Baker, and two in a northeasterly direction to strike Yager Creek above
the junction of the streams putting into Yager near Kneeland's Prairie
and the laqna country. The scouts in the direction of Fort Baker
reported at camp 4 p. m. Crossed Yager Creek five miles above the
Fort Baker trail; distance traveled, twelve miles. Reports the country
very rough and very heavy timber, no sign of Indians having crossed
in that direction. Scouts in the direction of Kneeland's Prairie reported
at camp at sunset. Crossed the old trail of Indians two miles from
camp; trail perhaps four or five days old. Three miles from camp
crossed the trail of two Indians traveling in the direction of the Mad
River country. Sign fresh, having passed the same day. Passed down
to the Yager about one mile above the mouth of Booth's Run. No
other fresh sign discovered ; distance traveled, thirteen miles. Monday
morning, April 7, left camp at 5 a. m. with two non-commissioned
officers and twenty-four men. Four inches of snow. Found fresh trail
of two Indians as reported by scouts. Followed the trail about one
mile; came in sight of two Indians, supposed to be spies ; ordered the
men to fire ; both were killed. Here divided the detachment. Thirteen
men under command of Sergeant Reynolds took a direct course for
Yager Creek, directly opposite laqua Ranch ; thirteen men and Sergeant
Hefon, Captain Akey in conunand, passed down toward Yager Creek;
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Chap. LXII] 0PEEAT10N8 IN THE HUMBOLDT DISTRICT, CAL. 87
found four Indian ranches abandoned perhaps four or five days. Goon-
try very rough. Deep ca&ons and dense forests skirted Yager Creek
a distance of three miles. No fresh Indian signs. Indians evidently
on the alert, and moving in direction of Mad Eiver. Arrived in camp
6 p. m. ; men very much fatigued. Sergeant Beynolds reports half hour
later ; numerous trails of Indians, not fresh ; but moving back discovered
numerous abandoned ranches, a large number of Indians having evi-
dently encamped in this vicinity during the winter. Tuesday morning,
April 8, took a circuitous route for Cooper's Mills, marching in a north-
vesterly direction ; surprised a ranch of Indians 3 p. m. Showed no
sign of arms having been in their possetision ; distance from Eel Biver
settlements, two miles; number of Indians, fifteen, including men,
women, and children. Two of said Indians were recognized by some
of the citizens of Eel Biver as having been formerly in the employ of
white men, and strong suspicions of having given information to the
Indians who robbed Cooper's Mills. I find the settlers of the Eel Biver
Valley very much exasperated, and strongly recommend the removing
of all Indians from Eel Eiver Valley. Arrived with full detachment at
Eel Eiver House 12 m. April 9, Corporal Smart reports having captured
nine Indians three miles from Eel Biver House. Indians apparently
tame, but from every information are in communication with the hostile
tribes. Corporal Smart rex)orted to me of a ranch of Indians on the east
side of Van Dusen's River, distant from camp nine miles. Scout Ser-
geant Helon, with five men, reported at sunset with seven Indians
captured at Eagle Prairie.
April 10, arrived at Fort Humboldt with ftill detachment. Men all
well with the exception of one man, shot with carbine in the toot.
Total number of Indians captured, 31 [42] — 11 bucks, 13 squaws, and
18 children. I cannot speak too highly of the soldierly bearing of the
men under my command.
I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
D. B. AKEY,
Captain Company Ej Second Cavalry California Volunteers.
Col, P. J. LiPPITT,
Oomma/nding Humboldt Military District.
No. 12.
Report of Corpl. Charles E. Eaton, Second California Cavalry.
Cooper's Mills, July 5, 1862.
Sra: There was an attack made yesterday about 5 p. m. by a band of
Indians armed with rifles, about ten in number, upon the house of Mr.
Cutterback, on the Van Dusen Creek, about two miles from this plnce.
On the alarm being given I hastened to their relief as soon as possible
with a part of the men under my command. The Indians on seeing us
retreated to the woods with but little plunder, injuring no one seriously,
Mrs. Cutterback receiving a slight wound from a rifle-ball. Night com-
ing on we were not able to follow them for, therefore I returned to the
mfila.
Eespectfally, &c.,
CHAS. H. EATON,
Corporal, Company E, Second Cavalry California Volunteers.
Col. F. J. LlPPITT,
Commanding Humboldt Military District, at Fort Humboldt,
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88 OPEEATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Chip. LXIL
APBIL 13-SEFTEMBEB 20, 1862.— Expedition from Southern Califonlia,
thiongh Arizona, to Horthwesteni Tezu and Hew Mexico.
REPORTS.
No. 1. — ^Brig. G«n. George Wright, U. S. Army, coinmanding DupartmeDt of the
Pacific.
No. 2. — Brig. Gen. James H. Carleton, U. S. Army, commanding expedition.
No. 3. — Lient. Col. Edward E. Eyre, First California Cavalry.
No. 4. — Capt. Thomas L. Roberts, First California Infantry.
No. 5. — Capt. John C. Ciemony, Second California Cavalry.
No. 6. — M^. Theodore A. Conlt, Fifth California Infantry, commanding Fort Bowie.
No. 7. — Sorg. James M. McNulty, U. S. Army, acting medical inspector.
No. 1.
Report of Brig. Gen. Oeorge Wright, If. 8. Army, commanding Depart-
ment of the Pacific.
Headquabtebs Department of the Paoifio,
San Francisco, August 13, 1862.
Oenbbal: I have the honor to transmit herewith a copy of a com-
munication received at these headquarters from Briga4ier-General
Carleton, commanding "Column from California," dated at Tucson,
Ariz., July 22, 1862 ; also copies of the several communications from
Lieut. Col. E. E. Eyre, commanding First Cavalry California Volun-
teers, dated at Fort Thorn, on the Eio Grande, on the 6tii, 8th, and 14th
of July, 1862; also copy of General Carleton's Order, ISo. 10, issued at
Tucson on the 17th of July. These documents will fully inform the
Department of the movements of our fon^s in Arizona, and the accom-
plishment of all that I proposed to do in my communication addressed
to you on the 9th of December, 1861. Much praise is due to Brigadiei--
General Carleton and the officers and men of his command for their
indefatigable exertions and patient endurance of hardships while
marching through a country intersected by numerous deserts where
no water was to be found. Success has thus far attended all our move-
ments. Colonel Connor, Third Infantry California Volunteers, com-
manding the troops on the Overland Mail Koute, is now moving east
from Fort Churchill with seven companies of his own regiment and
three companies of the Second Cavalry under Colonel Sims. Quiet
prevails in the District of Oregon.
Very respectfiiUy, your obedient servant,
G. WRIGHT,
Brigadier- General, U. S. Army, Commanding.
Brig. Gen. L. Thomas,
Adjutant- General U. 8. Army, Washington, J). C.
No. 2.
Reports of Brig. Gen. James H. Carleton, U. 8. Army, commanding expe-
dition.
Headquaetebs Colttmn fbom Caufobnia,
Fort Barrett, Pima Villages, Ariz., May 25, 1862.
Majob : The advance guard of this column, under Lieut. Col. Joseph
K. West, First California Volunteer Infantry, took possession of lacsou,
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CBir.UOJ.] EXPEDITION TO N. W. TEXAS AND NEW MEXICO. 89
in this Territory, on the 20th instautj without firing a shot. All the
secession troops who were in the Territory and all of the secessionists,
so far as we can learn, have fled — the troops to the Bio Grande, the
citizens to Sonora. Our arrival is hailed with great joy by all the
people who remain. We shall doubtless be able to get some forage,
flour, and beef, and perhaps sugar, from Sonora; but of this I will
write you in detail from Tucson in a few days. A rumor comes from
the Bio Grande that Sibley has met with a serious reverse.
I am, major, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JAMES H. OAELETON,
Colonel First California Volunteers, CommoMding.
M%j. BiCHABD C. Dbum,
A»sU A^t, Oen., U. 8. Army, San Francisco, Cdl.
HEADQUABTEBS GOLITMN FBOH CALIFOBNIA,
Tucson, Ariz., July 22, 1662.
Majob : In my letter to you, dated June 18, I informed yon that I
had sent Expressman John Jones, Sergeant Wheeling, of Company P,
First California Volunteer Infantry, and a Mexican guide named Chavez,
with communications for General Canby. These men started from Tuc-
son on the evening of June 15. On the 18th they were attacked by a
party of Apaches, and Sergeant Wheeling and the guide (Chavez) were
killed, and Jones, almost by a miracle, succeeded in getting through
the Indians, and after a hot pursuit on their part made out to reach the
Bio Grande at a point known as Picacho, six miles above Mesilla. He
was taken prisoner by the secessionists, who bronght him before Col-
onel Steele (William Steele, late Second Dragoons), who examined him,
took his disjmtches, and threw him into jail. He managed, however, to
get word to General Canby that he was there and tliat the Column from
California was really coming — an achievement that was considered
absolutely impracticable. However, as soon as Steele ascertained this
matter as a fact, hurried preparations were made to abandon the conn- *
try. Meantime General Canby had sent a large force to Fort Craig to
move on Mesilla as soon as transportation could be provided. A strong
Teconnoitering force, under Lieutenant-Colonel Eyre, left Tucson on
June 21, and after a bard march arrived on the Bio Grande near Port
Thorn on July 4.
On the 5th this force occupied that work, it having been abandoned
by the enemy. Here the colors were run up by the California troops.
Lieutenant-Colonel Eyre was then re-enforced by a squadron of the
Third U. S. Cavalry, and having constructed a raft and built a boat,
was at the last advices about to cross the river to march on Fillmore
and Fort Bliss, in Texas. Steele, meanwhile, had abandoned Mesilla
and was making his way to Texas. The Mexican x>opulation Avas rising
on every hand and were killing his men and running off his stock. It
is said that Teel's battery, C. S. Army, the one taken from Canby at
Yalverde, had been attacked some thirty miles below Fort Bliss and
taken by the people, who had hovered around it to the number of 1,500.
It was believed that neither Steele nor Teel would ever reach Texas.
Sibley and Colonel Beily had fallen back on Texas in May, leaving
Steele with what was considered force enough to hold Arizona. All
this news came last night. It was bronght by Captain McCleave, who
had been exchanged for two lieuteuantB, one of whom was Steele's
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90 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. (Chap. till.
adintant, who had been taken by Captain Fritz, First California Vol-
unteer Cavalry. Captain Fritz went after Colonel Steele with a flag of
truce to effect the exchange. He overtook Colonel Steele twenty miles
below Fort Fillmore in full retreat.
As yon have been informed, the uncommon drought of this summer
had so dried up the country that it was impra<;ticable to move a large
force in the direction of the Rio Grande until the rains commenced
falling. Usually this occurs by June 21, but this year there has been
but little fall even yet. The column, however, has been taking the road
by installments, commencing with Roberts' company of infantry and
Cremony's cavalry, which was sent with 25,000 pounds of corn and thirty
days' rations for Eyre in case he was obliged to fall back to the Rio de
Sauz, 128 miles from Tucson, starting on July 9. (See letter to Colonel
West, marked A,* herewith inclosed.) I also inclose Colonel Byre's
reportj't dated at Fort Thorn, July 6, 1862. This officer deserves great
credit for his enterprise. I trust the Governor will notice the conduct
of himself and men. This report is marked BA I also send a subse-
quent report of Colonel Eyre's, dated July 8, 1862 (Gt), and also one
still later, dated July 11, 1862, marked D,* and still another, dated July
14, 18fi2, marked E;§ also a letter from Colonel Chivington, marked F;*
also a letter from General Canby, marked G,* and letters* from General
Cauby to Colonel Chivington, dated June 9, 16, 18, 27, and July 1 and 4,
1862. I also inclose General Orders, Nos< 10 and 11, from these head-
quarters. The troops marched on the days specified. I shall leave
this post to-morrow and move rapidly to the front. If a demonstration
on Northwestern Texas will serve as a diversion in favor of forces land-
ing on the coast that State will soon be ours. The country is still dry,
but we shall do our best.
Respectfully, your obedient servant,
JAMES H. CARLBTON,
Brigadier-Oeneral, U. 8. Army,
Maj. Richard C. Drum,
Assistant Adjutant- General, 8an Francisco, Cal.
[Inclosnre No. 1.]
General Orders, ) Hdqrs. Column prom California,
No. 10. i Tucson, Ariz., July 17, 1862.
The Column from California will move to the Rio Grande in the fol-
lowing order :
I. On the 20th instant OoL Joseph R. West, First California Vol-
unteer Infantry, with Companies B, C, and K of his regiment, and
Company G, of the Fifth California Volunteer Infantry. This command
at the Rio de Sauz will receive the addition of Company E, of West's
regiment, and Thompson's mountain howitzers. Maj. Theodore A.
Coult, of the Fifth California Volunteer Infantry, is assigned to duty
with this command. Colonel West will take 40,000 rounds of rifle-
musket ammunition.
II. On the 21st instant a second command, consisting of Shinn's
light battery, Third TJ. S. Artillery, and Companies A, First, and B,
Fifth California Volunteer Infantry, will take up its lino of march for
the Rio Grande. This command will be supplied with all the artillery
ammunition now here which pertains to Shinn's battery and 17,000
rounds of ammunition for the rifle musket.
III. On the 23d instant a third command, under Lieut. Col. Edwin
A. Rigg, consisting of Companies I, F, D, and H, First California
* Not found. t See p. 120. t See p. 124. ^ See p. 126.
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CHIP. LXn.] EXPEDITION TO N. W. TEXAS AND NEW MEXICO. 91
Volanteer Infantry, will start for the Rio Grande. This command will
have 28,000 rounds of ammnnition for the rifle ransket.
rV. Each of these commands will be supplied with subsistence for
thirty days, with at least two tents for each company and with a good
supply of intrenching tools. Each command will also have one hos-
pital tent complete and an ambulance for the sick and wounded, and
will have a forge and material for shoeing horses and mules, and also a
water tank and a good supply of water-kegs.
V. On the Slst instant a train of wagons laden with forty days' sup-
plies of subsistence for the whole command hereby ordered forward,
with the following ammunition, viz, 40,000 rounds for the rifle musket,
30,000 rounds for the Sharps carbine, and 20,000 rounds for the navy-
size Colt revolver, together with sach other supplies of clothing, tents,
tools, spare wagon timbers, leather, wagon grease, horseshoes, mnle-
shoes, horseshoe-nails, stationery, &c., as may be required, will leave
Tucson for the Rio Grande, escorted by Companies A, Fifth California
"Volunteer Infantry, and A, First California Volunteer Cavalry, each
furnished with sixty days' rations. This command will have an ambu-
lance, forge, and water-tank, and such other articles as may be required
to render it cflBcient,
VI. Company D, First California Volunteer Cavalry, will move from
Tubac directly for the crossing of the San Pedro, where it will arrive
on the 22d instant. From that point it will form the advance guard of
the column, and habitually, unless otherwise ordered, will march one
day in front of West's command.
Vn. Captain Cremony's company (B, of the Second California Vol-
unteer Cavalry) will march near the head of the column, to serve as
flankers or as vedettes, as occasion may require.
VIII. The staff offtcers attached to these headquarters, except the
chief commissary, will, until further orders, move with West's com-
mand. Surgeon Prentiss, First California Volunteer Cavalry, will
move with the second command, and Surgeon Wooster, Fifth California
Volunteer Infantry, will move with Rig^s command.
IX. The chief quartermaster, chief commissary, and medical director
are charged with giving the most perfect efficiency possible to all mat-
ters pertaining to the public service in their several departments, keep-
ing in mind the fact that this column is presumed now to move forward
prepared at all points to engage the enemy at any moment by night or
by day. Let nothing be omitted or neglected which will give due
effect to this idea, whether on the march or on the field of battle.
X. That every soldier may move forward with a light, free step, now
that we approach the enemy, he will no longer be required to carry his
knapsack.
XI. This is the time when every soldier in this column looks forward
with a confident hope that he, too, will have tLe distinguished honor
of striking a blow for the old Stars and Stripes; when he, too, feels in
his heart that he is the champion of the holiest cause that has ever yet
nerved the arm of a patriot. The general commanding the column
desires that such a time shall be remembered by all, but more particu-
larly by those who from their guilt have been so unfortunate as to be
prisoners ou such an occasion. He therefore orders that all soldiers
under his command who may be now held in confinement shall be at
once released.
By command of Brigadier-General Carleton :
BEN. C. CUTLER,
First Lieut., First California Vol. Infty., Aetg. Astt. Adjt. Om.
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92 OPERATIONS OK THE PACIFIC COAST. (Ciup. LXn.
[IndlomTe No. 2.]
Genebal Orbebs, ) Hdqes. Column fbom Calipobnia,
No. 11. J Tucson, Ariz., July 21, 1862.
I. All of the Territory of Arizona west of a meridian line running
through what is known as Apache Pass, on the Butterfield Mail Koate,
heuce to Mesilla, will constitute a military district, to be known as the
District of Western Arizona, the hesuiquarters of which shall be Toe
son, Ariz. Maj. David Fergusson, First California Volunteer Cavalry,
is hereby placed in command of this district, as well as of the post and
town of Tucson.
II. The duties which devolve upon Major Fergusson by this order are
additional to those he is required to perform as chief commissary ot
this column. He is also empowered to make estimates of all funds
necessary to be nsed in the quartermaster's department and subsistence
department, so far as the wants and necessities of those departments
may be concerned, direct to the proper officers at the headquarters
Department of the Pacific. Major Fergusson will disburse aud direct
the disbursement of these funds when received to the best interests
of the public service, having reference first to having on hand an
adequate supply of all articles of prime necessity, such as food and
forage; likewise all that will insure mobility to the column by having
its means of transportation always in as good order and good repair as
practicable.
III. Great vigilance will be exercised by Major Fergusson to see that
no successful attack is made on his trains within his district by seces-
sionists or Indians. The trooi)8 in the district are to be kept in fight-
ing condition, and the public animals and public stores so carefully
guarded as to secure against loss by surprise or by depredation and
secure against destruction by fire or by flood.
By command of Brigadier-General Carleton :
BEN. C. CUTLER,
First Lieut., First California Vol. Infty., Actg. Asst. Adjt. Oen.
Headquarters Column from California,
Ojo de la Vaca, Ariz,, August 2, 1862.
General: General George Wright. U. S. Army, commanding the
Department of the Pacific, recommended to the General-in-Chief that
a force from California, to consist of a batt«ry of four guns (Company
A, TT. S. Third Artillery), the First Regiment of Infantry California
Volunteers, and five companies of the First Cavalry California Volun-
teers, should cross the Yuma and Colorado Deserts, and recapture the
posts in Arizona and Southern New Mexico, then supposed to be in
the hands of the rebels, and open the Southern Overland Mail Route.
These recommendations or suggestions were approved by the General-
in-(3hief, and arrangements were set on foot to carry them into effect.
But what with unprecedented floods in California and uncommon
drought on the Yuma and Colorado Deserts, and other serious diffi-
culties which had to be encountered, it has been quite impossible to
bring forward the force above indicate<l in a fighting condition at an
earlier date than the present. I was baflled in every effort I attempted
to communicate with you. My first note, marked A, after many days
came back to me, the messenger not being able to ascend the Salt
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OmAr.J.sa.] EXPEDITION TO N. W. TEXAS AND NEW MEXICO. 93
Fork of the Gila ou ftcooant of high water. My seooud note, marked
B, after several days was returned from Sonora, as the Mexican
expressmen were too much afraid to enooonter the dangers of the jour-
ney through Chihuahua to El Paso and so on to your headquarters.
Of the three men whom I sent with my third notes, marked C and D,
two were killed by the Apache Indians near the Ohiricahna Mountains
on the evening of the 18th of June last. The third, after a miraculous
escape and a x>erilous ride, arrived on the Kiu Grande at sunset on the
evening of the 20th, 160 mUes from where his companions were mur-
dwed. Here, in an exhausted, half-delirious state, he was captured
by secessionists, and, together with his dispatehes, taken to Colonel
Steele, C. S. Army. On the 17th of June I directed Lieutenant-Col-
onel Eyre, First Cavalry California Volunteers, with a small command
from his regiment, to make a forced reconnaissance toward the Rio
Grande. He started from Tucson on this duty on the evening of June
21. (See my letter to him, marked E.)
On the 8th of July I directed some supplies to be forwarded half way
to the Bio Grande, to provide for the emergency of Eyre's being obliged
to fall back. (See letter to Colonel West, marked F.) Eoberts' com-
mand, which acted as a guard to these supplies, had a fight with the
Apache Indians at Apache Pass, in which he lost 2 killed and 2 wounded,
but in which he succeeded in driving the Indians, as he reports, with a
loss of 9 killed on their side. From June 7 until July 17 I was busily
employed in repairing trains, in getting supplies up from Fort Tuma
and from Sonora, and in regulating somewhat the affairs of Westwn
Arizona. On the 17th July, without yet having heard from the Rio
Grande, I made the order for the advance to that river. It is herewith
inclosed, marked G.*
On the evening of the 21st of July, after the second detachment of
the column bad started from Tucson, I received your note of the 4th
ultimo, together with copies of some orders and instructions to the
commander of the Southern Military District, Department of Kew
Mexico. I left Tucson on the 23d ultimo and arrived at this point on
the 1st instant. I left 100 men at Apache Pass. (See General Orders,
No. 12, marked H.t) Colonel West's detachment will arrive here
to-morrow; Captain Willis' the next day; Lieutenant-Colonel Rigg's
on the 6th. I shall halt two or three days on the Miembres to recruit
and let the column close up, and shall then proceed by the stage route
to Mesilla.
I received your letter of the 9th of July day before yesterday.
It was not the intention of General Wright to throw a command iuto
your department which would embarrass you to keep it supplied. The
troops from California were to draw nearly all their stores from Fort
Yuma, to which point they are shipped from San Francisco. Some
were to be bought in Sonoira. My supply train, which leaves Tucsou
to-day, will have forty days' rations for the whole command from the
20th instant. Even those rations of yours consumed by Eyre's cavalry
I had hoped to replace, learning to what straits you had been put for
subsistence for your own command. I am happy to know that you
have now such an abundance of stores, and should I fall short of any-
thing, I will cheerfully avail myself of your authority to draw on your
depot at Fort Craig for what I need, A train of about fifty wagons
will ply between Fort Tuma and Tucson, starting from Tucson, say,
tbe 12th instant, to accumulate and keep up a good supply at that point.
* InoloBOTe Q is a dnplioate of General Ordera, No. 10, p. 90.
t Omitted as of no present importance.
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94 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Cbap. LXn.
A contractor has given bonds to keep the Golnmn from California sup-
plied with fresh beef at nine cents a pound. Stores can be hauled by
private trains from the port of Guaymas to Tucson for five cents a
pound. This latter information may be of service to you. I liave no
subsistence funds here; the paper marked I* will exhibit the condition
of those in the quartermaster's department.
The paper marked K* will tell you of my means of transportation
after the arrival of the train which leaves Tucson to-day, minus, say,
three teams left at Fort Bowie, Apache Pass, Ghiricahua Mountains.
All my troops except one company of cavalry have pay due from Feb-
ruary 28, 1862. It will be a great kindness to have them paid, if it can
be done without inconvenience to the troops of your own department.
I have no paymaster with me, and was not counting on the troops being
paid by your paymaster. The men are sadly in want of small stores,
tobacco, &c. We have no sutler, and of course, on the desert, the
soldiers have exhausted what few necessaries they happened by chance
to have. I have, say, 100 rounds of ammunition for small-arms per man,
and can soon have more from Fort Yuma, and I have for the four pieces
of artillery the ammunition named in a letter to Lieutenant Shinn, U.
S. Third Artillery, marked L.* The men have only fatigue clothing
and that somewhat worn, but I expect some up from Fort Yuma very
soon. Can you spare auyt Capt. Tredwell Moore, assistant quarter-
master, is the only staff oflacer belonging to the army with me, and he
will be relieved from duty in this column shortly after my arrival at
Mesilla. I have with me two surgeons, one assistant and one acting
assistant surgeon, all of the volunteer service. For the state of my
medical supplies see Surgeon McNulty's letter, marked M.* The
strength of the command when it arrives at Mesilla will be approxi-
mately :
Field and ataff 25
Say of artillery (aggregate) 73
Of infantry 825
Of cavalry 350
Total fieliting force 1,273
Of euipToy<!B , 137
Total requiring subsistence 1,400
I will send you an accurate field return as soon as the command under
Captain McCleave reaches Mesilla. I inclose herewith a letter from
Ms^. Bichard C. Drum, assistant adjutant-general, Department of the
Pacific, marked N; also a copy of General Orders, No. 29, [1862],
from the War Department, on the same sheet. I beg to be fully
instructed by you in all measures wherein myself or the California
Column can be of the most service. We have not crossed the continent
thus far to split hairs, but with an earnest resolution to do our duty
whatever be our geographical position ; and so the marches of this col-
umn tend always toward the heart of the rebellion. The men will forget
their toils and sufferings on the Great Desert in their hope ultimately
to reach the enemy. In all this I am sure I but express the sentiments
of General Wright. As the gallantry of the troops under your com-
mand has left us nothing to do on the Eio Grande, it would be a sad
disappointment to thos'e from California if they should be obliged to
retrace their steps without feeling the enemy. I hope I do not ask too
much when I inquire whether a force could not profitably be thrown
* Omitted as of no present importance.
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CHAP. LXn.] EXPEDITION TO N. W. TEXAS AND NEW MEXICO. 95
into Western Texas, where it is reported the Union men are only wait-
ing for a littie help to run up the old flag.
I have the honor to be, general, very respectfnlly, your obedient
servant*
JAMES n. OABLETON,
Brigadier- Oeneral, U. S. Army.
Brig. Gen. E. B. S. Caitby,
Commanding Department of Kew Mexico.
[Incloaare A.]
Heabquaktebs District op Soutetern California,
Fort Yuma, Cal., May 3, 1862.
Ool. E. R. S. Canby,
Commanding Department of Kew Mexico :
Colonel: Having no means of getting reliable infoTDiation from
you except by a special express, I send the bearer of this to you for
that purpose. He will be able to tell yon about this part of the
counlry, and will bring to me any communication you may desire to
write. I have a force of light battery (Company A, Third Artillery)
of two 12-ponnder howitzers and two Gpounder guns, and fifteen com-
panies of infantry and five companies of cavalry, California Volunteers,
well armed and provided for, and the mea are as fine material as any
in the service. I can move on irom Tucson or Fort Breckinridge as
soon as I hear from you. I am ready and anxious to co-operate with
you. If necessary I can be followed by still another regiment or
more of infantry, to be sent by steam to the month of the Colorado.
It will afford me pleasure to enter into any plan you may suggest, so
my force can be of service to yon and to the cause. Let me know
your strength, your situation, your purposes; the strength, situation,
and probable puriwses of Sibley and his troops. Please send an escort
with my messenger to get him safely through the Apaches.
1 have the honor to be, very respectfully,
JAMES H. CARLETON,
Colonel First California Volunteers, Commanding.
[Indonemeiit.]
At the time this letter was written it was the intention of General
Carleton to move forward to the Rio Grande five companies of the
Fifth Infantry California Volunteers. Some of those companies are
now serving in Western Arizona.
BEX. C. CUTLER,
First Lieut, First Infty. California YoU., Actg. Asst. Adjt. Oen.
[iDclMure B.]
Hbadquabtbrs Column from California,
Tucson, Ariz., June 11, 1803.
General E. R. S. Canbv, U. S. Army,
Commanding U. 8. Forces in New Mexico:
General : I had the honor to write you on the 3d ultimo from Fort
Yuma, Gal., that I was on my way to Arizona, and desired to co-operate
with you in driving the rebels from New Mexico. My messenger was
unable to reach you via the Salinas Fork of the Gila on account of high
water. I therefore dispatch another through Mexican territory. I am
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96 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Chap. LXII.
ordered to recapture all the works in New Mexico which had been snr-
rendered to rebels. This I shall proceed to do, st^rtiug from here as
soon as the rains have filled the natural tanks, say early in July.
What number of troops can find subsistence, say at twenty days'
notice, at Mesilla and Fort Bliss, in Texas! I can start from here with
sixty days' supply for one battery of artillery, one regiment of infantry,
and five companies of cavalry. With this force I desire to co-operato
with you. This will enable me to hold this country besides. 1 have
placed Arizona under martial law, and shall continue it so until tho
civil officers come. I can bring more force if necessary. Let me know
by the bearer your wishes, purposes, strength; the strength, position,
and apparent purposes and condition of Sibley and his forces.
I am, general, your obedient servant,
JAMES H. CABLETON,
Colonel First California Volunteers, Commanding.
[IncIosnreC]
Hkadqtjabtees CoLxmN FROM California,
Tucson, Ariz., June 15, 1862.
General E. E. S. Oanbt,
Comdg. Department of Ifetc Mexico, Fort Craig, N. Mex. :
General: I have the honor to inform you that I have advanced
thus far from California with a force of regulars and volunteers suffi-
cient in numbers to occupy this Territory. I have assumed to repre-
sent the IT. S. authority, and for the time being have placed the
Territory under martial law. Inclosed herewith please find a procla-
mation to this effect. I send this to yon by express, that yon may
not go to the expense of sending troops from your department to
occupy Arizona. I congratulate you on your success against the Con-
federate forces under Sibley. If you can send an escort to the express-
man who takes this I shall feel greatly obliged.
I am, general, respectfully,
JAMES H. CARLETON,
Colonel First California Vdunt^rs, Commanding.
[Inoloanre to C]
To all whom it may concern:
Tho Congress of the United States has set apart a portion of Mew
Mexico and organized it into a Territory complete of itself. This is
known as the Territory of Arizona. It comprises within its limits all
the country eastward from the Colorado River, which is now occupied
by the forces of the United States known as the Column from Califor-
nia; and as the flag of the United States Shall be carried by this column
still farther eastward, these limits will extend iu that direction until
they reach the farthest geographical boundary of this Territory. Now,
in tho present chaotic state in which Arizona is found to be, with no
civil officers to administer the laws — indeed, with an utter absence of
all civil authority — and with no security of life or property within its
borders, it becomes the duty of the undersigned to represent the
authority of the United States over the people of Arizona as well as
over all those who compose or are connected with the Column from
California. Thus, by virtue of his office as military commander of the
U. 8. forces now here, and to meet the fact that wherever within our
boundaries our colors fly there the sovereign power of our country
must at once be acknowledged and law and order at once prevail, the
undersigned, as a military governor, assumes control of this Territory
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CHAP. Lxn.) KXPEDITION TO N. W. TEXAS AND NEW MEXICO. 97
uutil Bach time as the President of the United States shall otherwise
direct. •
Thus also it is hereby declared that until civil officers shall be sent
by the Government to organize the civil courts for the administration
of justice the Territory of Arizona is hereby placed under martial law.
Trials for capital offenses shall be held by a military commission, to be
composed of not more than thirteen nor less than nine commissioned
officers. The rules of evidence shall be those customary in practice
under the common law. The trials shall be public and shall be trials
of record, and the mode of procedure shall be strictly in accordance
with that of courts-martial in the Army of the United States. Unless
the public safety absolutely requires it, no execution shall follow con-
viction until the orders in the case by the President shall be known.
Trials for minor offenses shall be held under the same rules, except
that for these a commission of not more than five nor less than three
commissioned officers may sit and a vote of a m{^ority determine the
issue. In these cases the orders of the officer organizing the commis-
sion shall be final.
All matters in relation to rights in property and lands which may be
in dispute shall be determined tor the time being by a military com-
mission, to be composed of not more than five nor less than three
commissioned officers. Of course appeals from the decisions of such
commissions can be taken to the civil courts when once the latter have
been established. There are certain fundamental rules for the govern-
ment of the people of this Territory which will be rigidly enforced :
I. No man who has arrived at lawful age shall be ])enuitted to reside
within this Territory who does not without delay subscribe to the oath
of allegiance to the United States.
II. No words or acts calculated to impair that veneration which all
good patriots should feel for our country and Government will be tol-
erated within this Territory or go unpunished if sufficient proof can be
bad of them.
III. No man who does not pursue some lawful caUing or have some
legitimate means of support shall be permitted to remain in the Terri-
tory.
Having no thought or motive.in all this but the good of the people
and aiming only to do right, the undersigned confidently hopes and
expects in all he does to further those ends, to have the hearty co-oiier-
ation of every good citizen and soldier in Arizona. All this is to go
into effect ftora and after this date, and will continue in force, unless
disapproved or modified by General George Wright, U. S. Army, com-
manding the Department of the Pacific, under whose orders the Column
from California has taken the field.
Done at the headquarters Column from California, in Tucson, Ariz.,
this 8th day of June, A. D. 1862,
JAMES H. CAELETON,
Colonel First California Volunteers, Major, Sixth U. S. Cavalry.
[Incloanre D.l
Hbadquaetees Column pbom Oaxipobnia,
Tticson, Ariz., June 15, 1862.
Brig. Gen. E. E. S. CANBY, U. 8. Army,
Comdg. Department of New Mexico, Fort Craig, N. Mex. :
Genebal: I have forwarded by another express the originals of the
notes numbered 2, which the bearer of this takes to you. My wagons
7 B B— VOL L, PT I
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98 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Chap. txn.
are so shrunk in coming over the desert that I am obliged to delay here
until the 1st proximo, "w^hen from the rains having fallen I hope to be
able to move to the Kio Grande. I hope I can count on getting meat
and bread there. Mesilla is far removed from my source of supply.
Pray advise me of all this. I am anxious to co-operate with yoa. My
men are the finest material I have ever seen and anxious to strike a
blow for the cause. Have you a plenty of rifled-musket ammunition f
We can be on the Bio Grande in fifteen days from this post.
Kespectfully, &c.,
JAMES H. OARLETON,
Colonel Firot Califomia Volunteers, Commanding.
P. 8. — I am straining every point to get up supplies so as to leave
July 1.
[Indosure E.]
Hbadquabtebs Column from California,
Tueson, Ariz,, June 17, 1862.
Heat. Gol. Edward E. Eybe,
First Cavalry Califomia Volunteers, Present :
Colonel: It is important that a forced reconnaissance be made in
advance of the column fron; the Eio Grande, and you are selected for
this delicate and at the same time hazardous duty. You will take with
you for this purpose a squadron of your regiment to be composed of
all the cflTective officers and men of Companies B and 0 now here. For
transportation you will have three six-mule teams. Take six aparejos
in the wagons for packing purposes when necessary. Take, say, four
days' pork, and dried beef and pemmican, and flour, cofTee, sugar, salt,
and vinegar for thirty days. Take 70 rounds of ammunition for the
Sharps carbiues per man, and 30 rounds per man of navy-revolver
ammunition. You should have at least 6 pickaxes and 12 long-handled
shovels as intreuching tools Acting Assistant Surgeon Kittridge
will accompany you. All other essentials of your outfit will readily
suggest themselves to you. When you bear in mind that you are
always to be ready to fight, with your horses in the best possible condi-
tion, all, and only all, you will want practically to fulfill these require-
ments will come to your mind. You go to watch the road in the direc-
tion of the enemy. If possible you will capture or drive in his pickets,
and observe and report upon his situation, strength, movements, and
apparent purposes. To do this successfully the greatest prudence,
sagacity, forecast, and boldness are necessary. I hardly need assure
you that I have the fullest confidence in your ability to carry the pur-
pose of your reconnaissance to the most useful results. Avoid collision
with the Indians. Of course you will report back to me all that it is
necessary for me to know.
Wishing you success, I am, colonel, very sincerely, yours,
JAMBS H. CARLETON,
Colonel First California Volunteers, Commanding.
[Incloaare F.]
Headquarters Column from California,
Tucson, Ariz., July 8, 1862.
Col. Joseph R. West,
First Infantry California Vols., Comdg. at Tucson, Ariz.:
Colonel: You will order a sergeant and nine trusty infantry sol-
diers and three first-rate cavalry soldiers to the crossing of the San
Pedro, to guard some forage which the quartermaster will send to that
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CBAP.LXH.) EXPEDITION TO N. W. TEXAS AND NEW MEXICO. 99
point. You will order Roberts' company, of the First Infontry Cali-
fornia Volunteers, to the San Simon, en route to the Kio Grande, where
they will make an intrenched camp, if possible near the mail station,
and there await farther orders. A train will accompany these troops
with thirty days' rations for Colonel Eyre's command, commencing on
its arrival at the San Simon, and thirty days' for the troops who are to
remain at the San Pedro. Each soldier will have 110 rounds of ammu-
nition, and the party at the San Simon will have some intrenching tools
and also some scythes. These troops are sent to guard these supplies
until the column reaches them on its march to the Eio Grande. They
also go to observe the road and to form a support to Colonel Eyre in
case he falls back. You cannot be too minute in your instructions to
them, having in view the furtherance of these ends. They are to have
scouts all the time well to the front, unless menaced, say fifty or more
miles; they are to keep me informed of movements in their vicinity of
the enemy, and if attacked they are not to surrender on any terms.
They are to be uncommonly watchful that Indians do not run off their
stock, and at the same time are not to attack the Indians unless the
latter are the aggressors.
I am, colonel, respectfully,
JAMES H. CAELETON,
Brigadier-Qeneral, U. 8, Army, Commanding.
(Inclosure K.J
Headquarters Department op the Paoipic,
San Francisco, CaU, May 30, 1862.
Ool. Jakes H. Oableton,
First Infty. Cali/omiaVols., Comdg. Column from California:
SiB: Inclosed I have the honor to transmit,, by direction of the gen-
eral commanding the department. General Orders, No. 29, from the War
Department. It is probable that your command may enter the Depart-
ment of New Mexico. You will nevertheless act under the orders of
the general commanding the Department of the Pacific, and make your
returns as usual to these headquarters.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
B. C. DEUM,
Assistant Adjutant- General.
[Sab-incIoBore.]
General Orders, ) War Dept., Adjt. General's Office,
No. 29. ) Washington, March 22, 1862.
In the changes recently made in the boundaries of department com-
mands it may happen that troops belonging to one department may
either be in, or may unavoidably pass into, another. In such a case
the troops so situated will continue under the command of the general
under whose orders they may have been operating; but it is expected
that they will be withdrawn as soon as the position they may occupy
comes within the control of the proper commander of the department.
By order of the Secretary of War:
L. THOMAS,
Adjutant- Oeneral.
[Indorsement.]
August 10, 1862.
Eespectfnlly forwarded.
I have supposed that General Orders, No. 29, of 1862, applied to
troops passing through, even temporarily within, the limits of a depart-
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100 OPEEATION8 ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Chap. LXIL
ment to which they did not belong, but it will be seen that General
Wright has given it a more extended application. This is not imme-
diately material, aa no question of command or personal consideration
will be allowed by me to interfere with the interests of the service. It
is proper, however, that its status should be fixed by superior author-
ity. If this force is to return to the Departmeut of the Pacific, that
fact will modify materially the recommendations made in my report of
tiie 6th instant.
Headquarters Column from California,
Santa F6, N. Mex., September 20, 1862.
Colonel : I wrote to you on July 22, informing you of all the impor-
tant events connected with the Column ftom. California from June 18
to that date. I then inclosed copies of General Orders, Nos. 10 and
11, from these headquarters, which prescribed the manner in which the
column should march across the desert from Tucson to the Bio Grande.
I left Tucson myself on July 23 ; passed Colonel West, with most of
the troops encamped on the San Pedro, on the 24th, and led the advance
of the column from that point to Las Crucea, N. Mex., with one com-
pany of infantry and two of cavalry. From the hostile attitude of the
Chiricahua Indians, I found it indispensably necessary to establish a
post in what is known as Apauhe Pass. It is known as Fort Bowie, and
garrisoned by 100 rank and file of the Fifth California Volunteer In-
fantry, and 13 rank and file of Company A, First California Voluuteer
Cavalry. This post commands the water in that pass. Around this
water the Indians have been in the habit of lying in ambush and shoot-
ing troops and travelers as they came to drink. In this way they killed
3 of Lieutenant-Colonel. Eyre's command, and in attempting to keep
Captain Eoberts' First California Volunteer Infantry away firom the
spring a fight ensued, in which Captain Boberts had 2 men killed and 2
wounded. Captain Boberts reports that the Indians lost 10 killed. In
this affair the men of Captain Boberts' company are reported as behav-
ing with great gallantry. Two miles beyond Apache Pass I found the
remainsof nine white men who had been murdered by the Indians. They
were a party traveling from the Pino Alto mines to California. One of
them had been burned at the stake; we saw the charred bones and the
burntends of the rope by which he had been tied. The remains of seven
of these men were buried on that spot. From the liio de Sauz to Ojo
de la Vaca there was a great dearth of water. At the latter place I
addressed a letter to General Canby, giving him all the elements going
to make up the column, the object of its march, and the wishes of Gen-
eral Wright. A copy of that letter is herewith inclosed, marked A.*
Having been informed that a large number of men, women, and
children were in a destitute and starving condition at Pino Alto mines,
forty-odd miles northeastward from the Ojo de la Vaca, I directed Col-
onel West to furnish them with some subsistence stores as a gratuity.
(See letter of instructions to Colonel West, marked B, and Captain
Shirland's report on the starving condition of these people, marked C.)
I arrived on the Bio Grande on August 7 at a point three miles above
Fort Thorn, and immediately communicated with General Canby by
letter, marked D. On August 0 I passed the Bio Grande at the San
Diego Crossing, eighteen miles below Fort Thorn. The river was still
very high and very rapid, but the men stripped ofi" their clothes and
* S«e Cwletou's report to Canby of Auguat 2, p. 92.
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CHAP, rxn.] EXPEDITION TO N. W. TEXAS AND NEW MEXICO. 101
dragged the wagons tbrongli by main force; the baggage, subsistence
stores, ammunition, &c., were crossed in two small, leaky boats. At
this point we built a larger and better boat for the use of the detach-
mente of the column still to come up. The head of the column arrived
at Las Oruces on August 10. Here I found the advance guard, under
Lieutenant-Colonel Eyre, First. California Volunteer Cavalry, strength-
ened by four companies of the Fifth (7. S. Infantry, which had been
sent down iirom Fort Craig. Two companies of regular cavalry had
also been sent down to re-enforce Colonel Byre ; but these had been
recalled and had stiirted back to Fort Craig on August 9.
Unfortunately Colonel Eyre had been forbidden by Colonel Chiving-
ton and Colonel Howe to proceed in the direction of Texas below Las
Cruces; otherwise I believe he would have captured the whole of
Steele's force of Confederate troops. (See his report* on this subject,
marked B.) The energy, enterprise, and resources of Colonel Byre,
as exhibited in his rapid march from Tacson to the Bio Grande; his
crossing of that river, and his unlooked-for presence directly upon the
heels of the retreating rebels, cannot be too highly appreciated. He
exhibited some of the finest qualities of a soldier, and had he not been
fettered by orders from higher authority than himself, he would, with-
out a doubt, have achieved advantages over the enemy creditable to
himself and. to the Column from California. But for his timely arrival
on the Bio Grande, Las Cruces and Mesilla would have both been laid
in ashes by the enemy. Hampered as he was by orders, he neverthe-
less managed to hoist the Stars and Stripes upon Fort Thorn, Fort
Fillmore, Mesilla, and Fort Bliss, in Texas. On August 11 General
Canby wrote me a very handsome letter, in which he liberally offered
to furnish the column with all the supplies it might need^ together with
^30,000 subsistence funds. General Wright will be gratified to read it;
it is marked F. It will be seen by that letter that the medical supplies
and ordnance stores in the Department of New Mexico are so abundant
as to preclude the necessity of any more of these stores being pur-
chased or shipped in the Department of the Pacific for any of the
troops east of Fort Yuma belonging to the Column from California.
On August 11 General Canby sent to me another communication, in
which he treats of the impracticability of an invasion of Texas from
this direction, and in which he speaks of removing the regular troops
from New Mexico and of receiving other re-enforcements from Cali-
fornia. As the views it sets forth seem to be of great value, I submit
it for the perusal of General Wright; it is marked G.
On August 12 General Canby wrote still another letter, in which he
authorized me to use my own judgment in regard to the disposition of
troops in Arizona and Southern New Mexico; it is marked H. My
letter to General Canby, dated August 15^ together with General Orders,
Nos. 14 and 15, herewith inclosed, will inform General Wright of the
distribution of the troops along the Bio Grande. These communications
are marked I. On August 10 1 started with three companies of cavalry
for Fort Bliss, in Texas. At the town of Franklin, opposite El Paso, I
found a surgeon of the Confederate Army and twenty-five sick and dis-
abled soldiers, whom I made prisoners of war by order of General Canby.
I also found that a large amount of hospital stores and quartermaster's
property, which once had belonged to the United States, was in store-
rooms connected with the custom-house at Bl Paso, in Mexico. These
stores I managed to recover; there were twelve wagon loads of them. I
•See p. 126.
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102 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Cdap. LXU.
sent them to the depot at Mesilla, which I had established. I then pro-
ceeded 100 miles farther down the valley of the Rio Grande into Texas.
The object of my march was to restore confidence to the people. They
had been taught by the Texans that we were coming among them as
marauders and as robbers. When they found we treated them kindly
and paid them a fair price for all the supplies we required they rejoiced
to find, as they came under the old flag once more, that they could
now have protection and will be treated justly. The abhorrence they
expressed for the Confederate troops and of the rebellion convinced me
that their loyalty to the United States is now beyond question.
On August 22 the troops of the Column from California hoisted the
Stars and Stripes over Fort Quitman. This was done by Capt. John
C. Cremouy, with his company (B, Second California Volunteer Cavalry).
On the same day Captain Shirland, First California Volunteer Cavalry,
was directed to proceed to Fort Davis, 140 miles still farther into Texas,
and hoisted the national colors over that post. (See General Orders,
No. IG, marked K.) How well Captain Shirland performed this duty
and how gallantly he and his men behaved in a fight with the Indians
will be seen by his report, a copy of which is herewith inclosed, marked
L. Captain Roberts' company, which whipped the Indians in Apache
Pass, is from Sacramento. Lieutenant-Colonel Eyre, who led my ad-
vance guard to the Rio Grande and hoisted the colors over Forts Thorn,
Fillmore, Bliss, and Mesilla, is from Sacramento, and so is Captain
Shirland, who hoisted the Stars and Stripes 240 miles farther into the
State of Texas, and also whipped the Indians in that neighborhood.
This speaks nobly for the men from that city. I inclose a telegraphic
communication from General Canby to the Adjutant-General of the
Army, dated August 10, in which he requests that a regiment more of
infantry and five companies of cavalry be sent into the Department of
New Mexico from California, so a« to relieve the regular troops now
here; it is marked M. On August 21 I was instructed to arrange the
affairs of the District of Arizona so as to turn over that district to the
officer next in rank to myself, and to hold myself in readiness to repair
to the headquarters Department of New Mexico. I also received Si)ecial
Orders, No. 148, from the headquarters of that department, directiug
me to send an officer as bearer of dispatches to the commander of the
Department of the Pacific. Copies of these documents are herewith
inclosed, marked N.
On September 2 I received Special Orders, No. 153 (marked O),
directing me to relieve Brigadier-General Canby in the command of the
Department of New Mexico. Previous to this order I had published
General Orders, No. 17, which posted a company of infantry at Frank-
lin, Tex., and another one at Hart's Mill, Tex. It is herewith inclosed,
marked P. On September 1 I ])ut the Texan prisoners of war whom I
found at Franklin on their parole, and sent them on their way to San
Antonio, Tex., escorted by Company D, First California Volunteer Cav-
alry. (See my letter to the commanding officer of the Confederate
forces, San Antonio, Tex., marked Q.) I then returned to Las Oruces,
N. Mex., where I published General Orders, No. 20 (marked R), regu-
lating the affairs of the District of Arizona and transferring the com-
mand of that district to Col. Joseph R. West, First California Volunteer
Infantry. (I still retain the command of the Column from California,
and shall cause all the reports which you require in your letter to me,
dated at San Francisco, May 30, to be sent to the headquarters De-
partment of the Pacific, until I am otherwise ordered by competent
authority.) I then proceeded to Santa F6, arriving here on the 16th
instant
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Chip. Lxn.] EXPEDITION TO N. W. TEXAS AND NEW MEXICO. 103
General Ganby relinquished the command of the Department of New
Mexico on the 18th instant. (See General Orders, No. 83, marked S.)
I assumed command of the department on the same day. (See General
Orders, No. 84, marked T.) Some additional changes have been made
of the troops pertaining to the Column from California, which are indi-
cated in a letter to Colonel West, dated September 8 (marked U), and
in another dated September 9 (marked Y) ; also two others, dated Sep-
tember 14 (marked W and X, respectively). I inclose for your infor-
mation three communications (marked Y).* I also inclose a copy of
an order directing Lieut, Col. Edward E. Eyre, First California Volun-
teer Cavalry, to bear these dispatches to the headquarters Department
of the Pacific; it is marked Z.
These various communications will give General Wright a pretty
good idea of the operations of the troops composing the Column from
California from July 22, of this year, to the present time.
I find that the supply of provisions in this department is adequate
to the wants of all the troops from California now serving here, and
therefore respectfully recommend that no more subsistence stores be
purchased for the Column flrom California until further advices on this
subject. I propose to transport from Fort Tuma to Tucson during the
cool weather of the fall and winter a largo quantity of subsistence stores
now in excess at the former post, so as to provide for the contingency
of other troops being ordered to New Mexico from California; to pro-
vide for the troops already stationed in Arizona, and to form a maga-
zine in case of any reverses here which may lead to the destruction of
our present stores or oblige the California or other troops to retire
toward the Pacific. When these supplies have been accumulated at
Tucson by a train now employed for that purpose that train will be
required for service in this department; meantime it can be used as
transportation from Fort Yuma to the Eio Grande for any troops which
General Wright may order from the Department of the Pacific into
Arizona or New Mexico.
The Southern Overland Mail Boute has been ox)ened, and the military
posts in Arizona, Southern New Mexico, and Northwestern Texas have
been reoccnpied by troops composing the Column from California. Thus
far the instructions of the general commanding the Department of the
Pacific have been carried out. It was no fault of the troops from Cali-
fornia that the Confederate forces fled before them. It is but just to
say that their having thus fled is mainly to be attributed to the gal-
lantry of the troops under General Canby's command. That they were
hurried in their flight by the timely arrival of the advance guard of the
Column from California, under Lieutenant-Colonel Eyre, there cannot
be a doubt. The march from the Pacific to the Eio Grande by the
Column from California was not accomplished without immense toil and
great hardships or without many privations and much suffering from
heat and want of water. The amoun t of labor performe<l by Col. Joseph
B. West, the second in command, was immense and of the greatest prac-
tical importance. Much of our success was dependent on his energy,
perseverance, cheerfulness, and high soldierly qualities. I cannot too
strongly recommend that this officer be promoted to the grade of
brigadier-general of volunteers as a reward for these services, and par-
ticularly as he now commands the most important district in this depart-
ment. I trust that General Wright will urge the necessity of this
advancement of Colonel West, and set forth to the General-in-Chief his
eminent fitness for the office of brigadier-general. This will promote
'Omitted.
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104 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Chap.LXII.
Lieatenant-Colonel Bigg, which will be a reward for his important serv-
ices as commanding officer at Fort Yuma during the past winter and
for his efficient lalKtrs iu the column while crossing the Great Desert.
I regard Colonel Bigg as one of the finest soldiers in the Colamn from
CalUbmia. Those who knew the troops from California as I knew them
will consider this a high compliment.
Lieut. Col. Edward E. Eyre, First California Volunteer Cavalry,
deserves a regiment. The zeal he has manifested in the discharge of
his duties and the alacrity and cheerfulness he has always shown when
called upon for any hazardous enterprise distinguished him as one emi-
nently fitted for the profession of arms. If five companies more of cav-
alry are to be sent from California, as requested by General Canby, I
trust they will be added to the five which now compose the First Caii-
foruia Volunteer Cavalry, and that Lieutenant-Colonel Eyre will be
commissioned as full colonel. The services of Major Coult, Fifth Cali-
fornia Volunteer Infantry, and of Major Fergusson, First California
Volunteer Cavalry, and of M^jor McMullen, First California Volunteer
Infantry, have been most arduous and are deserving of reward. The
officers and men of the Second California Volunteer Cavalry and of the
Fifth California Volunteer Infantry shared alike in all the privations
and toil encountered by the First California Volunteer Infantry and the
First California Volunteer Cavalry. As soldiers, iu the highest accep-
tation of that wordj they were equally subordinate, patient, energetic,
and patriotic. If I should select the names of some of them to be
rewarded for these high qualities, it would be an invidious distinction.
Capt. John B. Shinn and First Lieut. Franklin Harwood, of the Third
U. 8. Artillery, for their incessant toil by night and by day to bring the
battery of light artillery which is attached to the Column from Califor-
nia through the Yuma and Gila Deserts, should each receive the com-
pliment of a brevet — Captain Shinn to be brevetted as major and First
Lieutenant Harwood as captain. Unless these young men are rewarded
by a compliment of this kind I shall always feel that the passage of a
battery of light artillery, always in fighting condition, over such an
inhospitable waste, in the midst of the heats of summer, is a matter of
such trivial importance in the profession of arms as not to be worthy
of notice. Theirs was the first battery that ever crossed the desert. I
am sure that he who crosses the next one will be considered an accom-
plished soldier. I trust that General Wright will call the attention of
the General-in-Chief to the credit which is eminently due these young
gentlemen for their services in this column. I have already asked for
promotion of my adjutant-general, Lieut. Benjamin C. Cutler; for my
medical director, Surg. James M. McNulty, and for my regimental
quartermaster, First Lieut. Lafayette Hammond, all of the First Cali-
fornia Volunteer Infantry. Their merits are too well known at the
headquarters Department of the Pacific to need any further words of
commendation from myself.
In conclusion, I beg to thank General Wright for the confidence he
always reposed in me. In carrying out his orders and instructions I
have endeavored to do my best, yet, as it was a new and very extended
field of operations, my judgment about what was best to be done under
emergencies as they arose was doubtless not always of the soundest
character; yet I feel that General Wright has kindly overlooked all
imperfections of this nature, and saved me the pain, of many rebukes,
which no doubt I have deserved. For this I feel very grateful. The
march of the Column from California in the summer months across the
Great Desert, in the driest season that has ever been known for thirty
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CHip. LXn.) EXPEDITION TO N. W. l-EXAS AND NEW MEXICO, 105
years, is a military achievement creditable to the soldiers of the Ameri-
can Army; bat it would not be just to attribute the success of this
march to any ability on my part. That success was gained only by the
high physical and moral energies of that peculiar class of ofiQcers and
men who composed the Column from California. With any other troops
I am sure I should have failed. I send you a set of colors which have
been borne by this column. They were hoisted by Colonel West on
Forts Breckinridge and Buchanan, and over Tucson, Ariz. ; by Colonel
Eyre over Forts Thorn and Fillmore, and over Mesilla, N. Mex., and
over Fort Bliss, in Texas. They were hoisted by Captain Cremony over
Port Quitman, and by Captain Shirland over Fort Davis, in Texas; and
thus again have those places been consecrated to our beloved country.
All of which is respectfully submitted.
JAMES H. CARLETON,
Brigadier- General, U. 8. Army, Commanding.
Lieut. Col. BicHABD C. Dbttu,
Asst. Adjt. Oen,f U. S, Army, San Francisco, Cal.
[Inoloaare B.]
HeadqtjAbtebs Column pbom Califoenia,
Miembres River, Ariz., August 6, 1862.
Col. Joseph R. West,
First California Volunteer Infantry, Commanding Gamp:
Colonel : I have been credibly informed that there are some twenty
families of men, women, and children at the Pino Alto mines, some forty
miles from this camp, who are nearly perishing for want of food, the
Indians having robbed them of what they had, and the secessionists hav
ing captured and appropriated to themselves a train of supplies which
was on the way some time since to their relief. You will send Capt
E. D. Shirland, First California Volunteer Cavalry, and Lieut. D. C.
Vestal, First California Volunteer Infantry, with a sufQcient escort of
cavalry and infantry, to the Pino Alto mines with some provisions for
these starving people. Send them 5 beeves, 600 pounds, more or less,
of pemmican, 3,000 pounds of flour, and 1,500 pounds of pauoclie (Mex-
ican sugar). These provisions will be given to the most needy. If it
be not practicable to distribute them all at once, they will be left in
the hands of some responsible man for this purpose, proper receipts
being taken therefor. I instruct Captain Shirland particularly on
these points, and direct him and Lieutenant Vestal to make a joint
report on the number and sufferings of the people at Pino Alto, and
whether they are strong enough to protect themselves from further
harm from the Indians.
I am, respectfully, your obedient servant,
JAMES H. CARLETON,
Brigadier- General, U. S. Army.
[Inclosnre C]
Camp on Rio Miembbes, Abiz.,
August 10, 1862.
Col. Joseph R. West,
First California Volunteer Infantry:
Colonel : Pursuant to instructions received on the 6th instant we
left this place on that day for the Pino Alto mines, taking with us a
quantity of provisions for distribution among the inhabitants of that
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106 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Chap. LXIL
place, represented to be in a starving condition. We arrived there on
the 7th, and called upon the principal men of the place to assist us in
ascertaining the names, ages, business, condition, number, &c., of the
inhabitants. We found about thirty Americans, French, Germans, &c. ;
two of the Germans with families. All the rest were Mexicans. Most
of them were extremely poor and destitute, there being scarcely any
ore at all in the mines. They had received some little assistance pre-
vious to our arrival, before which time they had been living on purs-
lane and roots, and several had become insane from hunger.
• ••••••
Number of families in the mines, two— Mr. Schneider's and Mr.
Holtz's; number of Mexican families living in the mines, about thirty,
all extremely poor. All the people seemed to be loyally inclined,
although several of them had belonged to the Arizona Eangers, a com-
pany formed for the purpose of fighting the Indians in the Territory.
The Indians were represented as being extremely hostile and in the
habit of committing depredations upon the settlers whenever they had
anything to steal. At the time of our visit there were no Indians in
the neighborhood, but every one thought that as soon as trains with sup-
plies commenced their trips the Indians would begin to commit depre-
dations. All were extremely anxious to have the Government extend
to them suf&cicnt protection and station at least one company in their
neighborhood.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
E. D. SHIRLAND,
Captain, First California Volunteer Cavalry.
[Inoloanre D.]
Heasqttabtebb Column feom Oalifoenia,
Camp on the Rio Gbande, Ariz. Tek.,
Three and a half Miles above Fort Thorn, Aiigtist 8, 1862,
Brig. Gen. E. E. S. Canbt,
Comdg. Department of New Mexico, Santa FS, N. Mex. :
General : Before arriving at Cooke's Wells I learned that there was
not any water to speak of between that jioint and El Picacho, on the
Rio Grande, fifty-five miles from Cooke's Wells and six miles above
Mesilla. The Rio Grande had divided in the great flood and brokeu
across the country so as to leave the town of Mesilla on an island dif-
ficult of access from the west, and that the facilities for grazing in the
neighborhood of Mesilla were bad. This information decided me to
strike the Rio Grande at or near Fort Thorn, a distance of not less
than thirty-five miles nor more than forty from Cooke's Wells, but des-
titute of water the whole way. I arrived here last evening with two
companies of cavalry and one of infantry, having left Cooke's Wells at
8 a. m. The other detachments — West's, Willis', and Rigg's, a day
apart — wUl reach this point, commencing with West's, tomorrow even-
ing. I leave to-day for the San Diego Crossing, at the foot of the
Jornada, and I shall pass the Rio Grande at that point. I have this
day written to Colonel Howe that if they have not already left Fort
Craig to go up the river. The Colorado Volunteers can leave at once,
agreeably with your Special Orders, No. 128, current series. I inclose
for your information a copy of a note to Colonel West, First California
Volunteer Infantry, in relation to sending some provisions to some des-
titute men, women, and children at the Pino Alto mines. If I have
authority to occupy posts in the northwestern portion of Texas, i. e.,
Forts Bliss and Quitman, will you permit me to have my headquarters,
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CHAT.LXn.l EXPEDITION TO N. W. TEXAS AND NEW MEXICO. 107
say, at Hart's Mill, on the Bio Grande, some three miles above Fort
Bliss f
I am, general, very respectfully, yoor obedient servant,
JAMES H. CARLETON,
Brigadier- General, U. 8. Army.
Note. — My command did not use tents in crossing the desert. I had
a few (two to a company) when I left Tucson, but thirteen of these
were left to shelter the garrison at Fort Bowie, Apache Pass, Chirica-
hna Mountains. I have sent to Fort Yuma to have all the tents at that
IH>8t repaired and sent on as soon as possible. Should I need them,
can you lend me somef I left Tucson July 23; stopped one day at the
Gienega de Sauz and four and a half at Ojo de la Yaca and arrived
here on the 7th.
J. H. 0.
[Inolosnre F.]
Headquabtebs Depabthent op New Mexico,
Santa Fd, If. Mex., August 11, 1862.
Brig. Gen. James H. Caelbton,
Commanding Column from California, District of Arizona:
General: I have just received your interesting communication of
the 2d instant and the accompanying papers.
The chief quartermaster, Lieutenant-Colonel Donaldson, has been
instructed to send an additional supply of clothing to the deiK)t at
Fort Craig to meet your immediat« wants. He will communicate
with your chief quartermaster in relation to the wants of your com-
mand and the supplies that can be furnished from the depots under his
charge. I have directed the chief commissary to place $30,000 sub-
sistence funds in the hands of the commissary at Fort Craig, subject to
yonr order. This course has been adopted in consequence of the inse-
curity of the mails below Fort Craig. He also will commuuicate with
your commissary in relation to his branch of the service. The state-
ment of your medical director has been referred to the medical director
of the department, who will send to you such medical and hospital
supplies as appear to be needed. The medical supplies and ordnance
stores in the department will be largely in excess of the wants of the
troops, and as both classes are liable to deterioration, it will be advis-
able to exhaust those on hand before drawing again from the East or
the Pacific coast. If you have not already ordered these supplies from
Fort Yuma, please make your requisitions upon the depots in this
department.
The depot at Fort Craig will be subject to requisitions, and any sup-
plies that are not there now will be sent there as soon as advised that
you need them. A part of the supplies will be late m reaching that
point, having been detained by the commander of the Department of
Kansas until he could provide an escort for them, and subsequently
delayed by the unusual floods iu Arkansas. I have heretofore recom-
mended that all posts in Arizona west of the Eio Grande should be
snpplied by the way of the Gulf of California and Guaymas. From
the information contained in your letter the cost of transportation from
Guaymas to points on the Kio Grande below Fort Craig will be about
the same as to the depot at Fort Union. One of the paymasters in this
department has been ordered to the East for the purpose of renewing
his bond and the commission of another has expired, leaving but one
for the payments now in progress. Another is expected by the next
mail from the East, and as soon after he arrives as possible arrange-
ments will be made for the payment of your command. The wants of
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108 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. IChap. LXn.
your men in tobacco and sutler's stores will be made known to tbe
mercbants in tbis city, wbo will no doubt be very glad of tbe opportu-
nity of supplying tbem. General Wrigbt bas given a more extended
application to War Department General Orders, No. 29, than I have
understood it to warrant. That, however, is of no material conse-
quence. We are here in tbe same cause and for a common purpose,
and nothing shall be wanting on my part to insure the harmony of
action which is essential to efficiency, and I feel assured from your
character that I may count upon your co-operation in everything that
has for its object the advancement of the honor and interest of our
country. Please communicate with me freely, and be assured that
whatever I can do, either officially or x>ersonally, to advance the inter-
ests or add to the comforts, of your command will be done with the
greatest pleasure.
Very respectfully, sir, your obedient servant,
ED. R. S. CANBY,
Brigadier- Oeneral, Commanding Department.
[Inolosure G.]
Headqttabtebs Department of New Mexico,
Santa Fe, W. Mex., August 11, 1862.
Brig. Gen. James H. Gableton,
Commanding Column from California, District of Arizona:
Genebax : At an early i)eriod of last year I reported that an invasion
of Texas from New Mexico, although practicable, was not a practicable
undertaking ; the length of the march, the desert character of the conn-
try to be ti-aversed, the scarcity of supplies on the route, the necessity
of bringing from the Missouri River or from the Pacific coast every
article of equipment and munition and much of the food, all conspired
to make it an undertaking of great magnitude and of questionable
value; and that the troops that would be required tor the expedition
could be more usefully employed at points that are not only near the
sources of supply but near the points to be attacked. The same views
appeared to have been entertained at tbe Headquarters of the Army, as
before my report could have reached Washington I received instrucuons
to withdraw first a part and afterward tbe whole of the regular force
then in New Mexico. These last instructions were subsequently so
modified as to direct the withdrawal of these troops "at such time and
in such manner as would not expose the Territory to conquest or inva-
sion before the volunteer troops of New Mexico are properly organized,
armed, and posted." At a later period I reported that it would be dif-
ficult, if not imi)racticable, to raise the additional force authorized for
this Territory; nor do I think it desirable that it should be done if it is
practicable to send one or two volunteer regiments from the East to
replace the regular troops when they are withdrawn. The New Mexican
Volunteers, unless supported by regular troops or by volunteers drawn
from some other section of the country, cannot be relied on to resist
invasion of the Territory if one is attempted.
When a force from the Department of the Mississippi was under orders
for this department I received instructions from the Secretary of War
to disband the New Mexican Volunteers whenever I thought proper.
The force from the Department of the Mississippi was subsequently
diverted from its destination, and soon after information was received
that your command was on the march. I have coupled these changes
with the instructions for the movement of the regular troops, and sup-
posed that your command was intended for service in New Mexico.
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Cajir.uax.] EXPEDITION TO N. W. TEXAS AND NEW MEXICO. 109
Acting upon this aapposition, I have reported that "the near approach
of General Garleton's force justifies the opinion that the regular troops
may now be withdrawn, as originally intended, without detriment to
the service," and have already made some arrangements for the move-
ment; but as there have been some material changes since these instruc-
tions were given, I do not intend to put any of the regular troops beyond
the reach of recall until I receive further instructions. I have been thus
particular, not only for the purpose of answering your question, but to
indicate the policy and instructions under which I have been acting,
and which I suppose will devolve upon you when the regular troops
leave the country. In the arrangements that were made for the reoccu-
pation of Arizona it was my intention to restore tiie sovereignty of the
United States in its original integrity, post the troops so as to protect
the inhabitants and guard against invasion, and, in addition, to occupy
such points in Texas as could be reached without throwing the troops
so employed beyond the reach of support. This has been directed in
general terms in the instructions given to the commander of the South-
em Military District, and who would also have been the commander of
the expedition organized for that purpose. Copies of these instructions
have already been furnished you. The retreat of the rebels and the
approach of your command rendered it unueeescary to send this force
below the Jornada, and, with the exception of the infEuitry battalion
and the cavalry force with Lieutenant-Colonel Eyre, it has been recalled.
The detachments will also be recalled, but the movement will not be
commenced until your arrangements are so far perfected that it can
be done without inconvenience.
I do not think that an invasion of New Mexico wiU again be attempted
by the Bio Grande; but if onr troops in the Southwest should meet
with any serious reverses, it may be by the Canadian or attempts may
be made to interrupt our communications with the East. This last I
have regarded as the most probable danger, and some time since
request^ the commander of the Department of Kansas to place a suf-
ficient force on that line (within his department) to secure it. The
renewal of the disturbances in Missouri has prevented this, and I am
now putting some of the Colorado troops on the line. If there should
be no change in the order for the removal of the regular troops a part
of your command will probably be needed at and above Fort Craig. I
have estimated the force required at that post and the Bio Grande as
far as Fort Bliss at 2,000 men. I infer from yonr letter of May 3 that
you can readily be re-enforced from California, and there is no doubt
that troops can better be spared from that State than from any other
quarter. I make these suggestions now for your consideration, and will
be pleased to bear from you In relation to them before any general
movement of the regular troops takes place.
Very resjiect^Uy, sir, your obedient servant,
ED. R. S. CANBY,
Brigadier- Oeneral, Oommcmding Department.
[Inclosnre H.]
Hbadquabtees Department op New Mexico,
Santa Fe, K. Mex., August 12, 1862.
Brig. Gen. James H. Oaeleton,
Commanding Column from California, District of Arizona :
Genebal : I have just received your communication of the 8th instant.
It is my wish that you should exercise your own judgment both with
regard to the distribution of your troops and the point at which your
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110 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. (Chap. Lxn.
headquarters will be established. My instructions to Oolonel Ghiviag-
ton of June 22 and subsequent dates were predicated upon the suppo-
sition that he would meet with some resistance, and were more in detail
than I should have considered necessary with an officer of more experi-
ence. In my letter of yesterday I gave the general tenor of my instruc-
tions, in order that you might use your discretion in carrying out the
policy of the Grovemment with reference to this department. Direc-
tions will be given to send tents to Fort Craig for the use of your com-
mand, and I trust that you will not hesitate in asking for anything that
will add to the comfort of your command. If not already at Fort Craig,
it will be sent there, and if not now in abundance, we will share what
we have, and renew our supplies when the trains come in. It will proba-
bly be necessary for a time to send your own transportation to Fort
Craig for any supplies that you may need from that place.
Very respectfully, sir, your obedient servant,
ED. E. 8. OANBY,
Brigadier-Oeneral, Commanding D^artment,
[Inolosore I.]
Headquaktebs Distbiot of Arizona,
Las Gruces, N. Mex., Augvst 15, 1862.
Brig. Gen. B. B. S. Canby,
Commanding Department of New Mexico, Santa Fe, N. Mex. :
General : I wrote to you a letter Arom Ojo de la Yaca on the 2d
instant advising you of the strength of the forces under my command
then en route to the Eio Grande. Since then I have not received any
letters fi"om your headquarters advising me of the receipt of that com-
munication. The inclosed general orders (Nos. 14 and 15, from these
headquarters) will give you an idea of the force stationed at Mesilla.
In Las Graces there are four companies of the Fifth U. S. Infantry; at
Fort Fillmore there are Shinn's light battery. Third U. S. Artillery;
Companies A and B. First California Volunteer Infantry; Company B,
Fifth California Volunteer Infantry, and Companies B and D, First
California Volunteer Cavalry, and Company B, Second California Vol-
unteer Cavalry. I placed all the cavalry and nearly all the quarter-
master's wagons and teams at Fort Fillmore on account of the good
grazing in that vicinity and the abundance of mesquite beans now in
that neighborhood, which for the present precludes the necessity of
purchasing much forage. As there are sufBcieut quarters at La Mesilla
for the four companies of the Fifth U. S. Infantry I shall establish
them in that town, unless otherwise directed by yourself, at least for
the present. The emulation which will naturally spring up between
them and the volunteers, as to who shall best perform their duties,
will, in my opinion, be of great service to both; besides, there is a fine
building there, where the supplies — quartermaster's and subsistence —
can be kept free of expense, and the town of Mesilla is said to be a
cooler and healthier locality than Las Cruces. Colonel Howe wrote to
me desiring that I would send these four companies to Fort Craig, but
this I do not feel authorized to do unless you order it. Mr. Wooifs the
beef contractor, wrote me a note in relation to furnishing beef for my
command. It is herewith inclosed,* together with my reply. I hope
my decision in this case will meet with your approval. I have not yet
learned officially whether Mr. Woods will or not 8ui)ply beef for only
the four companies of regulars; I have heard that he would not.
To-morrow I leave for Fort Bliss, in Texas, with Companies B, of the
First, and B, of the Second, California Volunteer Cavalry. Company
* Not found.
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CHAP. Lxn.] EXPEDITION TO N. W. TEXAS AND NEW MEXICO. Ill
C, First Oaliforiiia Voluuteer Cavalry, is already at Hart's Mill, as you
had doabtless heard previous to my arrival. There are many matters
of moment which require my attention, as I have beard, in the neigh-
borhood of Fort Bliss.
I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JAMES H. CARLETON,
Brigadier- Oeneral, Commanding.
[Inoloanra K.]
GbnebaIi Obdebs, ) Hdqbs. Column from Caxtpoknia,
> Camp on Rio Grande,
No. 16. ) Near Fort Quitman, Tex., August 22, 1862.
I. At 12 m. to-day Capt. John C. Oremony, with his company (B, of
the Second California Volunteer Cavalry), will proceed to Fort Quitman
and hoist over it the national colors, the old Stars and Stripes. By this
act still another post comes under its rightful flag and once more becomes
consecrated to the United States.
II. Capt. Edmond D. Shirland, First California Volunteer Cavalry,
will proceed without delay, yet by easy marches, to Fort Davis, Tex.,
and hoist over that post the national colors. If Captain Shirland fluds
any sick or wounded soldiers there he will make them prisoners of war,
but put them upon their parole and let them proceed without delay to
Texas. If they are unable to travel. Captain Shirland will report to
these headquarters by express what they need in the way of surgical or
medical attention ; what they need in the way of food or transporta-
tion, and all other essential facts connected with them which it may be
necessary to have known to have them properly cared for. If the fort
is abandoned. Captain Shirland will retrace his steps and report in
person to these headquarters.
III. Twenty effective men will be ordered from Company B, First
California Volunteer Cavalry, to report to Captain Shirland for detached
service to Fort Davis, Tex.
By order of Brigadier-General Carleton:
BEN. C. CUTLER,
Fir»t Lieut.., First California Vol. Infty., Actg. Asst. Adjt. Oen.
[Inolmoie L.]
Camp on Rio Grande, 8eptember 2, 1862.
Lieut. Benjamin 0. Cutler,
Acting Assistant Adjutant- General, Franklin, Tex.:
Lieutenant : I have the honor to state that, in pursuance of instruc-
tions received from General James H. Carleton, commanding Coluiuu
from California, I left this camp at 3 p. m. August 23 en route to Fort
Davis. Encamx)ed at 8 o'clock the same evening, having marched fifteen
miles. Started at daybreak of the 24th and arrived at Eagle Springs at
9.30 a. m., seventeen miles ; found the springs filled with rubbish and car-
rion ; bycleaningthem out found water formen and animals. There being
no grass in the vicinity, I left the springs at 4 p. m. ; marched about five
miles and made a dry camp ; grass abundant and good. Started at day-
break and marched twenty miles to Van Horn's Wells; found these wells
entirely filled up ; cleared out one of them, but found it impossible to
obtain sufBcient water for the men. Many of the horses being unfit to
proceed farther, 1 thought it best to go on from here with twenty men and
picked horses, taking the ambulance with me. Accordingly I directed
Lieutenant Haden to retrace his steps to Eagle Springs with the remain-
der of the detachmeul^ to clean out the springs thoroughly, and to
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112 0PBBAT10N8 ON THE PACIFIC COAST. tCHAP.LXir.
remain there eight days, unless he received other orders ftom me. If
at the expiration of eight days I shoald not have returned or sent back
an express, I directed him to return to the river and wait for me there
two days and then proceed up the river and report to General Garleton.
I left Van Horn's Wells at aboat 4 p. m. and arrived at Dead Man's
Hole at abont 2 a. m. ; fonnd sufficient water there for the animals, but
not enough for a company; distance, thirty-five miles.
Started at 6.30 a. m. and arrived at Barrel Springs at 3 p. m., having
halted on the road to graze the animals. Found water enough at these
springs for one company, liemained here that night, and on the next
afternoon sent forward Corporal Bartlett, with one private and the Mex-
ican guide, to find out the condition of affairs at Fort Davis, distant
eighteen miles. They returned about noon the next day, having x)er-
formed their duty in such a manner that if the fort had been occu-
pied by the C. S. troops their (Corporal Bartlett and party) presence
could not have been discovered. They reported the fort unoccupied,
and I, thinking it best not to send back for the company on account of
the scarcity of water, proceeded to the fort. I found it entirely deserted,
but in one of the buildings of the Overland Mail Company I found the
dead body of a man lying on the floor. He had been shot through the
body with a bullet and had an arrow wound on the bead and oue on
the arm. From the appearance of the room I think that it had been
used by the Confederate troops as a hospital, and this man left there
sick and afterward killed by the Indians. I had the body buried. The
fort appears to have been garrisoned by the O. 8. troops since their
first appearance in the country by at least a ])ortion of one company.
It also seemed to have been used as a rendezvous for sick soldiers, but
they had all left with the last detachment for San Antonio.
The following is a description of the buildings at the fort: Five com-
pany quarters, about 80 by 25 feet; one story high; built of stone;
thatched roof. Four of these buildings are in fair condition. The roof,
doors, and windows of one have been burned. One guard house, about
80 by 25 feet; building stone; roof, doors, and windows burned. One
quartermaster's store-house, about 100 by 20 feet, built of stone; roof,
doorsj and windows entirely destroyed; surrounded by several small
buildings ; use not known. One wooden or slab building, 30 by 16 feet:
thatched roof; used as an a(]yutant's office. One wooden building, 36
by 27 feet, with kitchen and several small outbuildings; snppos^ to
have been the commanding officer's quarters. On this building the flag
was raised and kept up one day. One wooden building, 48 by 22 fee^
with kitchen and outhouses attached ; supposed to have been officers'
quarters. Oue wooden building, 22 by 12 feet, with one small out-
building, 10 by 14 feet. One wooden building, 36 by 18 feet; one out-
building, 14 by 12 feet; one slab building, 40 by 15 feet; one slab build-
ing, 60 by 14 feet; one slab building, 20 by 12 feet; one slab building,
20 by 12 feet; one slab building, 30 by 15 feet; one outhouse, 10 by 12
feet; seven small slab outhouses; one slab stable, 50 by 14 feet; one
stone and mud house; three small slab buildings. These are estimated
measurements, as I had no other means of doing. One Overland Mail
station, consisting of house, store-house, shop, stable, saddlery, granary,
&c.; one adobe building, formerly used as a store. Many of the doors
and windows have been destroyed. Some seem to have been hauled
off; others burned. One wagon stands loaded with lumber. I have
heard a report, in fact, that the entire fort was sold by the C. S. officers
to some party at Del Norte, Mexico. Property consists of some iron
in quartermaster's store-house, some 100 horseshoes, two old citizen
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CB*».lJai.l EXPEDITION TO N. VT. TEXAS AND NEW MEXICO. 113
wagons, several wagon and cart wheels, empty barrels, several chains,
many hospital bedsteads, bnt all broken or in a dilapidated condition.
I stsurted from the fort on my return at daylight of the 30th and marched
to Dead Man's Hole; watered the animals, and made a dry camp in
the prairie.
Left camp at 9 a. m. and marched about ten miles, when an Indian made
his api)earance with a white flag, followed by five others, all moonted. I
tried tohold a talk with them, but they seemed unwilling to haveanything
to say, they being followed by twenty-live or thirty more mounted men,
and still farther behind was a large party On foot, and it being evident
that their only intention was to gain time and delay us until they
could surround us, coming toward us in every direction, a large propor-
tion of them mounted. Wishing to get rid of the footmen, I made a
running light of it, expecting the mounted men to follow, which they
did for a short distance; but finding it too hot for them, they returned.
They left 4 men dead on the field, 2 of them the leaders, respectively,
of the monnted and foot men. I have good reason to believe that at
least 20 were wounded. I had 2 men wounded, 1 slightly and 1 pain-
fully, by a pistol-ball in the shoulder. I had also 1 horse wounded. I
then came on to Eagle Springs, where I arrived at 11 p. m., watered
all my animsds, and found that Lieutenant Haden, with the remainder
of the command, had left for the river several days before. Encamped
for the remainder of the night, and on the next day proceeded to the
river, arriving there about 5 jj. m., and found Lieutenant Haden, with
the remainder of the command, be stating that he could not find suffi-
cient water at Eagle Springs for the use of the animals. I omitted in
the foregoing report to state that about ten miles from Yan Horn's
Wells I met two Mexicans coming this way. I arrested them and
brought them to this camp, where 1 released them, and they went on
up the river and will report to General Carleton in person.
I am, sir, very resi)ectfully, your obedient servant,
E. D. SHIRLAND,
Captain Company C, First California Volunteer Cavalry.
[Inolosare M.]
Hbadquabtebs Depabtment op Kew Mexico,
August 10, 1862.
To the Adjtjtant-Geneeai,,
Washington, D. G. :
General Carleton's force in the Mesilla will be less by 700 men than
is stated in my report of the 6th. He reports that he can be fol-
lowed by another regiment of infantry or more. I recommend that one
regiment of infantry and five companies of cavalry be ordered from
California. The regular troops can be ready to leave as soon as the
answer to my report of the 6th is received, or earlier if I find it safe to
move them.
ED. E. S. OANBT,
Brigadier- General.
[n>cloaare K.]
Hbadquabtebs Dbpaetment op New Mexico,
Santa F6, N. Mex., August 21, 1862.
Brig. Gen. Jahes H. Gableton,
Commcmding District of Arizona, Fort Bliss, Tex.:
GENEBAlii The commanding general desires that you will arrange
the affairs of your district so that the command may be turned over to
8 B E — ^VOL L, PT I r ' I
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114 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Chap. LXn.
the oflScer next in rank as soon as practicable, and hold yourself in
readiness to repair to the headquarters of the department.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
GUEDEN CHAPIN,
Captain, Seventh U. 8. Infantry, Actg. Asst. Adjt. Qen.
[iDcloanre O.]
Special Obdbbs, ) Hdqrs. Depaktment of New Mexico,
No. 153. ) Santa F6, JV. Mex., August 26, 1862.
Brig. Gen. James H. Garleton, U. S. Army, will repair without delay
to Santa F6, for the purpose of relieving Brigadier-General Oanby in
the command of the Department of New Mexico.
By order of Brigadier-General Canby :
GUEDEN CHAPIN,
Captain, Seventh U. 8. Infantry, Actg. Asst. Adjt. Qen.
[Inclmiire P.]
Genebal Obdebs, ) Headquaetebs Disteiot of Abizona,
No. 17. ) Franklin, Tex., August 27, 1862.
• ••••••
II. Captain Roberts' company (E, First California Yolnnteer Infantry)
and Captain Pishon's company (D, First California Volunteer Cavalry)
will be ordered by Colonel West to proceed without delay to Franklin,
Tex., where Captain Roberts' company will take post, and whence Cap-
tain Pishon's company will march to Fort Stockton, in Texas, as a
guard to some prisoners of the Confedierate Army who are to be sent to
Texas on parole. Each of these companies will be rationed from the
depot at Mesilla to include the 30th proximo. Besides these rations
Colonel West will send, escorted by Roberts' company, 6,000 rations of
subsistence stores frova. the Mesilla depot to Franklin, Tex.
By order of Brigadier-General Carleton:
BEN. 0. CUTLER,
First Lieut., First California Vol. Infty,, Actg. Asst. Adjt. Gen.
[Inoloanre Q.]
Headquaetees District of Arizona,
Franklin, Tex., September 1, 1862.
Commander op Confederate Troops, San Antonio, Tex.:
Sie: I found on my arrival here some twenty-odd sick and wounded
soldiers of the C. S. Army, whom I was ordered by General Canby,
commanding the Department of New Mexico, to make prisoners of
war. These men, at their earnest solicitation, I sent to San Antonio
on their parole. They have been furnished with rations of subsistence
for forty days and with such medicines and hospital stores as were
necessary for them on the road. I have also furnished two wagons for
the transportation of those who are unable to walk, and I have sent an
escort of one lieutenant and tweuty-flve rank and file of the First Cali-
fornia Volunteer Cavalry to guard them from attack by Mexicans or
Indians until a sufftcient force from your army is met, to whom they
may be transferred, or until they reach gome point near San Antonio,
where from thence onward they can travel with safety. From that
point the lieutenant is ordered to return with his party and all the
means of transportation belonging to the United States with which he
is intrusted for the use of his escort and benefit of these prisoners.
I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JAMES H. CARLETON,
Brigadier- Oeneral, U. 8, Army, Commanding,
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CHAP, hxn.] EXPEDITION TO N. W. TEXAS AND NEW MEXICO. 115
[lacloeare R.]
General Obdebs, ) Hbadquabtebs District of Arizona,
No. 20. ] Las Gruces, K. Hex., September 5, 1862.
I. Maj. Theodore A. Coult, Fifth California Volunteer Infantry, will
proceed without delay to Tucson, and relieve Maj. David Fergussou,
First California Volunteer Cavalry, in the command of the District of
Western Arizona.
II. Msfl. David Fergusson, First California Volunteer Cavalry, is
hereby relieved from duty as chief commissary of the Column from Cal-
ifornia, and will immediately transfer all funds, property, records, &c.,
pertaining to the subsistence department to Capt Nicholas S, Davis,
First California Volunteer Infantry, who is hereby appointed acting
chief commissary of the Column from California. Having done this,
M^or Fergussou will proceed, via Arivaca and Altar or Cnbero, without
delay, to a point at or near Lobos Bay, on the Gulf of California, known
as Libertad, and examine the intermediate country, with a view to the
transportation of supplies. He will ascertain the resources of the
country on this route; also the availability of Lobos Bay as a port
where the military supplies destined for Arizona may be landed. Major
Fergnsson will then repair in person to the headquarters District of
Arizona, and make a report of his examination of the Port Lobos route
to the general commanding the Column from California. As soon there-
after as practicable Major Fergussou will assume command of his regi-
ment, the First California Volunteer Cavalry.
III. Capt. Nicholas S. Davis, chief of transportation of the Column
from California, will discharge all mechanics from Government employ-
ment at Tucson, except such as maybe necessary to keep the train that
plies to Fort Xvuna in repairs. This train and any other quartermas-
ter's property in Western Arizona for which he is responsible may, if
the exigencies of the service so requhe it, be transferred by Captain
Davis to the depot quartermaster at Tucson. Captain Davis and
Lieut. Lysander E. Hanson, First California Volunteer Infantry, with
Mr. George C. Alexander, clerk to the chief commissary of the Column
from California, will report by the first opportunity to the commander
of the District of Arizona.
IV. Surg. John H. Prentiss, First California Volunteer Cavalry, will
relieve Surgeon McNulty as medical purveyor of the District of Arizona,
and will receipt for the medical supplies appertaining to the same.
V. Estimates for medical supplies and ammunition required at Fort
Bowie and Tucson will be made upon the proper of&cers at the head-
quarters of the District of Arizona.
VI. Brigadier-General Garleton having been ordered to Santa F6, to
relieve Brigadier-General Canby, in the command of the Department
of New Mexico, he hereby relinquishes the command of the District of
Arizona to Col. Joseph E. West, First California Volunteer Infantry.
Brigadier-General Carleton still retains the command of the Column
from California, and his staff— Actg. Asst. Adjt. Gen. Benjamin C.
Cutler, Surg. James M. McNulty, Lieutenant-Colonel Eyre, chief quar-
termaster, and Lieut. Joseph F. Bennett, acting assistant adjutant-
general — will accompany him to Santa F6, starting to-day.
VII. The District of Arizona comprises the Territory of Arizona and
that portion of New Mexico which lies south of an east and west line
drawn through Fort Thorn and also Northwestern Texas. The execu-
tive powers assumed by Brigadier-General Carletou in his proclamation,
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116 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. IChap. LXn.
dated at Tucson, Jane 8, 1862, will, until further orders, be retained by
that officer.
By order of Brigadier-General Carleton :
BEN. 0. OUTLEE,
First Lieut., First Cali/omUt Vol. Infty., Aetg. Asst. Adjt. Gen.
[Inclmiue S.]
GEirBBAL OBDEBS, ) HDQBS. DEPABTMBNT OF NEW MEXICO,
No. 83. ) Santa Fe, N. Hex., September 18, 1862.
The undersigned hereby relinquishes the command of this depart-
ment to Brig. Gen. J. H. Carleton, and is gratified in announcing as his
successor an officer whose character, services, and experience in this
country entitle him to the confidence of the people of New Mexico.
In taking leave of the troops he has for some time had the honor to
command he desires to leave with them the assurance of his high respect
and admiration and bis best wishes for their happiness and advance-
ment.
ED. B. S. CANBT,
Brigadier- General, U, 8. Volunteers.
[IncloAnre T.]
General Obdebs, ) Hdqbs. Dbpabtment op New Mexioo,
No. 84. \ Santa F4, N. Hex., September 18, 1862.
I. The undersigned hereby assumes command of the Department of
New Mexico.
II. The following staff officers are announced : First Lieut Ben. G.
Cutler, First California Infantry, acting assistant adjutant- general ; Maj.
Henry D. Wallen, Seventh U. S. Infantry, acting inspector-general;
Capt. A. W. Evans, Sixth U. S. Cavalry, acting assistant inspector-gen-
ertd: Cspt. John C. McPerran, U. 8. Army, chief quartermaster; Capt.
A. F. Garrison, U. S. Volunteers, chief commissary of subsistence;
Surg. E. I. Baily, U. S. Army, medical director. Surg. James M.
McNulty, of the First California Volunteer Infantry, in addition to his
duties as medical director of the Colamn from California, is assigned to
duty as acting medical inspector of the Department of New Mexico,
and will be governed in the performance of these duties by such in-
Btructionsas hemay receive from these headquarters. Maj. William J.
Martin, U. S. Army, chief paymaster. Capt. William H. Bossell,
Tenth U. S. Infantry, will continue to perform the duties of disbursing
officer of the ftind for collecting, drilling, and organizing volunteers.
Capt William R, Shoemaker, military storekeeper of ordnance, will
perform the duties of chief of ordnance at Fort Union,
III. The orderly hours at department headquarters will be from 9
to 10 a. m. for chiefs of departments and officers on duty, and from
11 a. m. to 12 m. for citizens on business.
IV. All orders and instructions from headquarters Department of
New Mexico, unless hereafter modified or repealed, will remain in full
force; and particular attention is directed to department General
Orders, No. 62, of July 7, 1862; its requirements will be strictly
observed.
JAMES H. CARLETON,
Brigadier-General, U. S. Volunteers, Commanding Department.
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CHAP. LXU.J EXPEDITION TO N. W. TEXAS AND NEW MEXICO. 117
(Inoloann U.]
Headqttabtbbs Colttmn from Oaxifobnia,
Jornada del Muerto, If. Mex., September 8, 1862.
Col. Joseph K. West,
Commanding District of Arizona, Mesilla, Ariz. :
Colonel : I met this morniog some paroled prisoners of war. I have
beard there are ninety-three of them. They are on their way to Texas,
Surgeon Covey, of the C. S. Army, who goes with them, informs me
that they have some arms belonging to the United States, with which
to defend themselves en ronte to Sau Antonio. Give orders so that
Lieutenant French, First California Cavalry, whom I sent toward Texas
with other prisoners, may bring these arms and this transi)ortation
backj escorted by his men. I have not received one word of instruc-
tion m relation to these prisoners, and know nothing about them except
what I gleaned from orders in Lieutenant Bennett's possession and
from what Surgeon Covey told me. Having these arms they will need
no escort irom yon, and it will not be well to have our men and animals
broken down without good cause. Keep them moving. Have no
delays at Fillmore. Let them camp down near, but not at, the grazing
camp. Do not let them delay at all at Franklin. If care is taken the
brigands and others in El Paso will attempt to communicate with
them and may be caught. Surgeon Covey should not know the full
extent of our force now en route from Cidifomia.
• ••••••
Be sure and have Wagon-Master Veck report at Peralta with fifteen
wagons and the ambulance and team and driver which went below
with me (Truett's).
Assistant Wagon-Master Francis will be placed in charge of the train
of twenty-five wagons which are to go to Tucson. No soldier teamster
will go with that train, and no man who is mustered as teamster who
does not drive a team; nor will any such men be permitted to remain
with any train, whether in camp or on the road. All such men will at
once be provided with teams, and a like number of soldiers be relieved
fix>m extra duty. I desire that you will see that this rule goes into effect
at once. Should a teamster become sick iu camp or on the road, his
place will be supplied temporarily by a soldier. It follows, therefore,
that there will not be a single man mustered as teamster who does not
drive a team, nor will any extra man be allowed as a cook for the
teamsters. They must cook for themselves. If you can swoop up
other people about you who had better travel to Texas, now is a good
opportunity to send them to that country.
You must discharge every civU employ^ whose services are not
indispensably necessary.
Please make me a report of the amount of provisions yon have on
hand and the number of troops, &c., to be rationed, as soon as the
Texans have gone.
I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JAMES H. CAELETON,
Brigadier- General, U. 8. Army, Commaming.
Note. — ^Ask Colonel Bowie to do me the favor to release and send
to California a political prisoner named J. S. Bratton on his taking the
oath of allegiance.
J. H. C.
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118 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Chap. LXn.
[InclMoie T.J
Headquarters Oolttmn from California,
Fort Craig, N. Hex., September 9, 1862.
Col. Joseph R. West,
Commtmding District of Arizona, Mesilla, Ariz. :
Colonel : Captain Archer, commissary of subsistence at this post,
informs me that he sent $5,000 subsistence funds to Lieutenant Bal<i-
win at the time the Confederate prisoners went below a few days since.
This must be transferred to your depot commissary or be disbursed
under your direction. He informs me that he can send, on your esti-
mate (dated September 1, 1862) for $19,986.66, $10,000 in drafts on the
assistant treasurer in New York. The remainder will be sent to you
as soon as Captain Garrison gives him further authority to make addi-
tional drafts. I have placed in his hands your estimates for stores, for
expenditures, veterinary tools, and horse medicines, carpenters' tools,
stationery, miscellaneous tools, and for blank forms, and asked him to
fill them as far as he can and send them on to me, to be completed at
other depots when Veck comes up. The articles from Fort Craig will
be sent down on the train which came up with me.
• • • • • • •
Your arrangement about sending Swilling as an expressman is a
good one, and I have given Colonel Steen a memorandum of it, and
will endeavor to have the time so fixed for other expressmen that there
will be no delay in the transmittal of letters up and down the river,
riease give Azbon C. Marcy, who took the oath of allegiance to Colonel
Eyre, a free pass to California. I inclose herewith a list of the quarter-
master's property on hand at this post. I have asked Captain Archer
to send one also of the subsistence stores, which will embrace many
things received to-day.
• • • • • • •
Whatever you want to make your coinmand efiScient you shall have.
Only bear in mind not to get a thing you do not need. I wish to
accumulate but little of public stores below the Jornada.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JAMES H. CARLETON,
Brigadier- Oeneral, U. 8. Army, (Jommanding.
[Inoloenre W.]
Hbadqttartebs Column from California,
Albuquerque, N. Mex,, September 14, 1862.
Col. Joseph R. West,
First California Volunteer Infantry, Comdg. Dist. of Arizona:
Colonel : By the same express which carries this letter you will
receive an order from department headquarters directing you to send
troops to Fort Craig to relieve the garrison now at that post. The
general commanding directs that you send for this purpose Lieut. Col.
Edwin A. Rigg, First California Volunteer Infantry, with about 200
rank and file, so selected as not to take from your command more than
three companies. Captain Fritz, First California Volunteer Cavalry,
will proceed to Tucson, as previously directed, with twenty-five wagons.
If Wagon-Master Veck has not already started for Peralta with fifteen
wagons, as directed, the general commanding orders that his train be
increased to thirty-five wagons. If he has already started, send twenty
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Chap.LXII.) expedition to N. W. TEXAS and new MEXICO. 119
additional wagons when Colonel Bigg goes to Fort Craig. Wagon-
ilaster Francis will go with Captain ^tz to Tncson, and "Winston will
remain with the rest of the wagons.
I am, colonel, very respectftUly, your obedient servant,
BEN. C. CUTLER,
Acting A$»i8tant Adjutant- General,
[IncloMire X.]
Headquabtebs Column from Calipoenia,
Albuquerque, X, Mex., September 14, 1862.
Col. Joseph K. West,
Commanding District of Arizona, Mesilla, Ariz.:
Colonel: It is presumed, from advices lately received fh>m M%j.
David Fergusson, First California Volunteer Cavalry, commanding Dis-
trict of Western Arizona, that about 1,000 head of cattle will shortly
be at Tucson en route to the Kio Grande for the use of the Column from
California. The general commanding directs that you give to the com-
manding officer at Tucson such detailed inatrnctions as will insure the
arrival m this valley of these cattle at an early day. After deducting
a sufficient number for the use of the troops in the District of Western
Arizona, the cattle should be sent forward in small herds, so that too
many may not arrive at the watering places at any one time — say, one
portion with Greene's company and another with Wellman's cavalry,
and so on.
The general commanding directs that you arrest on« Manuel Borella,
a brother of Anastacio Barella, of Mesilla, and send him ap the country
as far as Fort Craig.
I am, colonel, very resi>ectfully, your obedient servant,
BEN. C. CUTLEE,
First Lieut., First California Vol, Infty,, Actg. Asst. Adjt. Oen.
[Inclosare Z.]
Special Obdebs, ) Hdqbs. Colxtmn from Oalifobnia,
No. 36. J 8anta Fe, K. Mex., September 17, 1862. \
• ••••••
II. Lieut. Col. Edward E. Eyre, First California Volunteer Cavalry,
will proceed without delay to San Francisco, Cal., as bearer of dis-
patches to the commander of the Department of the Pacific, in accord-
ance with Special Orders, No. 148, from headquarters Department of
New Mexicoj dated August 22, 1862. Having performed this duty, he
will rejoin his regiment at the earliest practicable moment.
By order of Brigadier-General Carleton :
BEN. C. CUTLER,
First Lieut., First California Vol. Infty., Actg. Asst. Adjt. Oen.
ADDENDA.
[Jones' statemeDtf July 22, 1862.]
Started on the 15th. On the 16th went beyond Dragoon Spring about
fifteen miles. On the 17th laid by in a canon above Ewell's Station.
Remained all night. On the 18th laid over in a canon six or seven miles
[from] Apache Pass. That afternoon about 3.30 started out of canon
onto the plain. Had traveled about five miles when the Indians dis-
covered us and raised a smoke. We were then on a road, and traveled
fast to get out of the bush onto the plain, as Jones exjiected au attack.
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120 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Chap. LXn.
About five miles firom there crossed a trail leading from Sierra Blanca
of eleveu horsemen and seyen footmen, Indians. About four miles
farther the Indians jumped up from their hiding place in brush. Soon
as they ran about a quarter of a mile in our rear, they mounted their
horses and came on at a gallop. I got down and we all tied our animals,
as we were not in a condition to flee, and then prepared to fight. The
Indians came on at a furious rate. Three of our animals broke away,
which divided the Indians; some went after them, leaving others ou
foot, except one on horseback. The Mexican fired the sergeant's gun,
bat lost all the caps out of the breech. The Mexican was wouuded in
the hip. After he had mounted the mule we all mounted. The ser-
geant was thrown. We then tied our mules again. Then the mounted
men came back and dismounted, and were crawling on us. I then told
the sergeant our only chance was to mount and make a rush. The Mex-
ican begged us not to leave him. We told him we could not save our-
selves. We mounted up and started. The sergeant, I think, never got
out from among the Indians. They followed after me on horseback yell-
ing, saying, "Now let's havea race." "Mncha buena mula;" "Mucho
bravo Americano." I shot one in the side, shot another in the shoulder;
six pursued until sundown. I lost nearly all my panole; lost $84 in cash.
I struck Cow Spring about 11 a. m. on the 19th instant. I got water,
and staid all day in the station. Had made arrangements to fight from
chimney. Indians did not come. Started out after dark. I crossed
the lower crossing of Miembres (no water). The G. S. Army had a
picket there, which I passed. I went down to Cooke's Spring, expect-
ing I could reach the Bio Grande. I avoided the water and went on.
On the morning of the 20th I reached the Bio Grande at sundown. I
found a rancheria at Picacho, and was taken prisoner and taken [to]
Mesilla.
No. 3.
BeporU of Lieut. Col. Edward I}. Eyre, First Oalifomia Cavalry.
Headquarters Fort Barrett,
Pima Villages^ Ariz. Ter., Sfay 14, 1862.
Major : I have the honor to inform you of the death of Second Lieut.
James Barrett, late of the First Cavalry California Volunteers, who
was shot in a skirmish with a rebel picket at Picacho Pass, Ariz. Ter.
(about thirty miles from Tucson), on the 15th of April, 1862. The only
relative of the deceased is Mrs. Ellen Brady, who, when last heard team.
by deceased, four years ago, resided in Albany. N. Y.
I am, m^jor, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
E. E. EYEE,
Lieutenant-Colonel First Cavalry California Volunteers.
Maj. B. 0. Drum,
Asst. Adjt. Oen,, D^t. of the Paeifie, San Francisco, Cal.
Hdqrs. First California Volunteer Catalry,
Fort Thorn, Ariz., July 6, 1862.
Lieutenant : In compliance with orders received from the colonel
commanding, dated June 17, 1862, 1 have the honor to make the follow-
ing report:
Juue 21, left Tucson at 3 a. m. with Captain Fritz, Lieutenants
Hadeu and Baldwin, First California Volunteer Cavalry, and 140 men ;
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CBAP. LXn.] EXPEDITION TO N. W. TEXAS AND NEW MEXICO. 121
marched thirty-five miles to Cieuega de los Pinos, and encamped at
12.30 p. m.; water and grazing abundant. The road to-day is very
good, with the exception of two or three hills. At a distance of about
twenty- eight miles the road descends into the Cienega, then seven miles
to water near the burned station, which stood on the hill to the right
of the road. Course, southeast; thirty-five miles. June 22, left Cienega
at 6 a. m.; marched over a high, rolling country, but good wagon roiuL,
and splendid grazing all the way for a distance of about twenty-two
miles, when the road descends through a caQon for one mile, and then
opens on the San Pedro Valley. Two miles farther the river is reached
at the Overland Mail Station; strong bridge over the river; water and
grass abundant; wood very scarce. Course, northeast; twenty-five
mUes. There found the name of Jones, the expressman. June 23, left
camp at crossing of the San Pedro at 7.30 a. m. The road at once
leaves the river and enters a valley about one mile wide and four miles
long, when it terminates at the foot of the mesa, which is gained
through a narrow canon in which is a long but not very steep hill.
The canon is about one mile and a half, when the top of the mesa
is reached; then about fourteen miles to Overland Mail Station at
Dragoon Spring, at which place we arrived at 12.30 p. m. and encamped;
found water sufficient, by digging, up the cation two miles, the trail to
which is difficult in some places to lead animals over. Course, north-
east; nineteen miles and a half. June 24, left Dragoon Spring at 10.30
a. m.; was detained in consequence of scarcity of water. Marched
twenty-five miles over an excellent road to Bwell's Station, arriving
there at 5.30 p. m.; sent Captain Fritz and six men with spades to
examine the spring in the mountain north of station. He had returned
to station by the time the command arrived and reported only enough
water for the men. Encamped at 6 p. m. Course, northeast; twenty-
five miles. June 25, left Bwell's Station at 1 a. m.; marched fifteen
miles over a very hilly and in places a very rocky road to station in
Apache Pass, and encamped at 6 a. m. ; water scarce ; no grass. Course,
northeast; fifteen miles.
About 12 m. — I being engaged at the spring superintending the water-
ing of animals, it being necessary to dip it with tin cups — four shots
were heard in the vicinity of where the horses that had been watered
were being grazed under a strong guard. Immediately thereafter it
was reported that Indians were in sight and that the guard had fired to
give the alarm. Almost immediately thereafter it was reported to me
that the Indians were waving a white flag. I at once started for them,
taking with me a white flag, and Mr. Kewcomb as interpreter. At the
end of about one hour I succeeded in getting sufficiently near one of
them to be understood. I explained to him what I desired and asked
for the chief. At this time at least 75 to 100 Indians were in sight,
many of them mounted on good-looking horses and all of them armed
with fire-arms, some with rifles and six-shooting pistols. Of the latter
I observed a great number and occasionally single-barreled shotguns.
When the chief came forward I told him we were Americans, and that
our Great Captain lived at Washington; that we wished to be friends
of the Apaches; that at present I was only traveling through their
country, and desired he would not interfere with my men or animals;
that a great captain was at Tucson with a large number of soldiers;
that he wished to have a talk with all the Apache chiefs and to make
peace with them and make them presents. He professed a great desire
to be friendly with the Americans, and assured me that neither my men
nor animals should be molested. He asked for tobacco and something
to eat. I gave him all that could possibly be spared and we parted,
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122 OPEEATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Chap.LSH.
with a request on his part that I would meet him at the same place at
sunset. On my return it was rei)orted to me that three of the men were
missing. A party of thirty were at once sent out in the vicinity of
where the firing was heard, and after an hour's search the bodies of
the missing men were found stripped of all their clothing and two of
them scalped. Each was shot through the chest with fire-arms and
lanced through the neck. They were victims to their own imprudence,
the entire command having been repeatedly warned by me not to wan-
der from camp. It appears they had started, leading their horses from
the spring where the watering was being done, over the ridge into
another gulch, when they came on the Indians and were murdered.
The Indians succeeded in getting one horse. When the bodies of our
murdered men were found instant pursuit of the Indians was made, some
of whom were seen on a hill half a mile distant ; but being unable to
come up with them a return to camp was ordered, carrying in the dead
bodies, which were buried, the entire command being present. The
animals now being all watered, or as much as could be obtained for
them, and there being very little grass in the pass, at 6 p. m. left camp;
marched out and made a dry camp on the plain two miles beyond the
cafion. Course, east by northeast; four miles.
At 11 p. m. a volley of six or eight shots was fired into camp, wound-
ing Acting Assistant Surgeon Kittridge in the head and killing one
horse at the picket-line. June 26, left Dry Camp, No. 1, at 3.30 a. m.;
marched fifteen miles over an excellent road to San Simon Station, then
turned square to the right and marched thirteen miles up the dry bed
of the river to a large cienega and encamped at 2 p. m. Course, east,
northeast, and southeast; twenty-eight miles. This is a splendid camp-
ing place — water and grass in the greatest abundance. The proper
road to the cienega turns to the right irom the stage road about six
miles from Apache Pass and around the point of the mountain. It
comes on the San Simon one mile below the water. At 12, midnight,
camp was alarmed by a shot fired by one of the guard. On examina-
tion it was found to be a coyote, which he mistook in the dark for an
Indian crawling through the scattered bushes, but which he instantly
killed. This was a very hard day's march on men and animals, being
obliged to leave Dry Camp without breakfast owing to the scarcity of
water, having but eight five-gallon kegs in which to carry water for the
men, and not being able to get at the pass as much water as the animals
required. June 27, laid over. June 28, left camp at Cienega of San
Simon at 4 p. m. ; marched five miles north-northeast to the pass in the
mountains; road heavy. On arriving at the pass, found the road
through it very good and the pass wide. Marched fifteen miles from
San Simon, and made Dry Camp, No. 2, at 10.15 p. m. Course, north-
northeast; fifteen miles. June 29, left Dry Camp at 4 a. m.; marched
nine miles to Lightendorffer's "Well, in Bound Mountain CaQon; good
rood ; well on right of and close to the road. It is about eight feet square
and seven feet deep ; rock bottom . Halted at well one hour and obtained
a very limited supply of water for my command. This is a tolerably
good camping place for three companies of infantry. By care they
could obtain sufficient water, which is good. Left Lightendorfier's Well
at 8 a. m.; marched twenty-two miles to Densmore's Station (Soldier's
Farewell) and halted at 5 p. m. Discovered here a small spring about
two or three miles up the arroyo, north of station, and a hole of bad
water 800 yards south of station. Left Densmore's Station at 8 p. m. ;
marched fourteen miles to Cow Springs, and encamped at 12, midnight;
water and grazing abundant. The road from the Cienega of San Simon
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Cbap. LXn.] EXPEDITION TO N. W. TEXAS AND NEW MEXICO. 123
to this place is f^ood for loaded teams, excepting four or five miles to
the pass. Coarse, northeast; forty-six miles.
Soon after leaving Densmore's Station found two men on the side of
the road nnder rather sospicioos circumstances ; took three letters firom
them, one directed to the commander of Federal forces at Tucson or en
route; put the men in charge of guard and brought them back. (Let-
ters herewith inclosed, marked Nos. 1, 2, and 3.*) There discovered
nine men encamped, who proved to be a party sent by Colonel Chiv-
ington, commanding Southern Military District of New Mexico, at Fort
Craig, with a letter to Colonel Carleton, with verbal orders to deliver
it to the commander of the advance of his column when met with, and
return to Fort Craig. Bead the couununication, and returned Mr. Mil-
ligan and one of his party with the answer to Fort Craig at 3 p. m. on
the 30th instant, at which place he would arrive on the evening of the
2d proximo. Letter of Colonel Chivington and my answer thereto here-
with inclosed.* From Mr. Milligan I learned of the capture of Jones,
the expressman, by the secessionists at the Picacho, near Mesilla, his
two companions having been killed by Indians at Apache Pass and
himself chased by them for a great many miles. This information was
brought to Fort Craig by a Mendly Mexican, who was present at the
capture of Jones. June 30, laid over.
July 1. This morning a number of men were discovered by the look-
out approaching from the direction of the Pino Alto gold mines; sent
out a party and brought them into camp. They proved to be a party
of thirty Mexican miners, returning to Sonora in consequence of the
almost total absence of provisions at the mines; allowed them to pro-
ceed on their journey. Left Cow Springs at 8 a. m. ; arrived at the Bio
Miembres at 1 p. m. and encamped two miles above station ; water and
grazing abundant and of the best quality; road good. Course, north-
east ; sixteen miles. July 2, laid over. At 1 o'clock this morning one of
the pickets discovered persons approaching camp. They were arrested
and brought in — twelve men and two women, one a German, the others
Mexican s. They also were from the mines en route for Mesilla. Ordered
them confined, in order to secure the secrecy of my movements. At
9 a. m. sent out party of twenty men to examine Cooke's CaQon, with
orders to arrest, if possible, all persons they may meet with, and remain
at Cooke's Spring until the command came up. July 3, left Miembres
Biver at 6.30 a, m. ; marched twelve miles over a good road to Cooke's
Pass. From here to summit road hilly. A long, rocky, but not very
steep, hill brings you to the top of the pass; from there the descent to
the spring is good; distance from pass to spring six miles. Course,
north-northeast and northeast; eighteen miles. There came up with
the party sent in advance yesterday; they reported no i>erson in sight
and no fresh traces. July 4, left Cooke's Spring at 6.30 a. m. ; took
Fort Thorn road, which keeps a north-northeast coarse, while the
Mesilla road turns to the right immediately at the springs and bears
east-northeast, passing the Overland Mail Station, which is seen on the
hill about half a mile distant. Marched thirteen miles to Mule Spring;
good road. Here no water could be found even by digging, having
sent a party in advance with spades for that purpose. Left Mule
Spring at 12 m. ; marched twenty-two miles to the Bio Grande, and
encamped at 7 p. m. near Port Thorn. Course, north-northeast and
northeast; thirty-five miles. The road for about eight miles after leav-
ing Mule Spring is very good, when it enters a rolling country, the hills
becoming more and more abrupt for a distance of about six miles, when
•Not found.
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124 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Chap.LXII.
it descends into a broad cafion, which is followed on a good road to the
river. Immediately on making camp the national colors were raised
amid the loud and continued cheers of the assembled command. This
was the first time the Stars and Stripes floated on the £tio Grande
below Fort Oraig since the occupation of the country by the Confed-
erate troops, and it being the anniversary of our l^ational Independ-
ence, was not calculated to dampen the ardor of the command. We
are now within thirty- five miles of the enemy, which the prisoners whom
I have taken variously estimate from 200 to 800 strong. As soon as
the horses have a little recruited (they being considerably reduced on a
march of about 300 miles through a broiling sun and over a country
utterly destitute of water for distances ranging from thirty-five to
sixty miles) will reconnoiter his position and endeavor to ascertain his
strength, which I have but little doubt of accomplishing, and in case
he does not greatly outnumber me will give him a fight. July 6, moved
three miles down the river to and reoccupied Port Thorn ; three miles.
I am, lieutenant, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
B. E. EYBB,
Lieut. Col., First California Volunteer Cavalry, Commanding.
Lieut. Benjamin 0. Oittleb,
Actg. Aaat. Adjt, Gen., Column from California, Tucson, Ariz.
Hdq£s. Fiest Calipobnia Volunteee Cavaxby,
Fort Thorn, Ariz., July 8, 1862.
Lieutenant: I have the honor to report the reoccupation of Fort
Thorn by the squadron of First California Volunteer Cavalry, under
my command, on the evening of the 6th instant. Immediately there-
after the national colors were run up and the old flag once more floated
over the garrison. On the morning of the 0th instant an express arrived
from Fort Craig, with a communication from Colonel Chivington, First
Colorado Volunteers, commanding Southern Military District of New
Mexico, a copy of which is herewith inclosed.* He also sent a com-
munication addressed to Colonel Steele, C. S. Army, empowering me to
negotiate an exchange for Captain McCleave and the men who were
made prisoners with him. Soon after the express from Colonel Chiv-
ington arrived a party of men were seen approaching from the direction
of Mesilla. One of them proved to be Captain McCleave, on his way
to Fort Craig, bringing with him a proposition from Colonel Steele for
an exchange for Captain Gardner, C. 8. Army. Having learned from
the expressman just arrived that Captain Gardner died a few days since,
I at once sent Captain Fritz, First California Volunteer Cavalry, to
Fort Fillmore, with a request to Colonel Steele to name any other cap-
tain General Ganby bad made prisoner in exchange for Captain
McCleave; also proposing an exchange for the men taken with him, as
well as an exchange for our expressman (Jones) and a Mr. John Lemon,
of Mesilla, who was extremely kind to Captain McCleave during his
confinement, and who had horses ready saddled and hid out for Jones'
escape. He was ordered to be hung, and was taken to a tree for that
purpose, but after hanging a Mr. Marshallj who was taken out with
him, his execution was postponed. Captain Fritz will probably be
back tonight, when I will at once send Captaki McCleave with a party
of twenty -five men through to Tucson. • It is not safe for a less number
to travel that i-oad on account of the Indians, and even then with the
utmost caution.
•Not fonud.
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CHAP. LXII.] EXPEDITION TO N. W. TEXAS AND NEW MEXICO. 125
If it is the desire of the colonel commanding to keep open communi-
cation between Tacson and the Hio Grande I woold respectfully recom-
mend that a comjMuiy of infuntry be stationed at Dragoon Spring aud
two companies at the Apache Pass. That corps would be far more
effective against the Indians in the rugged mountains at the points
above named than cavalry; besides, horses could not be kept in flesh
on the dry grass alone; they would be utterly useless in two weeks'
riding. At this season of the year sufficient water and of a good quality
can 1^ obtained for two companies of infantry at the foot of the moun-
tain, four miles north of Ewell's Station. The spring is prominently
marked by a large, white spot on the mountain, which is directly over
the water. The Bio Grande has been unusually high this summer,
almost the entire bottom between Fort Craig and Mesilla being still
overflowed. It is impossible at this time to approach Mesilla on the
west side of the river, a new channel having been washed out on that
side of the town, through which the largest portion of the water flows;
besides, the bottom for a long distance is overflowed, and, the soil being
of a loose nature, animals mire down in attempting to get through it.
This morning I sent Captain McCleave with a smsSl party to examine
the San Diego Crossing, eighteen miles below here, to ascertain if the
river can be forded at that point. The moment a crossing can be
efl5ected it is my intention, unless otherwise ordered by General Canby,
to move on Mesilla and reoccai)y Forts Fillmore and Bliss. When that
is done that portion of the proclamation of the colonel commanding will
not only have been carried out, but the sacred soil of Texas will have
been invaded. Captain McCleave reports Colonel Steele with the rear
of Sibley's brigade making hurried exertions to get away from Texas.
He is pressing every team, both mule and oxen, he can find into service,
compelling the owners (generally Mexicans) to take Confederate scrip
in payment therefor. The same mode is resorted to by him in regard
to provisions. Captain Howland, Third U. S. Cavalry, in advance of
his squadron, has just arrived; his command (100 men) will probably
be here this evening. His horses are in shocking condition. Should
we come up with Colonel Steele and a mounted charge be made, it must
be done by the squadron of my regiment. On the cai)ture of Jones
greatly increased exertions were mtuie by Colonel Steele to get away.
Mesilla was evacuated, and Captain McCleave, who was at the time on
parole to the limits of the town, immediately confluetl- under a strong
guard. Mr. White, of the Pima Villages, has been released, and wifi
probably be here with the return of Captain Fritz.
The horses are out grazing (under a strong guard) item daybreak
until dark, then tied up to the picket-line, with as much grass as they
can eat during the night. They are doing very well, but have not yet
recovered from the effects of the very distressing march from Tucson
here. Captain McCleave has just returned, and reports the road down
the river almost imjiussable for loaded wagons aud the river swimming
at the crossing. July 9 [7 1], sent Captain McCleave, with an escort
and two wagons, to Fort Craig for supplies. The squadron of Third
U. S. Cavalry (100 strong) arrived and gone into quarters at this post.
Captain Fritz returned this evening, having effected an exchange for
Captain McCleave and the others named in my communication to Col-
onel Steele, a copy* of which is herewith inclosed. Two lieutenants
were given in exchange for Captain McCleave, as Colonel Steele affected
to know of no captain of theirs for that purpose, although there are a
* Not foimd.
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126 OPBBATIOK8 ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Chap. LXU.
nnmber. His real object was to exchange for officers of his own regi-
ment only. About 6 o'clock this evening an express arrived from Cap-
tain McGleave, informing me of an attack on his party, as they were
moving up the river, by the Nav^oes, sixty or seventy strong; that he
had made camp, but was being surrounded by them. I immediately
sent Captain Howland, with Lieutenant Baldwin and forty men, to his
relief. I forward herewith, for the information of the colonel command-
ing, all communications* received or written by me since my arrival
ojx the Bio Grande.
I am, lieutenant, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
E. E. EYEE,
Lieutenant- Colonel First Calif omia Volunteer Cavalry, Comdg.
Lieut. Benjamin 0. Cutler,
Aotg. Asst, Adjt. Om., Column from California, Tucson, Ariz.
Hdqbs. Fibst California Volunteer Cavalry,
Fort Thorn, Ariz., July 14, 1862.
LiETTTENANT : I have the honor to report the arriva! here on yester-
day of another express from General Canby, the second one alluded to
in Colonel Chivington's communication of the 7th instant.
• • ' • • • • •
I leave here to-morrow morning with my command for Mesilla. On
examination found the road from here to Bough and Beady Station
impracticable, and have determined to make a road to the San Diego
Crossing, and then pass the river on a raft, which I am now haying
made for that purpose, and which will be floated down to the crossing.
The road on the east side of the river from San Diego to Mesilla is
good. It is my determination, unless otherwise orderedj to hoist the
national colors over Mesilla and Forts Fillmore and Bliss before the
end of the present mouth.
• ••••••
I neglected in my report of the march to this place to give the names
of the men killed by the Indians at Apache Pass. Their names are
Privates James F. Keith, Peter Maloney, and Albert Schmidt, of
Company B, Fiyst California Volunteer Cavalry.
I am, lieutenant, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
E. E. ETBE,
Lieutenant-Colonel First California Volunteer Cavalry, Comdg.
Lieut. Benjamin C. Cutler,
Aetg, Asst. Adjt. Gen., Column from California, Tucson, Ariz.
Hdqrs. First California Volunteer Cavalry,
Las Cruces, Ariz., August 30, 1862.
Lieutenant : In compliance with verbal orders received from the
general commanding the column, I have the honor to report that imme-
diately after my arrival on the Bio Grande, July 4, I sent a scouting
party down the river as far as the San Diego Crossing, for the double
purpose of ascertaining if the enemy had pickets within that distance
of my camp, and also whether the high stage of water in the river ren-
dered it impracticable to move my command that far for the purpose of
crossing, it being my intention to follow and, if possible, overtake the
• Not found.
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auF. Lxn.] EXPEDITIOK TO N. W. TEXAS AND NEW MEXICO. 127
retreating Texans under Colonel Steele. Ou their return they reported
it impracticable to get to the crossing with wagons, but that the river
was falling fast, and that in a short time — say one week — I would be
able to accomplish my purpose of moving on Fort Fillmore, where a
I)ortion of the Texans were then quartered. I therefore determined to
remain at Fort Thorn for a short time longer, to recruit the men and
animals and to receive re-enforcements from Fort Craig, which I had
asked for &om Cow Springs, having sent an express from that point on
June ^8. On the 8th ultimo Captoin Howland, Third U. S. Cavalry,
with 100 men, arrived at Fort Thorn and reported to me for duty. I was
now still more anxious to pursue the enemy, being confident of my abil-
ity to successfully cope with his disorganized and disheartened troops,
although they outnumbered me more than two to one. On the morning
of the 10th ultimo I received a communication from Colonel Chivington,
commanding Southern Military District of Kew Mexico, of which the
following is an extract :
Ton will do all you can to learn the enemy's strength, poeition, and porpose, bat
General Canby does not design an advance from where you are until ne can go in
force. I am under orders to tulvance to Santa Barbara or thereabonts with sixteen
companies of infantry and a battery of fonr 6-pounder gnns and two 24-ponnder
howitzers and an additional cavalry force, to support the advance of General Carle-
ton and to co-operate with the forces nnder him in the reocoapation of the valley
of Mesilla.
Although this was not a positive order to remain where I was, yet it
intimated too clearly the desire of the district commander to lead the
advance on Mesilla and Fort Fillmore, that I felt exceedingly embar-
rassed as to whether I would be authorized in leaving Fort Thorn until
the arrival there of Colonel Chivington; but on consultation with Cap-
tains Howland, Tilford, and Fritz I determined, unless more positively
ordered, to remain, and to move down to the San Diego Crossing as
soon as the water would permit. Accordingly, on the 13th ultimo, I
sent Wagon-Master Black, with a party, to the crossing, to ascertain
if it was yet practicable to get the train of thirteen wagons to that
point. On his return the same day he reported favorably, and on the
16th ultimo I left with my command and arrived at the crossing on the
16th ultimo, a distance of eighteen miles. On the 17th ultimo I had
succeeded in crossing successfully my command in a small boat, which
I caused to be made for that purpose before leaving Fort Thorn, On
the 19th ultimo I received from Lieut. F. Tan Vliet, acting assistant
a^jatant-general, the following communication :
I am instmcted by the colonel commanding the district to inform you that yonr
troops will not cross the river until farther orders.
This was from Colonel Howe's acting assistant adjutant-general, he
then being in command of the Southern Military District of New Mex-
ico; but having crossed the river before its receipt, and having received
supplies from Fort Craig, I determined to push on to Bobledo or Doiia
Aiia and there await his further orders, and so wrote him. But on my
arrival at the latter place I found neither forage nor grazing for the
animals, and pushed on to Las Cruces, where quarters were foui\d for
the command in unoccupied houses belonging to notorious secessionists.
On my arrival at Las Cruces I at once made inquiry as to the where-
abouts of the Texans, and learned from reliable authority that a por-
tion of them were yet at Franklin, Tex. ; that they were collecting at
that point a large amount of Government property which had been by
them secreted at dififerent places ou their march up the river, and that
they designed selling it to a citizen of El Paso, Tex. This property I
could undoubtedly have taken, and in all probability have captured
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128 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Chap. Lxn.
the Tezans then at Franklin, bad I at once pasbed on to that point;
but the strong intimation not to leave Fort Thorn which I received from
Colonel Chivington, and the positive order not to cross the river which
I received from Colonel Howe, and my letter to him that I would await
his further orders at Las Cruces, compelled me to remain at the latter
place. Indeed, by moving farther down the river I would have run
counter to the expressed wishes of the district commanders of the
Southern Military District of New Mexico, if not against their positive
orders. On the 28th ultimo I received a positive order from Colonel
Howe not to leave Las Cruces until further orders. Subsequently,
while accompanying the general commanding on his march to Fort
Quitman, I learned that Colonel Steele greatly feared he would be
overtaken by the California troops, and in his hurried retreat burned a
number of hia wagons and destroyed a large amount of ammunition.
I also learned that so much were his men disheartened and so thor-
oughly disorganized, that had they been attacked by even a small force
they would have at once surrendered. Certain it is an opportunity
would have been given them to do so had it not been for the orders
received from Fort Craig, for I should certainly have followed and as
certainly overtaken them before they left the river at Fo.rt Quitman.
I am, lieutenant, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
E. E. EYEE,
Lieutenant- Colonel Mrst Calif omia Volunteer Cavalry.
Lieut. Benjamin C. Cutleb,
Actg.A88t.Adjt. Oen,, Column from California, FranJclin, Tex.
No. 4.
Reports of Capt. Thomas L. Roberts, First California Infantry.
San Simon Station, July 19, 1862.
Lieutenant : You will please to bring to the notice of the general
commanding the following:
I have found the Apache Indians hostile, as will appear from my jour-
nal remitted thisdate. In both engagements we killed in all 9 that can be
accounted for, but I am certain that we sent more of them to their long
home. They attacked Lieutenant-Colonel Eyre's commaud, as is evi-
denced by the graves. I suffered, altogether, the loss of 2 privates killed,
and 1 private and 1 teamster wounded. I deem it highly important that
a force suflBcient to hold the water and pass should be stationed there,
otherwise every command will have to fight for the water, and, not
knowing the ground, are almost certain to lose some lives. I would
have remained there had my orders not been positive to proceed to this
post. My excuse for not informing the general commanding at an'
earlier moment is this : I did not deem it safe to send a small party,
and to insure the safety and success offtie expedition I needed every
man I had. I do not deem it safe to send the train with the entire of
Captain Creraony's command as an escort, consequently send twenty
infantry in addition; as I have got the train safe here, I am determined
to do my utmost to have it return safe, which escort will accompany it
as far as the San Pedro, and will leave it discretionary with Captain
Cremony, when he arrives there, as to whether it will be necessary for
him to go farther. I would call the attention of the general command-
ing to the conduct of my entire command during the march, and in
overcoming difficulties attending the same. Every one, both officers
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CBAP. LXII.] EXPEDITION TO N. W. TEXAS AND NEW MEXICO. 129
and men, did their ntmost to assist me, aud seemed to have the success
of oar nndertaking as mnch at heart as myself. For iustance, in sliow-
iug their endurance of hunger, fatigue, and thirst without marmuring.
The night before leaving Dragoon Spring it rained in torrents. I never
in my life experienced a harder rain-storm, which night the men got no
sleep. It took all the next day to clean up their arms, digging water
holes, and improving the natural water facilities. Starting at 5 p. m.,
we marched all night and until 12.30 p. m. the following day on one cap
of coffee, a portion of the way through mud and water half knee-deep;
had two fights with the Indians; drove them both times, and s^ter
getting another cup of cofiTee marched that night fifteen miles, and back
the next morning without breakfast ; not getting a meal until past noon
of that day, then giving the Indians another fight for the water, and
after getting possession stood guard until night, when relieved by the
cavalry; that night putting the teamsters on guard around the camp.
The next day skirmished over high mountains through the pass, and
when we got through and out into the open country, called in my
skirmishers, saying that all thatcooldnot walk might step to the front,
and I would provide some place for them to ride. Of the entire com-
pany only two stepped to the front. I cannot make any distinctions
without doing injustice to others, and can only give each and every
one the highest praise. Very few of us had ever been under fire before,
but I do not know of a case of flinching, aud every one was obedient.
The only trouble I had was to keep them from exposing themselves.
Had Private Barr been as cautions as he was warned to be, he probably
would not have lost his life.
I send the train by a different route in order to ayoid Apache Pass,
of 'which Captain Oremony has orders to give you a full account. I
have had to detain the train one day longer than I would had it not
been for the cavalry horses being so much reduced from want of forage
and grass. They had nothing to eat for two days and nights before
reaching here, and the grass is not first rate, but passable. I have
endeavored to do my best both for animals and men, and hope that my
course may meet with the approval of the general commanding. As to
making a post at this point, it can be held during wet weather, but not
when dry. I will throw up an intrenchment around the adobe as fast
as possible. It will be slow, however, as my force is small, but we are
doing our best. There is nothing here in the shape of timber but small
mesquite, nor any nearer than the mountains, some fifteen miles distant
on either side, and we will have to run big risks to get at it. The
water is not fit for drinking or cooking — ^much worse than that at the
Pimas — but we can make out if it continues to rain, of which there is
a fair prospect. 1 am greatly indebted to Andrew Furlong, a teamster
whom I took for a guide, giving one of my men in his place to drive.
He is desirous of being employed as guide, and wished me to bring him
to the notice of the general commanding, who, if he desires, can ques-
tion him and satisfy himself as to his knowledge of the road. He rep-
resents himself as an employ^ of the Overland Mail Company. He
has given me correct information so far. I know nothing farther of
him than what I have seen of him on this march.
I am, lieutenant, respectftilly, your obedient servant,
THOS. L. ROBERTS,
Captain, First Infantry California Volunteers.
Lieut B. C. Ctttleb,
Acting Assistant Adjutant- General, Tucson.
9 E B — VOL L, PT I
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130 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Chap. LXII.
Journal of tlio march of a detachment of the Cqlumn from California,
under the command of Thomas L. Roberts, captain (Company E, First
Infantry California Volunteers, consisting of Company E, First
Infantry California Volunteers, 72 men; Company B, Second Cavalry
California Volunteers, Capt. J. C. Cremony, 24 men ; battery consisting
of two prairie howitzers. First Lieut. W. A. Thompson, 20 men;
detachment of Company H, First Infantry California Volunteers,
First Lieut. A. B. MacGowan, 10 men; 22 teams, Jesse K. Allen,
wagon master. Total, 126 men, 242 animals.
July 10. — Left Tucson 4.30 a. m.; road level and good, through low
mesquite. Halted infantry and battery at 11.30 a. m.; sent train and
cavalry ahead; found tank about half full of water; had sniBcient for
the command that remained; road continues good and slightly rolling
until within about seven miles of camp ; hero road leaves mesa and
descends to bed of stream down two hills, one quite steep and both
rocky; balance of the road to camp for the most part through low
ground; will be bad after much rain. After descending hills, road
passes through narrow canon ; good cover for Indians ; about four miles
and three- [quarters] before coming to camp water-holes few yards to
right of roa<l, but bad; from one mile to one and a half before coming
to camp passed ruins of adobe buildings left-hand side; camp on oppo-
site side of first rise of gronud alter passiug adobe ruins; water excel-
lent and in abundance; grass plenty, but coarse; do not think there is
much substance in it; wood sufficient. Arrived at Cienega 6 p. m.;
thirty miles.
July 12. — Left camp 1 a. ro. ; road continues through low ground
between three and four miles; road rough and badly water-waslifed.
The roatl through hero will be bad after much rain. On entering canon
between barren hills, roads fork; keep to the left. Soon after entering
caiion come to steep rocky hill with gradual ascent following for half
a mile; road balance of way to San Pedro hard and smooth, over
rolling country, where water and grass are plenty, but wood scarce.
July 13. — Filled both tanks and divided command, taking with me
sixty infantry, the battery, and eight cavalry — three of the latt«r to
express back to Captain Cremony, whom 1 left in command. Left the
detachment of Company H, Lieutenant MacGowan commanding, and
three cavalrymen, agreeably to orders. Left camp 1 a. m. ; arrived at
Dragoon Spring 8 a. m. Skirmished np canon to find water, which I
found from one-half to three-quarters of a mile. Found plenty for the
command I had, but no more. Dispatched Sergeant M itchell of the cav-
aliy and four men to examine springs on another road, where I was
informed there was plenty of water.
Tills night it rained very hard, and before Sergeant Mitcliell returned
expressed to Captain Cremony by the three cavalrymen remaining to
move forward with the train and cattle. Sergeant Mitchell reports
plenty of water .at the placehe went to examine, and close to the surface,
similar to the Maricopa Wells. I immediately went to work improving
the canon for watering purposes, and although the following morning
there was no water running in the canon where the night before it was
a perfect torrent, had plenty for all the animals of the entire command ;
going up the canon will find several water holes; keep on until come to
spring, which I covered over with brush house to keep it for drinking
and cooking purposes. Still above this found a natural basin in rock,
which I cleaned out, rendering it capable of holding from COO to 800
gallons.
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CHip. LXII] EXPEDITION TO N. W. TEXAS AND NEW MEXICO. 131
July 14. — Left camp 5 p. m., with same command aud one tank, to
make the forty miles to Apache Pass. Boad descends into plaia from
five to six miles, good all seasons of the year; then for seven to eight
mUes road bad aud about two miles of it across nu alkali flat covered
with water Jfrom two to four inches deep, which is very bad; after which
some hard, level road, followed by succession of bills to Apache Pass
Station, but hard and gravelly, with portions graded ; grass scarce,
wood plenty, aud water to he had by hard fighting.
July 15. — ^Arrived at Apache Pass Station 12.30 p. m. About half
a mile from station the Apaches attacked the rear of my command,
aud, I am sorry to add, killed Private G. M. O'Brien, of Company G,
First InfEuitry, attached to Thompson's battery, who was one of the
rear guard, and wounded Andrew Sawyer, teamster, in the thigh; not
seriously, however. They, however, met with a warm reception, my
men killing four of them. As soon as possible I formed as skirmishers,
and after a sharp little contest drove them oft', bringing everything in
safe except as above stated. On going to the spring for water deployed
skirmishers, supported by one of Lieutenant Thompson's gfnus. Pro-
ceeding up the cafion cautiously, found the Indians posted high above
us, from where they kept up a rattling fire upon us. Called my men
out and divided them into two parties of skirmishers, sending them up
the hills on either side of the cafion, shelling the high points ahead of
•them. The Indians seemed very loath to let me have water, and fought
determinedly, but they found us too much for them ; but they kept us
from the water until after 4 p. m. In the first eu^gement for water
they killed Private John Barr, of Company E, First Infantry California
Volunteers. As soon as I cotdd get water for the horses I dispatched
Sergeant Mitehell and the cavalry with an express to Captain Cremony,
informing him of the condition of things ahead, and that I would come
to meet him as soon as I possibly could with a portion of my command ;
which party were also attacked, fiill particulars of which you will find
in the report of Captain Cremony to me, herein inclosed.* As soon as 1
could get water enough for night and morning I withdrew my men,
not having enough to hold both the camp and water and go to the
relief of Captain Cremony, and as soon as they could get a cup of
coffee I started with twenty-eight men and marched back fifteen miles,
where I found the train parked and safe. We marched this on my
canteen full of WE^ter, being all we had, but my men did it without a
murmur.
July 16. — Started with train in the morning without breakfast, there
being no wood to cook with. Before entering the pass made the follow-
ing disposition of my force, viz: In front a line of skirmishers; dis-
mounted the cavalry, excepting three, to assist the three men driving
the cattle, and distributed them one to each wagon, the cattle imme-
diately behind the train, and in the rear of all another line of skirmishers,
and brought everything in safe. Had to repeat the performance of yes-
terday to obtain water, which I succeeded in doing without losing a man.
Dug the spring out so as to increase its capacity fourfold ; walled a por-
tion of it aud £xed everything as well as I could ; put 200 gallons in tank
for drinking and cooking, when commenced watering animals, which is
rather slow work, as the spring runs but a small stream, and it was late
in the night before all the auimals were watered. Held the spring until
ready to atai-t the next day. Found the graves of privates of First Cav-
alry, viz, Albert Schmidt, James F. Keith, and Peter Malouey, killed
by Apaches June 25, 1862.
•Seep. 132.
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132 OPKBATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Chap. L3ai.
July 17. — Left camp 8 a. m. ; road passes through cafion about two
miles; most of the way very narrow between high mounttuus. About
three miles from mouth of cafion found three bodies a short distance
from the left-hand side of the road, and still farther to the left another
body. They lay out on the plain away from all cover. Two had on
Government shoes. Doctor McKee, the surgeon, decided them all to be
Indians. Some distance farther on to the left of froad^ found what
appeared to have been a cavalry camp, undoubtedly tiiat ot Lieutenant-
Colonel Eyre. Still farther on, close to the right of road, found a large
blood stain on the ground and hair, apparently that of a white man,
and at different places in this vicinity found the following articles:
Arrows, some broken, one iron-pointed ; a pistol-holster, blood-stained,
with the initials "N. W.^or "M. W."; a clay pipe; also an Indian's bag
(blood-stained), containing smoking material and pipe. Boad good and
descending to San Simon. Found water in holes, being nothing but
surface water, very muddy and bad for drinking and cooking; can find
no other; have been from six to seven miles above.
THOS. L. ROBEETS,
Captain Company E, First Infantry California Volunteers.
San Simon Station, July 19, 1862.
No. 5.
Reports of Capt. John G. Cremony, Second California Cavalry.
Apache Pass, Abiz. Teb., July 16, isoa.
Captain: I have the honor to inform you of the following cir-
cumstances :
On the 15th instant, while en route firom Dragoon Spring to this place
with a force of about fifty-four men in charge of the Government train
of twenty-one wagons, under the care of Mr. Jesse B. Allen, wagon-
master, and about 7.30 o'clock in the evening, when fourteen miles dis-
tant from the station in Apache Tass, I was met by Sergeant Mitchell
and Privates Maynard, Keiin, King, and Young, of Company B, Second
Cavalry California Volunteers, who informed me that you had been
attacked by the Apaches in Apache Pass about noon of that day and
that after a sharp conflict you had routed the savages, and also inform-
ing me that you would come out to meet me with an infantry force, so
as to assure the security of the train. Not knowing how near I might
be to the cation in which your greatly superior force had been attacked,
and being unwilling to subject the train and the men under my orders
to a moonlight attf^k in the pass in which the savages would possess
every advantage, I immediately corralled the train and held it in secur-
ity and unmolested until joined by you about 11.30 o'clock of the same
night. I regret to report the loss of 3 horses, 1 saddle, 1 bridle and
saddle blanket, 1 nosebag, 1 currycomb and brush, 1 carbine sling, 1
haversack, and 1 pair of spurs, the horses being kille<l and the articles
above specified being captured by the Apaches, who waylaid Sergeant
Mitchell and his small party on their way back from the pass to the
train. I am also pained to report that Private Jesse T. Maynard, of
the same party, was severely wounded by a musket shot through the
right forearm, near the elbow. The following verbal report of the attack
on Sergeant Mitchell's party has been made to me by him: He states
that in obedience to your order he left Apache Pass on the afternoon of
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CHAi-.UCn.l EXPEDITION TO N. W. TEXAS AND NEW MEXICO. 133
the 15tli instant, after you had roate4 the savages, accompanied by
Privates Majmard, King, Yonng, Keim, and Teal, of Company B, Sec-
ond Cavalry California Volunteers, and then, when abont four miles
to the westward of the cafion, on his way to rejoin the train, his party
was waylaid and attacked by about forty Apaches, who were in ambush
among some mesquite trees and rocks between two swells of land.
The horses of Privates Maynard and Keim were shot, and Maynard
wounded by the fire. At this time Private John W. Teal was abont 250
yards in the rear, leading his horse to rest him, and the savages were
between Teal and his party. Finding the enemy too numerous to
attack with the small and weakened force the sergeant retreated and
arrived safely in camp with Privates Maynard, King, and Young, Pri-
vate Keim's horse having fallen in a dying condition abont a mile dis-
tant and he having remained to secure his saddle, bridle, &c., which
he did, and came np about twenty minutes later. There was every
reason to fear that Private John W. Teal had fallen a victim to the sav-
ages, but it affords me pleasure to add that about 10.30 o'clock of the
same night Private Teal arrived on foot unharmed, and bringing with •
him all his arms and ammunition. His report is as follows : Finding
himself cut off from Sergeant Mitchell's party he struck oft" by himself
at a gallop down the valley which forms between the two swells of land
already mentioned, and was closely pursued by fifteen savages, who
fired repeatedly at him, shooting his horse through the heart He
immediately threw himself flat on the ground and defended himself
with his carbine. The savages seemed disposed to close upon him,
when he drew his pistol and fired one shot from it, when, discovering
that he had a pistol and saber, they drew off and circled round him,
firing at him and he returning their fire with his carbine. This uneq nal
contest lasted for one hour and a half, when they gradually withdrew
and he made good his retreat to the place were the train was encamped,
arriving at the time above specified.
I have the honor to be, your obedient, humble servant,
JOHN C. CEBMONY,
Gapt., Gomdg. Company B, Second Cavalry California Volunteers.
Capt. Thomas L. Bobebts,
Gomdg. Detachment from California Column, California Vols.
San Pbdbo Station, July 23, 1862.
SlE : I have the honor to inform you of my arrival at this post at 3
a. m. of this date in charge of the train which accompanied the com-
mand of Captain Eoberts, First Infantry California Volunteers. The
accompanying report* of that oflQcer will explain the route over which
we passed in going from Tucson, and the severe conflict had with the
savages in Apache Pass, together with such other points of informa-
tion as Captsun Roberts may have possessed. Being fully impressed
with the danger of attempting to take the train back through Apache
Pass with my small command of thirty-nine men in the fa«e of the fact
that the Indians had not hesitated to attack and fight for six hours a
command of 130, and knowing the value of the train, I returned by the
road made by Capt. (now General) Charles P. Stone. This route is
abont ten miles longer than the one leading to Dragoon Spring and
through Apache Pass; but in all other respects it is so greatly superior
• See p. 128.
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134 OPEEATIOWS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Chap. LXIt
tbat I am surprised the other shoald ever have been ased. The first
day I marched about thirty-three miles over a perfectly smooth and
open country, with excellent road, and camped at a spot bearing north
by west from the highest nubble on the Chiricahua Eange, and where a
side road puts out from the main one toward the above-mentioned
range, leading to a fine green-looking cafion three miles distant from
the main road, and which is reported to yield abundance of water; but
my limited command, the broken-down condition of my horses, and the
absence of any commissioned officer with whom to leave the train, as
well as the fact that I was supplied with water from the tanks, induced
me to refrain from exploring the canon, especially after the savages
inhabiting the range had given us so decided an example of their hos-
tility. From the point above mentioned the road gradually circles the
foothills over a fine open, rolling prairie, and from the extreme north-
ern point of the foothills bears about west southwest toward the two
springs, where there is abundance of water and the best of pasture, dis-
tant from first camping place abont twenty-four miles. From the
two springs the road first runs west-southwest, until the foothills of
the range in which Dragoon Spring is located are passed, when it
trends nearly south for several miles, thence southwest until it meets
the other road about fifteen miles beyond San Pedro Station, from
which the two springs are about thirty-two miles distant. The whole
of this route is over a clear oi)en country, and the road excellent as
well as the pasture. On the other road the grass at the cienega is
coarse, rank sacaton, void of any nourishment; the same at the San
Pedro; no grass at Dragoon Spring; none at the camp-ground, or
near it, at Apache Pass, and but little and quite dry as well as inferior
at San Simon. As Captain Roberts marched by day and the horses
were obliged for safety to be tied to the picket-rope at night, and were
entirely without grain, and almost altogether without grass, they are
almost too weak to stand up, and I sincerely beg that the general
would relieve me from road duty. I forwarded the dispatches and
mail from San Simon by express. 1 am really so worn out and haggard
that I beg you to excuse a more minute detail at this time.
Respectfully, your obedient servant,
JOHN 0. CRBMONY,
Captain, Second Cavalry California Volunteers.
Lieut. Benjamin C. Cutleb,
First Infantry California Volunteers, Actg. Asst. Adjt. (ten.
Ko. 6.
Report of Maj. Theodore A. Coult, Fifth California Infantry, command-
ing Fort Bowie.
Headquabtees Fort Bowie,
Apache Pass, Ariz. Ter., August 9, 1862.
LrETTTENANT : I avail myself of the kindness of Captain McCleave,
First Cavalry California Volunteers, to send report of afl^iairs at my post
for the past week :
On Wednesday, August 6, at 2 p. m., Private McFarland, of Com-
pany G, Fifth Infantry California Volunteers, was shot by the Apaches
in a ravine about 600 yards from my camp. The man was engaged as
stock herder, and at the time was alone and unarmed, in direct dis-
obedience of positive orders to the contrary. A strict investigation
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CHAP. LXII.l EXPEDITION TO N. W. TEXAS AND ^EW MEXICO. 135
proved no one to blame but himself. His story of the affair is this:
That missing one cow from the herd he tracked her up the ravine, when,
losing her trail, he was turning round to return, and an Indian stepped
from behind a rock, about twenty feet from him, and fired. The ravine
is deep, and this place entirely beyond view from the camp. He
screamed and ran, two Indians pursuing some 200 yards, and scrambled
up the bank in view of the camp and fell. At the first cry the garrison
turned out, and a party reached the scene within a very few minutes
after he fell, saving his scalp. He was shot through the right lung, but
has been doing wdl since, and Doctor Wooster has high hopes of his
8p«edy recovery. If the man gets well I shall not seriously regret the
occurrence, as it has aroused the men from the state of false security
into which, from the non-api)earance of Indians, they were rapidly fall-
ing. Two parlies, sent out immediately in different directions railed,
to discover the villains.
On the morning of the 7th my cattle, eight in number, broke out of
the corral and got away. The night being dark and stormy and the
corral as strongly constructed as the small force I had and the materials
at hand afford^, I could attach no blame to any one in the case either.
Lieutenant Harroverwith a party followed them in the morning outhe
road toward the Ojo de Los Pianos for a distance of seven or eight
miles, but could not get sight of them. There being no Indian or horse
tracks on the road or its sides I think they had no agency in the matter.
Had the cavalry been there then I might have recovered them. How-
ever great our chagrin on the occurrence of these misfortunes, I sin-
cerely think no blame can lie against myself or the other officers for
their happening. My orders are very strict and Captain Hinds and
Mr. Harrover prompt and energetic in carrying out my instructions.
I am happy to sa^ farther that the men, though fully conscious of their
danger, and that m case of a defeat there is no retreat or hope of assist-
ance, have ever exhibited a cheerful disposition to undertake all that
is required of them. Up to to-day the service has been pretty hard on
them. I have had but forty men for duty, and tweiity-oue is my detail
for guard, so that some have been obliged to stand for two nights in
succession. I am building, as defenses, out-works on four faces of the
hill, but sufficiently near that either of them being attacked can be
readily and safely re-enforced from the others. My breast-works are
four feet and a half high and built of large stone, three feet wide on
the bottom and from eighteen inches to two feet on top. They are very
substantial and will afford ample protection against all kinds of small-
. arms. I have one already completed eighty feet in length, covering the
rear of my position, and another, over 100 feet long, nearly done. The
latter protects my most exposed flank. If this post is to be permanent,
I respectfully request that the commanding general will order some
lumber sent from Mesilla by an early returning train for the construc-
tion of the necessary office furniture, and that it may be furnished from
Mesilla or Tucson, with a forge, set of carpenter's tools, grindstone,
horse and mule shoes, shoeing kit, and such other things as are highly
essential.
The express from headquarters of the column arrived safely at this
post at 1 a. m. yesterday, and left at 2 p. m., escorted by fifteen men
from this garrison to the mouth of the pass. The train, under com-
mand of Oaptain McGleave, arrived at noon today, and I have drawn
from it what is mentionea in General Orders, No. 12. I have also
received a re-enforcement of ten men of Company G (relieved from
Howry's Mine), and a lieutenant and twenty-five men from Company A,
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136 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. (Chap. LXTL
Fifth Infimtry California Volunteers, and a sergeant and twelve men
from Company A, First Cavalry California Yolunteers. I would respect-
fully suggest to the commanding general that there is a detachment of
ten men from Captain Hinds' company at the crossing of the San
Pedro, which, if relieved from Tucson, would relieve a like number of
Company A, who could go forward and join their company.
I have the honor to remain, sir, very respectfully, your obedient
servant,
THBO. A. COULT,
Major Fifth Infantry California Volunteers, Gomdg. Fort Boxcie.
Lieut. B. C. CuTLEE,
Acting Assistant Adjutant-Oeneral, Column from California.
No. 7.
Report of Surg. James M. McNulty, I . S. Army, Acting Medical In-
spector.
Santa Ffi, N. Mex., October —, 1863.
Brig. Gen. W. A. Hammond,
Surgeon-General JJ, 8. Army, Washington, D. C:
(lENEBAL. : Agreeably to the wish conveyed in your letter of July 27,
1863, 1 send you the following history of that portion of the California
Volunteers known as the Column from California. The march of this
column from the Pacific Ocean to the Bio Grande is somewhat remark-
able, from the fact that almost the entire distance is a desert waste,
with great scarcity of water and that of the worst quality. Men
marching day after day through the burning sands and nearly suffo-
cated with alkali dust required to be made of stern stuff — of such were
the men composing this column. Men inured to mountain life in Cali-
fornia, pioneers and miners; men self-reliant and enduring; men equal
to any emergency, if guided by a firm hand and clear head. That they
were equal to a great emergency is evinced by the fact that they con-
quered vast deserts, and accomplished a march not equaled in modern
times, traversing a distance of nearly a thousand miles and almost the
entire route over a sterile waste.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JAMBS M. MoNULTY,
Surgeon, U. 8. Volunteers, Acting Medical Inspector,
On the 22d of July, 1861, the President of the United States approved"
"An act to authorize the employment of volunteers to aid in enforcing
the laws and protecting public property." Under this act was raised
in California one regiment of infantry and five companies of cavalry.
These were called respectively the First Infantry and First Cavalry
California Volunteers. The troops were raised for the protection of the
Overland Mail Boute between California and the Eastern States, by
way of Salt Lake City. The force was placed under the command of
Bvt. Maj. James H. Carlet4>n, First U. S. Cavalry, with the rank of
colonel. The regiments rendezvoused at Oakland, opposite San Fran-
cisco, Cal. During the latter part of August and the month of Sep-
tember they had acquired nearly theii- full complement of men. Active
preparations were making to put the command in the best condition
for active field service, and by the 1st of October everything was in
readiness for the movement of the troops. About this time the spirit
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Ciiip.I-xno EXPEDITION TO N. W. TEXAS AND NEW MEXICO. 137
of rebellion became manifest in California. " Treason stalked abroad."
In the sonthern part of the State an open rapture was apprehended.
In conseqaence of this condition of affairs the command of Colonel
Carleton was diverted from its original destination by General Sumner,
department commander, and moved to the infected district. About the
1st of October the troops moved down the coast and formed a camp
near Los Angeles, called Camp Latham. On the 14th three companies
of the First Cavalry California Volunteers, under, the command of
Major Eyre, of the same regiment, were ordered to relieve the regular
troops stationed at San Bei-nardino. This place was the hot-bed of
secessionism in California. On the same day orders were received to
send three companies of the First Infantry California Volunteers,
under the command of Lieut. Col. J. B. West, to relieve the regulars
stationed at Fort Yuma. Begular troops stationed at different parts
of the State were ordered t« rendezvous at two points, viz, San Diego
and San Pedro, for the purpose of embarkation, orders having been
issued by the War Department that all regular troops on the Pacific
coast be sent to the seat of war in the East. Brig. Gen. £. V. Sumner,
at that time in command of the Department of the Pacific, was also
ordered in. On the departure of General Sumner, Col. George Wright,
Ninth U. S. Infantry, assumed command of the department. The
Southern District of California was turned over by Colonel Wright to
the command of Colonel Carleton.
During the two succeeding months quiet and order were restored
throughout the southern part of the State. The distribution of the
troops indicated to the disaffected the determination of the authorities
to keep California firm and steadfast to the Union. On the 12th of
January Colonel Carleton was summoned to San Francisco, to consult
with Colonel Wright in reference to the movement of troops into Utah.
About this time rumors reached California that Van Dorn, of the rebel
service, was fitting out an expedition for the invasion of California by
way of Arizona. The fact was well established that Arizona and a
portion of New Mexico were occupied by Confederate troops, and it
WHS apparent to all that California was more accessible through Ari-
zona by way of Fort Yuma than any other point. Fort Yuma, located
on the Colorado Biver, on the southeastern line of the State, is our
extreme outpost. Surrounded as it is by a vast desert, if once in the
possession of an enemy the key to the State was lost. In view of all
these threatened dangers to the State and coast, General Wright sug-
gested to the War Department that perhaps the Government would be
better served by throwing the California troops into Arizona and driv-
ing the rebels from that Territory. A double object would thus be
'gained; first, an effectual guard would be kept against any invasion of
the Pacific coast ii-om that quarter ; second, the California troops would
fall in the rear of the Confederate forces then in New Mexico and assist
the Federal forces in expelling them from that Territory.
The suggestions of General Wright were favorably received by the
War Department. The feasibility of the movement was so apparent
that the consent of that Department was at once obtained. On the
receipt of the decision of the War Department authority was granted
to Colonel Carleton to organize and fit out the expedition. The Fifth
Infantry California Volunteers, under the command of Col. George W.
Bowie; also Company A, Third U. S. Artillery, with a light battery,
under command of First Lieut. John B. Shinn, of the U. S. Army, were
added to Colonel Carleton's command; also Captain Cremony's com-
pany, Second Cavalry California Volunteers. Active preparations
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138 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. (Chap.LXII.
were at once made for the movemeut of the column. It was important
that the troops should move as soon as possible, in order that they
might receive the benefit of the cool winter weather while passing over
the Gila and Colorado Deserts. The great distance from the Pacific
Ocean to the Bio Grande, the entire and complete desulatiou of nearly
the whole route, presented obstacles almost insurmountikble to march-
ing a column of over 2,000 men and the same number of animals. It
was well known that forage and provisions could be obtained but at
two points between Fort Yuma and the Rio Grande in time of peace,
and then in limited quantities, viz, at the Pima Villages and at Tucson;
and it being well known that the enemy occupied one, if not both, of
these {Mints, it was necessary that transportation should be made
entirely independent of them. The greatest dilRculty appeared to be
in subsisting animals. Unless this could be done rations could not be
furnished the troops, and the expedition would necessarily fall to the
ground.
With the commencement of preparations came unlooked-for difficul-
ties. Not for twenty years had a winter of such severity occurred in
California. The whole country was flooded; hundreds of horses and
cattle mired down in the open plains and were lost. For weeks it was
almost impossible to move a vehicle of any kind, and the movement of
baggage trains was out of the question. In the meantime commissary
stores and forage were sent by sea to Fort Yuma, making this point a
genei'ial depot and base of operations. The troops during this terrible
winter lived in tents. As the rain subsided and the ground became
more settled the troops were gradually moved toward Fort. Yuma by
companies of twos and threes. A sub-depot was formed at Oak Grove,
near the edge of the Yuma Desert, 120 miles from Los Angeles, called
Camp Wright. From this point to Fort Yuma, 180 miles, it is a con-
tinuous desert, entirely destitute of vegetation ; water very scarce and
generally of bad quality. Before moving the troops on this desert
Colonel Carletou sent out parties and htui the wells cleaned out and
new ones dug, in order that every drop of water might be available.
Forage for the animals was deposited at different points between Camp
"Wright and Fort Yuma. The troops were marched across by compa-
nies, one day apart. At some of the wells there was so little water
that it was necessary to dip it out in a pint cup, thus consuming nearly
a whole night in watering 100 animals. In order that this desert may
be more thoroughly understood, I quote from the notes of Lieutenant-
Colonel West, of the First Infantry California Volunteers, who marched
the first three companies over. The description of the route commences
at Oak Grove, Camp Wright, near the edge of the desert:
Left Camp Wright, near Warner's ranch, at 7.30 a. m. ; marched five miles over
pleasant rolling roads and well-wooded coantry to La Pnerta, at which place found
moaatalu stream, bnt no place for a oamp-gronnd; thence by fair load, withoat
water, to San Felipe, eight miles ; pasturage good, but no wood ; water neither over-
uhAndant nor good; camp- ground inferior. Left San Felipe at 3.30 a. m. by heavy,
billy roads to Vallecito. Road sandy through bottom land to first hill, seven miles;
thence broken road, six miles, a great portion of which is a caflon, with but one
wagon track, winding between clilfs. A very small force could oppose an enemy of
fur superior numbers. The latter part of the road more level. On the left side and
about half a mile from the road is a spring thut affords water enough for fifty men;
thence a small, rugged hill is Bormounted and a valley reached, five miles in length,
by sandy road to vallecito; water in fair supply; no wood but mesquite bashes;
pasturage fair. Left Vallecito at 3.30 a. m. ; marched nine miles by heavy, sandy
road to Palm Springs ; water in limited supply, and required to be prepared for a
command. The locality can be used for a camp. Thence by a heavy, sandy road to
Carriso Creek ; no pasturage. The country has now become a complete de-sert of most
forbidding aspect. The creek is a small stream, affording au abundant supply of
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C»ii" LXn.] EXPEDITION TO N. W. TEXAS AND NEW MEXICO. 139
water of an inferior quality. The bottom land is filled with a stnnted growth ot
mesqaite and arrow bushes. Left Carriso Creek at 11.30 a. m., following the stream
and constantly crossing it; road heavy and sandy; thence over a level road, with
somewhat improved traveling, four miles, to a short, steep hill; thence to a level
plain, with desert brush, to Sackett's Wells. Last part of the road fair traveling;
the desert complete; water good, but uncertain; in dry weather it certainly dis-
appears. Left Sackett's Wells at 5.45 p. m., through a continuons desert; first Ave
miles sandy ; thence better traveling to Indian Well. Indian Well is some thirty feet
deep; water good, but in small qnantities. Signal Mountain is a prominent land-
mark; bears southwest about fiReen miles; reached camp at 11 p. m.; distance,
fifteen miles. Left at 5 p. m. for New River Station ; road a perfect level, over an
alkali plain, with a few patches of mesquite bnshcs; road dusty and heavy for
wagons; well deep; water scarce and of inferior qnality. Started at 5 p. m. for
Alamo ; road heavy, over barren flat ; there i.s a well some thirty feet deep, affording
some water. Left at 4 p. m. for Gardner's Wells; no water; nine miles; thence, by
same character of road nnd country, to Salt or Seven Wells; water plenty, bnt
brackish. Started at 4 p. m., nine miles, to Cooke's Wells; first two miles and a
half bad road. At Cooke's Wells water and wood abundant and good ; thence, fif-
teen miles, to Pilot Knob. Camped on the bank of the Colorado at foot of moun-
tain. From Cooke's the road is generally good, through mesquite flat, and latter
?art through Indian Gardens; distance, twenty-five miles. Started at 1..S0 p. m.
herQad follows the Rio Colorado to Fort Yuma; distance, ten miles; road much
broken. Reached Fort Yuma at 4.30 p. ra.
I liavc been thus minute in detail in order that a correct idea may be
had of some of the difficulties encountered in marching troops across
this desert. It will be seen that nearly every march was made in the
night-time. By starting at 4 or 5 in the afternoon the march would be
accomplished before daylight, thus enabling men to sleep a part of the
night. The ground did not become sufficiently settled for the movement
of Shinn's battery until the 13th of April. Previous to this nearly all
the command had been moved toward Fort Yuma, one company only
remaining to accompany the battery. Colonel Carleton arrival at Fort
Yuma on the 29tb of April. Active preparations were made to move
the command eastward without delay. Water tanks, holding 600 gal-
lons each, were prepared to accompany each detachment. Contracts
were made at Fort Yuma to have hay cut and deposited at different
points between the fort and the Pima Villages. It was ascertained
that Tucson was still in the hands of the Texans. Their pickets ex-
tended down the Rio Gila till within fifty miles of Fort Yuma. Hay
deposited at different x)oint8 by Colonel Carleton's agents was burned.
The Pima Indians are an agricultural people, and cultivate large qnan-
tities of wheat. Knowing this fact and the importance of securing as
much as possible, Colonel Carleton had for some time been in commu-
nication with an American living at these villages. He was directed
to purchase all the wheat the Indians had. A considerable quantity
was thus accumulated ; but before the advance of the column reached
that point the Texans had destroyed it all, with the exception of a
small quantity the Indians had cached. This was a serious loss, but
the growing crops had not been molested, and Colonel Carleton was
enabled to secure a considerable amount for his animals. Two compa-
nies of infantry and one of cavalry were sent forward toward the Pima
and Tucson. As our forces advanced the Texans fell back to Tucson.
The command followed them to within a short distance of that place;
but, not feeling sufficiently strong to atttick them, fell back to the Pima.
Lieutenant-Colonel West was then ordered forward with four compa
nies of infanti-y. The following itinerary was made by Lieutenant-
Colonel West:
To Gila City, seventeen miles; no grass, wood; camp on river; thence to Mission
Camp, eleven miles; wood, water, and a little grass; wood, water, and grass fonr
miles farther on. f^om Mission Creek to Filliboster is six miles; thence to Antelope
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140 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. (Chap.LXH.
Peak, nine miles ; grass -within three-quarters of a mile ; camp at station. From this
Elace to HohawK Station, twelve miles; no grass; camp on the river. To Texas
[ill, eleven miles; a little grass on the bill station, half a mile back from the
river. Lagoon Camp ; flno irater, wood, grass, and shade ; thence to Bar well's ranch,
eleven miles; very ansty and disagpreeable ; men nor animals cannot recruit much.
At Grassy Camp, three miles distant, they do much better. From Grassy Camp to
Berk's Station, six miles; a very poor camp; little better at Oatman Flat, eleven
miles farther. From Oatman Flat to Kenyon Station, eleven miles: poor camp; no
grass. To Shady Camp, ten miles; everything good. iVom Shady Camp to Gila
Bend, four miles; wooa and water, but no grass; thence to Desert Station, twenty-
two miles; goodwood; no water or grass. To the Tanks, seven miles ; same as Des-
ert Station. To Maricopa Wells, eleven miles; plenty of brackish water; some salt
grass: and &om thence to the Pima Villages, eleven miles; road fair, with some
slougns.
The march from Port Yuma to the Pima Villages was fatiguing in
the extreme. The intense heat and alkali dust was almost unbearable;
both men and animals suffered very much. As fast as possible the
troops were pushed forward. On the 14th of May Lieutenant-Colonel
West was sent forward by way of Fort Breckinndge with four compa-
nies of infantry. This fort was reoccupied, and the Stars and Stripes
again floated to the breeze. From' Fort Breckinridge Colonel West
proceeded to Tucson by way of Caiiada del Ora. A description of the
route is taken from the notes of Colonel West:
May 14, left Fort Barrett, Pima, at 7 a. m. ; road tends toward the river on the left
hand ; detached and irregular mountains from five to nine miles to the right ; soil
becomes sandy and the country desert. Oreasewood and mesqulte wood abounded,
but nu thickets. The river is gradually approached and touched at Sacaton Station ;
there plenty of sacaton grass; a poor article for pasturage; good camp on the river;
road fine for marching and transportation. Course, east-northeast. ISth, left Saca-
ton Station at 6.40 a. m. : road parts, from the river and leaves it from one to two
miles to the left; mountain spurs trend off southeast; a lone peak about one mile
and a half long is detached from the main range; the Bntterfield road to Tucson
g asses between the peak and main mountain ; a picket there can effectually watch
oth roads. A small lagoon of water is found at the north base. The Picacho is
plainly visible throughout the day's march. Dense mesquite thickets; road fine for
marching and transportation. Camp on the river in a cotton wood grove one-quarter
of a mile below White's; good grazing and fine. Course, ea.st by south. May 16,
left White's at 5.50 a. m. ; road leaves the river and takes the mesa; the ascent is
gradual and road good for twenty miles. Thickets of cactus and palo verde. At
twenty to thirty-one miles a steep descent leads to Dry Camp, a basin in the hills.of
some thirty acres in area; a trail makes out of this due north to Ojo Verde Springs,
four miles: the Gila River is three miles farther in the same direction. Ojo Verde
can be used; the water is inferior and not abnndant; the quality and perhaps the
quantity could be improved; the spring is four miles off the road, and the return
must be made by the same track. Left Dry Camp at 6.40 p. m.; road turns off south-
east up an arroyo; very heavy sand for about six miles; then gradual ascent of five
miles ; then more abrupt and up high bills. At fifteen miles from Dry Camp a finger
post, marked "Water," points to the right. Cottonwood Spring is distant half a
mile, in a ravine. The grazing is fine and water abnndant for such a body of troops
as this. A lone Cottonwood tree prominently marks the spring. Course, east by
southeast. May 17, laid by. May 18, left Cottonwood Spring at 5 a. m. ; road over
rolling hills five miles; good grass, then pass the summit, and the descent com-
mences toward San Pedro River. Sandy arroyo for eight miles and heavy traveling;
the road becomes a cafion. A walnut tree, three mifeswest of Fort Breckinridge,
marked " Water," stands in the middle of the road. At this point the road taTucson _
turns off square to the right; thence to the San Pedro and Fort Breckinridge. Col- '
onel Carleton changed the name of this fort and called it Fort Stanford, in nonor of
Leland Stanford, Governor of California. The fort is three miles to the right, up a
canon; rocks from 100 to 300 feet high; pass ftom twenty to seventy yards wide;
rood extremely heavy. At this fort fine stream, good grazing, and abundnuce of wood.
Course, east by south. 19th, left Fort Breokinrldge at 5.45 a. m. Returned by the
cafion to the walnut tree; thence turned abruptly to the left and south up a similar
oanon, which gradually expands to open country j road for twelve miles excessively
heavy and sandy; thence gently rolling hills until the foot of a mountain is reached
on the left, about seveuteen miles from the walnut tree. Next three miles the hills
are sidling and difiiciilt. A steep descent of one mile leads to Canada del Oro. Camp
on a fine mountain stream; grazing very fine and wood abundant. This is a very
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CHAP. LXII.) EXPEDITION TO N. W. TEXAS AND NEW MEXICO. 1 41
diflBcnIt day's march. Coarse, northwest and south. 20th, left CaDacIa del Oro at 2
p. m. ; road follows a ravine between the mesa on the ri);ht and a mountain range on
the loft; a good deal of sand, but uiainly a fair road; fine grass along the road. At
11.56 the road forks, the left hand leading one mile to the Rincon, a small, running
stream; fine camp; grass immediately under the mondtain. Course, southwest.
May 21, left Rincon at 5.30 a. m. Road turns round the point of the mountain on the
left; traveling; rather heavy. Sandy arroyo, and then the ground becomes rolling.
About eight miles from Rincon a mosa covered with cactus and meequite is reached;
traveling improves. Course, southwest and south by east.
Oar troops eutered and occupied Tucson without firing a shot. At
our approach the Texans made a precipitate retreat. Colonel Garleton
determined to collect the troops at this point for rest, drill, &c. Men
and animals required rest; wagons wanted repairing. The dryness of
the atmosphere and the intolerable heat had shrunk them to the iK>int
of falling to pieces. Communication was opened with Sonora for the
purchase of flour, grain, &c. In the first part of June all the troops
composing the column were in and about Tucson, with the exception of
a part of the Fifth Infantry, left to garrison Forts Yuma and Barrett.
There is another and more direct road leading from the Pima Villages
to Tucson. This road waa taken by Lieutenant Sbiun and two com-
panies of infantry. A description of the road by Lieutenant Shinn is
appended.
Sfkcial Orders, ) HuAixtUABTKRS Column from Caufornia.,
No. 16. ) Tucson, Arii., June 16, 1862.
The following itinerary of the marches from Fort Barrett (Pima Villages) to Tucson,
Ariz., via Picacho Mountain, made by Captain Shinn, Third Artillery, U. S. Army, is
published for the information of all concerned :
Judo 1, left camp at Fort Barrett at 4.15 p. m., with battery, 1 ambulance, 1 water
and 8 transportation wagons (loaded to 3,600 pounds with ammunition, flour, and for-
age), 87 men and 153 animals. Road on Gila River fine for transportation of heav-
ily loaded wagons. No water; no grass; vegetation, mesqaiteandgreasewood. At
Sacaton Station very dirty; encamped on riverat 8p.m.; eleven miles and eight-tenths.
June 2, filled water-tank (600 gallons) and left camp at Sacaton at 4.20 p. m. Road
leaves the river and sweeps round from southeast by south to sonth by east, with
gradually ascending slope to summit, five miles and a quarter between mountain
spur and detached peak on left, two miles of road dusty, then soil changes from the
alkali dust of Gila River bottom to mixture of sand and gravel, very hard and quite
smooth. From summit, Casa Grande in sight on desert to left and the Picacho
straight ahead south by east thirty-one miles; desert continues to Oneida Station;
road continues good; at eight miles gravel replaced by hard alkali clay; vegetation,
mesquite, greasewood, and cactus : no water or grass on road: wood plenty and sui-
flcient for cooking near Oneida Station, which is on the left; well on the right of
road ; depth, twenty-nine feet, with five feet of water ; encamped there at 7.45 p. m. ;
train all in ten minutes later.
One hundred and seventy-five buckets (equal to 700 gallons) was taken from the
well, at the rate of ten gallons ]>er minute, apparently without diminishing the
supply. The water is excellent, cold and sweet; the best this side of Fort Yuma;
arrived and departed during tne night; found no grass near station; eleven miles
and one-tenth.
June 3, left camp at 4 a. m. Old marks of surface water show a gradual rise of the
desert toward Blue Water Station ; road fine for marching: very little sand. At six
miles halted from 5.45 to 6.45 for grass, which mav be found in considerable quantity
100 yards to the left of road in the belt of mesquite or arroyo leading east from that
point, and said to extend four or five miles in the same direction ; obtaiued sufflcieut
for a good night's feed. This grass is gramma, with some little gaeta. The gaeta
was also observed on the left of the roi^ one mUe farther on ; no water; vegetation,
desert plants, mesquite, and greasewood. Arrived and encamped at Blue Water
Station at 7.45 a. m. ; well (sixty-nine feet in depth, with two feet aud a half of
water) and station both on right of road ; drew water at the rate of six gallons per
minute for one hour and three-quarters; watered ninety horses at the same time,
four gallons each; mules in the p. m. and horses again in the p. m. Took from this
well In ten hours over 1,600 gallons of water and left the depth of water as found.
It will probably aiford 4,000 gallons of water in twenty-four hours; quality good
and water cool. At 4 p. m. sent a detachment forward to clean out well at the point
of mountain; wood plenty; some gramma and a little gaeta reported to exist in the
mesquite 600 yards northwest of the station ; nine miles aud seven- tenths.
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142 OPERATIONS ON THK PACIFIC COAST. (Chap. LXU.
Judo 4, left Blue Water Station at 2.10 a. m. anil expected to march to Tucson,
iifty-four miles, in the next twenty-four hours, as there is no water on the road, and
not enough with company to encamp on ; some wagons remain loaded with 3,600
pounds; morning quite cool and very flue for marching; road continues to rise to
the Picacho; at 4.40 a. nr. nine miles and six-tenths from Blue Water; soil, clay,
water-washed, and very hard and smooth, extends for miles on either side of the
road ; considerable dry gramma grass in the immediate vicinity and mesqnito sparde.
At thirteen miles and uine-teutbs piissed graves of Lieutenant Barrett and two
soldieni on the left of road. The cnalcos or water holes, now dry, are in the mes-
quite, on the right of the road: hero quite a thicket; some grass,' hut di^. The
road is now level, or nearlv so, tor three or four miles. At 6.45 a. m. baited at the
Pioacho Station on the right, and distant from Blue Water Station fourteen miles
and niue-teuths; saw a band of antelope near foot of peak ; no water at this point;
consumed about 200 gallous of water in tank, for which had to wait half an hour;
resuiued march at 7.45 a. m.; road begins to descend toward the south two miles
beyond the Picacho and so contiunes to point of monntain ; a very excellent road all
the way. At twenty-flvemiles and five-tenths passed a deep well; dryonrightj no
water ever found here; high mountains on right, distant ttom 30 to 100 miles,
and between mountain and road valley of Santa Crnz River, here only an arroyo,
which roa<l crosses near point of monntain ; at 12 m, and twenty-nine miles halted
half an honr; met a messenger at 1.30 p. m. and received notice of water in abun-
dance at point of monntain, where company arrived and encamped at 4.15 p. m. ;
station on rieht and well on left of road ; water plenty ; no g^rass ; no wood at well,
and but little on last eight miles of road; used water brought A-om Tucson on
wagons, and did not thoroughly test the capacity of the well, which is thirty-nine
feet deep, with four feet of water ; all agree in pronouncing it the best on the desert
and say it.cannot be dipped dry ; thirty-nine miles and one-tenth.
June 5, left camp at 3 a. m., about five miles f^om point of mountain; dense mea-
<|uite thicket — a good cover for Indians; at six miles crossed arroyo of Santa Cmz
River, descending to left ; qui te dry ; a little sand, and some more at eleven miles,
half a mile of it this time; remainder of road very good; numerous cotton wood
trees on road this day and much mesquite ; no water; between seven and ten miles
from point of mountain much salt grass ; poor stuff lur forage. First five and last
three miles and a half of to-day's march very fine ; road of hard gravel ; arrived at
Tucsou at 8.45 a. m. ; fifteen miles. Total, eighty-six miles and seven-tenths.
Tucson is about halfway between Fort Yama and the Bio Grande,
and contains a population of 400, or perhaps 500, mostly Mexicans. A
few Americans and foreigners were living here, principally gamblers
and ruffians, traitors to their country — secessionists. Colonel Carleton
received his promotion to brigadier-general of volunteers while on the
desert in the early part of June. On his arrival at Tucson the Terri-
tory of Arizona was at once placed und^r martial law, and the follow-
ing proclamation issued.*
• ••••••
A number of notorious characters were arrested, examined by mili-
tary commissions, and sent to Fort Yuma. Order sprang firom disorder,
and in a short time a den of thieves was converted into a peaceful
village. In the meantime General Carleton was making active prepara-
tions to move his command to the Rio Grande; wagons were repaired,
stores collected from Sonora, and everything put in as good condition
as circumstances would permit after the severe march over the Yuma
and Gila Deserts. No communication up to this time could be had
with our forces in New Mexico. The strength of the rebels and their
locality entirely unknown. The great difficulty in communicating with
General Canby, at that time In conunand of the Department of New
Mexico, was on account of the hostile Indians, the Apache Nation
occupying the whole country between the Eio Grande and the Colorado
Rivers. The great distance to be traversed through their country ren-
dered it hazardous, if not impossible, for any small party to get through
it. General Carleton endeavored to send an express to General Canby
from Tucsou. This was carried by three men. The party was attacked
' See inclosure C to Carleton's report of August 3, p. 96.
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Chap. Lxn.l EXPEDITION TO N. W. TEXAS AND NEW MEXICO. 143
near Apacbe Pass, and two of the men were killed by the Indians; the
survivor was pursued some forty miles and barely escaped death. He
was captured by the Texans near Mesilla and the dispatches to Gen-
eral Ganby fell into their hands. From these they learned the exact
strength of General Carleton's command and the intended movement
of the column. On the 22d of June General Carleton sent forward
Lieutenant-Golonel Eyre, of the First Cavalry California Volunteers,
with 140 men. This was the advance guard of the column. With the
exception of frequent skirmishing with Indians and the loss of throe
men killed and several wounded at Apache Pass, the party met with
no other enemy before reaching the liio Grande.
Apache Pass is about midway between Tucson and the river. The
pass is through a spur of the Chiricahua Mountains, about three and a
half or four miles long. In this pass is a fine spring of water, and a
favorite haunt of the Indians. A company of infantry and a part of
a company of cavalry, with two monntaiu howitzers, fought the Indians
at this spring for four hours. A number of the savages were killed in
the fight. Our loss was three killed and several wounded. On either
side of this pass extends a plain from thirty to forty miles in width.
The Indians can see parties approach and lay in wait for them. On
the 17th of July, preparations for the movement of the command
having been completed. General Carleton issued the following general
order :•
• ••••••
No report had been received from Colonel Eyre. The strength and
locality of the Confederates were' unknown ; consequently the column
wa.s kept well in hand, the companies marching only one day apart.
For a description of the country I quote from the notes of Colonel
EyTe.t
• •'••••
As soon as the arrival of Colonel Esrre on the river was known the
Texans made a hasty fiight. Their army was completely demoralized,
and Colonel Eyre's force magnified fourfold. What they could not
carry with them they destroyed. One hundred and fifty sick and
wounded were left in hospital at Franklin, Tex., and above. Colonel
Eyre crossed the river near Fort Thorn and pushed down toward the
retreating rebels. He entered Las Graces, opposite Mesilla, and raised
our national colors. Frsvnklin was also occupied by a detachment of
his command. General Carleton, with the head of the column, reached
the river on the 8th of August, the time consumed in the march being
eighteen days. The sight of this beautiful stream after the many days
of toil and suffering gladdened the hearts of all. The last day's march
was particularly severe; over forty miles had been made by the infan-
try without water without a murmur. The desert had been conquered,
and the command arrived on the river in good fighting condition.
No deaths had occurred between Tucson and the river, and but few
remained on the sick list. General Carleton crossed the river at the
point where Colonel Eyre crossed. The river was so high that it could
not be forded, and the only boats were two small scows, made by Col-
onel Eyre. First the animals were swum over. This was successfully
accomplished ; none were lost. A rope was attached to both sides of
the boats and extended to either bank of the river, A number of men
were stationed on both banks. By this means they were enabled to
'See indosure No. 1 to Carleton's report, p. 90.
t Snrgeon MoNulty here qootea Eyre's entire report of Jnly 6, see p. 120.
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144 OPEEATION8 ON THE PACIFIC COAST. {Chaf. LXn.
pnll the boat from shore to shore, beiug constantly in the water. The
wagons were nnloaded; their contents ferried across in the boats, which
were hauled across by ropes. In this manner each command as it came
up was crossed in safety. Nothing was lost or injured. General
Oarleton moved the column down the river as far as Laa Crnces, La
Mesilla, and Franklin. Taking with him two companies of cavalry, he
proceeded on down as far as Fort Quitman, Tex.; from there he dis-
patched a company of the First Cavalry as far as Fort Davis, distant
ftom Fort Quitman miles. The Texans had abandoned tliis post.
One man, much reduced, was found dead, his body being pierced in
many places with arrows. This man had evidently been left behind
sick. The sick and wounded Texans left behind at Franklin were sent
with an escort to San Antonio. General Ganby, at this time in com-
mand of the department of New Mexico, had been ordered East, and
on the 16th of September, 1862, General Carleton arrived at Santa F^,
and on the 18th assumed command of the department. Before leaving
the lower country he published the following general order:
Gknbrai. Okobrs, ) Hkadquarters District of Arizona,
No. 15. i Las Crucei, N. Mex., August U, 18Gt.
I. Commanders of towns will at once establish sanitary regnlatioos, and require
them to be observed by the inhabitants and by the troops, so far as the policing of
the streets and the keeping of their dwellings, qnarters, stores, corrals, &o., in a
state of cleanliness may be necessary to their heulth and comfort. Frequent inspec-
tions will be made by commanding ofBcers or by a medical officer ander his direction,
to see that in all respects these regalations are followed.
II. It Is expected that all of the inhabitants living along the Rio Grande sonth-
ward from the Jornada del Mucrto to Fort Bliss, in Texas, wiU, at the earliest i>rac-
ticable moment, repair their dwellings and clean up their streets.
The people may now rest assured that the era of anarchy and mismlo — when there
was no protection to life or property, when the wealthy were plundered, when the
poor were robbed and oppressed, when all were insulted and maltreated, and when
there was no respect for age or sex — has passed away ; that now, under the sacred
banner of our country, all majf claim and shall receive their jnot rights. Therefore
let the burden of anxiety be lifted from their hearts, and once more let them pursue
their avocations with cheerfulness, and with the full confidence that the protection
which now shelters them from injustice will always be stronger in proportion as they
shall be powerless to protect themselves.
The success of the march of this column was dependent upon two
things: First, the endurance of the men; second, the care taken of
them. From the first organization of the column the constant care of
General Oarleton was given it; the health of the men first, discipline
next. Oonstantly watchful, the minutest detail received his personal
attention. Everymovementwasbasedupon calculation; nothingavoid-
able left to chance. To conduct this expedition successfully required a
clear head, sound judgment, indomitable will, and perseverance. All
these General Carleton possesses in an eminent degree. It will not be
too much to say that there are probably few men in the United States
Army so well fitted to command an expedition of this kind. A mili-
tary experience of more than twenty years, a great portion of it spent
on our frontiers, has made him familiar by experience with the wants
and requirements of men in desert marching. In this march everything
was reduced to the smallest possible compass. No tents were used by
officers or men during the whole march. Two wagons were allowed to
a company. In these were carried camp and garrison equipage, ten
days' rations, mess furniture — everything belonging to a company.
Every article was weighed. Officers, from the general down, carried
but eighty pounds of baggage, including bedding, mess kit, &c. The
troops suffered very little from sickness. The mortality was very small.
Not one single death occurred on the march of the column from the
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Chap. LXII.) expedition TO OWEN's RIVER, CAL. 145
Pacific Ocean to the Eio Grande, from the 13th of April to the 8th of
August, and bat five deaths from disease in hospital during this time —
two at Fort Barrett and three at Tucson. Every possible care was
observed to guard against sickness. This, together vrith the splendid
material of the men, will account for the success of the exiiedition aud
the slight mortality from disease attending it. General Carleton, on
relinqnishing the immediate command of the column, published the
following general order, viz :
Gkneral Orders, ) Headqoartkrs Dkpautment of Kew Mexico,
No. 85. ) Santo F(, N. Mex., Septembtr 31, 1862.
In entering npon the duties that remove him from immediate association with the
troops consittating the Colnmn from California the commanding general desires to
express his grateful acknowledgment of the conduct and services of t^he officers and
nieu of tliat command. Traversing a desert country, that has heretofore been regarded
as impracticable for the operations of large bodies of troops, tbey have reached their
destination, and accomplished the object assiglied them, not only without loss of any
kind, but improved in discipline, in morale, and in every other element of efficiency.
That patient and cheerful endurance of hardships, the ze.-il and alacrity with which
they have grappled with and overcome obstacles that would have been insurmount-
ablo to any but troops of the highest physical and moral energy, the complete abne-
gation of self and subordination of every personal consideration to the grand object
of oar hopes and efforts, give the most absolute assurance of success in any field or
against anjjr enemy.
California has reason to be proud of the sons she ha« sent across the continent to
assist in the great struggle in which our country is now rngaged.
The commanding general is requested by the officer who preceded him in the com-
mand of this department to express for him the gratification felt by every officer and
soldier of his command at the fact that troops from the Atlantic and Pacific slope,
from the monntains of California and Coloriido, acting in the same cause, impelled
by the same duties, and animated by the same hopes, have met and shaken hands in
the center of this great continent.
JAMES H. CARLETON,
BHgadier-Getteral, U. S. Jrmg, Commanding Department.
Very respectfully,
J, M. McNULTY,
Surgeon, U. 8, Volunteern.
JUHE 11-OCTOBEB 8, 1862.— Ezpediticni firmn Camp Latham to Owen's
Biver, CaL, with skirmish (June 24) at Owen's Lake.
Reports of Lieut. Col. Oeorge 8. Evans, Second California Cavalry.
Hdqbs. Fourth Infantry California Volitnteebs,
Camp Latham, July 11, 1863.
Maj. R. C. Drum,
Assistant Adjutant- Oe7ieral:
Major : I have the honor to inclose a copy of a rexwrt of Lieutenant-
Colonel Evans in relation to the Owen's River Expedition. Major
O'Neill has reported to me, and Captain McLaughlin, of the same com-
mand, has just arrived from Fort Yuma. The command of Major O'Neill,
consisting of the cavalry fit for duty in camp aud those brought up
by Captain McLaughlin, will number twenty-five men. They will be
dispatched to Owen's River so soon as the horses from Fort Yuma are
fit to travel, which will be but a few days.
Very respectftilly, your obedient servant,
F. FORMAL,
Colonel Fourth Infantry California Volunteers, Commanding Post.
10 B R — VOL L, PT I
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146 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. (Chap. LXn.
In Camp at Lone Pine,
' Oicen^H River Valley, July 1, 1862.
Sib : I have the honor to report to the colonel commanding at Camp
Latham that I arrived at Owen's Big Lake on the 24th day of June,
1862, at 2 p. m., having made a forced march of thirty-five miles on the
last day. Owing to my rapid movement, on the 24th I surprised a party
of Indians that were gathering worms from the shore of the lake,
killed 2 men and took 2 men, 7 sqnaws, and 2 children prisoners,
together with a large quantity of Indian food, grass, nuts, seeds, worms,
&c. I laid over on the 25tli to rest my animals, and at night, leaving
my wagons with a strong guard, took 120 men and made a forced march
of forty-five miles to the Stone Fort, so called, situated on Little Pine
Creek, on the western side of Owen's Kiver, at which place it was rep-
resented to me, both by the Indians and the white citizens, tliere was
a large body of Indians, some estimating at 1,01)0 strong. I reached
the fort between daylight and sunrise on the 26th, and found that the
Indians had scattered to the hills or mountains after having destroyed
the fort by burning everything that could bnrn, and then throwing
down the stone walls. For the last five days I have f beenj scouring the
valley in every direction, and am only the more convinced that the
opinion formed by myself (and expressed in my oflicial report to the
general commanding the Department of the Pacific), from actual obser-
vation, when last here, as to the necessity of a post being established in
this valley, was entirely correct. The Indians claim the valley as
belonging to them, and still insist upon it that no whit« man shall set-
tle, or, as they term it, sit down in the valley. They say that the
whites may pass through to and from Aurora if they want to, or they
may locate in the hills and work the mines, but must not sit down on
the grass patches. Now, without arguing the point as to their right by
prior location to the exclusive use of the valley, I will say that it is very
evident to my mind that the mines will be of small value unless the
valley can be settled and grain and vegetables grown and beef raised
to feed the miners with. It is also evident from actual exi)eriment that
these Indians cannot be brought to the sticking point; that no fight
can be had with them, and that they cannot be caught and chastised
in a week or in a month, or if at all, for the reason that the Aalley from
Owen's Big Lake up is near 150 miles long, varying in width from five
to fifteen miles, with almost impassable mountains on either side, and
the valley being open country, without a tree, the Indians can plat-e their
lookouts upon the peaks of the mountains along the valley and signalize
thoappearance of troops for twenty or thirty miles ahead, and upon their
approach they can and will scatter into the hills, where it is impossible
to follow them. These Indians subsist at this season of the year
entirely upon the grass seeds and nuts gathered in the valley from the
lake up, and the worms gathered at the lake. They gather this food in
large quantities during the summer and prepare it for winter use, Avliich,
together with the pifiou nuts gathered in the mountains in the fall of
the year, is their only subsistence. Without this food gathered and
laid up they cannot possibly subsist through the winter. From the
facts set forth above, the nature of these Indians and the surrounding
country, it does seem to me that the only way fin J which they can be chas-
tised and brought to terms is to establish at least a temporary post, say
for one winter, at some point near the center of the valley, from which
iwint send and keep scouts continually ranging through the valley,
keeping the Indians out of the valley and in the hills, so that they can
have no opportunity of gathering and preserving their necessary win-
ter supplies, and they will be compelled to sue for peace before spring
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C«A». LXU.] EXPEDITION TO OWEN'S RIVER, CAL, 147
and grass come again. The actual settlers here that have come iuto
the valley siuce my arrival, so far as I have heard them express them-
selves, are unanimously of the opinion that as soon as the troops leave
the valley that soon they will either have to baud themselves together
to protect their lives and property, or else again abandon the country
to the Indians, either course being to their ruin. As you will observe
from the date of this report, to-day is the Ist of July, consequently the
eighteen days (from the 12th June) for which the command brought
rations with them was out yesterday. The remaining forty-two days'
provisions of the sixty for which rations were issued being in the wag--
ons of Mr. Banning, hired by your regimental quartermaster, not hav-
ing arrived (although I have been here with my teams five days), I am
entirely out of commissary stores, and shall be compelled to subsist my
men upon fresh beef alone until they do come. I am afraid that my
opinion expressed to you and Mr. Banning at Camp Latham to the
effect that no teams could haul 4,000 pounds up through this country
and make any kind of traveling time has proven too true, and that the
teams of Mr. Banning have broken down, and possibly have been com-
pelled to lighten up by caching a part of the stores on the road in order
to get to me at all.
Respectfully, your obedient servant,
GEO. S. EVANS,
Lieutenant- Colonel Second Cavalry California Volunteers,
Commanding Otcen^a River Expedition.
Lieut. William Fobby,
Adjutant Fourth Infantry California Vols., Camp Latham, Cal.
Headquarters Owek's Biver Expedition,
Camp Independence, Oak Creek, Oweit^s River Valley, July 5, 1862.
Sib: I have the honor to report to the colonel commanding at Camp
Latham that I arrived at this point, forty-five miles above the foot of
Owen's Big Lake, on yesterday, July 4, 1862. Immediately upon my
aurival I caused a flag-staff to bo erected and the old flag with all the
stars upon it hoisted to the breeze, with three times three given most
heartily by the men, and a salute fired with small-arms, upon which
occasion I named this camp Gamp Independence. Owen's Kiverisout
of its banks, overflowing the whole valley, and still rising, consequently
the country is too boggy for me to travel farther up the river with my
teams. I shall, therefore, make this camp my permanent station during
my stay in this valley. In fact, I believe it is about as good a point for
a station as Big Pine, twenty miles farther up, where I intended to
make my headquarters when I left Camp Latham. Mr. Banning's
teams are all here; they arrived last night in the night, and have to day
been discharged and allowed twelve days in which to return. As I
expected they would have to do, they have left 10,000 pounds of freight
on the road to be brought up by somebody's ox teams. Mr. Whipple's
teams have not yet arrived. It is imiMSsible for these teams, either
those of Mr. Banning or Mr. Whipple, to get back to Camp Latham in
time to load up and bring me the next thirty days' rations within the
sixty days for which I drew rations on starting; hence I send you this
by a special messenger, so that yoa may have notice of the fact and
start the provisions for the next thirty days in good time. Mr. Whip-
ple's teams can be back in time to haul for the second thirty days. It
is, as near as I can estimate the distance without measuring it, 250
miles from Camp Latham to this point. By knowing the distance ypa
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148 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Chap. LXn.
can better estimate the price that should be charged for freight. I
have most respectfally to ask for instructions relative to the Indian
prisoners that I have (the capture of whom I reported to the colonel
June 30), what I shall do with them, and how I am to feed them, &c.
I believe it requires an order from headquarters to allow my acting
assistant quartermaster and acting commissary of subsistence to issue
rations to them. If so, you will please to attend to the matter by lay-
ing the facts before the general commanding the Department of the
Pacific. I wish again most respectfully to call the attention of the
colonel to the fact that I have but four Goveniment wagons and teams,
and that if I should be ordered to return tomorrow or to go anywhere
else it would be impossible for me to move with the limited transporta-
tion that I have at my command. I should have at least four more
wagons and teams, which would make two for each company, one for
the quartermaster's department and one for the ammunition.
Eespectfully, your obedient servant,
GEO. S. EVANS,
Lieut, Col. Second Cavalry California Volunteers, Commanding.
Lieut. William Foeet,
Adjutant Fourth Infantry Calif ornia Volunteers, Camp Latham.
Headquaetees Owen's Kivee Expedition,
Gamp Independence, Owen's River Valley, July 9, 1862.
Majoe: I have the honor to report to the general commanding the
Department of the Pacific that I have been in this valley fifteen days,
carryiiigout my instructions to chastise these Indians, or the Indians of
Owen's River; that I have killed several, taken eleven prisoners, and
destroyed a great many rancherias and a large quantity of seeds, worms,
&c., that the Indians had gathered for food. Day before yesterday,
July 7, 1 received a note by the hands of a messenger sent from a
detachment of my command thirty miles above this point stating that
Captain Eowe, of Company A, with the sub-Indian agent, Mr. Wassen,
and his interpreters and ten men, were on the opposite side of the river;
that they had seen and talked with the Indiau chiefs and made a treaty
with them. I immediately sent men to the river with led horses for
Captain Rowe and Mr. Wassen to ride after crossing the river, an'd
requested Captain Rowe to come over and report to me the facts in the
case. At 2 o'clock Sergeaut Ethier came to my camp and stated that
Captain Eowe's health was bad and the river was out of its banks and
would have to be swam by him in order to reach me; begged that I
would come down to the river, that we might talk from bank to bank.
I immediately saddled my horse and rode down to the river, and finding
it almost impossible to talk from bank to bank in consequence of the
sloughs on either side of the river being swimming, I resolved to cross
myself;. After swimming two sloughs and the river and wading half a
mile through willows and tulles, I reached the eastern bank of Owen's
River, where Captain Rowe was camped, and spent the night with him.
I found that Captain Rowe had been for some time previous encamped at
;he Adobe Meadows, twenty-five miles this sideof Aurora and ninety-five
miles above this point; that he was acting under orders from headquar-
ters Department of the Pacific and endeavoring to make peace with the
Indians, while I was under instructions to chastise them severely; that
the captain had performed his duty with judgment and energy and had,
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Chap. LXH.) EXPEDITION TO OWEN's RIVEB, CAL. 149
throagh the Mono Indians, several talks with the Owen's Biver Indians ;
that, although they were at first very independent and did not care
whether it was peace or war, they had since I came into the valley tind
commenced killing and destrojang whenever I could iind an Indian to
kill or his food to destroy changed their tune and were anxious for
peace. Captain George, the big war chief of these Indians, and some
forty warriors were in Captain iSjwe's camp when I arrived. I had a big
talk with George, and he says that he is tired fighting ; that it is no good ;
that he wishes to be friends with the white men; that if they will let
him alone he will let them alone. I told him that I came here to fight
and kill Indians, because the big general had been told and believed
that the Indians wanted to fight, but that if they did not want to fight
I did not want to fight; that I would writo to the big captain at San
Francisco and tell him that the Indians did not want to fight, but
wanted to be friends, and that it would be all right. He seeiu^ much
pleased, and said that he would send word to all the Indians that he had
made friends with the white men, and that if any bad Indian stole
anything or did anything bad he would bring him to me to punish, and
that if the white man did anything bad to him he would come and tell
me; that he would do what I told liim. To Cax)tain Eowe is duegreat
praise for his skill and management in getting the Indians together and
having talks with them and preparing the way for a speedy settlement
of these Indian diflSculties. Captain George is now in my camp, and
everything will be quiet hereafter, in my opinion, unless the whites first
commit outrages upon the Indians. They are very badly frightened
and, I think, are in earnest al)out wanting peace. As I have no instruc-
tions or authority to make any treaty, I most respectfully ask for diflfer-
ent instructions as to what course I shall pursue with these Indians
under the circumstances ; also as to what time I shall have to remain in
this valley, so that I can make arrangements accordingly. I send this
communication by way of Aurora direct to headquarters, instead of
through Colonel Forman (in accordance with my instructions), for the
reason that I deem it important that the facts should be laid before the
general as soon as possible, and by sending by Aurora it will reach San
Francisco in half of the time that it would by way of Los Angeles. If
my instructions in reply to this communication are sent directed to
Aurora, in care of Captain Rowe, he wUl have a messenger bring them
down the river opposite to my camp, where he can swim over, leaving
his horse. I can receive them in no other mode, for the river is impass-
able for horses and will be for some weeks yet. Hoping that the course
pursued by myself, may meet the approbation of the general,
I am, respectfully, your obedient servant,
GEO. S. EVANS,
Lieutenant- Colonel Second Cavalry California Volunteerg,
Commanding Owen's Rirer Expedition.
Maj. R. C. Drum,
Assistant Adjutant-General, U. S. Army, San Francisco,
Headquarteks Owen's Riveb Expedition,
September 16, 1862.
CoLOKEL: I arrived at this place, twenty-five miles below Camp
Independence, on yesterday, where I met the command moving down the
valley, bag and baggage, almost in a state of mutiny. The command
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150 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COA8T. [Chap. LXII.
•
are entirely out. of provisions and clothing, and the weather is becom-
ing very cold; the nights almost freezing, hence the dissatisfaction.
On Saturday they had a severe wind-storm with quite a heavy fall of
snow on the mountain tops. This is the second time that the command
have been without provisions; once before for the period of five days,
and this time, had I not taken the precaution to bring a team through
with me, making the trip in eleven days with 1,500 pounds of flour, they
would have been without provisions for at least two weeks. The men
are barefooted and naked, although requisitions have been made time
and again for clothing. When I send for clothing for three companies
I almost invariably, if I receive any at all, receive clothing for one
company. The last requisition was for 300 pairs of pants, <KK) boots,
&c., in proiwrtion, which Colonel Babbitt informed me were ordered,
but upon examination of the invoice that I brought up to Captain Good-
man, I find that no pants have been sent, and only 100 pairs of boots,
and other clothing in proportion. Of course 100 pairs of boots are not
sufficient for the company to be left at this post for the winter. I there-
fore inclose estimate for more clothing for the company to be retained
here, and most respectfully ask that it may be ordered forwarded through
Lieutenant Morgan to Capt. T. H. Goodman^ at Camp Independence.
The regulations, I believe, only allow one pair of boots to the man for
six months, but I assure you that the article of boots that we get will
not last three months, andj as the winters are in this vicinity very
severe, and there is no possibility of the men purchasing anything (if
it were here to purchase), they not having been paid off for nearly nine
months, 1 hope the general will see the necessity of a greater number
being furnished the company to remain in the valley. I have also to
most respectfully ask that 200 pairs of boots and a full change of cloth-
ing for the two companies to return to Camp Latham with me may be
invoiced to the quartermaster of the Fourth Infantry at Camp Latham
(for the Second Cavalry), so that they may have something to ijut on to
cover their nakedness with when tliey arrive in the settlements. It is
everything else but a pleasant service to do duty in this valley, and the
men, volunteer-like, think that they are badly treated at best in being
left in this valley, and unless they are regularly fed and well clothed it
wiU be impossible to keep them together. I am fearful that there will
be trouble with Company G when they are left alone, anyway. To-
morrow I move the command back to Camp Independence and renew
the work of preparing winter quarters for the company to remain. It
is going to be uphill business, turning back and getting the men to
work. I shall, however, do the best I can between now and the Ist of
October, by which time I will have to move the two companies for
Camp Latham in order to get out of the valley before the snow falls.
One more request and I am done. In consideration of the fact that
there is no sutler here, and that the men have not been i)aid for nine
months; that the winters here are so very severe, and there are no
gloves to be purchased, I have most respectfully to ask, although out
of the regular line, that 100 or 205 pairs of Indian tan gloves (of buck-
skin) may be ordered purchased, and forwarded to Captain Goodman
for his company. The money value can be sent with them, so that they
can be charged to the men and thus protect the Government.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
GEO. S. EVANS;
Lieutenant- Colonel Second Cavalry California Volunteers, Comdg.
Lieut. Col. B. 0. Drum,
Ataistant Adjutant-General, San- Francisco, Cal.
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CHAP. LXII.] EXPEDITION TO OWEN'S RIVEB, CAL. 161
[First indorsement.)
Headquabtebs Depabtmbnt op the Pacific,
San Francisco, September 29, 1862.
Bespectfnlly referred to Colonel Babbitt and Captain Kellogg, who
will see tbat the troops at Owen's Biver and Yisalia are properly sup-
X)lied forthwith. Such articles used for winter campaign (as gloves, &c.)
as may be at the Vancouver depot will be sent to Captain Goodman's
company to the extent of supplying that company.
By order of M^jor-Geueral Wright :
R. C. DRUM,
Astuttant Adjutant- Ovneral.
[Seoond indorsement.]
Sbptebibeb 29, 1862.
The gloves at Fort Vancouver have all been sold at auction.
Respectfully,
E. B. B[ ABB ITT],
Deputy Quartermaster- General.
[Third indorsement.]
Subsistence Office,
San Francisco, Gal., September 30, 1862.
Notwithstanding the requirements of paragraph 3, General Orders,
No. 20, Department of the Pacific, July 1, 1862, and of my circular
March 20, 1862, which has been liberally distributed (copy herewith),
no requisition for subsistence supplies has been received from this
commiiud. On the 13th instant I turned over for transportation direct
to Lieutenant Goodman, acting commissary of subsistence, at Camp
Independence, 25,000 complete rations, except fresh beef. This was
forwarded upon a requisition from the depot acting commissary
of subsistence (Lieutenant Morgan) at San Pedro. In his letter of
the 29th ultimo, transmitting said requisition. Lieutenant Morgan
says: "I have received orders from headquarters department, San
Francisco, to forward to Captain Cktodman, acting commissary of
snbsisteace. Camp Independence, before the rainy season commences,
sufficient supplies to last that command until next spring." It is
presumed that what supply was before furnished to this expedition
was carried with it from Camp Latham and obtained from San Pedro,
but its quantity is not known to me. There has been no deficiency
in supplies at San Pedro or Camp Latham. A few days since 20,000
rations were shipped for Visalia. No information has been received
at this office giving the number of troops at Camp Independence or
at Visalia, or the probable time of stay at those points of either com-
mand. Such data from official source is essential to me. In this con-
nection reference is requested to a letter by Capt. M. D. L. Simpson,
commissary of subsistence, to department headquarters, dated July 20,
1859.
J NO. KELLOGG,
Captain and Commissary of Subsistence
Headquabtebs Owen's Rivbe Expedition,
Camp Independence, Cal., September 30, 1862.
Colonel : Inclosed please find a copy of a lett«r from the Indian
superintendent (or agent) Southern District of California, directed to
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152 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Chap.LXIL
the Indian chiefs of this valley, which WEts sent under cover to me,
with a written request that I would read the same to said Indians. lu
accordance with the request I sent to Kern Eiver and procured au
interpreter, and had the letter translated to the chiefs, and made all the
necessary arrangements to have all the chiefs and principal Indians of
this country at my camp on the 20th of September, and here they are,
and have been since that time, in number about 100. Also the sub-
agent from Nevada Territory, Mr. Wassen, who is here by special
request of Mr. Wentworth, but no Mr. Wentworth, although this is
the 30th of September instead of the 20th. I deem it my duty to make
a report of these facts, for the reason that there is great danger of
another outbreak amongst these Indians, arising from what they seem
to think duplicity and treachery on the part of the )!rhites. They say
that they have complied with their part of the treaty, have given up
their arms and families as hostages, and the whites are "mucho big lie;
no give them nothing." In short, there is a very bad spirit around
amongst them, and if any trouble grows out of it I want the blame to
fall where it belongs, and not upon the military. I have, through the
management of Mr. Wassen, put them off with excuses for Mr. Went-
worth's non-appearance until excuses have failed to be of any avail,
and in order to keep them here until Mr. Wentworth does come, if he
arrives within the next ten days, I have ordered the acting assistant
quartermaster at this post to furnish them with meat for the period of
ten days, and most respectfully ask the approval of the general com-
manding the department.
GEO. S. EVANS,
Lieutenant- Colonel Second Cavalry Calif omia Volunteers, Comdg.
Lieut. Col. E. C. Drum,
Asst. Adjt. Qen., U. 8. Army, San Francisco, Gal,
[Inolosnre.]
Office Indian Affairs,
Southern District of California,
Sam Francisco, August 1, 1863.
TBN-NB-MAH-HA-TE and OTHER CHIEFS OF OWEN'S EIYER:
I am instructed by the Great Father at Washington to go to your
country and talk with you. I shall be there on the ^h of September.
In the meantime you must remain quiet and not allow your Indians to
have any more difficulty with your white neighbors. Your Great
Father has a good heart for all Indians who are obedient and do not
fight. The Great Father regrets that the Indians have killed their
white neighbors. This must not occur again. I shall take with me
some food, clothing, and blankets for the chiefs. You have lands there,
and shall be protected in your rights, but never go to war. When you
have trouble with the whites, come to me or the agent who will be
stationed there, and he will settle it for you.
JNO. P. H. WEin?WOETH,
Superintendent, Agent Southern Distriot of California.
ViSALIA, October 7, 1862.
Colonel : I have the honor to report that I arrived at this place
with one company of cavalry (Company D), Capt. M. A. McLaughlin,
on yesterday, having made the trip from Owen's Big Lake over the
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CHAP. Lxn.] EXPEDITION TO POETIAND, OREGON. 153
mountains, a distance of 120 miles, in four days and one-half. The
route is almost an impracticable one, and great credit is due to the men
for their fortitude and forbearance in making the trail without a murmur
of complaint, for the hills were so very precipitous — and the animals
go very weak for want of grain, not having seen any for two months — and
without shoes ou them, that they were compelled to walk about two-
thirds of the way, and that, too, barefootetl and naked, for many of them
were as destitute of shoes as they were the day they were born, and
had no pantaloons, except such as they had themselves made out of
barley and flour sacks. The weather was freezing cold, heavy frost
every night, and on the 4th a heavy snow-storm; still the men plodded
ou and stood guard at night, leaving the blood ft*om their feet upon the
rocks and snow. In this connection allow me to say that I am grati-
fied to find that clothing is on the way for these troops, not only for
their sakes, bat for the credit of the Government that I have the honor
to serve. Company I, Captain Jones, under command of Major O'Neill,
will be here in about one week by way of Keysville. I have the honor
to report further that before leaving Camp Independence, Owen's Biver,
I made all necessary orders for the establishment of a one-company
military post at that place; that adobes were being made and tempo-
rary buildings put up by the troops; that six months' supplies were
laid in, and everything done to make the company left to garrison the
post (Company G, Capt. T. H. Goodman] comfortable, and that all was
quiet and harmonious, notwithstanding fears to the contrary stated in
my last communication on the subject.
Respectfully, your obedient servant,
GEO. S. EVANS,
Lieutenant- Colonel Second Cavalry California Volunteers f Comdg.
Lieut. Col. E. C. Drum, U. S. Army,
Assistant Adjutant- General, San Francisco, Cal.
JTJHE 16-OCTOBEB 30, 1862.— Emigrant road expedition from Omaha,
Nebr. Tor., to Portland, Oreg^.
Report of Capt. Medorem Crawford, U, S. Army, Assistant Quarter-
master.
Portland, Oreo., October 30, 1862.
Sib: The duty of conducting an escort for the protection of emi-
grants to Oregon, &c., having been assigned me by the Secretary of
War, and having performed that service, I deem it my duty, as it is
certainly my pleasure, to comply with your request by reporting to you
the principal incidents of my trip.
Having organized my company, procured my transportation and
provisions, I left Omaha, Nebr. Ter., on the 16th of June. My company
consisted of fifty mounted men, armed with rifles and revolvers, who
were instructed in the duties of sentinels and drilled in the simpler
evolutions of cavalry tactics. Our route lay on the north side of and
immediately along the Platte River, up the Sweetwater, over the
Lander road to near Fort Hall, and from thence on the south side of
Snake River to Walla Walla. The movement westward was very
large. Emigrants to Oregon, Washington Territory, California, Salt
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154 OPEHATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. tCBAP.LXII.
Lake, aud Denver were on this road. Some had started in April, and
were consequently several hundred miles in advance of the rear por-
tion of the emigration. Feeling it to be my duty to protect the rear, I
did not hasten on the first part of the trip, but urged upon the emi-
grants whom I fell in with as I proceeded the necessity of husbanding
the strength of their teams so as to be able to perform the journey over
the barren deserts of Bnake Eiver, the necessity for which my last
year's experience had taught me. I soon ibnnd that a large pro])ortion
of the emigrants had started for the Salmon Eiver mines under the very
erroneous impression as to the locality of them. A guide of the
route had been published and extensively circulated on the frontier,
representing those mines as being within 180 miles of Fort Hall, not
giving the locality of the road, but saying — good grass and plenty of
water all the way. Under this impression many emigrants had over-
loaded their wagons and taxed their teams beyond their strength, and
so positive were they that they could reach the mines without going
down Snake River that many of them disregarded my counsel to dis-
pense with comparatively nselesa articles with which they were encum-
bered. The result was that as soon as we left the Platte Valley aud
encountered the heavy sand and hills their teams and wagons began to
fail. They then found it necessary to do what I had advised long
before, dispense with heavy and useless articles, but unfortunately it
was too late to save many of their teams. From this point to Powder
River article after article of furniture and wagon after wagon were
left along, and scarcely a camp was left without some evidence of prop-
erty abandoned. The large number of teams which were ahead of us
had cut up the road to such an extent that the dust was very deep
and its alkaline properties fatal to cattle. There were over forty head
of dead cattle between the Owyhee and Malheur Rivers, a distance of
sixteen miles, and we found the proportion nearly as great at other
points along Snake River. The first evidence of Indian depredations
we saw was a grave at the crossing of New Fork of Green River.
From the inscription placed over it we learned that Patrick Moran, of
Missouri, was killed by Indians on the 18th of July and two men
wounded. We passed this place August 11, about three weeks after,
at which time no Indians were to be seen. The next grave was on La
Barge Creek, in the Bear River Mountains, on the head-board of which
was the following:
Opened by Kavanangh's trftin on the 27th of July, 1862. The body of a man foand
too badly decayed for removal. One shot in the temple and an arrow shot. Sup-
posed to have been killed by Indians.
On the 25th day of August we passed the graves of the following
persons: One unknown man found by Captain Glenn's party August
13. He had been shot in the back of the head with buckshot. Three
miles farther there were five graves, side by side, of persons supposed
to have been killed by Indians. Ruftis 0. Mitchell, F. Howie, James
Steel, David Whitmer, and Frank Sessions were the names inscribed
over them. This was in the vicinity of Fort Hall, and happened on the
9th of August, we passing on the 25th. We learned from the ferry-
man that while these five men were slain by the Indians twenty armed
men ft'om the same train stood upon a hill near by and made no attempt
to rescue their comrades. There are strong reasons for believing that
white men bore a part in this massacre. Between Fort Hall and Raft
River we found four graves of men supposed to have been killed by
Indians on the 9th of August. After crossing Raft River we found the
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CHAV.I.XIL1 EXPEDITION TO PORTLAND, OREGON. 155
grave of a Miss Adams, who was shot on the 9th and died on the 12tli.
We passed here August 31, twenty-two days after the fight. About
the same time a Mr. Phillips left his train to go fishing, alone and
unarmed, and was taken by Indians, and is supposed to have been
killed. This happened near Goose Greek. It will be seen that the
number killed, of which we have positive information, is about fifteen.
No cmigrcants have at any time been troubled by Indians while in the
vicinity of my company, but from the disposition shown toward the
advance parties it is easy to see that the later and weaker parties
would have been easily cut ofi' had it not be«n for the protection
aflbrdcd them by the Government. Near old Fort Hall a ferry had
been established, and many emigrants had crossed in pursuit of the
mines. 8ome went to Fort Lemhi, others to the Deer Lodge Prairie,
while others kept down the north side of Snake Kiver and recrossed
the stream at Bois^. From what was told me I am satisfied that many
were induced to cross at Fort Hall by the representations of these fer-
rymen, which turned out unreliable. About twenty wagons which had
crossed and met a returning party, were induced to recross and join
those who were already under my escort. At this point I had 125
wagons of emigrants under my charge, and I found many of their
teams so weak that they could not travel over ten miles per day, others
being able to proceed faster; and in order to give protection to all, I
divided my compan]^ placing the advance party in charge of my prin-
cipal assistant, Mr. Le Boy Crawford, while I remained with the rear
and weaker party. From this point my journey was extremely slow.
Many of the emigrants were short of provisions, which deficiency I
had to supply. Others had difficulties among themselves which I was
obliged to settle. The grass was very scarce, and their stock would
scatter during the night, so that frequently my men would spend hours
in looking after them in the morning. We cured their sick, fed their
destitute, hunted, and in some instances drove their teams, mended
their wagons, hauled their goods, settled their disputes, and kept them
moving. Two men died and one was drowned in Snake Kiver. With
these exceptions every man, woman, and child that had traveled in my
vicinity reached the settlements in safety. From the best information
in my possession I estimate the emigration to Oregon and Washington
this year at 10,000 souls, about two-fifths of whom I think crossed
Snake Eiver at the Fort Hall Ferry. From my own observation I am
satisfied that a better road for emigrants may be found on the north
side of Snake Eiver than the one on the south side, but the precise
point at which that river should be crossed I am not prepared to
decide. I know there is a good road from near Salmon Falls to Bois6,
having traveled down on that route in the year 1842, bat as to the
character of the country above that point on the north side, I have no
reliable information. The recent discoveries of gold on Bois6 Eiver
will doubtless attract large parties from the States next season, and a
road on the north side will be very necessary. Should such be the
case, and large numbers of emigrants with families flock to that coun-
try, I fear that unless some protection is furnished by the Government
the Indians will make an indiscriminate slaughter.
I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
MEDOEEM CEAWFOHD,
Captain and Assistant Quartermaster.
Brigadier-General Alvord,
U. S. Army.
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156 OPEEATIONB ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Chap. LXH.
JUIT 7, 186iM)C!TOBEIl 6, 1863.— Operatioiu in the District of Oregon.
Report of Brig. Oen. Benjamin Alvord, U. S. Army, commanding the
District of Oregon.
Hbadquabtees Depabtment of the Pacific,
San Francisco, October 16, 1803.
Col. E. D. TOWNSEND,
Asst. Adjt. Oen,, Sdqrs. of the Army, Washington, D. C. ;
Colonel : Inclosed herewith you will receive a communication from
Brig. Gen. B. Alvord, commanding the District of Oregon, detjiiling
the operations of troops in that district and the general condition of
affairs in that quarter since July, 1862, which is most respectfully sub-
mitted for the information of the General-in-Chief and Secretary of
War.
Very respectfully, your most obedient servant,
G. WRIGHT,
Brigadier- General, V. 8. Army, Commanding.
Headquarters District of Oregon,
Fort Vancouver, Wash. Ter., October 6, 1863.
General : I have the honor to report for the information of the War
Department the operations of the troops in the District of Oregon
since I assumed command on the 7th of July, 1862. The boundaries of
the district are the same known on military maps as those of the old
Department of Oregon, including all of the former Territory of Oregon
as organized in 1848, excepting the valleys of the Umpqua and Eogue
Rivers. It now includes part of the State of Oregon, all of Washing-
ton Territory, and the portion of Idaho Tei'ritory west of the Rocky
Mountains. Three companies of First Oregon Cavalry, under command
of Lieut. Col. R. F. Maury, were ordered to leave Fort Walla Walla on
the 25th of July, 1862, to proceed upon the emigrant road as far as Salmon
Falls, on Snake River, for the protection of the expected emigration,
the command not to return to Fort Walla Walla until the 1st of Novem-
ber. The duty was faithfully and efficiently discharged by Colonel
Maury. The movement in connection with Captain Crawford's emi-
grant escort party from Omaha, Nebr., afforded effectual i)rotection to
the emigration, which amounted to 2,000 wagons, or about 10,000 souls
that autumn. I also ordered in July, 1862, a company of cavalry to
encamp in the Nez Percti country, near the agency, for the protection of
that tribe so far as practicable from the iutiusion of the whites, who in
search of gold had (previously to my b^ing placed in command) invaded
the Nez Perc^ Indian Reservation without authority to the number of
some 10,000 or 15,000 people in violation of the provisions of the treaty,
and in contempt of the rights of the Indians. Hearing of threatene<l
collision in that region between the Indians and the whites, I left on
the 16th of October tor the Nez Pero6 country. Before I reached there
two murders of white men by the Indians occurred, almost the very
first ever attributed to that tribe, who have been proverbial fpr their
persistent friendship for the whites. Finding among the chiefs (who
surrendered the murderers) a great desire for the continuance of the
soldiers among them, I ordered another company there and established
a post at Fort Lapwai. The reasons which impelled me to do so were
fully reported in a dispatch to headquarters Department of the Pacific
dated 4th of November, 1862, which I have been informed was forwarded
to the War Department. The effect of the establishment of the post
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CBjj.LXn.) OPERATIONS IN THE DISTRICT OP OREGON. 157
was very salutary, aud paved the way for the snccessfal negotiations
of a treaty .with that tribe on the 9th of June last, by which they have
sorrendered the greater portion of their reservation, including all of
the gold-mining regions.
On the 9th of May last I assembled six companies of troops, under
command of Col. J. Steinberger, First Washington Territory Infantry,
at Fort Lapwai, preliminary to said negotiations. I have no doubt
that the concentration of those troops had a salutary effect on all the
surrounding tribes, as well as furthering the success of the council. All
those Indian tribes have remained at peace with whom the Indian wars
of 1855, 1850, and 1868 were carried on, and the only Indians who have
committed assaults upon the frontier have been the Snakes. The
Snakes si)eak the Comanche language, have the same habits, and are
in fact a branch of the Comanche tribes of the region east of the
Kooky Mountains. On the 14th of October, 1862, I sent to department
headquarters a letter (forwarded afterward to the Adjutant-General of
the Army) recommending the establishment of a military post at or
near Fort Bois^ for the protection of emigrants and settlers in that
country. On the 29th of January I received instructions from depart-
inent headquarters, pursuant to the authority of the Secretary of War,
to make the necessary arrangements for the establishment of a post at
Fort Bois^. Said arrangements were made with the assistance of Bvt.
Maj. P. Lugenbeel, Ninth Infantry, to whom the command of the troops
destined for that post was given. After a careful reconnaissance he
established it on the 4th of July at a point about forty-three miles east of
old Fort Bois6 and 275 miles from Wallula (the depot on the Columbia
River better known as old Fort Walla Walla). He has fonnd a good
site for a saw-mill on a creek ten miles from the post. He has com-
menced, agreeably to instructions, the erection of temporary quarters
for a five-company post, three of infantry and two of cavalry. I have
no doubt be has located the post judiciously and that he has practiced
the utmost economy, which was strictly enjoined upon him. During
this winter for want of forage the cavalry, with the exception of
twenty-flve men, will withdraw to Fort WalJa Walla. A population of
10,000 or 15,000 people have gone into those mines and that w^ole
region is fast increasing in importance. Colonel Maury, with three
companies of First Oregon Cavalry and two of infantry, was ordered
to proceed in July last from Fort Bois6 to a point on Snake Eiver above
Fort Hall for the protection of the emigration. He has at last dates
successfully carried out the plan, and on the 17th of August, 1863, met
Capt. M. Crawford, assistant quartermaster, in charge of the emigrant
escort^ at the ferry on Snake Biver, as had been arranged by me
early m the spring when Captaiu Crawford left here for Washington
City, Owing to the pacification effected by General Connor and
Governor Doty, of Utah, the Snake Indians upon that route have been
very quiet this summer. Colonel Maury is now on his return to Fort
Walla Walla, and has crossed Snake River at Salmon Falls and intended
thence to proceed to the headwaters of the Owyhee and Malheur Riv-
ers, southwest of Fort Bois^, in which quarters it was reported that
the Snake Indians had fired upon some of the miners prospecting for
gold. Colonel Maury was directed this year, as also a year ago, not to
return to Fort Walla Walla until the Ist of November, thereby insuring
the most efficient protection which could be rendered before the com-
mencement of winter. The experience of former expeditions, as in the
unfortunate massacre of September, 1860, had admonished me that the
troops should not return to the military posts until the approach of
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158 OPEEATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Chap.LXIL
wiuter rendered it necessary. I thus claim that during the sammer
aud fall of 1802 and 1863 the emigrant road has been protected in a
\\-ell-plaaned and systematic manner and that Oregon nan felicitate
itself that the emigrants have not been subjected to the heartrending
massacres which have sometimes carried so much pain to all on this
frontier. South of Auburn and near Canyon City the Snakes have
killed some miners and committed some depredations. It will no doubt
be necessary next spring to send if possible an efficient expedition
against these Indians into the region southeast of Fort Dalles aud
west of Fort Boi s6. The mineral wealth of that country will be exi)lored
by the hardy and adventurous miners, and it will be our duty doubt-
less to give them all possible protection in the undertaking. I am
pleased to say that at last during the last two months a commence-
ment has been made in the erection of batteries for the fortifications at
the mouth of the Columbia, and the chief of ordnance has promised to
send heavy ordnance for them. In a letter dated the 5th of May last
to the Governor of Oregon I learn that Brig. Gen. J. G. Totten, chief of
the Engineer Department, has recommended that an iron-clad vessel
be sent to this river. His words are: "It is recommended by the Engi-
neer Department that a strong, heavily-armored steam floating battery
and ram be provided for the defense of the Columbia River." I do
most respectfully urge that this recommendation be complied with.
Absorbed by the stirring events of the war, few in the Atlantic States
are conscious of the limitless gold fields recently found in Oregon and
in Washington and Idaho Territories, covering an extent of country as
large as those of California. Thus the rapid increase in population
aud commerce of this region gives it now fresh claims on the care and
attention of the Government.
I am, with high respect, your obedient servant,
BENJ. ALVORD,
Brigadier- General, U. 8. Volunteers, Commanding District.
Adjutant-General U. S. Abmt,
Washington, D. C.
AUGUST 10^22, 1862.— Expedition from Fort Walla Walla to the Grande
Bonde Praiiie, Waah. Ter., with affiur (14th) at the Grande Bonde
Prairie.
RKPOBTS.
No. 1.— Brig. Oen. Benjamin Alvord, U. 8. Army, commanding District of Oregon.
No. 2. — Col. JuBtas Steinberger, First Washington Territory Infantry.
No. 3. — Capt. George B. Currey, First Oregon Cavalry.
Ifo. 1.
Report of Brig. Oen. Benjamin Alvord, U. 8. Army, commanding District
of Oregon.
Headqtjaetbbs Distbiot of Oregon,
Fort Vancouver, Wash. Ter., August 26, 1862.
SiB: I herewith transmit for the information of the general com-
manding the department a copy of the report, dated 23d instant, of
Capt. G. B. Currey, of Company E, First Cavalry Oregon Volunteers,
of his recent expedition to the Grande Eonde Valley; a copy of Col. J.
Steinberger's instructions to him, dated the 9th instant; a copy of
Colonel Steinberger's dispatch of the 23d instant, and a copy of my
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CHAi-.LXn.) EXPEDITION TO GRANDE RONDE PRAIBIE. 159
instructions of the 20th instant, on the general subject of aiding the
Indian Department in requiring the Indians to live on the Indian
reservation. You will perceive that the expedition was entirely suc-
cessful. It resulted in the death of four Indians, including the leader,
Tenounis, or Big Talii on Four Mountains, otherwise called the Dreamer,
whose ominous prophesies had exerted a baneful influentse over the
small party who followed his fortunes. The killing of these appears to
have been a necessary and unavoidable act. I have no doubt that the
effect of the movement will be to prevent any ftirther aggression
against the whites at the Grand lionde Valley, and will have a sal-
utary effect on all the surrounding tribes. Tlie great infyority of the
Indians on the Umatilla Reservation appear to have had no sympathy
with the Dreamer or his assumptions. A report from Lieutenant-
Colonel Maury, dated 17th instant, shows that his expedition had
reached the Owyhee River. He had met thus far 300 wagons of emi
grants. Few Indian disturbances or depredations had occurred. The
emigrants express much satisfaction in the movements of troops, which
have every likelihood of preventing collisions.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
BENJ. ALVORD,
Brigadier-Oeneral, U. 8. Volunteers, Commanding District.
AssisTAMT Adjutant-General,
Headquarters department of the Vacific, San Francisco, Cal.
No. 2.
Reports of Col. Justus Steinberger, First Washington Territory Infantry.
Headquarters,
Fort Walla Walla, Wash, Ter., August 9, 1862.
Sir : I have the honor to report that at the request of the superin-
tendent of Indian affairs for Oregon and the Indian agent at the Uma-
tilla Reservation, I have direct^ Captain Currey with twenty men of
bis company to proceed on a scout of fourteen days toward Grande
Ronde Valley. In a personal interview with the gentleman I became
convinced that a serious attack had been made upon a settlement that,
unless promptly punished, might result in additional and embarrassing
hostilities. Inclosed is also transmitted copy of a communication from
Mr. Barnhart, and indorsed by Mr. Reotor^ referring to the subject
The order and letter of instructions to Captain Currey are both respect-
fully transmitted inclosed for the information of the commanding gen-
eral of the district, which will explain my action in the matter. The
absence of one subaltern of Captain Currey's company on leave of
absence, and the attendance of the other on a general court-martial
at tliis post, prevents my sending a commissioned ofBcer at present to
the Umatilla Reservation to relieve Lieutenant Hillyer. The sergeant
and ten meu' mentioned in the order will serve all the requirements at
the reservation until the re-enforcement arrives.
Trusting that the commanding general will approve this disposition
of the detachment referred to, I am, very respectfully, your obedient
servant,
JUSTUS STEINBERGER,
Colonel First Washington Territory Infantry, Commanding Post.
Acting Assistant Adjutant-General,
Headquarters District of Oregon, Fort Vancouver, Wash. Ter.
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160 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Chap. LXn.
[InoloeoTO Na 1.)
Umatilla Indian Eesbevation, August 4, 1863.
Col. J. Steinbebgbb, U. S. Army,
Commanding Fort Walla Walla, Wash. Ter.:
Colonel : I have respectfully to request that you will order a detach-
ment of twenty-five or thirty mounted men to proceed to Grande lioude
Valley for the purpose of arresting certain refractory Indians who are
creating a serious disturbance among the settlers in that valley. These
Indians belong to the Umatilla Indian lieservation, but do not recog-
nize their treaty obligations. They have refused to allow white men to
settle in the valley, and have already driven away several men by
threats of violence. Should those Indians be permitted to remain
where they are at present congregated, difficulties of a serious character
must occur between them and the white settlers. If two or three of
the leaders of the party are captured at once and placed in confinement
in the guard-house at Fort Walla Walla the whole affair may be
checked and no further trouble in that quarter be apprehended. I
have also respectfully to request that when the infantry detachment
at the reservation is relieved a detachment of twenty mounted men
may take their place, to remain permanently, for the preservation of
peace and good order on the reservation. The great influx of travel to
the mines directly through the reservation causes much dissatisfaction
In the minds of the Indians and renders it absolutely necessary that a
small force be kept constantly at the agency.
I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
WILLIAM H. BAENHAET,
U. S. Indian Agent, Umatilla Reservation.
Approved.
WM. H, RECTOR,
Superintendent Indian Affairs.
[Inclosnre No. 2.]
Orders, ) Headquarters,
No. 170. ) Fort Walla Walla, Wash. Ter., August 16, 1862.
I. Lieut. J. T. Apperson, Company E, First Oregon Cavalry, with fif
teen men of that company, will leave this post to-morrow morning, 17th
instant, and proceed without delay to the Umatilla Reservation.
II. This detachment, with the ten men of the same company now at
that point, will remain there until the arrival of Captain Currey with
his command, for the protection of Government property and assist-
ance in the enforcement of the authority of the agent of the Indian
Department.
III. Forty rounds of ammunition and seven days' subsistence will be
taken with the party.
IV. Instructions will be furnished Lieutenant Apperson from these
headquarters.
By order of Colonel Steinberger:
WM. MYLES,
First Lieut., First Washington Territory Infantry, Post Adjutant.
[Inclosnre Ko. 3.]
Headquarters,
Fort Walla Walla, Wash. Ter., August 9, 1862.
Capt. George B. Ourrey,
First Oregon Cavalry, Fort Walla Walla, Wash. Ter. :
Sir : Representations have been made by the Indian agent at the
Umatilla Indian Reservation, and confirmed by the superintendent of
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CBAP.LXn.] EXPEDITION TO GBANDE RONDE PRAIRIE. 161
Indian affairs for Oregon, now here, that a band of Indians belonging
to the Oaytise tribe have by force of arms driven white settlers from
their farms on the Grande Eonde Prairie, claiming ownership to the
lands. The Indian Department shows evidence of treaty by the Gov-
ernment for this section of country, and indisputable right on the part
of the United States to it. Orders, No. 161, from these headquarters
directing the force under your command to proceed to Grande Eonde
are issued at the request of gentlemen above named. I inclose you a
copy of the communication* of Mr. Barnhart and Mr. Rector for your
guidance. You will use all dispatch on the march to the point at which
these Indians are supposed to be, and after carefully collecting all the
information possible, arrest such of the leaders as were engaged in
the attack uiK>n tlie white settlers and bring them at once to this post.
Do not encumber yourself with more than four or five of the principal
men, and then only after the mo.st satisfactory proof of their actual
engagement in the affair. Alexander McKay will be taken with you as
guide and interpreter, and as he is highly recommended by Agent
Barnhart, you will take his advice as to the route to pursue, and the
persons to consult in Grande Konde Valley capable of giving you infor-
mation in your search for the disaflPected Indians. The camp equipage
directed to be turned over to you by Lieutenant Hillyer will be suffi-
cient for the full detachment of twenty men intended to remain at the
Umatilla Reservation until Ist of November. This will be left at the
reserve in charge of the sergeant. After leaving the detachment of
ten n>en at Umatilla Reservation, you will proceed with the remaining
twenty men for the purpose above indicated, and on returning to this
I)08t detach nine others with one corporal as a re-enforcement on the res-
ervation. The subsistence taken with you is to be used mainly on
the reservation by the force to be employed there, and you will take
with you beyond that point not more than is necessary for the twenty
men that march with you to Grande Ronde. It is expected that not
more than fourteen days will be required for the purpose indicated, and
you will use all diligence in accomi>li8hing the object desired, and
return to this post on or before the 24th instant. Very much is of
necessity left to your own discretion and judgment in carrying out
these instructions, and it is enjoined upon you prudently and carefully
to exercise the responsibility intrusted.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JUSTUS STEINBERGER,
Colonel First Washington Territory Infantry, Commanding.
IlEADQtTAETERS,
Fort Walla Walla, Augmt 17, 1862.
Sir : I have the honor to report that I received an express last night
from Captain Ourrey with the report t herewith inclosed, dated loth
instant. The chief (Tenounis) referred to is the Indian reported by
Agent Barnhart and Superintendent Rector as the leader in the foray
against the settlers of Grande Bonde Valley. Inclosed (No. 1) is also a
copy of petition from the settlers in Grande Ronde Valley. The scout
of Captain Currey anticipates the protection asked. The request for a
* See inclosnre No. 1, p. 160.
t See Carrey to Steinberger, Anj^ist 15, p. 164.
11 R R — VOL L, PT I
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1G2 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. (Chap. Lxn.
company at tliat point I tbink nuwarranted. If Captain Carrey's
operations ]iave been prudent, and bis recent action just and proper,
it should have the effect to subdue hostilities and deter other infringe-
ment upon the rights of settlers. The presence, too, of the large force
of cavalry eastward of this settlement and the knowledge of their
return within a few months will no doubt have the effect to prevent
the danger feared. I have no other intelligence than that furnished
me by Captain Carrey of his encounter with the Indians referred to in
his letter. My instructions to hin>, both written and verbal, were to
exercise the greatest caution and prudence in the performance of his
duties, and I have no reason to believe the collision with these Indians
was other than unavoidable. From information that I gather from
intelligent friendly Indians here, there appears to be not more than
twenty Indians disaiiected in the Grande Bonde Valley, and no sym-
pathy is had with them by the remainder of the Cayuse or other tribes.
I received also last night an express from the acting agent of the
Umatilla Agency, reporting that the aflair of Captain Currey was
known among the Indians uuder his charge, and that some uneasiness
was felt. Under date of August 9 I advised you of the disposition of
the force sent out under Captain Currey. Ten men with a sergeant
were directed to be left at the reservation to reliev6 Lieutenant
Hillyer and twenty men of the Fourth California Infantry. In order
to give greater security to the public property on the reservation
and insure the authority of the agent, I sent at daylight this morning
Lieutenant Apperson, Company E, First Oregon CavaJry, with fifteen
men of that company to re-enforce the small detachment left there.
Inclosed is re8i)ectfully transmitted copy of the order directing the
movement. I have much confidence in the discretion and prudence of
Lieutenant Apperson in the duty assigned him, and doubt not that on
the return of Captain Currey will be enabled to report to you quiet
and submission among the Indians.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JUSTUS STEINBERGEE,
Colonel First Washington Territory Infantry, Commandinf/.
Assistant Adjutant-Genebal,
Hdqrs. District of Oregon, Fort Vancouver, Wash. Ter.
[Inclosnre No, 1.]
Fetition.
Commanding Officer at Fort Walla Walla :
We, the undersigned, citizens of Grande Konde Valley, would respect
fully petition you for the assistance of one company or more of soldiers
to be stationed here. Whereas depredations have been committed here
by the Indians, and that we are so scattered over the valley that we
have not the means of defense, and that our lives atid property are not
safe, and if you will grant our petition you will confer a great favor on
the petitioners.
C. E. FOX,
D. CHAPLIN,
G. ARNOLD,
[And 20 OTHERS.]
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Chap. LX1I.| EXPEDITION TO GBANDE RONDE PBAISIE. 163
[InckHnueNo, 2.)
Ordebs, ) Headquarters,
No. 161. 5 Fort Walla Walla, Wash. Ter., August 9, 1862.
I. Gapt. George B. Carrey, First Oregon Cavalry, with two sergeants,
four corporals, and tweuty-fonr privates, will leave this post on the
moruiug of the 10th instant on detached service for the Umatilla Indian
lieservation and Grande Itoude Prairie.
• ••••••
III. On arriving at the Umatilla Reservation Captain Currey will
leave a reliable sergeant and ten men to relieve the force of the Fourth
California Infantry under Lieutenant Hillyer.
• ••••••
V. Written instructions will be furnished Captain Currey from these
headquarters.
• • • • ' • • •
By order of Colonel Steinberger:
WILLIAM MYLES,
First Lieut., First Washington Territory In/ty., Aetg. Post Adjt.
Headquarters,
Fort Walla Walla, August 23, 1862.
Sir: I have the honor to transmit herewith inclosed copy of report*
of Capt. George B. Currey, First Oregon Cavalry, returned last night
with a detachment of his company from an expedition to the Grande
Eonde Valley. The instructions given thisoflScer, as heretofore reported,
were to find out the Indians engaged in the disturbances reported by
the superintendent of Indian afi'airs for Oregon and the agent of the
Umatilla Beservation, and if possible arrest and bring to this post a
few of the most active and influential of their number. As by the
captain's report, the effort to carry out the orders given was met by resist-
ance, and resulted in the killing of four Indians, among whom was their
leader, Tenounis, or the Dreamer, as he is called. This Indian, I have
learned, has been for a long time disaffected. He has always denied
and opjwsed the authority of the Government and their right to the
lands now occupied by wliite settlers, ceded by treaty and acknowledged
by the greater portion of his tribe as belonging to the United States. For
some mouths he had separated himself from the Umatilla Reservation,
and in opposition to the feelings and expressed inclinations of the Indians
collected there had taken with .him a small band, with the avowed object
to occupy the Grande Ronde Valley to the exclusion of our settlers.
The designs of this party culminated, as reported, in attacks endanger-
ing the lives and proi)erty of settlers in that valley. The other Indians
killed were clearly in the interest of the Dreamer and under his Influence.
To have arrested a few of the leaders engaged in these hostile move-
ments it was supposed would have broken up the band. The more
summary punishment resulting from their resistance has, I have no
doubt, accomplished the same end, and the more effectually. All the
reports from the Grahde Ronde Valley and the Umatilla Reservation,
from Indians as well as whites, concur in the representation that order
and quiet have been restored. The promptness with which the aggres-
sions of this small band of Indians has been visited by our troops, and
* See Currey to Steinberger, Angiut 23, p. 164.
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164 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Cuit.LXXL
the immediate panishment served, has, I think, produced a salntary
effect for their future good conduct. It convinces them of the deter-
mination and ability of the Government to protect its citizens from
outrage and enforce inviolate our stipulated relations.
I am, very re8i)ectfully, your obedient servant,
JUSTUS STEINBERGEE,
Colonel First Washington Territory Infantry, Commanding.
Assistant Adjutant-Genebai,,
Headquarters District of Oregon, Fort Vancouver, Wash. Ter.
No. 3.
Reports of Capt. George B. Currey, First Oregon Cavalry.
Gbande Sonde, August 15, 1862. •
Sib : On the second day from Umatilla Agency I surprised Tenounis'
(the Dreamer) camp, about 1 o'clock at night. Held a long talk with
him, endeavoring to induce him to go with me to Walla Walla, Wash.
Ter. This he obstinately refused. I gave him until 8 a. m. to consider
in. At the expiration of that time he told me that if the tyee at Walla
Walla wished to see him he might come, but that he would not go. I
then concluded to make him a prisoner. This he resisted, firing at me
twice. I shot him with a revolver, as well as one of his principal men.
While this was going on several shots were fired among my men from
a crowd of some flft^n or twenty Indians whom I had supposed to be
mere spectators. One fire from my men's yagers sent them out of sight
except two, who fell. The Indians claim that the two shot by the men
were friendly Indians. This may create some dissatisfaction among
those on the reserve. I shall remain here a day or two to recruit my
horses and watch the shape things are taking.
Yours, respectfully,
GEO. B. CURRBT,
Captain, First Cavalry Oregon Volunteers.
CoMDO. Officeb at Fobt Walla Walla, Wash. Tbb.
Heabqvabtebs,
Fort Walla Walla, Wash. Ter., August 23, 1862.
Colonel: In obedience to Orders, No. 161, dated at this place,
August 9, 18G2, on the morning of the 10th instant I started for the
Umatilla Indian Reservation and Grande Ronde Prairie, with a detach-
ment of thirty enlisted men of Company E, First Cavalry Oregon Vol-
unteers. Arrived at the Umatilla Indian Reservation, Oregon, on the
11th instant, and in compliance with paragraph III, Orders, No. 161, I
detailed Sergeant Ammons and ten men to relieve Lieutenant Hillyer
and his detachment of California volunteers on detached duty at that
place. On the morning of the 12th, with the remainder of the detach-
ment, I set out at sunrise for Grande Ronde Prairie, with your written
instructions to carefully inquire into and arrest the leaders in the late
attack upon the white settlers. Encamped for the night on Grande
Ronde River. Distance from agency, forty miles, he&i camp at sun-
rise on the morning of the 13th; traveled eight miles to settlements.
Remained several hours, making inquiry among the settlers concerning
the recent conduct of the Indians in that vicinity. From the settlers I
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Cjup. Lxn.) EXPEDITION TO GRANDE EONDE PRAIREB. 165
learned that a certain Indian, now known among the whites as the
Dreamer, but formerly known as the Big Talk on Four Mountains, had
staked off a region of country of many miles in extent situated in the
northern portion of Grande Bonde Prairie, claiming the same as his,
and denying that the treaty between the whites and Indians affected
his rights to the same in the least. I farther found that this same
Indian and his band had, by threatening to kill all the whites who had
or would settle within the lines he had set up, caused quite a number
of settlers to abandon the claims — all I believe within the boundaries
claimed by the Dreamer. The settlers narrated several instances
wherein the Dreamer, Wainicut-hi-hi, and a tall yonng Indian rode up
to settlers and gave them until the following day to leave in, or they
would kill them. Becoming well satisfied that the Dreamer and two
or three of his accomplices were the chief instruments of all the dis-
turbance in that locality, and learning that his lodge was not more
than six hours' ride from me, I resolved to make a night march upon
him. Moving from the settlement about eight miles I camped as for
the night, but at moonrise I mounted my men and rode on, and after a
dashing ride of four honrs had the satisfaction of surrounding the
Dreamer and his accomplice, Wainicut-hi-hi. As soon as the arrange-
ments were completed to keep them safely in their lodge until morning
I caused them to be aroused, and informed them of the object of my
coming. I told them that night, as I repeated many times on the fol-
lowing morning, that I did not come to hurt them, but go with them to
see the commander of this post; that the commander desired to have a
talk with him concerning the difficulties he and the white men had got
into. At daylight I awoke the Indians, desired them to send for their
horses, as I was anxious to make an early start back to the fort. Upon
this they sent out a boy, telling me the boy would bring in the horses.
The boy returned after about a half or three-quarters of an hour without
the horses. I again urged upon them to have their horses brought in
without delay. Another young Indian was sent out, as they told me,
for horses. He returned in about an hour, bringing with him four or
five other Indians. By this time some fifteen or twenty Indian men
had gathered from the neighboring lodges. I again urged the Indians
to get ready to start, and if they would not send and get their horses
they would have to walk. At this the Dreamer became excited in his
manner, and told me if the commander desired to see him that he must
come there; that that was his country, and the commander must come
there and see him. This pat a finale to fiirther talk. I ordered the
men to secure and tie the Dreamer and his accomplice, at the same
time handing a rope to one of the men. At this both Indians sprang
np and selz^ their arms, which they had hitherto concealed in their
blankets. The Dreamer leveled his piece at me, but a ball from my
revolver striking him in the breast shook his nerves so that he missed.
Botii Indians were killed in the tent. While this was going on the
Indians who had gathered in, as I supposed, as mere spectators, fired
upon my men, who were drawn up in line in front of the lodge. My men
returned the fire upon the Indians, killing 2 Indians and 1 horse.
The Indians then fled to the brush excepting one old Indian with whom
I conversed, telling him the whites did not want to make war upon the
Indiana, and they must all go back to the reserve. From Mr. White,
chief fanner on the Umatilla Indian Agency, I learned that the
Dreamer and his band have persistently refiised for several months to
go upon the reserve, refusing all the while to acknowledge his treaty
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166 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Chap. Lxn.
obligations. From the Dreamer's lodge by easy marches I returned,
making inqairy and sent out one scont to learn the disposition of tlie
Indians, and f^om all I conld learn I believe things are all qniet in the
Grande Ronde Valley. I arrived here last evening with twenty-flve
men and horses, and remain,
Yours, very respectfully,
GEO. B. CURREY,
Captain, First Cavalry Oregon Volnnteers, Commanding DeUtehment.
Colonel Steinberger,
Commanding Fort Walla Walla, Wash. Ter.
AUOnST 10-OCTOBER 11, 1862.— Expedition against the Snake Indians
in Idi^a
REPORTS.*
No. 1. — Col. Justus Steinberger, First Washington Territory Infantry.
No. 2. — Lieut. Col. Reuben F. Maury, First Oregon Cavalry, commanding expedition.
No, 1.
Report of Col. Justus Steinberger, First Washington Territory Infantry.
Headquarters,
Fort Walla Walla, August 23, 1862—2.30 p. m.
Sir: An express has within a few moments arrived from Colonel
Maury's command, and I dispatch a. special express to Wallnla hoping
it will arrive there in time for the steam-boat thence for The Dalle.s.
Inclosed is the only communicationt to district headquarters contained
in a very large mail brought in by the expressman. They are almost
entirely private letters, and none for the commanding ofticer of this
post. The expressman is intelligent and well informed, nnd I gather
from him the following, which I trust will be found interesting to the
commanding general: He left Colonel Maury's command encamped on
the Owyhee River about 300 miles from this post all in good condition
and about to leave for Salmon Falls in pursuance of district orders and
instructions. Very few Indiana had been seen during the march and
no communication had with them. Evidence was seen of tlieir recent
presence along the line of march, and there wa« no doubt that the
Indians throughout the entire country were apprised of the presence
of our troops. A very large number of emigrants are on their way to
this valley, and many stop in the neighborhood of and divert to the
Salmon River and Powder River gold mines. They appear to be in
good condition and well appointed, with the single exception of a scar-
city of provisions. Reports were current on the Owyhee as the express-
man left of the murder of eight or nine emigrants supi>o.sed to be by
Indians, and one instance is related of the killing of a white man and
his being robbed of between $7,000 and $8,000 in Treasury notes and
twenty-dollar gold pieces. A few Indians had been seen attempting
to exchange the money. The emigrants express much relief in the
presence of troops on the road, and the belief is current that trouble
* See also report of Brig. Gen. Benjamin Alvord, p. 156.
t Not found.
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CBAF.LXU.] EXPEDITION AGAINST SNAKE INDIANS IN IDAHO. 167
has been averted by the movements of Colonel Maury's expedition. I
will retain the expressman until a reply has been received from district
headquiirters.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JUSTUS STBINBERGER,
Colonel First Washington Territory Infantry, Commanding.
Assistant Adjutant-General,
Headquarters District of Oregon, Fort Vancouver, Wash. Ter.
No. 2.
Reports of Lieut. Col. Reuben F. Maury, First Oregon Cavalry, com-
manding expedition.
Hbadquaetees Emigrant Egad Expedition,
Camp Bruneau, Snake River, September 22, 1862.
Oenebai> : On the 19th day of August thecommaud moved from Gamp
Owyhee, marching slowly, and meeting more or less emigrants almost
every day. We arrived at this camp on the 28th, saw but few Indians,
and those upon the opposite side of the river. Grass being very scarce
and indifferent from Owyhee to this point, I determined to muster here
on the 31st, this being an excellent camp with large amount of good
grass. Our stock was much improved by the 1st instant, when we con-
thined the march, arriving at the falls early on the 4th. On the 5th
moved to Fall River, five miles above the falls. I established a depot
at Camp Bruneau, leaving the bulk of our commissary stores and means
of tran8i)ortation, taking with me 125 men and twenty days' provisions.
Found a few Indians at the falls, apparently quite friendly but pre-
tending entire ignorance of all depredations committed at any former
period. The Indians seen at the falls are the only ones who have vis-
ited our camps. Our intercourse with them was friendly and without
any misunderstanding. They expressed doubts as to whether it would
be possible to effect a treaty with any considerable number of the tribe.
They appear to understand well that soldiers will not kill them indis-
criminately and only upon some show of guilt, and that so long as they
know nothing or pretend ignorance of all offenders, the Government
has no means of fixing guilt upon any. Captain Crawford, command-
ing the escort from Omaha City, arrived at our camp on Fall River on
the 8th instant, all well, and gave it as his opinion that he had the last
of the emigrants with him. I sent a detachment forty mtles up the
river. They returned reporting none on the road. I determined to
K-ave the ialls and return to this camp, where I shall remain, sending
out detachments ascircumstauces require until the 27th or 28th, when I
sball commence the march for Fort Walla Walla. While on the march
to and from the falls and while there, in all eighteen days, the animals
of the expedition suffered very much, grass being very scarce and of
very indifferent quality. Nothing definite has been heard of the Van
Orman children. Their ancle, z. Van Orman, has gone through to
Salt Lake City. In this connection I will mention that one Indian at
the falls said that it was the Indians who live in the vicinity of Harney
Lake who committed the massacre, and that the children were taken
prisoners. Since then he had heard nothing of them, but had no doubt
they had been killed. The emigration for Oregon and Washington is
very large, amounting to l,oOO wagons with ri,000 people. They have
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168 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Chap. LXIL
met with very little trouble from Indians, and that at or near Baft
River, Fort Hall appearing to be the focus of their operations east and
west. At the falls they say that a war council is being held in that
vicinity at present, to determine upon peace or war with other tribes,
the Blackfeet, &c. From the character, as charged by the emigrants,
of the depredations committed this season I cannot resist the conclu-
sion but that white persons were the instigators and allies of the Indians.
I remain, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
R. F. MAUBY,
Lieutenant-Colonel First Cavalry Oregon Volunteers,
Commanding Emigrant Road Expedition.
General Benjamin Alvobd,
Comdg. JHstrict of Oregon, Fort Vancouver, Wash. Ter.
Hbadquabtebs Emigbant Boad Expedition,
Gamp on Malheur River, Oreg., October 11, 1862.
Sir : I have the honor to report our arrival on the return trip at this
camp in excellent health. As when going up Snake Biver, the Indians
have been very shy of our camp, keeping almost entirely on the oppo-
site bank of the river, although whenever possible they have visited
the emigrant camps with much sang froid and impudence. They have
studiously avoided, with the exception of a very few at the falls, our
camps to such an extent even that on the appearance of a few of our
men in any camp they would immediately leave. It is a satisfaction to
report also that with the exception of an occasional loss, first by stray-
ing of a few heads of stock, I have not learned of the loss, or any
material damage to, of a single individual between Fort Walla Walla
and Bock Creek, some seventy miles above Salmon Falls, although in
a few instances parties of eniigrants have been much exposed. This, I
think, is mainly attributable to the presence of this expedition. We
learn from emigrants that the fact of our coming was generally known
before our arrival, and our long stay on the river served no doubt to
keep up effectually the intimidation. Their disposition on exposed parts
of the road has been aggressive and warlike. The lost party of emi-
grants, Hiram Smith, of Portland, and party of about sixty persons,
are now with us, having been lost and detained some four or five weeks
in the mountains of Humboldt Biver. They are worn out and almost
entirely destitute of supplies. I shall supply them with such articles
and give such assistance generally as we can spare until they reach the
settlements, which I hoi>e will meet your approbation.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
B. F. MAUBT,
Lieutenant-Colonel, Commanding,
First Lieut. F. Meaes,
Acting Assistant Adjutant- General.
ADDENDA.
Headquaetees District op Oeegon,
Fort Vancouver^ Wash. Ter., November 19, 1863.
Col. B. F. Mauet,
First Oregon Cavalry, commanding expedition
against the Snake Indians, Fort Dalles, Oreg.:
Colonel : I write to express my sense of the valuable and impor-
tant services rendered by you and your command during the past
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CBAP.Lxn.] SKIRMISH ON REDWOOD CREEK, CAL. 169
season. It was a long march for soino of the troops, more than 1,000
miles. It was free from all untoward events, and the privations of the
journey were cheerfully endured with soldierly fortitude and alacrity.
No one doubts that if the opportunity had offered the gallant troops
under your command would have been distinguished in the face of the
enemy. Let them not imagine that the people of this frontier do not
appreciate the services your expedition rendered by displaying to the
Indians in so many localities the power of the Goverumeut. The sol-
diers of an Oregon regunent have at all events had the satisfaction of
seeing in the summer and fall of 1862 and 1863 systematic steps taken
for the first time for the protection of the overland emigration. The
people of Oregon as well as myself are no doubt ready to express
their high appreciation of the honorable manner in which the First
Oregon Cavalry have discharged the duties thus devolved upon them.
I am, colonel, very rt'spectfully, your obedient servant,
BENJ. ALVOBD,
Brigadier-General, U. iS. Volunteers, Commanding District.
SEFTEMBEE 8, 1862.— Skirmish on Bedwood Creek, CaL
RBJPORTS.
No. 1. — Col. Francis J. Lippitt, Second California Infantry.
No. 2. — Lient. Col. James N. Olney, Second California Infantry.
No. S.-rLient. William II. Noyes, Second California Infantry.
No. 4. — Capt. diaries D. Douglas, Second California Infantry.
No. 6. — Sergt. Edward Collins, Company F, Second California Infantry.
No. 1.
Report of Col. Francis J. Lippitt, Second California Infantry.
Headquaetees Humboldt Military Disxhiot,
Fort Humboldt, September 17, 1862.
Colonel : I have the honor to transmit herewith the official reports
of Lieutenant-Colonel Olney and Lieutenant Noyes relative to the
unfortunate affair of the 8th instant on Bedwood Creek. On the 14th
instant I delivered over all the Indian prisoners at this post, 834 in
number, to Mr. Hanson, jr., son of the Indian superintendent, on the
written order of his father, who remained at Orescent City. Among
these were the noted chiefs of predatory bands, Las-Sic, Say-Winne,
and Claw-Foot, with many of their followers. They left in the steamer
Panama the same day for Orescent City, together with Captain O'Brien's
company (C), Second California Volunteer Infantry,
I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
FKANCIS J. LIPPITT,
Colonel Second California Vol. Infly,, Comdg, Humboldt Mil. Dist.
Lieut. Col. E. C. Drum, TJ. S. Army,
Assistant Adjutant- General, Department of the Pacific.
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170 OPEBATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. (Chap. tXIL
No. 2.
Report of Lieut. Col. James N. Olney, Second Califomia Infantry.
Hdqbs. Nobthebn Division, Humboldt Mil. Dist.,
Fort Gaston, September 13, 1862.
Lieutenant : I have the honor to inclose for the information of the
colonel commandiug copies of the official reports of scouts made by
the detachments under command of Captain Theller* and Lieutenant
Noyes, in pursuance of Special Orders, No. 3, issued from these head-
quarters on the 5th instant; also ofBcial report of a scout by a detach-
ment under Sergeant Collins, of Company F, per order of Captain
Douglas, who was in command of this post daring my absence with
Lieutenant Morton's detachment. These several reports will, I trust,
serve to convince the colonel commanding that the various parties zeal-
ously and perseveringly endeavoreid to accomplish the object of the
movement, and that it was principally owing to the all but inaccessible
nature of the region traversed that caused the plan to fail of success.
From the information I had gathered in various ways, I was firm in the
belief that 4;he detachment I accompanied would encounter the band
either at 4;he source of Prosper Creek or at the heads of the Three
Creeks, and in order to give no notice of oar approach I moved in the
most cautious manner, principally by night, avoiding all trails and
overcoming obstacles in the way of frightfully steep ascents and
descents, and all but impervious thickets and forests, presenting diffi-
culties to progress of which no pen can give a just idea. Thoroughly
examining the supposed localities of the ranches, we discovered but
one which seemed to have recently been occupied. This was situated
near the banks of a small branch and in the midst of the brush.
After a most careful scouting we could discover rut traces of which
coarse the Indians took in leaving this ranch. The report of Lieuten-
ant Morton gives all further particulars of the party 1 accompanied.
Captain Theller was equally unsuccessfal, and after vainly waiting a
c<.>n8iderable time the arrival at the rendezvous of Lieutenant Noyes,
our two detachments (our provisions and animals nearly exhausted)
returned by difiPerent routes to this post, carefully searching, but with-
out success, for Indian signs. At the post I received the most unwel-
come intelligence of the disaster that had befallen the party under
Lieutenant Noyes. His report and that of the party who afterward
proceeded to the scene of the attack serves to give a correct idea of the
perilous position of the detachment and the utter impossibility of forc-
ing the Indians from their strong intrenchments, short of sacrificing
the greater jwrtion of the command in the attempt to scale the height
on which the enemy was posted. I say uselessly, because if some few
had succeeded in reaching the summit the nature of the ground upon
the other side was such that the savages could have at once eluded
pursuit in the dense brush of the ravine. There was no possible way
of turning the position, and nothing was left but to retire to the timber
a few hundred yards distant, which was done coolly, the men turning
and firing whenever a glimpse of the Indians could be caught. Lieuten-
ant Noyes being the last to enter the cover. These facts I gathered at
diiferent times from several men of the detachment, and after a thor-
ough investigation of the whole matter I have the pleasure of report-
ing to the colonel commanding that, however mortifying the result, I
am entirely convinced that no censure can be attached to the lieutenant
>Not fotmd.
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CHir.Lxn.) SKIRMISH ON BEDWOOD CREEK, CAL. 171
commanding, bat that lie behaved in a cool, judicious manner through-
out the -whole affair, and deserves credit for extricating his command
from such a well-devised ambuscade. It was a little less than miracu-
lous that the whole party was not exterminated. It is most nufortunate
that the messenger dispatched to inform me of the state of affairs failed
to discover my whereabouts in the wilderness, as possibly 1 should have
been able to have come upon this band unexpectedly immediately after
the fight, and when they hardly would have anticipated the approach
of another party from a different quarter. If, as I had the honor of
suggesting to the colonel commanding, Captain Flynn scouted at the
head of Pilot Greek, there is a possibility that he may have fallen upon
a portion of this band, which, according to the report of Sergeant Col-
lins, probably took that direction. I shall have the honor in a few days
of communicating personally with the colonel commanding, when I
shall be able more fully and clearly to explain my ideas as to the future
movements against this band of Indians, and give my reasons why I
consider it judicious to delay for a time any expeditions against them.
. Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JAS. N. OLNEY,
Lieutenant-Colonel Second California Volunteer Infantry, Gomdg.
Lieut. John Hanna,
First Lieut, and Adjt. Second California Tol. Infty.,
Actg. AsHt. Adjt. 6en., Humboldt Military District,
No. 3.
Report of Lieut. William H. Noyes, Second California Infantry.
Humboldt Military District,
Fort Canton, Col.., September 11, 1862.
Sir: In accordance with orders issued at this post on the 4th of
September, 1802, 1 proceeded to Gamp Anderson on the 5th instant
with a detachment of seventeen men from Company F, Second Cali-
fornia Volunteer Infantry, accompanied by a guide, taking two men
from Camp Anderson, making my party to consist of 1 sergeant, 2
corporals, 16 privates, 1 guide, 1 packer, and an Indian boy, or in total
22. I started at 3.30 p. m. for the head of Eedwood Creek, taking the
trail to Pardee's, at which place I arrived at sundown, took lunch, and
continued our march by moonlight. About four miles from Pardee's
discovered Indian sign, and encamped with the intention of making a
more thorough investigation by daylight. On the morning of the 7th
examined the trail and found the signs two or three days old, and three
old camp-fires where the Indians had been roasting beef, killed a few
days previous, the carcass of which was discovered by my party some
miles back on the trail. Finding no Indians in the vicinity, resumed
our march, and after marching fifteen or eighteen miles over an exceed-
ingly rough and mountainous country, my command suffering much
from the excessive heat, encamped on a small creek, called by some
Kocky Creek, about five miles from where the old Weaver trail crosses
the head of Eedwood Creek. During the day's march discovered sev-
eral old ranches and some fresh Indian tracks, apparently of squaws
and children going down the ridge. Started my detachment at daylight
and commenced to ascend the exceedingly steep mountain spur over
ground covered with a thick growth of fern and filled with holes, mak-
ing it very difficalt for the men and animals to ascend. After marching
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172 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. tCHAP.LXn.
up the hill for the space of an hour, and arriving to within 300 yards of
the summit of the ridge, the men and animals being completely
exhausted, and the pack train some 200 yards to oar left, the Indians
opened upon us -with a heavy volley of musketry, killiog the mule on
which I was riding, the mule of the packer, and two of the pack-
mules, and wounding Sergeant Connell in the foot. The Indians were
intrenched behind a natural barricade of rocks situated on the very
summit of and at different intervals along the entire ridge. From the
strength of the volleys and the rapidity of their firing I was satisfied
that they trebled my command in numbers, and having the advantage
of natural barricades was convinced that I could not dislodge them
without the loss of the greater jwrtion of my command. I accordingly
ordered the men to gradually fall back into the timber some 500 yards
distant, thinking the Indians would tbllow us, and by that means I
might be enabled to save our provisions, the men's blankets, haver-
sacks, and blouses, all of which were packed on the mules. On arriving
on the edge of the timber land I deployed my small force and waited
to receive the enemy. I found, however, instead of pursuing us, .they
endeavored to outflank and surround my party with superior numbers.
Finding it impossible to secure the two remaiuing pack-mules with our
rations, and having one of the men so badly wounded that I should be
compelled to leave him in case I advanced without provisions or cloth-
ing, I concluded to fall back on Camp Anderson, keeping strict watch
on the Indians, and being constantly prepared to receive them in case
they renewed the attack. I arrived at Camp Anderson at 12 midnight
after a tedious march of thirty-five miles. On arriving at Camp Ander-
son I immediately dispatched a m^senger with a statement of the
affair to headquarters at Fort Gaston.
On the morning of the 9th instant my messenger returned with a
detachment of twenty-one men from Companies F and I, Second Cal-
ifornia Volunteer Infantry, under Sergeaut Collins, with orders to
return and endeavor to find the Indians. Being confined to my bed
and unable to walk from overexertion the previous day, I dispatched
Sergeant Collins with thirty-seven men on the morning of the 10th,
with orders to proceed to Pardee's and send a messenger to Rocky
Bidge Camp, some four or five miles distant, and the place appointed
for rendezvous by special order of the 4th of September, with a dispatch
to Lieutenant-Colonel Olney or Captain Theller, and to await return
of messenger for orders, or in case of not meeting either of the above-
named officers at the rendezvous, to proceed at once to the head of
Eedwood Creek and scout for the Indians until his five days' rations
were nearly exhausted, and then to proceed to Fort Gaston. In the
affair above mentioned the men of my command behaved with great
coolness, receiving the Indians' fire, and returning it whenever any of
them showed themselves over the breast-works. From observations
made I have reason to believe that the Indians lost one of their number
from the well-directed fire of one of my men. The accompanying rough
sketch of the field of action will more fully explain the above account
of the engagement.* Being confined to my bed by sickness has pre-
vented my making an earlier report.
Bespectftilly, your obedient servant,
W. H. NOTES,
First Lieut., Second California Vol. Infty., Comdg. Detach. Co. F.
Lieut. Col. James N. Olnet,
2d Cal. Vol. Infty., Comdg. ITorthern Biv., Humboldt Mil. Diet.
•See p. 173.
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Cbap. LXtl.]
SKIRMISH ON REDWOOD CREEK, CAL.
173
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174 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Chat. LXU.
No. 4.
Report of Gapt. Charles D. Douglas, Second California Infantry.
Port Gaston, September 10, 1862.
Sir : Abont Sam. 9th instant I received a dispat«li from Lieutenant
Noyes from Fort Anderson informing me tbat he, the lieutenant, with
twenty men Company F, Second Infantry California Volunteers, met
the Indians in force near the head of Bedwood Creek, and that he was
defeated by them with the loss of his mules and rations, the men's
blankets, &c. The lieutenant says that there were abont seventy-five
or eighty Indians in the party. Sergeant Ooniiell is wounded in the
foot. The lieutenant was going to Grouse Creek to co-operate with
Lieutenant Colonel Olney, Capta.in Theller, and Lieutenant Morton.
The lieutenant-colonel and the other parties under him left this post
two days ago. I have sent a scout after Colonel Olney to inform him
of what has taken place on Kedwood. I have also sent from this post
twenty men and a sergeant to re-enforce Lieutenant Noyes, on head of
Redwood. As the lieutenant fell back on Fort Anderson to wait re-en-
forcement, I directed him to proceed to the point where he had the skir-
mish and defeat the Indians, as he will have forty men — I believe
enough to defeat seventy-five or eighty Indians. I herewith transmit
the lieutenant's letter to me, for the better information of the colonel
commanding. There are eighty-one enlisted men and four commis-
sioned oflBcers on a scout from this post, leaving only twenty-six enlisted
men and one commissioned officer for duty.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
C. D. DOUGLAS,
Captain, Second Infantry California Volunteers, Comdg. Post.
Lieut. William F. Swasey, •
Regimental Quartermaster, Second Infty. California Vols.,
Actg. Asst. Adjt. Oen., Humboldt Military District.
P. S. — It can be seen now that the Indians killed on Little Kiver by
the citizens were not the band of armed Indians, uor were those killed
on Light Prairie of the armed band. These were the tame band that
so much trouble was made abont last spring with Lieutenant Flyun.
0. D. D.
[Inclosnre.]
Camp Anderson, September 8, 1862 — 12.30 p. m.
Captain Douglas:
Sir : The Diggers have cleaned us out ahd taken our mules and packs
and wounded Sergeant Connell. About 6 a. m., as we were going up the
hill at the head of Redwood, some four miles from the Weaver trail, and
were within 200 yards of the ridge, some seventy- five or eighty Diggers
opened a fire upon us from behind a high ledge of rocks, wounding Ser-
geant Connell in the foot, shooting my mule from under me and two of
tlic pack-mules, and Shepherd's riding mule. The hill being covered
with high fern probably saved the lives of half the party. 1 Ifound I
could not drive them from their stronghold, and I ordered the men to
fall back into the timber, some 500 yards down the hill, hoping they
would come out from their cover. Having gained the timber we took
a position, and after remaining some time we discovered they were
endeavoring to surround us ; and having one man wounded and all our
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Ciup.I.xn.] SKIRMISH ON REDWOOD CREEK, CAL. 175
provisions gone, the men having packed their haversacks and blankets,
I concluded to return to Anderson, at which place I have just arrived,
almost dead, having come all the way down Eedwood Creek. Tlie men
are all used up. I send Oliver with this dispatch^ thinking you might
send a messenger to Bocky Kidge to advise Captain Theller's and Lieu-
tenant Morton's parties. Sergeant Counell is not badly wounded, but
the ball is in his foot and very painful. I write this private letter at
present, but will make a full report as soon as I am able to dj so.
Tours, iu haste,
WM. H. NOTES,
Lieutenant, Second Infantry Cali/ornui Volutiteem.
No. 5.
Report o/Sergt. Edward Collins, Company F, Second California Infantry.
Fort Gaston, Cal., September 13, 1862.
Sir: Tlie detachment under my command left this post on the morn-
ing of the 9th instant, with orders to proceed to Camp Anderson and
report to Lieut. W. H. Noyes, Company F, Second Infantry California
"Volunteers. On arriving at that place I made my report, and. Lieuten-
ant Noyes being sick, he placed the detachment under my command,
which consisted of thirty men of Company F and five men of Company
I, Second Infantry California Volunteers, making a total of thirty-five
men, with one guide and one Indian boy. About daylight on the
morning of the 10th instant left Camp Anderson with instructions
from Lieut«nant Noyes to take five days' provisions and scout along
Redwood Creek and the headwaters of Grouse Creeks During this
day we scouted as far as Pardee's ranch (saw no Indian signs), and, as
ordered, sent a messenger to Rocky Ridge Camp to report to Lieuten-
ant-Colonel Olney, and if he was not thereto report to Captain Theller.
The messenger returned that same evening and report«id not having
seen either of the above named oflBcers. My party tlien started to the
place where the skirmish had taken place between the detachment
under Lienteuant Noyes and the Indians, where we arrived about noon
of the llth instant. Here we found the relative position of the Indians
was vastly superior to that of the detaehment, having the advantage
of natural barricades and a plunging fire on the animals and men.
They had also a fortification built out of loose rock, and so situated as
to have any party advancing toward thi'm exposed to three fires, which
if well directed would sweep off a considerable number of men. I
found also that they had closely watched the party under Lieutenant
Noyes, judging from numerous decoy fires at different parts of the
hill, and they, the Indiana, not knowing at what i)olnt they would be
attacke<l, had arranged themselves in difi'erent positions to receive
them. It is my opinion and of others who were at the spot that 1(K)
men placed in the same position as the Indians could keep 5<tO men at
bay. On the evening of the 11th instant we encamped abovit half a
mile from the place of attaek, and myself with a party of nine men
scouted around to see if we could find what direction the Indians had
taken. As we approached the headwaters of Grouse Creek, we found
that the Indians had scattered, part of them going toward Pilot Creek
and auother portion taking down Grouse Greek. Oar rations having
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1 76 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Chap. LXIL
nearly been used ap, we started for Fort Gaston on the same night, and
reached the headwaters of Willow Creek aboat daylight of the morn-
ing of the 12th. We found several rancherias that had been recently
used by the Indians lor roasting or drying beef, so we marched on the
greater part of that day and encamped at Eocky Kidge. Found no
Indian signs, and on the morning of the 13th pursued our way and
arrived at Fort Gaston about 3 p. m.
The above is very resi)ectfully submitted by your obedient servant,
EDWAllD COLLINS,
Third Ser0. Co. F, 2d In/ty. California Voh., Comdg. Detaeh.
Capt. 0. D. Douglas,
Comdg. Company F, Second Infantry California Vohmt^ra.
8EFTEMBEB 21, 1862.— Affiur at the San Pedro Crossing, Ariz. Ter.
Report of Maj. David Fergusson, First California Cavalry, command-
ing District of Western Arizona.
Headquartees District op Western Arizona,
Tucson, Ariz. Ter., September 23, 1862,
Sir: I have the honor to report that Apache Indians stampeded and
ran off three public horses of the First Cavalry California Volunteers,
belonging to Lieutenant Guirado's detachment, at San Pedro Crossing.
It happened as follows, according to Lieutenant Guirado's report : Mr.
Eogers, who was putting fifty tons of hay in for Captain Davis at San
Pedro Crossing, had about twelve mules and horses at that place.
Last Sunday, the 2l8t instant, Mr. Rogers' herd was grazing within
300 yards of the statiou in charge of one man, a Mexican. Lieutenant
Guirado's horses were within fifty yards of the station, all picketetl
except three public and one private one; the three former were hob-
bled and nnder the eye of all his men. The Apaches to the number of
six mounted and six on foot stampeded Mr. liogers' herd, drove them
into Lieutenant Guirado's, and ran off his own horse and the three
hobbled cavalry horses. .He immediately mounted, and followed the
Indians for twenty-five miles toward the Santa Rita Mountains without
being able to get nearer than a mile of the Indians when his horses
gave out, and he returned with the only three mounted men left him.
The carelessness, to a culpable extent, with which Mr. Sogers herded
his animals when he had seventeen persons in his employ idle that
day, is the cause of the loss of Lieutenant Guirado's horses. I cannot
find that Lieutenant Guirado is much to blame, for he appears to have
taken very good care at all times to have his animals guarded. I
detailed oue non-commissioned officer and six well-mounted men of
Company B, First Cavalry California Volunteers, to report to Lieu-
tenant Guirado, and they form part of his command at San Pedro
Grossing now.
Very respectfully, sir, your obedient servant,
D. FERGUSSON,
Major, First Cavalry California Volunteers, Commanding.
Lieut. B. C. Cutler,
Actg. Asst. Adjt. Oen., Cohimn from California.
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chap.lxii.) affair near fort crook, cal. 177
SEPTEMBER 21, 1862.— Affidr on the Tnka Boad, near Fort Crook, CaL
Report of Capt. Henry B. Mellen, Second California Cavalry,
Headquarters,
Fort Crook, Oetoler 26, 1862.
GOLOITEL: On the evening of the 2l8t instant iufomiation was brought
me that a train had been attacked by Indians on the Yreka road about
thirty miles from the post. I immediately sent out Lieutenant Williams
with twelve men to render any assistance required. He returned on
the 26th instant, after seeing them over the mountains, and reported
that the emigrants had succeeded in driving off the Indians, killing one,
and losing nothing but their provisions, which was stolen while they
were hunting cattle. On the night of the 23d instant I left the post
with sixteen men to try and punish the Hot Creek Indians, who had
been driving off cattle. I arrived at their camp about daylight and
found that the majority were absent. Two bucks were shot. Tlie tribe
has been uneasy of late, and seemed disposed to commence operations.
I shall watch them closely, and if possible try to punish them.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
HENRY B. MELLEN,
Captain, Second Cavalry California Volunteers, Commanding,
Col. E. C. Drum,
Assistant Adjutant-Qeneral, U, 8. Army, San Francisco.
SEPTEMBEB SO-OCTOBEB 29, 1862.— Expedition firom Fort Bnby, Hot.
Ter., to Camp Douglas, Utah Ter., with a&irs (October 11 and 15) on tiie
Humboldt Biyer, ITev. Ter.
Report of Maj. Edward McOarry, Second California Cavalry.
Headquarters Depaeiment of the Pacifio,
San Francisco, November 18, 1862.
Brig. Gen. L. Thomas,
Adjutant- General U. S. Army, Washington, D. C:
General: I have the honor to inclose herewith a copy of a letter
from Col. P. E. Connor, Third Infantry California Volunteers, command-
ing the District of Utah, dated November 6, 1862, also a copy of the
report of Maj. E. McGarry, Second Cavalry California Volunteers,
detailing the result of his expedition to capture guerrillas and punish
Indians engaged in the late massacres on the Humboldt River. The
swift retributive punishment which has been meted out to those Indians
will doubtless have the effect of preventing a repetition of their bar-
barities. It is the only way to deal with those savages.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
G. WRIGHT,
Brigadier-Oeneral, U. S. Army, Commanding.
[Inoloaure.]
H:SADQUARTEES DISTRICT OF UTAH,
Camp Douglas, Utah, November 6, 1862.
Lieut Col. R. C. Drum,
Asst. Adjt. Oen., Dept. of the Pacific, San Francisco, Cal. :
Colonel : I have the honor to transmit herewith a copy of the report
of Major McGarry, Second Cavalry California Volunteers, detailing the
12 R R — VOL L, PT I
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178 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Chap. LXn.
result of his expedition to capture guerrillas aud punish Indians engaged
in the late massacres on the Humboldt River, for the information of
the general commanding the department. I am satisfied from verbal
information received from officers of the expedition that the Indians
who have been punished were a part of those who had committed the
late murders, and that the punishment was well merited.
I hope and believe that the lesson taught them will have a salutary
effect in checking future massacres on that route.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
P. EDWARD CONNOR,
Colonel Third Infantry California Volunteersj Comdg. District.
Hdqbs. Second Cavaley California Volttnteers,
Camp Douglas, Utah, October 31, 186!!.
Colonel : Agreeably to your orders, dated Fort Ruby, Nev. Ter., Sep-
tember 29, to proceed theiice on the next day (the 30th) with Company
H, Second Cavalry. California Volunteers, on the northern Overland
Route, via the "City of Rocks," in quest of guerrillas or hostile Indians
supposed to have congregated there, I have the honor to report that,
having left Fort Ruby on the day specified, I overtook, on the second
day's march, Capt. 8. P. Smith, of ttie Second Cavalry, who preceded
me with his company the day before, and who was encamped in Pine
Valley. Here I remained awaiting the return of the Indians who
accompanied Captain Smith, and who had been sent out by him to
bring in hostile Indians. Having been informed that fires were seen
near our camp, I dispatched Captain Smith with a portion of his com-
pany, at night, to learn of them. He returned next morning and
reported, "No trace of Indians." On the morning of the 4th we took
up the line of march, on the route designated, and arrived at Gravelly
Ford on the 5th without having discovered any Indians. Here on the
7th I sent Captain Smith and Lieut. Darwin Chase with a party of men
down the river, and Lieut. George D. Conrad up the south side of the
Humboldt, with instructions to scour the country for hostile Indians or
guerrillas, and to report to me, at a place designated, on the north side
of the Humboldt, where I encamped on the 9th with the balance of the
command. This evening (the 9th) some of the command enticed into
the camp three Indians; two of them were armed with rifles and the
other with bow aud arrows. I immediately ordered their arms taken
from them, aud placed them under a guard, intending to retain them
until the arrival of my interpreter, who was with the detacliment under
Lieutenant Conrad. A short time after their arrest the Indians made
an attempt to obtain their arms, and, having succeeded, they resisted
tlie guard and broke and ran a short distance; they were fired upon by
the guard and crippled. Fearing that they wonld escape, and not wish-
ing to hazard the lives of my men in recapturing them alive, I ordered
the guard to fire and they were killed on the si>ot. Here on the 10th
Captain Smith jo.ned the command, and reported that he had received
no information nor had he seen any signs of guerrillas or hostile
Indians.
On the 11th I proceeded on the march, having sent out the ofiicers of
the command with instructions that if Indians were found to bring them
into camp. Captain Smith, having been sent in advance, had not pro-
ceeded more than ten or twelve miles when he came upon a party of about
fourteen or fifteen Indians, who were armed with rifles and bows and
arrows. He surrounded them and took from them their arms. Imme-
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C&ir LXII] SKIRMISH NEAB HYDESYILLE, OAL. . 179
diately after, the ludiana attempted to escape by jumping in the river.
They were fired upon and nine of them killed. On the same day Lieu-
tenant Conrad and party brought into camp three Indians and an
Indian child. Captain Smith returned in the evening with two squaws.
Next day (the 12th) Captain McLean returned, bringing in one Indian
and a squaw. Same day Lieutenant Clark returned with one Indian;
another Indian was captured during the evening. The next day (the
13th) 1 told two of the Indians, through the interpreter, that if they
would go and bring in Indians who were engaged in the massacre of
emigrants I would release them, but that if they did not return that
night I would kill all the Indians I held as prisoners in camp. The
next morning (the 14th), hearing nothing from the Indians I had sent
out the day previous, I put to death four of those remaining, and
released the squaws and child, telling them that we were sent there to
punish Indians who were engaged in the massacre of emigrants, and
instructed them to tell all the Indians that if they did not desist from
killing emigrants that I would return there next summer and destroy
them. On the next day (the 15th) I sent Lieutenants Chase and Conrad
with a detachment on the south side of the Humboldt with instructions
as before. They came ujwn a party of Indians encamped in the moun-
tains, armed witli rifles and bows and arrows. They were surrounded
and their arm% taken from them. The Indians, attempting to escape,
were fired upon, when eight of their number were kille-d. The balance of
the route no traces of Indians were seen. On the 28th I arrived at the
place designated by yon ; the next day, at about 3 o'clock p. m., ai^ived
at this camp. The route is a good one, with an abundance of grass and
water. In conclusion, it affords me great pleasure to report the efB-
ciency of the ofScers and the good conduct of the meu of the command,
without the loss of any.
I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
EDWARD McGARRY,
Major, Second Cavalry California Volunteers,
Col. P. Edward Connor,
Third Infantry California Volunteers,
Commanding District of Utah, Camp Douglas, Utah,
OCTOBEE 21, 1862.— Skirmish near Simmons' Sanch, near Hydesville, Cal.
Keport of Capt. Henry Flynn, Second California Infantry.
Hydesville, October 21, 18U3.
Sir : I started ft-om this place this morning, 7.30 o'clock, en route for
Fort Baker. The express having started an hour before, I hjid no
escort. About two miles from Simmons' ranch I was attacked by a
]>arty of Indians. As soon as they fired they tried to surround me.
I returned their fire and retreated down the hill. A portion of them
cut me off and lired again. I returned their fire and killed one of them.
They did not follow any farther. I will start this evening for my post,
as 1 think it will be safer to pass this portion of the country in the night.
Those Indians were lurking about for the purpose of robbing Cooper's
Mills. They could have no other object, and I think it would be well
to have eight or ten men stationed at that place, as it will serve as an
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180 . OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Chap. LXn.
oatpost for the settlement, as well as a guard for the mills. The express-
men disobeyed my orders by starting without me this morning.
I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant.
H. FLYNN,
Captain, Second Infantry Galifornia Volunteers.
First Lieut. John Hanna, Jr.,
Acting Assistant Adjutant- General, Humboldt Military District.
ROVEMBEB 3-29, 1862.— Scouts firom Port Crook, CaL, and Fort Chorohill,
Key. Ter., to Honey Lake Valley, CaL
RKPORTS.
No. 1. — Capt. Henry B. Mellen, Second California Cavalry.
No. 2. — Capt. Thomae E. Eetoham, Third California Infantry.
No. 1.
Report of Capt. Henry B. Mellen, Second California Cavalry.
Headquabtees,
Fort Crook, November 30, 1862.
Colonel : I have the honor to submit the following report:
On the 2d instant an express from Honey Lake brought news of an
outbreak of Indians on the Humboldt road near Lathrop City. I left
the post on the 3d with twelve men, taking from Hot Creek Station
eight more. Arrived at Susanville on the 7th. Was joined on the 11th
by Capt. William Weatherton with twenty- six citizens of the valley.
Examined the country from Smoke Creek to the northeast to the head-
waters of Pitt Eiver, striking the road again on the Forty-Mile Desert,
finding but seven Indians, who were killed. Arrived at the post on the
29th instant. Private Jacob flaber wounded by an accidental pistol
shot. A party of about twenty citizens armed and mounted went to
the locality to bring in the bodies of the two men murdered, and had
they followed the trail while it was fresh, or at least tried to ascertain
the direction the Indians had gone (neither of which was done), the
scout might have had a more satisfactory result. But an express was
sent one hundred miles for assistance against a party not larger than
their own numbers.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
HENRY B. MELLEN,
Captain, Second Cavalry California Volunteers, Commanding.
Col. R. 0. Dkum,
Assistant Adjutant-General, U. 8. Army, San Francisco.
No. 2.
Report of Capt. Thomas F. Ketcham, Third California Infantry.
Headquabtebs,
Fort Churchill, Nev. Ter., December 1, 1862,
Col. R. C. Drum,
Assistant Adjutant- General, San Francisco, Cal.:
Sib: I have the honor to transmit herewith copy of the report of
Capt. T. E. Ketcham, Third Infantry California Volunteers, command-
ing detachment sent from this post on the 22d November, to chastise
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CHjtf.LXll.) EXPEDITION TO THE CACHE VAIiLEY, UTAH. 181
the Indians vho committed the late depredations between Honey Lake
and the Humboldt, Nev. Ter. In -obedience to yonr instructions one
wagon load of supplies left this post this day for the command to be
stationed in the vicinity of Susanville, Honey Lake. The balance of
sapplies necessary to subsist said command during the winter will be
forwarded.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
C. MoDERMIT,
Major, Second Cavalry Gali/omia VolunUers, Commanding.
FoET Chuechill, Nbv. Tee,, November 28, 1862.
Sra : I have the honor to report that in pursuance of Orders, No. 88,
November 21, 1862, twenty-five enlisted men of the Second Cavalry
California Volunteers, placed under my command, left this post on the
22d instant for Honey Lake Valley on a scout against hostile Indians
in that section. Upon the arrival of command at the Tmckee Cross-
ing, I received positive information that twenty-flve soldiers from Fort
Crook were already at Honey Lake and had attacked the Indians. I
therefore returned to this post in obedience to my instructions.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
THOS. E, KETCHAM,
Captain, Third Infantry California Volunteers, Gomdg. Detach.
Second Lieut. William L. Ustick,
Third Infantry California Volunteers, Post Adjutant.
NOVEMBEB 20-27, 1862.— Expedition fhnn Camp Douglas to the Cache
Valley, TTtah Ter., with skirmish (23d) in the Cache Valley.
Report of Maj. Edward MeOarry, Second California Cavalry.
Hbadquaetebs Depaetment of the Pacific,
San Francisco, December 15, 1802.
Brig. Gen. L. Thomas,
Adjutant- General U. 8. Army, Washington, D. C:
Geneeal: I have the honor to inclose herewith a communication
addressed to my headquarters by Ool. P. E. Connor, commanding the
District of Utah, dated at Camp Douglas, December 2, 1862, with a
copy of his instructions to Maj. B. McGarry, Second Cavalry California
Volunteers, and a report from the latter officer of the execution of his
orders. In Colonel Connor's communication, it will be observed that
he is taking every precaution to gnard effectively the Overland Mail
Boute, and also the telegraph stations; and to his energy and sound
judgment may safely be confided that important duty.
Very respectfully, your most obedient servant,
G. WRIGHT,
Brigadier- General, U. 8. Army, Commanding.
Headquabtees Disteict op Utah,
Gamp Douglas, Utah, December 2, 1862.
Lieut. Ool. E. C. Dettm,
Asst. Adjt. Oen., Dept. of the Pacific, San Francisco, Cal. :
Colonel : I have the honor to inclose a letter of instruction to Major
McGarry and his report of the expedition upon which he was sent.
The ancle of the boy, who is now at this i>ost, is a resident of Oregon,
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182 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Cni*. LXn.
and, as he informs me, has been in search of the boy for two years.
Three sisters of his, who were captured at the same time, are dead.
He also informs me that three expeditions had previously been sent
out from Oregon for the recovery of the children, one of which was under
command of Captain Dent, of the Ninth Infantry. The Indians are
threatening the Overland Mail Boute east and west of here. I have no
fears of the western end, as the lessons I have been teaching them and
the messages I send them make them fear me. About a week since I
sent ten men to protect the telegraph station at Big Sandy, which was
threatened by Indians. On Saturday last they stole 100 horses from
Fort Bridger Reserve, belonging to some mountaineers, who are winter-
ing there, and fears are entertained that they will attack some of the
stations of the Overland Mail. I have therefore ordered Company I,
Captain Lewis, of my regiment, to garrison Fort Bridger this winter.
I shall order detachments of his company to the different stations in
this district east of here, if I find it will be necessary. Pacific Springs
Station, lately attacked by Indians, is just east of the line dividing
this district and the Department of the West, and has been garrisoned
by troops from that department. The telegraph station at Big Sandy
is in the District of Oregon. I shall leave the ten men now there at
that point until I am satisfied there is no further danger from Indians,
unless otherwise ordered.
I have the honor to remain, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
P. ED WARD CONNOR,
Colonel Third Infantry California Volunteers, Gomdg. JHstriet.
Hdqus. Second Cavalry California Voluntebes,
Camp Douglas, Utah, Novmnher 38, 1862.
Lieutenant : I have the honor to report that, agreeable to instruc-
tions of the colonel commanding the district, I left this camp on the
night of the 20th instant and proceeded to Cache Valley, where I
arrived about 11 p. m. on the 22d, a distance of 100 miles, where I was met
by Mr. Van Orman, the uncle of the emigrant boy you ordered me to
rescue from the Indians; he informed me that Chief Bear Hunter was
encamped with thirty or forty of his tribe, Shoshones, Snakes, and
Bannocks, about two miles distant. I left the horses in the settle-
ment called Providence in charge of a guard, and started about 1 .
o'clock for the Indian camp ; the night was dark and cold, and we did
not find the camp until the morning of the 23d. I then divided my
command into three parties under Captain Smith, Lieutenant Conrad,
and myself, with instructions to surround the camp and close in upon
them at daybreak. I found in a tent two squaws; the Indians had
all left that night, as I perceived that the fires in their huts were not
extinguished. I then returned to where I had left the horses, at which
place I arrived about 7 a. ra. Captain Smith brought in one Indian,
caught in trying to escape; I made a prisoner of him. About8o'clock
a party of mounted Indians, I should think thirty or forty, armed with
rifles, bows and arrows, made their appearance from a caiion on a bench
between the settlement and hills, about a mile from the settlement, and
made a warlike display, such as shouting, riding in a circle, and all
sorts of antics known only to their race. I immediately ordered my
men to mount, divided them as before, sent Captain Smith to the right,
Lieutenant Conrad to the left, and I took the center, driving the Indians
into the canon ; when I arrived at the mouth of the canon I halted for
the purpose of reconnoitoring; just at that time the Indians opened
fire upon Lieutenant Oonrad ; I then ordered my men to commence
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CHAP. Lxn.] EXPEDITION TO THE SIERBA NEVADA HOONTAINS. 183
firing and to kill every Indian theyconld see; by this time the Indians
had possession of the canon and hills on both sides. I found it would
be impossible to enter the canon without exposing my men greatly. I
therefore re-enforced Lieutenant Conrad on the Mt of the caiion, with
orders to take the hill on the left of the cafk)n at ^1 hazards. About
the time the re-enforcements reported to him Chief Bear Hunter made
his appearance on a hilltop on the right, with a flag of truce (as I was
informed afterward); I at the time took it to be a warlike demonstra-
tion; a citizen who heard his halloing came np to me and told me that
the chief said they did not want to fight any more. I then ordered my
men to cease firing, and told him to say to the chief if they would sur-
render and come in I would not kill them, which terms they acceded
to. Chief Bear Hunter, with twenty or more of his warriors, then came
in. I took them into the settlement, took Bear Hunter and four others
that I thought to be prominent Indians and examined them (through
an interpreter) as to the whereabouts of the white boy, and ascertained
that he had been sent away some days before. I told Bear II unter to
send some of his tribe and bring the boy to me; that I should bold the
five as hostages until they delivered him to me. He dispatched tt""ee
of his men, and they returned the next day about noon with the boy.
I then released Bear Hunter and the four others. I killed 3 and
wounded 1 Indian in the fight. I was told by Bear Hunter that
an Indian known as Woeber Tom, alias Utah Tom, communicated
the information of our approach. In relation to the emigrant stock I
was ordered to examine into and bring into camp, I could not find any
such, and from the information I could gather I am of the opinion all
or nearly all of the stock taken by the Indians last summer is now in
the Humboldt country. I left Cache Valley on the morning of the
25th, and arrived at this camp on the afternoon of the 27th, without
the loss or scratch of man or horse. It afibrds me great pleasure to
report to the colonel commanding the good conduct of the command,
and during the fight, which lasted about two hours, the officers and
men behaved handsomely.
Very respectliilly, your obedient servant,
EDWARD MoGARRY,
Major, Second Cavalry California Volunteers.
Second Lieut. Thomas S. Habbis,
Second Cavalry California Volunteers,
Acting Assiatant Adjutant- General, District of Utah.
HOVEIDEB 22-27, 1862.— Expedition ftom Fort Ruby, Nev. Ter., to the
Sierra Nevada Mountains.
Report of Maj, Patrick A. Qallagher, Third California Infantry.
FoET EUBY, Nev. Tee., Decetnher 2, 1862.
LlEtTTlilNANT : I have the honor to rei)ort that on the afternoon of the
21st ultimo one of the herders belonging to this post, who was some
thirty-five miles down the valley, came in and reported that 10 horses,
1 mole, and 1 head of beef had been stolen by the Indians the night
beforei I immediately telegraphed the fact to you. On the morning
of the 22d I started with a party, consisting of Captain Potts and
forty-two men of Company F, Third Infantry California Volunteers,
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184 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. (Ch^. Lxn.
with six days' rations, for the parpose of recovering the stock and pun-
ishing the guilty parties. "We left this post at 10 on the morning of
the22d, and after marching thirty miles encamped at 9 p. m. On the
morning of the 23d we started at sunrise, and after marching thirty
miles over a rough, swampy road, where we had to make bridges, &c.,
for our wagon, we encamped for the night about sundown. On the
morning of the 24th, finding it impossible to proceed farther with the
wagon. Captain Potts and myself, with three men (mounted), went
ahead, leaving the command under Sergeant Buxton to follow on as
fast as possible, leaving eight men as a guard to the wagon. I ma<le a
reconnaissance of the whole valley north to the mountains, and finding
no pass through the mountains, nor signs of either stock or Indians, re-
turned and. met the command aoout twenty-five miles from our morning
camp. The men suffering very much from fatigue and cold, and our
rations being nearly exhausted, I deemed it advisable to return to the
fort, where we arrived on the afternoon of the 27th. From my personal
observations I am satisfied that there are no Indians in this valley
north of this fort, and those that stole the stock came from Thousand
Spring Valley, or that vicinity, probably belonging to the Bannock
tribe. In conclusion, I would say that the men who were with me have
done nobly, having miirched a distance of 170 miles in less than five
days (myself and Captain Potts and the three men with us some thirty
miles farther), with weather intensely cold, and they thinly clad, with-
out a murmur. I must say I am proud of them.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
P. A. GALLAGHER,
Major Third Infantry California Volunteers, Commanding Post.
Lieut. Thomas S. Haeris,
Acting Assistant Adjutant- General, District of Utah.
JAHUABT 29, 1863.— Engagement on the Bear River, Utah Ter.
Report of Col. P. Edward Connor, Third California Infantry, com-
manding District of Utah,
Headquaktebs Department of the Pacific,
San Francisco, February 20, 1863.
Adjt. Gen. L. Thomas, TJ. S. Army,
Washington, D. C. :
Sir : I have the honor to inclose herewith the report of Col. P. B.
Connor, Third Infantry California Volunteers, of the battle fought on
the 29th of January, on Bear River, Utah Ter., between TJ. S. troops
and hostile Indians. Our victory was complete ; 224 of the enemy left
d^ad on the field. Colonel Connor's loss was heavy. Out of 200 men
engaged 14 were killed on the field and 4 officers and 49 men wounded;
1 officer and 5 of the men wounded have since died. Colonel Connor's
report of the suffering of his troops on the march and the gallant and
heroic conduct of both officers and men in that terrible combat will
commend the Column from California and its brave commander to the
favorable notice of the General-iu-Chief and War Department.
Very resT)ectfully, your obedient servant,
G. WRIGHT,
Brigadier- General, U. iS. Army, Commanding. ^
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CEAP. LXU.) ENOAQEMENT ON THE BEAR RIVER, UTAH TBR. 185
[First iadoraemeut.]
March 29, 1863.
Eespectftilly referred to the Secretary of War, with the recommeuda-
tion that Colonel Connor be made a brigadier-general for the heroic con-
duct of himself and men in the battle of Bear Biver.
H. W. HALLECK,
Oejieral-in-Chief.
[S«eond iDdonement.]
Api)roved and appointment ordered.
EDWIN M. STANTON.
Headquarters District of Utah,
Gatnp B&uglaa, Utah Ter., February 6, 1863.
GOLOITBL: I have the honor to report that from information received
firom various sources of the encampment of a large body of Indians on
Bear Eiver, in Utah Territory, 140 miles north of this point, who had
murdered several miners during the winter, passing to and from the
settlements in this valley to the Beaver Head mines, east of the Bocky
Mountains, and being satisfied that they were a part of the same baud
who had been murdering emigrants on the Overland Mail Route for
the last lifteen years, and the principal actors and leaders in the horrid
massacres of the past summer, I determined, although the season was
unfavorable to an expedition in consequence of the cold weather and
deep snow, to chastise them if possible. Feeling assured that secrecy
was the surest way to success, I determined to deceive the Indians by
sending a small force in advance, judging, and rightly, they would not
fear a small number. On the 22d ultimo I ordered Company K, Third
Infantry California Volunteers, Captain Hoyt, two howitzers, under com-
mand of Lieutenant Honeyman, and twelve men of the Second Cavalry
California Volunteers, with a train of fifteen wagons, carrying twenty
days' supplies, to proceed in that direction. On the 24th ultimo I pro-
ceeded with detachments from Companies A, H, K, aud M, Second Cav-
alry California Volunteers, numbering 220 men, accompanied by Majjor
McGarry, Second Cavalry California Volunteers; Surgeon Reid, Third
Infantry California Volunteers; Captains McLean and Price and Lieu-
tenants Chase, Clark, Quinn, and Conrad, Second Cavalry California
Volunteers; Major Gallagher, Third Infantry California Volunteers,
and Captain Berry, Second Cavalry California Volunteers, who were
I)re8ent at this post attending general court-martial, as volunteers. I
marc'hed the first night to Brigham City, sixty-eight miles distant. The
second night's march from Camp Douglas I overtook the infantry and
artillery at the town of Mendon and ordered them to march again that
night. I resumed my march with the cavalry and overtook the infantry
at franklin, Utah Ter., about twelve miles from the Indian enoampaient.
I ordered Captain Hoyt, with the infantry, howitzers, and train, to move
at 1 o'clock the next morning, intending to start with the cavalry about
two hours thereafter, in order to reach the Indian encampment at the
same time and surround it before daylight, but in consequence of the
difBculty in procuring a guide to the for<¥ of the river, Captain Hoyt did
not move until after 3 a. m. I moved the cavali-y in about one hour
afterward, passing the infantry, artillery, and wagons about four miles
from the Indian encampment. As daylight was approaching I was
apprehensive that the Indians would discover the strength of my force
and make their escape. I therefore made a rapid march with the cavalry
and reached the bank of the river shortly after daylight inftill view of
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186 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. (Chap. LXH.
the Indian eucampment, and aboat one mile distant. I immediately
ordered Major McGarry to advance with the cavalry and surround before
attacking them, while I remained a few minutes in the rear to give orders
to the infantry and artillery. On my arrival on the field I found that
Major McGarry had dismounted the cavalry and was engaged with the
Indians, who had sallied out of their hiding places on foot and horseba<-k,
and with fiendish malignity waved the scalps of white women and chal-
lenged the troops to battle, at the same time attacking them. Finding it
impossible to surround them, in consequence of the nature of the ground,
he accepted their challenge. The position of the Indians was one of
strong natural defenses, and almost inaccessible to the troops, being in
a deep, dry ravine from six to twelve feet deep and from thirty to forty
feet wide, with very abrupt banks and running across level table-land,
along which they had constructed steps from which they could deliver
their fire without being themselves exposed. Under the embankments
they had constructed artificial covers of willows thickly woven together,
from behind which they could fire without being observed. After being
engaged about twenty minutes I found it was impossible to dislodge
ihem without great sacrifice of life. I accordingly ordered Major
McGarry with twenty men to turn their left flank, which was in the
ravine where it entered the mountains. Shortly afterward Captain
Hoyt reached the ford three-quarters of a mile distant, but found it
impossible to cross footmen. Some of them tried it, however, rushing
into the river, but, finding it deep and rapid, retired. I immediately
ordered a detachment of cavalry with led horses to cross the infantry,
which was done accordingly, and upon their arrival upon the field I
ordered them to the support of Major McGarry's flanking party, who
shortly afterward succeeded in turning the enemy's flank. Up to this
time, in consequence of being exiMsed on a level and open plain while
the Indians were under cover, they had every advantage of us, fighting
with the ferocity of demons. My men fell fast and thick around me,
but after flanking them we had the advantage and made good use of it.
I ordered the flanking party to advance down the ravine on either side,
which gave us the advantage of an enfilading fire and caused some of
the Indians to give wivy and run toward the north of the ravine. At
this point I had a company stationed, who shot them as they ran out.
I also ordere<l a detachment of cavalry across the ravine to cut oflf the
retreat of any fugitives who might escape the company at the mouth
of the ravine. But few tried to escape, however, but continued fight-
ing with unyielding obstinacy, frequently engaging hand to hand with
the troops until killed in their hiding places. The most of those- who
did escape from the ravine were afterward shot in attempting to swim
the river, or killed while desperately fighting under cover of the dense
willow thicket which lined the river- banks. To give you an idea of the
desperate character of the fight, you are respectftilly referred to the list
of killed and wounded transmitted herewith. The fight commenced
about 6 o'clock in the morning and continued until 10. At the com-
mencement of the battle the hands of some of the men were so benumbed
with cold that it was with difficulty they could load their pieces.
Their suffering during the march was awfiil beyond description, but
they steadily continued on without regard to hunger, cold, or thirst,
not a murmur escaping them to indicate their sensibilities to pain or
fatigue. Their uncomplaining endurance during their four nights'
march from Camp Douglas to the battle-field is worthy of the highest
praise. The weather was intensely cold, and not less than seventy-five
had their feet frozen, and some of them I fear will be crippled for life.
I should mention here that in my march from this post no assistance
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CHAP.LXn.] ENGAGEMENT ON THE BEAR BIVEB, UTAH TEE. 187
■was rendered by the Mormons, who seemed indisposed to divulge any
information regarding the Indians and charged enormous prices for
every article furnished my command. I have also to report to the
general commanding that previoas to my departure Chief Justice
Kinney, of Great Salt Lake City, made a requisition for troops for the
purpose of arresting the Indian chiefs Bear Hunter, Swi Pitch, and
Sagwich. I informed the marshal that my arrangements for our exi>e-
dition against the Indians were made, and that it was not my intention
to take any prisoners, but that he could accompany me. Marshal Gibbs
accordingly accompanied me and rendered efficient aid in caring for
the wounded. I take great pleasure in awarding to Major McGarry,
Second Cavalry California Volunteers; Major Gallagher and Surg. R.
K. Reid, Third Infantry California Volunteers, the highest praise for
their skill, gallantry, and bravery throughout the engagement, and to
the company officers the highest praise is due without invidious dis-
tinction for their bravery, courage, and determination evidenced
throughout the engagement. Their obedience to orders, attention,
kindness, and care for the wounded is no less worthy of notice. Of the
good conduct and bravery of both officers and men California has rea-
son to be proud. We found 224 bodies on the field, among which were
those of the chiefs Bear Hunter, Sagwich, and Leight. How many
more were killed than stated I am unable to say, as the condition of
the wounded rendered their immediate removal a necessity. I was
unable to examine the field. I captured 175 horses, some arms,
destroyed over seventy lodges, a large quantity of wheat and other
provisions, which had been furnished them by the Mormons; left a
small quantity of wheat for the sustenance of 160 captive squaws and
children, whom I left on the field. The chiefs Pocatello and San Pitch,
with their bands of murderers, are still at large. I hope to be able to
kill or capture them before spring. If I succeed, the Overland Route
west of the Rocky Mountains will be rid of the bedouins who have
harassed and murdered emigrants on that route for a series of years.
In consequence of the number of men left on the route with frozen
feet and those with the train and howitzers and guarding the cavalry
horses, I did not have to exceed 200 men engaged. The enemy had
about 300 warriors, mostly well armed with rifles and having plenty of
ammunition, which rumor says they received from inhabitants of this
Territory in exchange for the property of massacred emigrants. The
I>osition of the Indians was one of great natural strength, and had I
not succeeded in flanking them the mortality in my command would
have been terrible. In consequence of the deep snow, the howitzers
did not reach the field in time to be used in the action.
I have the honor to remain, very respectfhlly, your obedient servant,
P. EDW. CONNOR,
Colonel Third Infantry California Volunteers, Comdg. District.
Lieut. Col. R. C. Drum, U. S. Army,
Assistant Adjutant- Oetieral, Department of the Pacijic.
ADDENDA.
Washington, D. C, March 29, 1863.
Brig. Gen. P. E. Connor,
Camp Douglas, near Salt Lake City, Utah :
I congratulate you and your command on their heroic conduct and
brilliant victory on Bear River. You are this day appointed a brig-
adier-general.
H. W. HALLECK,
Oeneral-in' Chie 1 ■
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188 OPERATIONS ON THE PAOIPIO COAST. [Ohap.LXII.
XAECH 10-JULT 10, 1863.— Operations in the Hniuboldt Military District
SXTMMAJBY OF THE PRINCIPAJL. B3VKNTS.
Mar. 21, 1863.— SkirmUli on the Eel River, Csl.
24, 1863.— Skirmish on the Eel River, Cat.
Apr. 30, 1863.->Attaok near Oak Camp, Cal.
May 9, 1863.— Skirmish at Shelter Cove, Cal.
Jnne 6, 1863.— Skirmish at Oak Camp, Cal.
July 9, 1863.— Attack on Redwood Creek, Cal.
REPORTS.
No. 1. — Col. Francis J. Lippitt, Second California Infantry, oommandiuK Hnmboldt
Military District.
No. 2. — Lient. Col. James N. Olney, Second California Infantry. ,
No. 3. — Capt. Henry Flynn, Second California Infantry.
No. 4.— Capt. William E. Hnll, Second California Infantry.
No. 5. — Lieut. Col. Stephen O. Whipple, First Battalion California Mountaineers.
No. 1.
Reports of Col. Francis J. Lippitt, Second California Infantry, command-
ing Humboldt Military District.
HeADQUAETEBS HtTMBOLDT MILITARY DISTRICT,
Fort Humboldt, April 11, 1863.
Colonel : I have the honor to report the return to Fort Baker of a
detachmeat of thirty-two men of Company A, Second Infantry Califor-
nia Volunteers, from a twenty-two days' scout under Captain Flynn
and Lieutenant Winchill. They had four engagements with Indians;
all successful. Two of them were fought by Lieutenant Winchill with
a detachment of fifteen men. The number of dead Indians found was
forty-six, the number killed was no doubt considerably more. Thirty-
seven squaws and children were brought in as prisoners, of whom only
twenty -two have arrived at this post, the remainder having succeeded
in escaping on the way. The total number of Indian prisoners now
confined here is eighty-four. The only posts that need be kept up in
this district are Fort Humboldt and Fort Gaston. These could be gar-
risoned sufficiently by one or two companies of the Mountaineer Bat^-
talion, leaving four or five companies for scenting in the field. If the
department commander should judge proper to continue any other
posts I would respectfully suggest that these could be garrisoned also
by the Mountaineer Battalion. Scouting in this district is exhausting
to such a degree that the troops engaged in it must spend a portion of
their time in garrison for repose and to recruit their strength, and the
mingling of the Humboldt volunteers with the men of my regiment at
the same post would be demoralizing and dangerous to the discipline
that they have been eighteen months in acquiring. In consideration
of this I hope the department commander will withdraw all the com-
panies of the Second Infantry California Volunteers from this district,
where they are doing so little good^ and concentrate them at some point
where they may have an opportunity of acquiring regimental discipline
and instruction.
I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
FRANCIS J. LIPPITT,
Col. Second Infantry California Vols., Comdg. Humboldt Mil. Dist.
Lieut. Col. R. C. Drum,
Assistant Adjutant-General, Department of the Pacific.
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Catr. LXU.] OPEKATIONS IN HUMBOLDT MILITARY DISTEICT. 189
EUBEKA, Cal., April 11, 1863— 8 p. m.
Lieut. Ool. E. C. Drum,
Asst. Adjt. Oen., Department of the Pacific, San Francisco :
Colonel : I am directed to supply the following omissiou in the dis-
trict commander's report of Captain Flynn's engagement with hostile
Indians : "Our loss was 1 killed, Private Lynch, of Company A, Second
Infantry California Volunteers."
I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
CHAS. H. BARTH,
First Lieut, and Adjt. Second In/ty. Cal. Vols., Actg. Asst. Adjt. Gen.
Headquaetebs Humboldt Militabt District,
Fort Humboldt, Gal., May 11, 1863.
Colonel: On the 30th of April a Government pack train, in charge
of four men belonging to companies at Fort Gaston, was'attacked by a
band of Indians in ambush, numbering about twenty, some thirteen
miles this side of Fort Gaston. Private Smith, of Company K, Second
Infantry California Volunteers, was killed, and Corporal Smith [Agan],
of the same company, was wounded. The Indians captured everything,
including five Government mules, and all the effects of Lieutenants
Stewart and Winchill. On the report coming in, detachments from
Fort Gaston and Camp Curtis were sent out in pursuit of the Indians,
but returned without finding them. In pursuance of department orders,
dated April 7, 1863, received last evening by the steamer Panama, Com-
pany E, Second Infantry, Captain Gibbs, and Company H of the same
regiment, commanded by Captain Hanna, have embarked on the steamer
to proceed to Benicia. Private D. Squibb, of Company E, goes with
his company. Company I, Captain Theller, Second Infantry California
Volunteers, is ordered here from Fort Gaston to replace Company H,
at Fort Humboldt.
I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
FRANCIS J. LIPPITT,
Colonel Second Infantry Cal. Vols., Comdg. Humboldt Mil. Dist.
Lieut. Col. R. C. Dbum,
Asst. Adjt. Oen., D^t. of the Pacific, San Francisco, Cal.
Headqitabtees Humboldt Military Distbiot,
Fort Humboldt, May 39, 1863.
Colonel : I have the honor to report that Captain Hull, with twenty
men of Company D, Second Infantry California Volunteers, proceeded
on the 3d instant from Fort Bragg in pursuit of a band of hostile
Indians who had been committing dei>redations on the coast; that on
the 9th instant, with a detachment of eight men, he came up with them
near Shelter Cove, and out of some thirty-five or forty killed 4 and
wounded 3 too severely to be carried away, bringing in 1 boy and 6
squaws as prisoners, who were delivered over to the supervisor on the
Mendocino Reservation . In consequence of the representations of some
of the inhabitants of the outskirts of Areata, instead of bringing Com-
pany I to this post I have halted it at Camp Curtis, near that place,
where it is now stationed. To embark that company and the one at
Fort Humboldt twenty-four hours' notice would suffice, but to embark
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190 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Chap. LXII.
tlie companies at Fort Gaston and Fort Baker (Captain Morton's and
Captain Flynn's) four days' notice at least would be required. The
supply of tbe companies of moantaineors will employ all, or nearly all,
the pack-mules at tbis post. Tbe distance to Captain Douglas' com-
mand in Bound Valley is 150 miles. If it is to be supplied from tbis
post nearly tbe wbole, perbaps quite tbe wbole, of tbe transportation
will bave to be bired. If it is intended tbat I shall forward supplies
tbitber, I request an instruction to tbat eflTect by tbe next steamer.
I bave the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
FRANCIS J. LIPPITT,
Col. Second Infantry Cali/omia Vols., Comdg. Humboldt Mil. Diat.
Lieut. Col. R. C, Drum,
Assistant AdjutantOeneral, Department of the Pa^fic.
[First indoreement.]
Hbadquaetbes Depabtment of the Pacific,
June 3, 1863.
Respectfully referred to Lieutenant-Colonel Babbitt for bis opinion
in reference to supplying Camp Wright (Bound Valley).
By order:
B. C. DBUM,
Assistant Adjutant- General.
[Second indorsement.]
Deputy Quaktebmastee-Geneeal's Office,
San Franeisoo, June 3, 1863.
Lieutenant-Colonel Dbum,
Assistant Adjutant- General, Present:
Camp Wright has hitherto been furnished via Fort Bragg, from
which latter post it is distant sixty-five miles. I know of no more eli-
gible route. They have forty-nine pack-mules and trappings and one
wagon at Camp Wright.
Bespectfully,
E. B. BABBITT,
Deputy Quartermaster-Getieral.
Headquaetbes Humboldt Militaey District,
Fort Humboldt, June 11, 1863.
Colonel : On tbe 6th instant a citizen pack train of thirty-seven
mules, with a citizen escort of five men, fell into an Indian ambush
near Oak Camp, about fifteen miles this side of Fort Gaston. Two of
tbe men were shot, one killed, and the other escaped wounded, arriving
at Hoopa Valley the same night. The remainder ran back to Fawn
Prairie, the camp of Captain Ousley's company (B) of mountaineers.
Lieutenant Hempfleld started at once with tbirty-six men, arriving at
tbe scene of attack five hours after it occurred. They bave failed,
however, to find the Indians. Immediately on the arrival of the
wounded man in the valley Lieutenant-Colonel Oluey dispatched
Lieutenant Winchill with five men (being all that could be spared,
several escorts being then out) to render what assistance he could.
Lieutenant Winchill arrived at the place of attack at 3.30 o'clock in
tbe moruiug. All that he could do was to employ his detacbmeut to
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Ciup.LXlI.] OPERATIONS IN HUMBOLDT MILITARY DISTRICT. 191
escort to Hoopa Valley a portion of the train and cargo which the
Indians had left on the ground.
I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
FEANOIS J. LIPPITT,
Col. Second Infantry California VoU., Comdg. Humboldt Mil. Dint.
Lieut. Ool. E. 0. Drum,
Assistant Adjutant- General, Department of the Pacific.
Headquarters Humboldt Military District,
Fort Humboldt, July 10, 1863.
Colonel : Yesterday a private train, which had been transporting
Government stores to Fort Gaston, was attacked at Redwood Creek
on its return by Indians. The escort consisted of eighteen men of the
Weaverville company, not yet organized, together with five packers.
The attack was finally repulsed with the loss of ten of our men wounded,
one or more of them mortally. The escort was detailed by Captain
Fleming, who considers the men belonging to the companies not yet
complete as being under his own independent command. For the par-
ticulars I therefore refer you to his report,* which will go down by this
steamer. The present steamer brought me no dispatches from your
headquarters.
I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
FRANCIS J. LIPPITT,
Col. Second Infantry California Vols., Comdg. Humboldt Mil. Dist.
Lieut. Col. R. C. Drum,
Assistant Adjutant- General, Department of the Pacific.
No. 2.
Reports of Lieut. Col. James N. Olney, Second California Infantry.
Headquarters Humboldt Military District,
Fort Humboldt, March 7, 1863.
Colonel: I have the honor to report to the general commanding
the department that during the absence of the colonel commanding this
district nothing of much importance has transpired. Detailed reports
of each day's operations have been received from the following officers
in command of scouting detachments, viz : Captains Theller, Short, and
Flynn, and Lieutenants Smith, Gonnisson, and Campbell. These reports,
together with that of a party under my own command, prove that the
troops have zealously endeavored in the face of great difficulties to
achieve success. The result, however, is very meager. Some 8 or 10
squaws and children and 1 buck taken in the Mattole region by the
detachment from U Company. This detachment was in the mountains
and absent from this post forty-one days, enduring great hardships.
Captain Short, as well as Lieutenants Smith and Campbell (who
relieved the captain on the twenty-seventh day, his resignation having
been accepted), deserve great credit for their perseverance under the
circumstances. In fact, all the parties out during the past six weeks
* Not found.
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192 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. (Chap. LXU.
have suffered severely from the violent snow-storms which have pre-
vailed. Many of our men have retarned to the camps with frozen feet
and exhausted by fatigue, and in many cases their shoes being torn
from their feet, they attempted to protect them by wrapping pieces of
their clothes about them. The officers in their reports testify to the
unmurmuring endurance of these hardships by their commands, and I
can attest to the same as regards my own party. We were led to hope
that the winter season would be the most favorable for hunting Indians,
but the experience of the past two months has proved that hope falla-
cious. The frequent violent storms in these mountains, and the conse-
quent falling of snow covering all trails and signs, render it all but
iraiwssible to operate with any prospect of success. Two citizens
brought to this post on the 22d ultimo ten Indians from laqua Ranch,
who had surrendered themselves, their obje9t being, probably, to secure
comfortable winter quarters, knowing they could easily escape from
Smith River Reservation in the spring. Since pay-day desertions from
the different posts have been numerous. As far as heard from the aggre-
gate is twenty-five, of which only eight have as yet been arrested. This
result was anticipated as the great accumulation of pay enabled the
men to procure outside aid. The pursuing parties from Fort Gaston
have already in custody three citizens for aiding deserters to escape
and we are on the track of others in this vicinity. There have been no
recent outrages by Indians reported except the burning of two or three
unoccupied buildings at Minor's, on the Redwood near Fort Anderson.
The colonel commanding the district arrived at this post to-day at about
3 p.m.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JAS. N. OLNEY,
Lieut. Col. Second Infantry California Volunteersy Gomdg.
Lieut. Col. R. C. Drum,
Aaaigtant Adjutant-Oeneral, San Franci8co.
FoET Gaston, Cal., May 5, 1863.
Lieutenant : I have the honor to state for the information of the
colonel commanding that, upon receiving intelligence on the evening of
the 2d instant of the attack ui)on our pack train, I ordered a detach-
ment consisting of thirty men, under command of Captain Morton, to
proceed at once in pursuit of the Indians. Lieutenant Delany was also
detailed, and to take command of one of the parties in case it was found
expedient to divide the detachment. Up to this time nothing has been
heard from this command. I have made inquiry as to any evidence
connecting the Hoopa Indians with the attack, but can find none. Pri-
vate McNeal, one of the escort, and who is, I believe, perfectly reliable,
states that the Indians were so completely concealed by the brush that
nothing but the smoke from their guns could be discovered, and that the
nearest view they had of the attacking party was after the affair, when
they were crossing a ridge about three-quarters of a mile distant. Of
course it was then impossible to discover to what tribe they belonged.
In addition to the lamentable loss of life. Lieutenants Stewart and Win-
chill met with serious losses, pecuniary and otherwise, viz, full-dress
nniform, including hats and epaulets, three swords (one of them a
valuable present to Lieutenant Stewart), four sashes, a valuable gold
watch (Lieutenant Winchill's), jewelry, keepsakes, mattresses, blankets,
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CHAfLXII.) OPERATIONS IN HUMBOLDT MILITARY DISTRICT. 193
rearing apparel, &c. A jwrtion of the papers of Lieutenant WiuchiU,
relating to his qaartermaster's and commissary business at Fort Baker,
have been recovered, the Indians leaving them in the rifled trunks,
which have been picked up near the place of attack. The officers esti-
mate their loss at nearly $1,000. Private McNeal thinks there were not
over twelve or fifteen Indians concerned in the attack. I have little
doabt they are the remaining remnant of the band of Eedwoods that
have committed former depredations.
Very respectfolly, your obedient servant,
JAS. N. OLNEY,
Lieut. Col. Second Infantry California Volunteers, Gomdg. Pout.
Lieutenant Babth,
Actff. Asat. Adjt. Oen., Humboldt Mil. Dial., Fort Humboldt.
Fort Gaston, Cal., May 3, 1863.
Cori>oral Agan, Privates McNeal and Smith, in charge of a Govern-
ment pack train, were attacked about four miles on this side of Oak
Gamp on the morning of April 30 by a band of Indians, supposed to
number about twenty, who killed Private Smith and wounded Corporal
Agan. The Indians captured everything, including five Government
mules, and all the effects of Lieutenants Stewart and Winchill.
J. J. 8HEPHEAR1),
First Lieut., Second Infantry California Vols., Post Adjutant.
[Indorsemcut. ]
Fort Gaston, May (i, 1863.
Lieutenant Babth,
Aetg. Asst. Adjt. Oen., Humboldt Mil. Hist., Fort Humboldt:
Lieutenant: Through inadvertence the foregoing copy of entry in
onr post records was omitted to be inclosed in my communication of
5th instant.
Yours, very respectfully,
JAS. N. OLNEY,
Lieut. Col. Second Infantry California Volunteers, Comdg, Post.
No. 3.
Report of Capt. Henry Flynn, Second California Infantry.
Camp Baker, April 1, 1863.
Sib : I have the honor to report the retarn of the detachment which
left this post under my command on the 10th of March, 1863, and the
following as the result:
I marched from this post with a detachment of thirty-two men of
Company, A, Second Infantry California Volunteers, with twenty-five
days' provisions, and proceeded in the direction of Fort Seward. En-
camped the night of the 10th at Larrabee Station. Remained here the
11th, waiting for my provision train, which owing to an accident did
not arrive until the evening of the 11th. Encamped the 12th at Fort
Seward. Remained here until the 14th, when, having provided myself
13 R B — VOL L, PT I
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194 OPERATIONS OS THE PACIFIC COAST. ;Cb4p. tXII.
with a guide, 1 proceeded in the direction of the Big Bend of Eel River.
Encamped the night of the 14th on the Ohick-ha-wa-pet, a small stream
which empties into Eel Biver. Had I observed my usual caution I
would have surprised a camp of Indians ou this stream. They left
in such haste on our approach that they neglected to take with them
their camp equipage. As I had never been in this part of the district
in search of Indians, I referred the matter to my guide (Fleming), who
said it was not necessary to use caution until we arrived at the source
of this stream. The following day (the 15th) I went to the head of
the Chick-hu- wa-pet and encamped. The 16th I sent the guide and two
Indians, a tracker and interpreter, to spy their fires. They returned on
the 17th and reported having seen Indians ou the North Pork of Eel
Eiver, about tliirty miles from its mouth. The 18th I sent Lieutenant
Winch ill with fifteen men to attack them. In the meantime I scouted
in the vicinity of my camp with the other portion of my detachment.
I remained here until the 21st, when a messenger arrived from
Lieutenant Winchill requesting me to move my provision train to
Kitten Valley, fifteen miles distant, at which point he would join
me. I did so. This was the farthest point from Fort Baker that I
took my train during the scout. It is distant from Fort Baker about
sixty miles. Lieutenant Winchill re|)orted that on arriving at the
North Fork of Bel River he surprised and captured an Indian. He com-
pelled the Indian by threats (and a few practical illustrations in the
shape of a stick on the back of what he might expect if he proved on
trial to be a bad Indian) to take him to the place where the Indians could
be found. The prisoner finally consented to guide him to the rancheria.
He came on them as they were gathering grass-seed and clover. They
were extended about a mile along the bank of the river; the squaws
busily at work, and the bucks, or Indian men, were armed and on the
lookout for any enemy that might attack them, but the lieutenant was
too quick for them. Ho deployed his men to the right and left so as
to flank them, in which he succeeded. The river was high, the water
very cold; the Indians preferred fighting to swimming. The prisoner
att«mpting to run was shot. The engagement was short but sharp,
the Indians disputing every inch of ground left them until they were
all killed. Private Lynch, a brave but rash man, seeing three Indians
going in a rocky pla(^e, followed them in. One of the Indians shot him
through the heart. He called to Sergeant Thoman to come to his
assistance. The sergeant hurried to the spot, but the poor man was
dead. The sergeant shot and killed the Indian, and was in the act of
reloading his rifle when another Indian, who was standing in the river,
shot an arrow which struck the sergeant's cap-box, piissed through the
box and waist-belt. The box saved his life. The Indian was prepar-
ing to shoot the second arrow, but a ball from the sergeant's pistol
went crashing through his brain. Owing to the distance from our
camp Lynch was buried where he fell. Ten bucks and one squaw
were found dead after the engagement. The lieutenant took all
the squaws and children he could find and arrived at Kitten Valley
on the 22d. As soon as it became sufficiently dark to prevent the
Indians from seeing my men, I went to the North Fork and selected a
ford. It was very difficult to cross, as the river was much swollen,
about four feet deep and 100 yards wide. I crossed twentjr men by mid-
night, and sent the rest back to camp. Went up the river two miles
and remained until daylight; raining all the time very hard. At
daylight went down on the river; found fresh sign; sent the Indians
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CBAP.txn.] OPERATIONS IN HUMBOLDT MILITARY DISTRICT 195
oat. They returned at saodown and said they saw four squaws, but
could not find their camp. I started at dark. Went up the river
five miles and searched about until daylight, when we came on their
rancheria on the bank of the river. I immediately surrounded them
and poured a volley into their houses. The squaws came out. I
sent them to the rear, and during the engagement they all escaped
excepting two. It required nearly an hour to take this baud, as they
kept their arrows flying in showers. We were compelled to charge
them. All the bucks of this band were killed, also one squaw — nine
in all. I then took the two squaws and went over the mountain to
attack a rancheria that our prisoners informed me I would find there.
I found their houses with their lires still burning, but the birds had
flown. They no doubt had heard our firing. Having good reason to
believe that there was a number of Indians at the mouth of the river
and between the forks, I hurried down so as to prevent them from con-
centrating in any considerable force' as to endanger the lives of my
men. After searching about for two or three days (at this time I had
lost the run of dates) wo discovered, about 10 o'clock one evening,
some smoke issuing from a caijou on the slope toward the Middle Fork
of Eel Eiver. I moved my men down the mountain a short distance
and waited patiently for daylight, to commence the attack. At the
first peep of dawn I moved down to their camp-fires and halted, as
there was another ravine to the left; and, thinking there might be
Indians in it, I divided my command and directed Lieutenant Wmchill
to go to the left, down the canon. Shortly after Mr. Winchill had
started I commenced placing my men for the attack. I placed some
men in the gulch above the Indians as the attacking party, and some
on the left bank in a position that enabled them to command the oppo
site bank, while I, with a sergeant and three men, went down in the
gulch below them. The attacking party poured In a volley, and the
Indians, instead of going over the right bank, rushed down the caiiou
and right onto the muzzles of our guns, they (the Indians) sending
their sharp stjf ks in every direction. We delivered our fire with our
rifles, and kept up such a constant and well-directed fire from our
revolvers that they were compelled to turn up the right bank, only
three having succeeded in passing. One of them Sergeant PenweU
shot through the head. Shortly after passing the other two were found
dead in the gulch below, having died from their wounds. After the
Indians turned up the bank and the men had got over the gulch then the
work fairly commenced. We made wild havoc among them. There
must have been a great number of them killed. I did not have time to
search for them, as I wanted to join Lieutenant Winchill and be ready
for a counter attack. Eighteen were found dead where the fighting
commenced, but in this and the first engagement there must have been
at least twenty-five bodies concealed about in the bushes and rocks, but
in making my report of the number killed I will only report those that
I actually saw dead. Two squaws were unavoidably killed in this
engagement. Lieutenant W^inchill surprised a camp of Indians in the
canon shortly after leaving me. He killed eight bucks and captured
the squaws and children. The Indians fought like tigers in all the
engagements, but they had no time to look about them to decide on any
particular manner of fighting. As nothing of interest occurred after
this I will merely say that I returned to Fort Baker on the Ist of April,
having been absent twenty- two days. In the four engagements 46 of
the enemy were killed ^nd 37 captured, making a total of killed and
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196 OPEHATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. (Chat. LXII
captured S3. As I said before, a much larger number was killed; that
would make the number in killed and captured over 100, but as I did
not see them I will not include them in the killed.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
H. PLYNN,
Captain, Second Infantry California Volunteers, Gomtnanding.
Lieut Ghables H. Babth,
Adjutant Second Infantry California Volunteers,
Actg. Asst, Adjt. Gen., Humboldt Military IHstrict.
No. 4.
Report of Capt. William E. .Hull, Second California Infantry.
Headquabters,
Fort Bragg, Gal., May 21, 1863.
Sib : I do myself the honor to report that I proceeded on the 3d
instant from this post to Shelter Cove on scout with twenty men of my
company to cliastise a baud of hostile Indians who have killed several
head of cattle and two valuable horses belonging to Mr. Beall, in that
neighborhood. Early on the morning of the 9th instant, with eight men
of the party, surprised about thirty-five or forty of them, killing 4 and
wounding 3, the latter so badly that I found it useless to bring them
along. Of the former, one has been recognized as concerned in the mur-
der of two citizens (Oliver and Lewis) some time back. After this affair
I proceeded to the vicinity of Eel River, but, notwithstanding the
utmost caution was taken, those wary Indians discovered us and got out
of range of our rifles. Their camp and several hundredweight of fish I
caused to be destroyed. The detachment returned to this post this
morning; 1 boy and 5 squaws, brought in as prisoners, have been
handed over to the superintendent of the Mendocino Reservation. The
country through which the scout was made is almost impassable for
underbrush and rocky ravines. The men did their duty with good will
and cheerfulness. I beg to recommend that another scouting party be
sent to Eel River, for which I trust the colonel commanding will grant
his approval.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
WM. E. HULL,
Captain, Second California Volunteer Infantry, Commanding Post.
First Lieut Ghables H. Babth,
Actg. Ag»t. Adjt. Oen., Humboldt Mil. Diat., Fort Humboldt, Cal.
No. 5.
Report of Lieut. Col. Stephen G. Whipple, First Battalion California.
Mountaineers.
Eureka, July 10, 1863.
GOLONEL: Previous to my arrival from San Francisco Gamp Curtis
(near Areata) had been abandoned. Unmistakable indications caused
the people of that vicinity to fear hostilities from Indians and applied
to me for protection. Deeming it important that a small force should
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CHAP. LXn.] OPERATIONS IN HUMBOLDT MILITARY DISTRICT. 197
be stationed at Camp Cnrtis, a detachment of nineteen men was
detailed from Company C, at my instance, under command of Lauce
Sergt. G. W. Eastman, for that service, and proceeded there on the
28th oltimo. At that time there were but thirty-one men enrolled in
Company C. On the day following fourteen more men were sworn in.
(Above I use the expression " at my instance," for the reason that I
was given to understand by Colonel Lippitt and others at Fort Hum-
boldt that the recruits for Company C were not subject to my orders
previous to the complete organization of the company.) On the 29th
ultimo I received a communication of which the inclosed is a copy.
Immediately upon the receipt of the order I directed Second Lieatenant
Middleton to proceed to Camp Curtis with 'eighteen more men of Com-
pany C, and from the thirty -eight then there to detail eighteen men to
«scort the train. My directions Avere complied with, and the e-scort wa.s
furnished under command of Actg. Sergt. E. W. Day. Not having
been mustered into service, but feeling an interest in the men and anx-
ious to be with them upon their first active duty, Lieutenant Middleton
voluntarily joined the escort. On Wednesday, the 10th [ T ] instant,
Lieutenant Middleton returned and reported to mc that he accompanied
the escort to Fort Gaston and back to Kedwood Creek, nearly equi-
distant between Fort Gaston and Camp Curtis, when he left the train
and came on to this place. His reason for leaving was that he expected
to meet his captain and first lieutenant with recruits to till the company
firom Trinity County. This morning I was informed that on Wednestlay
morning an attack was made upon the detachment escort by a large
body of Indians. At once I proceeded to Camp Cnrtis to ascertain the
trutii, and from Private William Griffin and one of the packers, just in
Ifrom the scene of action, gathered details as follows : At 3.30 o'clock
on Wednesday morning* the detachment was called by the sentinel, in
accordance with the orders of Acting Sergeant Day, for an early start
for Gamp Curtis. The animals of the train were collected and the
packers had commenced to put on the saddles, when the Indians
opened fire from the woods and bushes on three sides within easy rifle
range. At the first volley three or four of the soldiers were wounded
and all sprang to their arms. The Indians were in strong force, num-
bering not less than seventy-five, and from that to 100, all being armed
with guns, and many having both rifles and pistols. The fight lasted
eight hours, when our men succeeded in routing the enemy with loss.
'The detachment retained possession of the battle-ground and are still
there. The loss on our side was 3 men dangerously wounded, 1 severely,
:and 6 slightly. An express was sent as soon as ])racticable to Fort
'Gaston for Assistant Surgeon Phelps, who arrived in due time, escorted
by six men from Company B. I was informetl that Doctor Phelps had
said that it was necessary for him to return to Fort Gaston, and to allow
him to do so I employed a citizen physician to relieve him at Eedwood
Creek. I have given orders to have the wounded men brought to Camp
Curtis at once if it be prudent to remove thcni, otherwise to remain at
their present camp, guarded by a detachment from Company B. From
all I can learn the detachment, under Actg. Sergt. E. W. Day, behaved
well upon this occasion and deserves praise for bravely repelling an
attacking party of well-armed Indians, so greatly superior in numbers.
No commissioned officers for Company C have as yet been mustere«l
into the U. S. service, but advices from Trinity County inform me that
the captain and first lieutenant will arrive at this place within three
* See Lippitt's report of .Inly 10, p. 191, which nays this attack occnred on July 9.
Wednesday of tbn week preceding tlio date of this' report was July 8.
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198 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Chap. LXlL
days with recruits to fill np to the minimum standard. I am also
informed that Major Taylor is on his way from Siskiyou County to Fort
Gaston with fifty or more recruits for Company F.
I have the honor to remain, most respectfully, your obedient servant,
S. G. WHIPPLE,
Lieut. GoL, Comdg. First Batt. Mountaineers, California Vols.
Col. BicHABD C. Drum,
Asst. Adjt. Oen., Hdqrs. Dept. of the Pacific, San Francisco.
[Inclosnre.]
Headquarter? Humboldt Military District,
Fort Humboldt, June 29, 1863.
Lientenant-Colonel Whipple,
Commanding Battalion of Mountaineers:
Colonel: The colonel commanding the district directs you to fur-
nish an escort to Manheim & Co.'s train of supplies for Fort Gaston,
the escort to consist of not less than ten men under an acting non-
commissioned ofBcer, to be detailed from the Weaverville company of
your battalion.
I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
.CHARLES H. BARTH,
First Lieut, and Adjt. Second Infty. Gal. Vols., Actg. Asst. Adjt. Oen.
KABCH 26-APRIL 3, 1863.— Expedition from Camp Boaglas to the Cedar
Monntaiiw, Utah Ter., with skirmish (April 1) at C^ar Port
RJCPORTS.
No. 1. — Brig. Gen. P. Edward Connor, U. S. Army, commanding District of Utah.
No. 2. — LioDt. Anthony Ethier, Second California Cayalry.
No. 1.
Report of Brig. Oen. P. Edward Connor, U. S. Army, commanding
District of Utah.
Headquabtbbs District op Otah,
Camp Douglas, Utah Ter., April 9, 1863.
Colonel: I have the honor to inform yon that at present all is quiet
ill this distHct. The Indians who committed the late depredations on
the Overland Mail Route west of here, 1 have reason to believe, were
Goshutes, who have lived in the Mormon settlements of Tooele Valley
this wiliter, and were encouraged and instigated to the raid by Mor-
mons. The Indians, finding that I had the line well protected and cav-
alry scouring the country in every direction in i)ursuit of them, made
their way back to Cedar Valley near Fort Crittenden on their way
south. At that point they were encountered by Lieutenant Ethier, of
the Second California Volunteer Cavalry, with twenty- three men. I
herewith inclose Lieutenant Ethier's report, by which you will perceive
that the Mormons instead of assisting to punish Indians for bad con-
duct actually encouraged them. I also inclose a telegram from William
S. Wallace, agent of the Overland Mail Company at Fort Crittenden,
verifying the statements made by Lieutenant Ethier as to the conduct
or the Mormons, &c. From the evidence before me I am well satisfied
that the Mormons are the real instigators of the late raid. Brigham
Young has sent commissioners to Washington for the purpose, I am
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CHAP. LXH.) EXPEDITION TO GKDAB MOUNTAINS, UTAH TER. 199
told, of proposing to tlie Government to take charge of tbo overland
mail and emigrant route in tiiis Territory for half the amoaut it costs
at present, provided the troops are withdrawn. And also to use their
inflaeace with the President to havti the Governor and Judges Waite
and Brake removed. Until the return of the commissioners I have no
fears of any further trouble, but upon their return, and if their mission
prove unsuccessful, then I have every reason to fear there will be trouble,
as they are determined that the laws shall not be executed, and the
three officers named are as equally determined that the laws shall be
enforced. If the troops should be withdrawn the Mormons are well
aware that the Governor and judges would be compelled to leave with
them, as their lives would not be safe one hour after the withdrawal of
the troops if they remained. The object of Brigham in encoiiraging
Indian raids at present is, undoubtedly, to induce the Government to
withdraw the troops from this post and have them stationed at different
points on the mail line. They also wish to impress upon the Govern-
ment the idea that his people can protect the line better than troops
can, and there is no doubt but he can, as the ludii^as are completely
under his control and do just as he tells them. I ha^'e taken all neces-
sary steps to protect the mail line from further depredations, and am
sanguine of being able to punish the perpetrators of the late outrages.
I would most earnestly urge the necessity of sending with the re-enforce-
ments two cannon of large caliber, say 24 or 32 pounders, and two
12-pounder field guns with caissons, battery wagons, &c., which, with
the two 6-pounder field guns at this post, will make a light battery of
four guns. I wonld also recommend that one 12-pounder mountain
howitzer be sent for the post at Fort Bridger. With the above guns
and a force of at least 3,000 men I can be of service to the Government,
and in all probability prevent a civil war; otherwise the result is
doubtful. I again respectfully call the attention of the general com-
manding to the fact that this people are at heart disloyal, and are only
waiting a favorable opportunity to demonstrate that fact, consequently
I would recommend that unless strongly re-enforced, my command be
withdrawn. I consider that I would be derelict in my duty to my
country and to my command, whose lives are in my hands, did I not
urgently represent the dangers menacing them, or if I a^ked for a
smaller body of men than the number called for in this and previous
communications. The danger, in my opinion, is not immediate, and
perhaps may not be until the season shall have so far advanced that
re-enforcements cannot be sent here.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
P. EDW. CONNOR,
Brigadier- General, U. 8. Volunteers, Commanding District of Utah.
Lieut. Col. E. C. Drum,
Assistant Adjutant- General, U. 8. Army.
[Inclosuro.]
FoET Crittenden, Utah Ter., April l, iSdS.
Brigadier-General Connor,
Camp Douglas:
I do hereby certify to tlie statement* as being correct, and as regards
the Mormons on horseback riding up to the Indians. 1 think there is
treachery on their part.
WM. S. WALLACE,
Agent Overland Mail Company.
' See report of Lieutenunt Kthier, p. 200.
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200 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIKIC COAST. [Ch*p. LXH.
No. 2.
Report of lAeut. Anthony Ethier, Second Vali/ornia Cavalry.
Camp Douglas, Utah Teb., April 6", 1863.
Sib: I have the honor to report to the colonel commanding that in
pursuance of orders of the 26th of March I started with twenty-five
men of CJompany A, Second California Volunteer Cavalry, at 6 p. m.
from this camp en route for Skull Valley and surrounding [country].
After traveling thirty miles, encamped that night at the mills on the
borders of Great Salt Lake. Next morning, the 27th, raised camp at
7 o'clock and arrived at Knowlton's ranch. Skull Valley, at C.30 p. m.
Distance of fifty-five milcd from the mills. Next morning, the 28th, at
7 o'clock started across Skull Valley to Hastings' Springs, accompanied
by Mr. Knowlton and five of his men. Finding no sign of Indians,
crossed the Cedar Mountains and traveled ten miles due west on a
desert. Finding no sign of Indians returned to west side of Cedar
Mountains and camped at 8 p. m., without water. Distance traveled,
thirty-five miles. On the morning of the 29th raised camp about day-
light; traveled six or eight miles southward on the western side of
Cedar Mountains, examining all the ravines for Indian signs; finding
none, recrossed Cedar Mountains nearly opposite the Beckwith Springs,
then returned to Knowlton's ranch; distance traveled, thirty-five
miles. Next morning, the 30th, raised camp at 6 o'clock; traveled
southward down Skull Valley toward the mail route, and arrived at
Simpson's Springs at 9 o'clock that night. Distance traveled, sixty
miles. Men and horses very tired. Horses very sore-footed by reason
of traveling through a rocky and uneven country. Next morning, the
3l8t, raised camp at 10 o'clock and traveled to Point Lookout. Di stance,
eighteen miles.
Started from camp at 3 a. m. the Ist instant, and proceeded to Bush
Valley and took breakfast there. Here I received General Connor's
dispatch to return to Gamp Douglas immediately. Started again at 8
o'clock for Camp Crittenden. Arrived there at 2.30 p. m. At 3 p. m.,
while looking through a spy-glass, saw some Indians coming out of
Trough Cailon, traveling on the eastern side of the western hills. My
horses being very much jaded and sore footed, I required the mail
agent, Mr. Wallace, to furnish me with a coach. Myself with thirteen
men in the coach and eight mounted on the best horses proceeded to
overtake the Indians, which we did at Cedar Fort, they having taken
a i)osition for battle previous to my arriving there. The natural
defenses of the position were very strong, which you will see by the
diagram* accompanying this report. The Mormons, through treachery,
I supjwse, and wishing to see my party destroyed, gave me false report
as to the position of the Indians and also in regard to their numbers,
there being at the time but two Indians in sight, chiefs on horseback
riding the war circlb. In examining the ground I saw what I thought
was their actual position. I acted on my own j udgment, not on the infor-
mation received, which I firmly believe saved my party from destruction.
After forming my line of battle, as you will see by the diagram, my
men advanced gallantly to the attack, but receiving a withering fire
from a quarter we least expected, we were forced to give way. Return-
ing again to the attack, had the pleasure of seeing one of the chiefs
fall mortally wounded. There being no more Indians in sight, and
continuing to receive a severe fire from an unseen foe, I concluded to
' Not found.
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Chap. tXII.) EXPEDITION TO SPANISH FOBK, UTAH TEE. 201
withdraw my men, when Mr. Wallace, who was present on the field,
came and informed me that my horses were in danger of capture.
Althongh the Mormons were at the spot where my horses were at the
time, not farther than 100 yards from the Indians, not- a shot was
fired at them. On arriving at the phvce where my horses were and
repulsing the Indians I concluded to return to Camp Crittenden, but
before going offered to leave a guard of twelve men at Cedar Fort,
which they refused ; but after consulting among themselves they asked
me to leave a guard of eight men, which I promised to do, at the same
time having no idea of fulfilling my promise for fear of treachery, of
which I was convinced immediately afterward by seeing, while I waa
not more than 100 yards from the fort, a Mormon riding oft' to Indians,
and meeting several of them on the trail, proceeded to the hills with
them, where they held conversation in plain sight of me. I then being
satisfied that there was treachery, returned to Camp Crittenden, from
which place I reported the facts to General Connor. On the 2d instant
I found out from the wife of Mr. Savage, the Mormon who went up on
the hills to speak to the Indians, that after returning from the Indian
camp he held a council with the Mormons at the fort, and then left for
Salt Lake City to inform Brigham Young of my doings there. This
man Savage is the same who reported to General Connor of his wagons
being robbed last winter on Bear Elver. I have since learned that
those Indians were called Old Soldier's Band, of San Pete Valley, and
numbered 150 warriors, of which two-thirds were present at the battle.
The 3d instant, according to orders, I reported to Captain Price at
Cedar Fort at 9 a. m.
All of which is respectfully submitted.
I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
ANTHONY ETHIEE,
Second lAeutenant Company A, Second California Vol. Cavalry.
APRIL 2-6, 1863. — Expedition from Camp Douglaa to the Spanish Fork, Utah
Ter., with action (4th) at the Spanish Fork Canon.
Report of Capl. George F. Price, Second California Cavalry, command-
ing expedition.
Camp Douglas, Utah Tbr., April 6, 1S63.
Lieutenant : I have the honor to report that pursuant to instruc-
tion received from Brigadier-General Connor, commanding District of
Utah, I left this camp at 1 a. m. of the 2d instant with Lieutenant Con-
rad and fifty one men of Company M, Second Cavalry California Vol-
unteers; crossed the Jordan River seven miles south of Great Salt Lake
City, and moved up the west side of the river, traveling until 8.30 a. m.,
when I arrived in Cedar Valley, thirty miles south of the camp.
Examined the valley thoroughly without discovering any fresh Indian
signs; arrived at Cedar Fort, in upper western portion of the valley,
at 11.15 a. m., where Lieutenant Ethier with twenty-six men of Com-
pany A, Second Cavalry California Volunteers, reported to me for duty
per verbal order of general commanding the district. With this force
proceeded to and arrived at Fort Crittenden at 12.15 p.m.; distance
traveled, forty-five miles; horses and men greatly fatigued. On the
following morning left Crittenden. Learning that the band of Indians
with whom Lieutenant Ethier had a skirmish near Cedar Fort on the
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202 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. (Chap. LXU.
iifteruoon of the 1st instant bad moved in a southeasterly direction from
Cedar Valley, I determined to pursue them. Besnming the march, the
command traveled to the head of Cedar Valley; from thence crossed
into Utah Valley, and arrived at the southeastern extremity of Lake
Utah at 10.30 a.m.; from thence proceeded to Goshen, the most south-
ern settlement of the valley, where I arrived at 2 p. m. ; compelled to
halt on account of forage; several of the horses almost unserviceable.
The surrounding country was thoroughly examined without discovering
any Indian sign; direct distance traveled, twenty-six miles. At sunset
I sent Sergeant Gordon with four men well armed on a scout into Juab
Valley. They traveled twenty miles south of Goshen, making a night
ride of forty miles, returning to camp at 4 a. m. of the 4th instant with-
out making any discoveries further than the fact that a body of Indians
were encami)ed on Salt Creek, still farther to the south of his ride some
forty miles. At 6 a. m. of the same day, being satisfied that I was south
and west of the Indians, started across the valley searching the hills
and bottoms surrounding Utah Lake. Arrived at the town of Spanish
Fork at 3 p. m., being everywhere assured that no Indians had been
seen for ten days. I had not been encamped three hours when two
Indians were discovered on the point of the hill, we on the southeast
portion of the town. A scouting party was immediately sent out, who
soon returned with intelligence that the Indians already mentioned had
entered Spanish Fork Caiion. At this time the sun was scarcely an
hour high, but I did not feel like losing even this small chance if there
were any Indians in the canon. "Boots and saddles" and ''to horse"
were immediately sounded, taking the men away from supper, and in
less than five minutes such was the eagerness of the men that the entire
detachment, excepting the guard (six), was in the saddle and en route
for the canon, four miles from the camp. Arriving there I found the
Indians in considerable force, numbering in sight between forty and
fifty, being posted on both sides of the caiion, a large stream of water
(Spanish Fork) separating us from the south side. Lieutenant Conrad
with fifteen men was ordered to make movement to the right and gain
the south side of the cation. Immediately after Lieutenant Ethier with
twenty-five men was ordered to move to the left and gain the north
bank of the canon, while the center, under my own command, moved
directly to thefiront, and as the center approached the mouth of the
canon within rifle-shot the Indians opened a brisk fire upon us, rather
annoying, but without accomplishing any injury. The flanking parties
having gained their position, a forward movement was made at the
same moment. The Indians retreated before us, until finally they broke
into a run under fire up the canon, the detachment following them
eagerly, but well under restraint. The Indians were driven until they
reached a point in the canon where it Avould have been extreme folly
and a useless sacrifice of life for us to follow. It being by this time
quite dark, and not having yet discovered the strength of the enemy
(the canon being a very bad one — in fact, I have rarely seen a better
one for a fight), the assembly was sounded and the detachments com-
menced returning to camp, being then about three-quarters of a mile
up the canon. During the march back, under cover of the night, the
Indians hovered on our rear, discharging their pieces at us. A lively
skirmish then ensued^ and various expedients were resorted to in
order to trap the Indians, but without avail. During this skirmish
the horses were never out of a walk unless when they were dashing
back upon the enemy. It is impossible for me to state the number
of Indians killed or wounded during this brief action and subsequently
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Chap. LXII.] EXPEDITION TO WILLIAMS' VALLEY, CAL. 203
driving them up tbe caiion. It is known positively, however, that 1
Indian and 1 iwny were killed, and several acted as though they were
wounded. The Indians fired the first shot. The flank movements
made by Lieutenants Conrad and Ethier were finely executed, and
reflect credit ujwn these young oflftcers, while the men behaved with
their usual gallantry. Pickets were thrown out during the night, but
without any result further than knovriug that tlie Indians did not leave
the caiion.
On the following morning (5th) a scouting party was sent in a<lvance
of tho detachments without discovering any Indians. Not desiring to
be caught in a trap, I ordered another flanking movement as on the
evening previous, and then proceeded up the caHon until we arrived at
the point gained on the previous evening without discovering any
signs. Then with a portion of the command moved up the canon three
miles from that point, it growing worse and more dangerous in its
character. Caught an Indian and killed him. Found several signs
which satisfied me that the enemy was in full retreat through the
canon, running for San Pete Valley. Shortly after killing the Indian
saw fires on the highest point on the north side entirely beyond our
reach. They flred a few random shots at us. As the canon is twenty-
five miles long, and gradually closes in until very narrow, presentingon
each side an almost impassable barrier of rocks, it was deemed proper
to give up the pursuit, as it could result in no good and might cost
life. Added to this the horses were severely jaded and the men about
out of rations. The appearance of this canon as seen by daylight fully
confirms the opinion formed of it the evening before. Having offered
them battle twice and driven them twice, it was useless to attempt
more. The assembly was sounded, and we left the canon witliout
molestation and proceeded to I'rovo, where we camped. Citizens after
the skirmish said there were 200 of the enemy, but I don't credit the
story, for we offered battle with only thirty men and gave every chance,
so that if there had been that number they would certainly have
accepted. It is doubtful whether the band will return into Utah Val-
ley for some time to come. At 2 a. m. of the (Jth instant left Provo
and returned to camp at 3 p. m. same day, reporting to Captain Black,
commanding post. The direct distance traveled, exclusive of scouts,
&c., was 165 miles, an average of thirty-three miles each day. Horses
and men are much fatigued. My ofQcers and men conducted themselves
fully in keeping with previous reputation.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
GEO. F. PRICE,
Captain, Second Cavalry California VoU., Contdg. Expedition.
Lieut T. S. Harkls,
Adjutant Second Cavalry California Volunteers.
AFEIL 7-11, 1863.— Expedition fh>m Fort Wright to Williams' VaUey,
CaL, with skirmish (9th) in Williams' Valley.
Report of Capt. Charles D. Douglas, Second California Infantry.
Poet Wright, Bound Valley, CaL, April 11, 1863.
Colonel: I have the honor to report that in consequence of the
murder of Mr. George Bowers, of Williams' Valley (four miles north of
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204 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. tCHAP.LXn.
Boinid Valley), by Indians, I left this post, 7tli instant, witli a detach-
ment of fifteen men in pursuit of the perpetrators of the murder. I
marched in the night into the mountain country they inhabit, so as to
conceal my movements from the ever- watchful enemy. Soon after day-
light on the morning of the 8th, my Indian guide found the trail, which
we followed as fast as the snow-storm, which was then raging, would
permit us to travel. About dark we captured a buck and one squaw,
who fell behind their party. Soon after their capture I camped
(under the shelter of large trees, having no tents), as the snow-storm
was so severe that traveling in the night in such a rugged and broken
country was found entirely impracticable. I left the camp at daybreak
the morning of the 9th, and about 9 a. m. we foond a small camp of
the Indians we were in pursuit of, who could not keep up with their
band. I endeavored to make them all prisoners, but conid not, as they
would not surrender, but fight. I therefore gave the order to fijre and
the entire party were killed, except two old squaws that gave them-
selves up. Six bucks were here killed, not one of the whole party getting
away. 1 then gave up the pursuit as my men had no rations to go any
farther. My men in the detachment carried three days' rations and
one blanket, and the three days' rations being exhausted and no means
for replacing them, I could not do otherwise than return to this post.
I have Indian scouts in the mountains hunting for the main camp of
those Indians who murdered Bowers, and when they find it they will
guide me to it. The squaws we captured are on the reservation.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
C. D. DOUGLAS,
Captain, Second Infantry California Volunteers, Comdg. Post.
Lieut. Col. B. C. Duum,
Ansistant Adjutant- General, Department of the Pacific.
APBH 11-20, 186S.— Expedition from Camp Douglas to the Spanish Fork
CailOD, Utah Ter., with skirmish (12th) at Pleasant Orove, and action (15th)
at Spanish Pork Caaon.
Report of Col. George «S. Evans, Second California Cavalry, commanding
expedition.
HBAJ)yUAETBKS DEPARTMENT OP THE PACIFIC,
San Francisco, May 4, 1863.
Brig. Gen. L. Thomas,
Adjutant- General U. 8. Army, Washington, D. C:
General : I have the honor to transmit herewith the report of CoK.
George S. Evans, Second Cavalry California Volunteers, of an expedi-
tion against Indians at Spanish Fork, Utah Ter. This adds another to-
the higlily commendatory and successful expeditions which have beea
sent out from Camp Douglas within the present year. I beg leave to-
ask your attention to the statements of Colonel Evans in relation to*
the conduct of the Mormons. It was only a continuation of their per-
fidious acts which commenced when our troops arrived in Utah. But
I trust tliat tlie day is fast approaching when retributive justice will
be meted out to these worse than open traitors to their country.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
G. WRIGHT,
Brigadier- Oenerfd, U. S. Artny, Commanding.
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COAP. LXM.] EXPEDITION TO SPANISH FORK CANON, UTAH TEB. 205
Camp Douglas, Utah Teb., April 17, 1863.
Sib : I have the honor to report that in pursuance of special instruc-
tions from General P. Edward Connor, commanding District of Utah,
I ordered Lieutenant Honeyman, of the Third California Volunteer
Infantry, with five gunners and one howitzer, with ammunition (cov-
ered up in an ambulance as a blind), to start from this post on the
morning of April 11 and proceed to the town of Pleasant Grove, situ-
ated in a southeasterly direction and distant forty miles from this
camp, and there await my coming or further orders. That on Sunday
evening, April 12, at 6 o'clock, in pursuance of the same instructions,
I started for the same town with forty-seven men of Company A, com-
manded by Second Lieut. A. Ethier, and forty-nine men of Company H,
Second California Volunteer Cavalry, commanded by First Lieut. C. D.
Clark and Second Lieut. James Bradley, for the purpose of making
that town the base of oi>erations against a band of hostile Indians,
the same who committed the late depredations upon the overland
stages between Salt Lake City and Buby Valley, and who were reported
to be in Spanish Fork Canon, thirty -Ave miles in a southerly direction
from Pleasant Grove; that I reached the town of Pleasant Grove at
3 a. m. April 13 and found that Lieutenant Honeyman had arrived
there on the previous morning, and had put his animals up in a corral
of one of the Mormon settlers to await my arrival or further orders;
that at 6 p. m. of the same day a band of some 100 Indians came rush-
ing down upon the town, and dismounting on the outskirts deployed
into the town- skulking behind adobe fences, hay-stacks, &c., until they
completely surrounded the building in which Lieutenant Honeyman
and his five men were, when they commenced firing upon him. The
lieutenant when he first discovered the approach of the Indians — they
being yet some miles from the house in which he was — immediately set
his men to work uncovering, getting out of the ambulance, and putting
together for action his howitzer, which being done he loaded with shell
with a eOO-yards fuse, and ran his piece up to the cross street, at the
end of which the Indians had dismounted, with the intention of using
it against them as they started into the town, but they deploying as
above stated rendered it imxrossible for him to use his gun to any
advantage, and finding that the Indians were surrounding him he very
prudently retired to the house where his ambulance and mules were.
By this time the Indians were within some thirty or forty yards of him,
and he, seeing that unless something was done promptly he and his little
party would be massacred, very wisely took possession of the house (a
small adobe) and prepared to defend himself as best he could. After
firing two shots from the house with the howitzer the walls of the
building became so much cracked that he was compelled to cease firing
for fear of the building falling. The Indians in the meantime from the
adobe wall-fence and hay-stacks in the vicinity were pouring an inces-
sant shower of balls into the house, which they kept up from about sun-
down until 8 o'clock at night, literally riddling the door and windows, but
fortunately without killing or wounding any one in the building, although
the stovepii)e, pans, plates, and almost everything in the house except
the men received a shot. At 8 o'clock the Indians ceased firing and
left the town, taking with them the provisions, blankets, «&c., of the
lieutenant and his five men, as also the Government animals that were
left alive, seven in number, five having been killed daring the engage-
ment. I enter into details in mentioning these seemingly unimportant
facts, not because I deem them of any importance in themselves, but
that they may be taken and considered in connection with the strange
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206 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Chap. LXIL
but stubborn fact that all this occurred in the town of Pleasant Grove
in the face and eyes of a population of several hundred people calling
themselves civilized and American citizens — God save the mark ! Bight
in the heart of a Mormon town, where there were perhaps not less than
100 or 150 whit© men (M/)rmons), in the broad daylight 75 or 100 sav-
ages attack and attempt to murder six American citizens and do carry
off mules, harness, and other Government property, and not a hand is
lifted to assist or protect them or to pi-event the stealing of the Govern-
ment property; but on the contrary they stand around the street cor-
ners and on top of their houses and hay stacks complacently looking
on, apparently well pleased at the prospect of six Gentiles (soldiers)
being murdered. They actually assisted the Indians in catching the
Government mules that had effected their escape from the corral, and
from their natural fear of the redskins were endeavoring to keep
beyond their reach. The foregoing facts speak for themselves. Com-
ment is unnecessary further than to say that Lieutenant Honeyman
believes and thinks that he has prima facie evidence of the fact upon
which to found his belief that the savages were informed by the Mor-
mons of his presence in the town with only five men, and, as they sup-
posed, a wagon load of provisions, bound for Fort Bridger, and that it
was a contrived and partnership arrangement between some of the
Mormons and the Indians to mnrder his little party, take the property,
and divide the siM>iIs.
In the morning (April 13) as soon as light I started oat scouts in dif-
ferent directions to find the course that the Indians had. taken, and at
the same time sent an express to the general commanding, notifying bim
what had occurred, and the position I was in as to transportation for
my howitzer and ammunition, as well as to the want of animals for the
gunners to ride, &c., and received that evening in reply notice from
the general that he had ordered Captain Price with his company to
join me, and that he had sent with them moles for the howitzer and
gunners in place of those stolen by the Indians. Captain Price arrived
with, bis company, numbering sixty men, about 11 o'clock at night,
bringing with him the animals for the howitzer, &c. lu the meantime
my scouts had returned with the information that they could get no
trace of the Indians, excepting that eight of them had passed through
the town of Provo, some ten miles to the south of Pleasant Grove with
the stolen animals, on their way and in the direction of Spanish Fork.
The Mormons, however, insisted npon it that the body of the Indians
had scattered, and by different routes, had concentrated in what is
known as Dry Canon, where they had a considerable encampment, and
their women and children, and as Lieutenant Honeyman seemed also
to think that the Indians who attacked him had come out of this Dry
CaQon, and as I could find no evidence of a large body of Indians
traveling farther south, I concluded to make a drive on Dry Caiionand
satisfy myself as to the fact whether they were there or not. I accord-
ingly started in the morning at 7 o'clock with the howitzer and
fifty men up what is known as Provo Canon, and sent Lieutenants
Clark and Bradley with the same number of men up Dry Cafion, the
two caiious connecting, or at least there being an outlet at the head of
Dry Caiion leading over and into Provo Canon. In this way with the
force in Provo Cafion I was certain to head and cut off the enemy
from retreat, provided he was, as represented, encamped in Dry Caiion.
I, however, found from actual examination after scouring every nook
and corner of the two caiions, over almost impassable ledges, the men
walking and leading their horses and climbing for six hours (and losing
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CHAP. LXn.] EXPEDITION TO SPANISH FORK CANON, UTAH TEK. 207
one horse which fell down a precipice, breaking his neck), that there
were no Indians in that section, nor Iiatl there been for weeks; that the
statements of the Mormons in regard to the Indians were premeditated
lies, gotten up for the purpose of misleading me, and giving the latter
time either to get away or prepare for battle. In coming ont of Prove
OaBon I went across some points of mountains to the southward,
discovering the Indian trail at last where they bad concentrated
and traveled in force toward the celebrated impregnable (so-called)
Spanish Fork. I immediately proceeded to and througli the town of
Prove, it being in the direction and the best road to Spanish Fork,
intending to pursue the enemy rapidly; but at this town, fifteen miles
from Spanish Fork, I received reliable information by means of a sol-
dier dressed as a citizen and passing himself off as a Mormon, that one
Potter, a Mormon, had gone into the cafiou to notify the Indians of my
approach, of the number of men 1 had, &c., and that there were other
Mormons watching around to give the Indians notice of my every move-
ment. Under the circumstances I found that it was necessary for me
to practice a little deception on the Mormons if I exjiected to accom-
plish anything in the way of catching and particularly of surprising
the Indians. So I encamped on the south side of the town of Prove,
far enough away from the town to be able to slip off in the night with-
out their knowledge, and giving out the impression that I should stay
all night and in the morning send sconts up to Spanish Fork to ascer-
tain whether the Indians were really there and what their number was,
&c.; and to completely allay any suspicions regarding my moving dur-
ing the night I made verbal arrangements and contracts to have hay
and grain delivered for the command in the morning, and in fact the
men themselves believed they were to remain until morning. But at
midnight I had them awakened noiselessly, without the sound of a
bugle note, saddled up and slipped off' with the intention of reaching
the mouth of the canon before daylight, and making my arrangemente
to advance up the canon as soon as it was light enough for the men to
see to walk and climb the mountains.
I reached the mouth of the canon just as day was breaking on the
15th of April; had my one wagon with provisions and the ambulance
driven up parallel to each other and thirty paces apart, and, taking the
lariat ropes off the horses' necks, tied them together, making a picket
rope, and stretched it from one vehicle to the other. I then dismounted
Captain Price's company (sixty men), and twenty men of Company H,
leaving Lieutenant Finnerty with twenty men to guard the eighty horses,
which were tied up to the picket rope; directed Captain Price to take
Lieutenant Weed and forty men across the river to deploy as flankers
and skirmishers on the south side of the caiion, and Lieutenant Clark
to take Lieutenant Bradley and forty men to deploy as flankers and skir-
mishers on the left, or north, side of the caiion, myself taking Lieuten-
ant Ethier, Adjutant Harris, and Lieutenant Peel, with about fifty men,
and Lieutenant Honeyman, with the howitzer and accompanying gun-
ners, up the center of the canon. By the time these preliminaries were
arranged it had- reached the hour of 4.30 a. m. and would have been
quite light but for the heavy rain that was falling. After moving up
in this order, my flankers having almost insurmountable mountain
spurs to cross that were running down into the S))anish Fork, neces-
sarily making their movements very slow, at 5 a. m., and after getting
into the canon about a mile, the enemy, from his chosen positions on
the right, left, and front, opened fire The howitzer having been run
up OQ the spur of a mountain. Lieutenant Honeyman, in chaige of it,
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208 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. (Chap. LXO.
conid easily see where the enemy's fire was the heaviest, and with
great coolness and skill be dropped his shell among them, the center in
the meantime moving steadily up until they came right onto the brink
of a deep side ravine in which the enemy had his main force, and opened
on him with the revolvers. This was too mach for him; he could not
stand such close quarters. When it came to meeting the cool but
piercing eye of the white men in deadly conflict, face to face, the red-
skins quaUed, and they began to give way. Then the " forward " and
"charge" were sounded and the fight became a running one, the
Indians taking advantage of every little outlet from the main canon,
as they retreated up it, to make their escape. At 11 a. m., after chas-
ing the enemy with cavalry fourteen miles up the caiion, scattering
him like quails, and finding that my horses were giving out, and know-
ing that I had a long road to retrace through a dangerous canon, I
ordered the '* recall " and " assembly " sounded.
The result of the expedition and battle is that although the Indians
were in possession and expecting us later in the day we surprised them
as to the time of our coming. We killed about 30 warriors, their chief
among the number, and wounded many more who made their escape
for the time, but who will undoubtedly die ; recaptured 3 [moles] and
1 horse, with saddles, bridles, &c., that had been stolen from Lieuten-
ant Honeyman, and 18 horses, saddles, bridles, quite a number of good
rifles, and other plunder of the Indians; losing on our side 1 killed —
Lieut. F. A. Peel, regimental quartermaster. Second California Volun-
teer Cavalry — and 2 Avounded — Regimental Quartermaster Sergeant
Brown and Sergeant Booth, of Company M, Second California Volun-
teer Cavalry. By the accompanying rough draft* of the canon, and
taking into consideration the fact that it is twenty-five miles long, you
will see that it is an exceedingly strong hold, and will not be surprised
at its being called by the Mormons and heretofore believed by the
Indians to be the impenetrable and impregnable caiion ; one such as
none but California troops could drive a superior or even an equal
number of Indians from. The enemy's force, from the best information
I can get, was about 200 warriors. To Lieutenant Honeyman, and his
coolness and skill in using his howitzer, is in a great measure due the
credit of the battle being won with so slight a loss on our side. As
for the Second Cavalry, both officers and men behaved as soldiers
should, and it would be unfair to make any invidious distinctions.
SnfQce it to say that they sustained their well-earned fame as the
"Fighting Second."
All of which is respectfully submitted.
GEO. S. EVANS,
Colonel Second California Vol. Cav., Commanding Expedition.
Lieut. W. L. UsTiCK,
Acting Assistant Adjutant- Oetieral, District of Utah.
APBIL 12-84, 1863.— Expedition from Camp Babbitt to Keysville, Cal.
Report of Capt. Moses A. McLaughlin, Second California Cavalry,
Camp Indepkndencb,
Owen^s River Valley, April 34, 1863.
Colonel : I have the honor to report that in obedience to instruc-
tions dated Camp Babbitt, near Visalia, Cal., April 10, 1863, and signed
* Not found.
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Ciup. LXn.) EXPEDITION TO KEY8VILLE, CAL. 209
Lieut. Col. William Jones, Second Cavalry California Volunteers, I left
Camp Babbitt on Sunday, the 12 th instant, in command of twenty- four
men of Company D and eighteen men of Company E, accompanied by
Lieutenants French and Daley, one 12-pounder howitzer, and four six-
mule Government teams, used for the transportation of rations, company
property, ammunition, and forage, all of which arrived in good condi-
tion at Camp Independence, Owen's Valley, on the 24th of the same
month. Distance traveled I suppose to be 250 or 275 miles. I had
been instructed by Colonel Jones to investigate the Indian troubles on
Kern River. On arriving at Keysville I was waited upon by several
of the residents of the place, who represented that there was a large
body of Indians encamped upon the North Fork of Kern Kiver; that
many of these Indians had doubtless been engaged in the war iind in
the depredations committed in Kern Biver Valley; that one man ha<l
been murdered in Kelsey Canon ; that Roberts and Waldron had lost
about 150 head of stock; that many other citizens had lost cattle,
horses, and other property; that the roads were unsafe, and finally,
that the Indians there congregated were for the most part strangers in
the valley, and were thought to be Tehachapie and Owen's River Indians,
who after seeing so many troops pass had endeavored to shield them-
selves from punishment by seeking the more immediate vicinity of the
white settlements. After having the above statements, and learning
that Jos6 Chico was in the neighborhood, I sent for him and two other
chiefs who were known to have been friendly. Jos6 Chico is an Owen's
River Indian, but resides on Kern River, where he cultivates a farm.
He speaks but little English. In Spanish he, however, makes him-
self well understood. From him I learned that the Tehachapies had
endeavored to have him go to the war with them; Ihat many of his
own Indians had gone; that some had returned and were now in the
valley, sleeping in the camps at night and hiding in the daytime; that
there were many Indians there whom he did not know, either Owen's or
Tehachapies. i told him to remain in camp with me and dismissed the
others. I informed Doctor George, Mr. Herman, and others, citizens,
that I would visit the camps early in the morning, and that they might
accompany me and vouch for such Indians as they might know.
Accordingly at 2 a. m. on the 19th, accompanied by a detail of twenty
men of my command and Lieutenant Daley, with Jos6 Chico as guide,
I left camp, and at dawn surrounded the camp of the Indians, which
was situated about ten miles from Keysville, upon the right bank of Kern
River. I had the bucks collected together, si nd informed Jose Chico and
the citizens who had arrived that they might choose out those whom
they knew to have been friendly. This was soon done. The boys
and old men I sent back to their camps, and the others, to the number
of thirty-five, for whom no one could vouch, were either shot or sabered.
Their only chance for life being their fleetness, but none escaped,
though many of them fought well with knives, sticks, stones, and clubs.
This extreme punishment, though I regret it, was necessary, and 1 feel
certain that afew such examples will soon crush the Indians and finish
the war in this and a4Jacent valleys. It is now a well-established fact
that no treaty can be entered into with these Indians. They care noth-
ing for pledges given, and have imagined that they could live better by
war than peace. They will soon learn that they have been mistaken,
as with the forces here they will soon either be killed off, or pushed so
far in the surrounding deserts that they will perish by famine. A
Tejon prisoner says the Tejon and Tehachapie Indians (those for whom
the Government has done so much) have been engaged in both these
14 B B — VOL L, PT I
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210 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. fCHXP. LXIL
ware, and as soon as they are tired return to the reservation. The
Indian agents should be notified of this fact. If I have to send down
there I will leave them very little to do, and save the Government some
treasure. The route from Yisalia by way of Walker's Pass is far pref-
erable to the Los Angeles route, as upon the former there is wood,
water, and grass at easy marches. Forage can be purchased in Tulare
Valley and forwarded to Keysville, from which point the Government
teams can bring it to Gamp Independence, having water and grass at
intervals upon tlie road, of not more than fifteen or twenty miles, while
upon the Los Angeles road from Tehachapie Canon by Walker's Pixss,
a distance of over fifty miles, there is not a blade of grass and the
water unfit to be used.
I have the honor to be, verj- respectfully, your obedient Kervant,
M. A. McLaughlin,
Capt., Second Car. California Vols., Oomdff. Camp Independence.
Col. R. C. Drum.
Assistant Adjutant-Ocneral, San Francisco, Gal.
APBIL 24-MA7 26, 1863. — Operations in Owen's Siver and adjacent val-
leys, Cal.
Report of Capt. Moses A. McLaughlin, Second California Caralry.
Camp Independence,
Owen^s River Valley, May 26, 18(>3.
Colonel: In conjunction with the accompanying report, dated May
26, 1863, I would most respectfully beg leave to make the following
statement in relation to the operations against the Indians in this and
the adjacent valleys since April 24, 1863 : My almost continued absence
in the mountains and the uncertainty of a speedy termination of the
difficulties have rendered it heretofore very unsafe to make any state
ments which could bo relied upon. I hope, therefore, colonel, that this
will be a partial excuse for the brief and unsatisfactory reports that I
have been very unwillingly obliged to forward to your office. On my
arrival at Camp Independence April 24, 1863, I found that the Indians
were following the same mode of warfare which they had ado])t«d
against Colonel Evans in 1862 — that of drawing the troops into deep
canons and ravines, up the sides of precipitous mountains, where,
hidden behind the rocks, they could with safety use their arms against
the exhausted soldiers as they endeavored to follow them. In almost
every skirmish the Indians were thus enabled to kill or wound some of
the men. I abandoned this course and directed the troops to be con-
ducted during the night up the mountains, where they were easiest of
ascent, and where the Indians were not thought to be, and as soon as
daylight would permit, to search for Indians in the ravines and caiions
as they descended to the base of the mountains, where mounted parties
were stationed to cut them oflF should they be forced into the valley.
This plan did not suit the Indians, and consequently they abandoned
range after range, spring after spring, so closely followed by the troops
that they were obliged to throw away even their water Jars and seek
refuge in the deserts near Death Valley, where they were forced to
subsist upon cactus and carry water at least a day's march. In the
meantime scouting parties were employed in searching for any smaller
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Chap. LXII.) OPEEATION8 IN OWEN's RIVER VALLEY. 211
bands who migbt have remained behind hidden in the tale swamps
along the river, and scarcely a day passed without two or three of them
being found and killed, and everything destroyed that could be of any
use to the living. I had instructed the troops, however, that it was of
the utmost importance that prisoners should be taken, not only women
but men, as I felt confident that their love of life would prompt them
to furnish important information as to the whereabouts of the other
Indians, their numbers, &c., and that possibly they could be used as
guides.
About the 14th of May several Indians who had remained hidden
near the river were captured by Captain Noble's men, and finding that
they would not be harmed, but that, on the contrary, they would receive
food and clothing, and being informed through the interpreter that we
came to make peace, not war, they were prevailed upon to conduct the
troops to where they supposed a large party belonging to Joaquin Jim
was encamped and where they could be surrounded. From these
Indians I learned that Captain George was near Death Valley, but the
exact place they did not know. I furnished them with four passes and
white flags, explained to them their nature, allowing them fifteen days
from the 16th of May to find Captain George and the other Indians and
bring them into camp; informed them that after that time if they had
not delivered themselves up that no more prisoners would be taken,
neither men, women, nor (ihildren; that the land which had been set
apart for their use would be given away, and that a price would be set
upon their heads. I also reminded them of the fate of the Tehachapie
and Kern Eiver Indians. On the part of the Government I made lib-
eral promises, as it had everything to gain by their submission and
nothing to lose if they did not submit. The four runners referred to I
had detained in camp until such time as I might be able to reach Captain
Jim's camp. Accompanied by Captain Noble, Lieutenant Denny, and
a detail of eighty men from Companies E and L, and three Indians, I
left Bishop's Creek (fifty miles above Camp Independence), but owing to
the darkness of the night, the difiiculties of the trail, and the ignorance
of the Indians as to distance, the command did not reach the Indian
camp until an hour after sunrise on the 16th. The most intimate
knowledge of the locality, aided by the darkness of the night, could
only have promised success, as the camp was so situated that it com-
manded a view of all approaches. The Indians were, however, obliged
to abandon everything, even their sick and lame, and seek refuge in
the mountains, where it would have been dangerous to have followed
them with men already exhausted by a ride of over forty miles during
a piercing cold night. The huts, baskets, and other property were
destroyed; the helpless left unmolested. The detachment remained
out four days, returning by way of Adobe Meadows and Hot Springs
Vtdley. At Big Pine Creek (Captain Noble's camp) on the 19th of May
I issued an order suspending hostilities until further orders and sent
ont more Indian messengers.
On the 21st an Indian was brought into camp who came to announce
that Captain George was on his way and would be in camp in two days.
In order to learn the truth of the statement, and if true to protect
Captain George from the fury of the citizens should they chance to
meet him, I sent Sergt. Daniel McLaughlin and Blacksmith Larcom
with the guide to find him and conduct him into camp, and on the
evening of the 22d I had the pleasure of seeing them return with the
much feared Indian chieftain. Captain George remained all night and
went back next day and brought in his people, who appeared to have
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212 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Chap. LXn.
suifered severely from Lunger and thirst. He informed me that many
of the women and children had died for want of water. Messengers
are oat gathering in the scattered bands, and I think there are now
here about 300. The number will be increased to about 1,000 by the
arrival of the Goso, Joaquin Jim, Captain Dick, Tenimaha, and other
chiefs. I have before had the honor of stating to you that these Indians
had no idea of the importance or obligations of a treaty, only so far as
Indian agents fulfill their promises, and as has already happened, a
month's delay in the arrival of the expected gifts would be sufficient
to plunge this valley into another war. Mr. Wentworth, Indian agent
for this district, has been most undoubtedly the cause of the present
difficulties, and from representations made to me he has been shame-
fully negligent of his duties; added to this his ignorance of Indian
character, who expect more than promised, never less. Mr. Wentworth
promised everything, gave nothing, and the results have been the
destruction of life and property of settlers in the valley, besides an
immense outlay to the Government. Undoubtedly many of the Indians
deserve the severest punishment, yet it would be very difficult to dis-
tinguish between the innocent and guilty. I would therefore recom-
mend that they be removed to Nome Lackie, or some other Government
reserve where they would be prevented from future outbreaks, or that
a military commission be appointed to try and punish those found
guilty, which would, I think, result in the putting to death of nearly
every male Indian over twelve years of age. If their lives can be
spared with safety to the valley I would respectfully recommend it, but
fear that next year would only see a repetition of present difficulties.
In conclusion I would jnost respectfully beg leave to recommend to
your kind notice the officers and men < f this command. True, they
have not fought great battles — there were none to fight — but the mid-
night marches over untrodden mountains, mounted, but more frequently
dismounted; the sufierlngs from hunger, thirst, heat and cold, endured
without a murmur; added to these the frequent disappointment of find-
ing the enemy gone, without being discouraged, are qualities which
will I hope meet with the approbation of those who recx>gnize and
esteem true courage. Every order given has been obeyed, no matter
what the amount of labor or hardships entailed ; no discussing of reasons
why or wherefore. By their implicit obedience and unremitting toil by
day or night, in less than twenty days from the date of assuming com-
mand I have the honor to report to you tlie Indians subdued and suing
for peace, and a force of 250 well-disciplined and brave men only too
anxious to find a more worthy field wherein to serve their country.
Doctor George, from his knowledge of the country and experience in
Indian fighting, has rendered signal service, and deserves many thanks,
if not more siibstantial proofs of appreciation. Lieut. George D. French
deserves particular notice, as I have learned from the Indians that instead
of killing one Indian as reported he and his detail of seven men killed
four. Jos^ Chico, the interpreter, has rendered most important services,
as through him alone I have been able to communicate with the Indians.
I have the honor to be, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient
servant,
M. A. Mclaughlin,
Captain, Second Cavalry California Volunteers, Commanding,
Col. R. C. Drum,
Anaistant Adjutant- General, U, 8. Army, San Francisco.
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CBiiP.I.xU.] 8KIBMISH NEAR FORT BOWIE, ARIZ. TER. 213
[locloaure.]
Camp Independence,
Owen's River Valley, May 36, 1863.
Col, R. C. Drttm, TJ. S. Army,
Assistant Adjutant- Oeneral, San Francisco, Cal,:
Colonel : I have the honor to rei>ort that the Indian chiefs To-sah-
o-i-do-bah (Captain George), See-ah-ko-see, To-chu-ten air-np, and their
Indians are now at this camp, subject to your order. Bespectfally
referred to accompanying stat«ment.
I have the honor to be, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient
servant,
M. A. Mclaughlin,
Captain, Second Cavalry California Volunteers, Commanding.
[IndoTsement.)
Headqtjabtebs Depaetment op the Pacific,
June 5, 1863.
EespectfuUy referred to Mr. Wentworth, superintendent for southern
Indians, for his* information. The department commander desires Mr.
Wentworth to take charge of and locate the within-named Indians, the
troops giving the necessary assistance. Please return.
R. C. DRUM,
Assistant Adjutant- Oeneral.
APBH 25, 1863.— Skirmish near Fort Bowie, Aiiz. Ter.
Report of Capt. Benjamin F. Harrover, Fifth California Infantry.
Headquarters,
Fort Bowie, Ariz. Ter., April 26, 1863.
General: I have the honor to give you the following account of an
affair with the Apache Indians : About 8 o'clock yesterday morning the
Indians were reported in large numbers approaching the fort from the
north. I immediately started out with twenty men of my own com-
pany and five cavalry, accompanied by Asst. Surg. Edward L. Watson,
First Infantry California V^olunteers, and Lieut. John D. Slocnm, Fifth
Infantry California Volunteers, Lieutenant Qualey being left in com-
mand of the post. On reaching the spring north of the post the Indians
were discovered within range, and I ordered my men to fire. The
Indians commenced to retreat, but returned our fire. A running fight
was kept up for about three hours, during which time I had driven them
about four miles. I believe that they lost several in killed and woundeti,
as I saw several fall. I had one of my company shot through the
shoulder, severe, but not dangerous, and one of the cavalry horses was
wounded in the breast. The Indians had many guns of large caliber,
also several rifle muskets.
I remain, sir, respectfully, your obedient servant,
B. F. HARROVER,
Captain, Fifth Infantry California Volunteers, Commanding.
Brig. Gen. J. R. West,
Headquarters District of Arizona, Hart's Mill, Tex.
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214 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. ICbap. Lxn.
MAT 4-OCTOBEB 26, 1863.— Expedition to the Snake Indian Conntry,
Idaho Ter.
RKPOBTS.*
No. 1. — Brig. Oen. Benjamin Alrord, U. S. Army, commanding District of Oregon.
No. 2. — Col. Keul>eu F. Maory, First Oregon Cavalry, commanding expedition.
No. 1.
Report of Brig, Oen. Benjamin Alvord, U. 8. Army, commanding Digtriet
of Oregon.
Hbadquabters District op Oregon,
Fort Vancouver, Wash. Ter., September 1, 18S3.
Colonel : I have the honor to send you, hereto annexed, copies of
reports dated 24th of July, 3d and 8th of August, received from Col. R. F.
Maury, First Oregon Cavalry, commanding expedition against Snake
Indians and upon the emigrant road. There seems every likelihood
that he met Captain Crawford with the emigrant escort trom Omaha,
Nebr., on the 20th instant with the head of the emigration at the cross-
ing above Fort Hall. I promised Captain Crawford to endeavor to
thus arrange the movements of Colonel Manry, as see my plan set forth
in my letter to you of the 10th of February last. Colonel Maury's dis-
patch of the 24th of July from Camp No. 25, Bois^ River, Idaho Ter,,
is as follows:
I have the honor to report that having been supplied last evening by Capt. W. B.
Hughes, assistant qnartennaster, with the necessary outfit, my command this morn-
ing resumed the march. The animals of the expedition are' not in as grood plight
as when we arrived at Bois^ River, but I shall endeavor to be at the crossing beyond
Fort Hall between the 15th and 20th proximo.
Colonel Maury's dispatch of the 3d of August from Camp No. 33,
Camas Prairie, is as follows. f
Colonel Maury's dispatch of the 8th of August, from Camp No. 33,
Camas Prairie, is as follows. %
I am, very respectfally, your obedient servant,
BENJ. ALVORD,
Brigadier- Oeneral, U. S. Volunteers, Commanding District.
Assistant ADjuTANT-GENtRAL,
Hdqrs. Department of the Pacific, San Francisco, Cal.
No. 2.
Reports of Col. Reuben F. Maury, First Oregon Cavalry, commanding
expedition.
Headquarters First Oregon Cavalry,
Camp on Dry Creek, May 4, 1863.
Sir : I have the honor to report that I left Fort Walla Walla, Wash.
Ter., this morning with Companies A, D, and E, of the First Oregon
Cavalry, consisting of 7 officers and 212 enlisted men, en route for Fort
Lapwai.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
R. F. MAURT,
Colonel, Commanding.
Acting Assistant Adjutant-General,
Fort Vaneourer, Wash. Ter.
* See also Alvords report of October 0, Itm, p. 1.56. t See p. 217. } See p. 218.
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Ohap.lXIM expedition to snake INDUN COUNTEY. 215
IlKADQUABTEBS FlEST CAVAJLEY OEEGON VoLUNTKBKS,
Camp No. 1, Left ForJc, Laptcai, June 15, 1863.
SiB: I have the honor to report that my command, consisting of
Companies A, D, and B, First Cavalry Oregon Volunteers, marched
from Fort Lapwai this morning, and are now encamped at this place.
I transmit herewith consolidated report of the strength of my command.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
R. F. MAURY,
Colonel, Commanding.
Acting Assistant Adjutant-Genebax,
Headquarters District of Oregon, Fort Vancouver, Wash. Ter,
Hdqes. First Cavalry Obeoon Volunteers,
Camp No. 6, White River Crossing of Salmon River, Idaho Ter.,
June 30, 1863.
SiB: I have the honor to report that my command arrived here
to-day in good condition. I will cross Salmon River to-morrow. I
have determined to proceed by the roate up Little Salmon. The route
thus far lius been very good, and grass and water for animals abundant.
No casualties. The health of the command is excellent and the troops
in fine spirits.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
R. F. MAURY,
Colonel, Commanding Expedition against Snake Indians,
Acting Assistant Ad.iutant-General,
Headquarters District of Oregon, Fort Vancouver, Wa^h. Ter.
Headquarters First Cavalry Oregon Voujnteers,
Catnp No. 11, on Little Salmon River, June 25, 1863.
Sir : I have the honor to report that my command arrived at above-
named camp this day in good health and condition. The road thus far
has been very good for a mountain road, with an abundance of wood,
water, and grass, and with the exception of one or two places is per-
haps as good a trail as could be expected in so broken and mountainous
a country. Unfortunately two mules were precipitated down the side
of the moantain today and killed. Their cargoes were saved. No
other casualties have occurred. The distance to this point from Fort
Lapwai is something over 100 miles, and the general course about south,
or perhaps a trifle east of south. We are supposed to be about 145
miles from Bannock City or Placerville.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
R. F. MAURY,
Colonel, Commanding,
Acting Assistant Adjutant-General,
Headquarters District of Oregon, Fort Vancouver, Wash, Ter,
Headquarters First Cavalrt Oregon Volunteers,
Camp Independence, in Payette Valley, Idaho Ter., July 4, 1863.
Sir: I have the honor to report that I arrived at this point with my
command this day in lair condition, being the twentieth day out from
Fort Lapwai, and distance traveled, according to our calculation, 201
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216 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. (Chap. LXU.
miles. We are do v distant from Placerville about twenty-five miles in
a northwest direction, Laving made a detour to the westward from tbe
main trail by passing down the west side of Payette Valley until we
reach the ferry Across main Payette River, crossing at or near that
point. I made this change of route from my original intention in order
to avoid the mountain dividing the Payette and Bois^ Rivers, which at
this point is represented to me as being in a very bad condition, and
the grass and water very scarce. I expect to reach Bois^ Eiver in four
or five days, but at what particular point cannot now precisely state.
Have as yet met with no Indians, nor any evidence of their proximity.
The health of tbe command continues good, and the animals in as good
condition generally as when we left Lapwai. For a more full report of
the command I have the honor to refer you to the accompanying field
return for the last ten days of June, which is without alteration this
date.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
R. F. MAURY,
Colonel, Commanding.
Acting Assistant Adjutant-General,
Headquarters District of Oregon^ Fort Vancotiver, Wash. Ter.
Headqttabtebs First Cavalry Oregon Volunteers,
Camp No. 23, on BoiaS River, Idaho Ter., July 8, 1863,
Sir : I have the honor to report the arrival of my command at this
place to-day, having marched 250 miles, estimated, from Fort Lapwai.
This distance might have been reduced to 225 miles, and rafting Pay-
ette River, opposite Bonny Valley, obviated, by continuing down the
west bank of Lake or Middle Fork from the point where the trail first
crosses it, six miles southwest of Fish Lake. The health of my com-
mand continues good, and the animals are in as good condition as could
be exi)ected.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
R. F. MAURY,
Colonel, Commanding.
Acting Assistant Adjutant-General,
Headquarters District of Oregon, Fort Vancouver, Wash. Ter.
ITdqrs. Expedition against the Snake Indians,
Camp No. 24, on BoisS River, Idaho Ter., July 13, 1863.
Sir : I have been joined by Companies H and I, First Washington
Territory Infantry, the strength of which you will see from the returns,
and am now waiting for the necessary outfit, the supplies not having
as yet arrived. In consequence of the scarcity and difficulty of pro-
curing the means of transportation, I have determined to establish a
depot at some eligible point between this and Fort Hall, from which I
can send back a portion of our train for such additional sui)plie8 as
I may require. The health of the command is as yet good, but I fear
the consequence of much delay in camp, both upou its health and
morale. Emigrants (two parties) from Missouri arrived yesterday.
They report having seen Indians on Camas Prairie and beyond, though
making no demonstration of hostilities. They also say that General
Connor has been disappointed in his arrangements with the Indians;
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CHAP. LXn.] EXPEDITION TO SNAKE INDIAN COUNTRY. 217
that one train had already been attacked some forty miles beyond Fort
Hall. It will take me but few days to move after receiving the neces-
sary supplies from Captain Hughes, which I have reason to think will
be very soon, as his train has been heard from at Snake liiver, some
forty miles distant.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
R. F. MAURY,
Colonel First Cavalry Oregon Volunteers, Commanding.
Acting Assistant Adjutant-General,
Headquarters District of Oregon, Fort Vancouver, Wash. Ter.
Hdqrs. Expedition against the Snake Indians,
Camp No. 21, on BoisS River, Idaho Ter., July 16, 1863.
Sir: I have to report that my command is still lying here awaiting
the arrival of supplies and means of transportation. Alkali in consid-
erable quantities exists in this vicinity, which with the scarcity of good
grass has affected onr animals unfavorably. Inclosed please find con-
solidated morning report of my command for this day.
I have the honor to remain, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
R. F. MAURY,
Colonel First Cavalry Oregon Volunteers, Commanding.
Acting Assistant Adjutant-General-,
Headquarters District of Oregon, Fort Vancouver, Wash. Ter.
Hdqes. Expedition against the Snake Indians,
Camp No. 33, on Camas Prairie, August 3, 1863.
Sir : I have the honor to report the arrival of my entire command in
this valley on the 1st instant. I arrived myself with 100 cavalry on
the night of the 30th ultimo, leaving the remainder of the cavalry and
the infantry^ under command of Major Rinearson, to bring up the sup-
ply train. On the march from Fort Boise hither and since my arrival
here I have kept scouting ])arties out on each side of the route, north
and southward, in search of Indians, but thus far have been unable to
find any evidence of their presence in the vicinity of the road later
than two or three weeks ago. Two detachments are out at present
with three days' supplies, one toward Snake River and one toward the
source of Salmon and Boise Rivers. From the information received
from emigrants and others recently over the route from Fort Hall to
this place, I am led to believe that the principal number of the Indians
who were here iu the early spring are now in the vicinity of Fort Hall,
for the ostensible purpose of making a treaty with General Connor.
Tliose perhaps who are more hostile are near Salmon Falls, or on the
south side of Snake River. This is an extensive and fertile valley. It
is thirty miles in length and from six to eight miles in width, and is
watered by many fine streams that take their rise in the mountain
range dividing the waters of Salmon and Bois^ Rivers from those of
Malade River, and crossing the valley at intervals of from two to four
miles run southward into Malade River, which flows at the south side
of the valley and in an easterly diiection . The growth of grass through-
oat tiie entire valley is luxuriant, and the mountains on either side
afford pine timber in large tracts or s])ots, not more than five miles
distant from the margin of the valley. I shall leave M^or Rinearson
with the two infantry companies and a part of the cavalry at or near
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218 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. (Chap. LXIt
this place, and send sixty or seventy males back to Fort Bois4 for
additional supplies, whilst I shall proceed myself, with cavalry only,
to Fort Hall. The health of my command is good and the animals are
in fair condition.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
S. F. MAURY,
Colonel First Cavalry Oregon Volunteers, Commanding.
Acting Assistant Adjutant-General,
Headquarters District of Oregon, Fort Vancouver, Wash, Ter.
Hdqrs. Expedition against the Snake Indians,
Camp No. 33, Camas Prairie, Idaho Ter., August 8, 1863.
Sir : I have the honor to report that the detachments of which men-
tion was made in my last have all returned. Captain Currey with his
detachment of twenty men returned last evening, having been five
days out, and having made the entire circuit of Malade liiver to Salmon
Falls. Finding fresh signs of Indians passing from this valley toward
Snake Itiver, he followed their trail, crossing Malade several times
until be arrived in the vicinity of the falls, when he came upon a camp
of seventeen lodges, which he immediately surrounded, but the Indians
appeared defenseless, and made such demonstrations of friendship that
he could not, with any regard for humanity, assault them. Accord-
ingly he made captives of two leaders of their number and brought
them with him to this camp. He found in all about 200 Indians in the
vicinity of the falls engaged in fishing. They were apparently destitute,
having little or no stock. Salmon Falls are almost due south and about
sixty miles from here by the nearest route. Malade empties into Snake
Eiver about twelve miles below them. I have interrogated the Indians
brought in by Captain Currey without being able to ascertain from
them any clue to the whereabouts of any captive whites or the animals
stolen by their tribe. They say, "The Dad Indians are all gone to the
buffalo country." I shall release them to-day. I shall move from here
to-morrow or next day. It is supposed to be 130 to 140 miles from
here to Fort Hall.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
R. F. MAURY,
Colonel First Cavalry Oregon Volunteers, Commanding.
Acting Assistant Ad jdt ant-General,
Headquarters District of Oregon, Fort Vancouver, Wash. Ter.
Hdqrs. Expedition against the Snake Indians,
Gamp No. 33, Camas Prairie, Idaho Ter., August 8, 1863.
General : The scouting parties sent out on my arrival in this valley
have returned. The one (Captain Currey's) going to Salmon Falls
found a few families at that point, mostly without arms or property of
any kind and professing great friendship. A ferry has been established
there. The owners live there unmolested, and represent the Indians in
the vicinity as jjerfectly harmless. They are poor and depend upon fish
for a living. If nothing occurs to prevent, I will cross the river at the
falls on my return and give the streams entering on the south of Snake
River a thorough search; perhaps, if time and circumstances permit,
visit the headwaters of Owyhee and Malheur, meeting my supplies for
the return to WaUa Walla at Malheur River. The Indians at the falls,
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CBAP. LXII.] EXPEDITION TO SNARE INDIAN COUNTRT. 219
two of whom Captain Carrey bioaght in with him, Bay that most all the
Indians — all who were able — ^have gone east to the buffalo grounds.
Very little dei>endence can be placed npon their representations. They
say they know nothing of any treaty with General Connor. It is to be
regretted very much, taking into consideration the present necessities,
as well as fiitare prospects, of the Government and these Indians, that
the military post had not been established in this valley. I look upon
it as a misfortnne. With a permanent military establishment in this
vicinity, no difficulty would be exx)erienced in collecting and controlling
them. I will leave the infantry and snflBcient cavalry for scouting pur-
poses in this valley under command of Major Kiuearson. I expect to
retnm by the 10th of September, and will be governed by circumstances
in future movements, of which I will keep yon advised. It is doubtful
whether we find any party of hostile Indians. I am inclined to the
opinion the immigration to Idaho, Oregon, and Washington, with excep-
tion of that to Beaver Head, will be very small. It is time that a large
portion of it- had reacbedthis point, yet very few, not over 100 wagons,
have made their ap[)earance. Notwithstanding that this season was
much earlier than last, the immigration consist.s mostly of families in
good health and well supplied. This valley is large enough for a ]>opu-
lous county, covered with nutritions grass and well watered, and
unquestionably with the atlvanee of mineral discoveries will be thickly
settled. Timber of goo<l quality, though not very abundant, at con-
venient distance on the mountains. The health of the command is
excellent, and the animals of the expedition first rate. With the latter
we have had no trouble and met with no losses.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
R. F. MA PET,
Colonel Jf'irst Cavalry Oregon Volunteers, Commanding Expedition.
General Benjamin Alvohd,
Fort Vancouver, Wash, Ter.
Hkadqitabtebs Expedition against Snake Indians,
Camp No. 39, on Lost River, Idaho Ter., August 15, 1863.
Sib : I have the honor to transmit herewith copy of a letter this day
received from Governor Doty, of Utah Territory. My command will
be at the ferry above Fort liall day after to-morrow. The distance
from here is said to be fifty-two mUes, forty of which is entirely desti-
tute of water, I have received no tidings of Captain Crawford's
command.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
R. F. MAURY,
Colonel First Cavalry Oregon Volunteers, Commanding.
Acting Assistant Adjutant-General,
Headquarters District of Oregon, Fort Vancouver, Wash. Ter.
[Inoluenre.]
Box Eldeb, Utah Teb., July 30, 1863.
Officer Comdg. the Teoops op the United States
AT FOBT Bois6 AND IN THE SnAKE RiVEB COUNTBY:
A treaty of jieace was this day concluded at tliis place by General
Connor and myself with the bands of the Shoshones, of which Poca-
tello, San Pitch, and Sagwich are the principal chiefs. This informa-
tion is given that these Shoshones may not be injured when met by the
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220 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. IChap. LXII.
troops, if they are at the time behaving themselves well. A treaty of
peace has also been entered into at Fort Bridger with other bands of
the Shoshones, and it is understood that all of that nation are at peace
with the United States and are under a pledge to remain friendly.
JAMBS DUANE DOTYj
Commander and Governor of Utah lerrttory.
Hdqbs. Expedition against the Snake Indians,
Gamp No. 42, Near Fort Rail, Idaho Ter., August 24, 1863.
General : I have the honor to inform you that my command arrived
at this camp in good health and condition on the 18th instant, having
marched a distance of 170 miles from our depot in Camas Prairie,
which we left on the 9th instant. Our present camp is on the Port
Nenf River, about four miles from Fort Hall and about eighteen miles
below the ferry across Snake River, at the month of Blaokfoot Creek.
After leaving Camas Prairie and the adjacent valleys, many of which
are of good size and present every appearance of fertility, there is no
country offering any inducement for settlement or affording supplies
of any kind for the Indians, the streams all sinking at the line of an
immense lava field, which approaches the base of the mountains so
closely in many places for miles that there is barely a passage for
wagons. Water and grass, however, is sufiBcient, with exception of about
sixty miles at tbis end of the march. The road is generally level and
good, with exception of having occasionally to pass over points of the
lava fields. I arrived at and crossed Snake River on the 17th, when I
met Captain Crawford, of the overland escort, both reaching the ferry
in the same hour. He had left his camp on Ross Fork, where the
routes for the north and south sides of Snake River separate, and was
undetermined as to which he would take. After consultation he con-
cluded, on account of the forty-mile drive on the north side, and the
report that one train of forty wagons had preceded him on the south
side, to follow the latter route. He reports that there has been no
difficulty or trouble of any nature with the emigration this season up
to this point. There has been none from this west. He thinks he has
the rear of the emigration, consisting of seventy or eighty wagons,
with him, having telegraplied from the last station to the rear some 200
miles, and getting information that none had passed that point since
his party, and that none had been heard of in rear of that. With the
exception of his party, and an occasional team transporting goods or
produce from Salt Lake to Bannock City, in the Beaver Head country,
none have passed onr camp or been heard of. Captain Crawford and
party were in good health and generally well supplied, and stock in
good condition. The emigrants have had good teams and are well
supplied, though the emigration, as compared with that of last season,
is very small. About 250 wagons have passed over the route on the
north side of the river, and probably 110, including Captain Crawford's
party, on the south side. I will wait in this camp some days yet, when
I wUl return to Camas Prairie; from thence, as indicated heretofore, I
will cross the river with the cavalry at or near Salmon Falls and visit
the headwaters of the streams entering from the south, meeting my
supplies for return to Walla Walla at Owyhee or Malheur, the infantry
returning by the same route we came to Fort Bois^. At the falls and
on these streams I am in hopes I may be able to satisfy the desire of
my command and the ends of justice by inflicting punishment upon
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CBAF.LXn.) EXPEDITION TO SNAKE INDIAN COUNTET. 221
sucli Indians aa have not been embraced in the treaties made by Gen-
eral Connor and Governor Doty. Our relations with all the Indians in
this section are explained by the letter of Governor Doty, copy ot
which was transmitted heretofore, and the copy of one received from
General Connor on my arrival at the ferry near my present camp,
which goes forward by this express. The only Indians I have found
are those alluded to by the latter, who appear very friendly and say
that General Connor has promised to visit and treat with them. A
good many of the leading men of the tribes treated with, now living
forther east, have visited my camp, generally having letters of recom-
mendation from Governor Doty. I have no doubt that from the rapid
snccession of settlements in and bordering upon all the country of
which they have been heretofore almost the sole occupants, their desire
for peace and disposition to behave themselves is sincere, but all expe-
rience shows that unless collected and settled in some named district,
and some control exercised over them, robberies, &c., will be of annual
recurrence. Small parties of our people, and, no doubt, sometimes
aggravations and aggressions by these parties traveling in every direc-
tion, searching every stream and mountain for gold, offer temptations,
sharpened by the curtailment of hunting and fishing privileges (which
our settlements naturally cause), which are not easy to be resisted.
The south side of Camas Prairie would afford an excellent settlement
for them. Camas abounds [with] an abundance of small fish in the
streams, plenty of grass, and being adjacent to Snake Biver, affords
opportunities of fishing below the great falls, above which salmon
cannot pass. This would not interfere with settlements on the north
side, which embraces the largest extent of good lands. All the Indians
living northwest of Salt Lake visit the grounds in the spring and
summer, putting up their winter supply of camas, and after the root
season is over, resort to the falls and other points on the Snake to put
up fish. All that were in the valley were collected by messengers east
of Fort Hall three or four weeks in advance of our arrival. Necessity
will beyond doubt compel them to keep up their visits to the camas
grounds, and there is good reason to believe that, if permitted, the usual
thefts and outrages would be the consequence, unless settled in the
presence of some controlling power. The effect of failure to commit
the nsual robberies is easily detected among those here by the destitu-
tion of which they complain, and scarcity of powder, lead, &c. The
great outrages committed heretofore by the frequenters of the country
between Bois^ and Fort Hall causes some regret that accounts should
be canceled so easily, but no doubt the punishment inflicted by Gen-
eral Connor, and the disposition of citizens with whom they have come
in contact, have satisfied them that any other policy than . their pres-
ent would lead to extermination.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
E. F. MAUEY,
Colonel Fimt Cavalry Oregon Volunteers, Commanding.
Brig. Gen. B. Alvoed,
Commanding District of Oregon, Fort Vancouver, Wash. Ter.
Hdqes. Expedition aoainst the Snake Indians,
Camp No. 51, Camas Prairie, Idaho Ter., September 10, 1863.
Sib: I have the honor to report the arrival of my command at this
camp on the evening of the 5th instant in good health. Not hearing
of any emigration, and accepting the opinion of Captain Crawford, of
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222 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Chap. Lxn.
the overland escort, as well as tbe ferryman at Snake Biver, that the
emigration had passed, I broke up camp on the Port Neuf, near Fort
Hall, on the 27tb altimo, and moved for this camp by the same route
over which we had gone out. Without the occurrence of anything
worthy of mention we arrived as above stated. I have completed my
arrangements for the march from this camp via Salmon Falls, sending
the ii]?antry, Captain O'Began, to report to Major Lugenbeel and Oa])-
tain Mason, to receive of Captain Hughes, acting, commissary of sub-
sistence at Fort Bois^, such supplies as I may require for the march to
Fort Walla Walla and to camp on the Malheur until I join him with
the cavalry. Of the prospects of the expedition to the south side of
Snake River anything said at present can only be conjecture. The same
may be said as to the permanency of the peace or treaties made with the
Snake or Shoshone Indians. It is evident, however, to ray mind, that
it cannot last when these Indians are allowed the privilege of their old
resorts or of scattering generally over the country. We found on the
waters of McArthur's River the body of an Indian killed about the 20th
August, as we inferred from the date of papers found near the body.
Such acts will certainly lead to retaliation, and most likely unsuspect-
ing parties be the sufferers. I learn also that a good many of Poca-
tello's people crossed over from Snake River to the waters of Lost River
the day after the command crossed what is known as the desert. These
will undoubtedly scatter over the country, as heretofore, according to
interest or inclination, and cannot fail to come into communication with
more or less of our people who are ignorant of existing treaties, or
of the tribe to which they may belong. In fact, such knowledge by
many is of little importance, and makes but little difference in their dis-
position to them. Pocatello was at our camp on the Port Neuf the day
before we left. In acknowledging the receipt of General Connor's let-
ter (copy of which has been forwarded) I remarked, "I hope to find on
the south side of Snake River on my return to Fort Walla Walla the
remaining portions of what are known as the Shoshone or Snake
Indians, and to be able to inflict such punishment as their crimes
deserve." Since my return to this camp I learn (unofQcially) that an
Indian agent, with military escort from Utah, had gone down on the
south side of Snake River and returned to Utali by the same route. I
know nothing of the object of his visit, but taking into consideration
thefact that a numberof white people areintimately associated with these
Indians, and their facilities for getting information, I doubt whether
I succeed in finding any body of Indians of sufficient force to warrant
me in attacking them; and in the case of the small parties that I may
be able to capture, or that may come to my camp, I cannot possibly
obtain snch evidence as would warrant me in hanging them. I will
move early in the morning, and shall endeavor to keep you advised of
my future movements and acts as often as possible.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
R. F, MAURY,
Colonel First Cavalry Oregon Volunteers, Commanding.
Acting Assistant Ad.tutant General,
Headquarters District of Oregon, Fort Vancouver, Wash. Ter.
Hdqrs. Expedition Against the Snake Indians,
Camp No. 56, Salmon Falls Creel; Idaho Ter., September iiS, 1863.
Sir: Since my last of September 10 nothing of any importance has
occurred. I arrived with the command at the Salmon Falls on tbe
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CHAP.I.XII.] EXPEDITION TO SNAKE INDIAN COUNTEY. 223
15th and crossed to the south side on the 16tb, establishing the present
camp. All in good health. The few Indians we find here are mis-
erably poor and almost destitute. Represent themselves as very
friendly and ask permission to live undisturbed in the vicinity. I
have represented to them that as long as they remained here without
molesting in any manner our people who may travel through the
country they might expect to live in peace, but on the contrary they
could expect nothing but extermination; that I did not come out to
make them presents or to buy a peace, but to make them feel and
understand that they must not only behave themselves, but that in
the event of bad faith or conduct they would be pursued and pun-
ished. There are about thirty or forty of them living within eight
mUes above and below the falls. Most of them were here last Sep-
tember while I was camped in the neighborhood. They are of course
like all other Indians, and have probably been guilty of acts of vio-
lence and robbery, but neither during the last nor this season have I
heard of any complaints against them. There is a small camp of the
same party about thirty miles below on the north side of the river,
which I will visit before leaving. I have been careful to impress upon
the chief or head man of the party that himself and his people would
be held responsible for any depredations that might be committed near
the falls; that if bad Indians came among them they must immediately
give notice of the fact, or sufler for their acts. Scouting parties under
Captain Drake and Lieutenant Apperson have returned, reporting no
signs of Indians made the present season. Captain Drake went up the
river above Kock Creek to the Great Falls some forty or fifty miles,
and reports three falls within five miles; the first or upper, 180 feet; the
second, three miles below, 198 fe<>t (measured); the third (estimated),
about 20 feet; all perpendicular, almost inaccessible on account of the
walls of rock from 500 to 1,000 feet high inclosing the river. The cap-
tain succeeded in getting his animals to the river at the second or
greatest fall. At the first he discovered signs of visitors ; at the second,
none. Lieutenant Apperson with his party took a southwesterly direc-
tion with expectations of reaching headwaters of the Hnmboldt, but
the scarcity of water compelled his return. He was thirty-odd hours
without water for man or animals. I will leave the falls on the 25th
en route for the Owyhee, examining to the west all probable resorts for
the Indians, and will, whether any are found or not, be able tx> form a
tolerably correct opinion as to the number who have inhabited or vis-
ited the country heretofore. The travel from the mines to Salt Lake
and the east continues in small parties without the least difBculty. I
am inclined to the opinion that more men have gone east than came
west by the Snake River roads.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
R. F. MATTRY,
Colonel First Cavalry Oregon Volunteers, Commanding.
Acting Assistant Adjutant-General,
Headquarters District of Oregon, Fort Vancout'cr, Wash, Ter.
Hdqbs. Expedition against the Snake Indians,
Camp No, 61, on Bruneau or Goose Creel; Idaho Ter,, October 5, 1863.
SiE: As indicated in my letter of 2.3d ultimo, the command moved
from Salmon Falls Creek on the 35th and reached this camp on the
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224 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [CHAP.LXn.
29th, halting one day at the Three Islands, thirty miles below Salmon
Falls. The road from the falls does not follow the river. I sent out
parties while en route to the Three Islands to collect in all the
Indians on either side of the river, or to attack in case of finding any
considerable force of them. These were the Indians whom I men-
tioned in my last as intending to visit. About forty were collected.
They live a family in a place, on either side of the river for a distance
of thirty or forty miles; have no arms, and a very small number of
Indian ponies; not an average of one to each family. As in the case
of those at the falls they expressed great desire for peace and a willing-
ness to do anything or go anywhere they might be directed. I had no
evidence of guilt or of complaints and endeavored to impress the im-
portance to them of not only not molesting our people themselves, but
of giving, in the event of any being molested in their vicinity, such infor-
mation as would lead to the punishment of the guilty. Tliere are
from 80 to 100 of this party, all Shoshones, and, aware of the treaties
made at Salt Lake, scattered along tha river from the great falls to the
mouth of this stream, a distance of 100 miles. Something should be
done with them, for if disposed to behave themselves they are liable to
be punished for the depredations of the roaming and more enterprising
bands that occupy the country to the south and west. Since we crossed
the river on the 15th of September scouting parties have examined all
the country within our reach. Captain Currey was detached on the
24th ultimo, supplied with ten days' rations, and directed to go south,
following the west bank of Salmon Falls Creek to its source; theuce
northwest to the headwaters of this stream, and to join the command
at this place, where he arrived on the evening of the 4th, having made
a circuit of some 200 miles, reaching the divide of the wat«rs of Salmon
Falls Creek and the Humboldt. Here it snowed two or three inches
upon him. He then changed his course for the waters of this stream,
which were successively crossed, heading in snow capped mountains,
and came down it on the west side. Saw during the entire trip but
four Indians. One family on Salmon Falls Creek, fifty miles from the
falls, two other families on the waters of this stream, who were return-
ing, a^ they said, from a visit to the Humboldt mines. He crossed and
traveled manyold and much-used trails, all the signs being made during
the spring and early summer, and showing that the Indians were moving
south and west, evidently getting into the country drained by John
Day's, Malheur, and Owyhee Rivers. I had hoped to be able to travel
down the latter, but the lateness of the season and the distance from
Snake Elver to any point high enough up the Owyhee to render the trip
of any service make it impossible. Previous to Captain Currey's
return. Lieutenant Waymire, with a detachment of twenty men of Com-
pany D, while scouting, came upon a party of about twenty Indians
some twenty miles up this stream, attacked and killed four and wounded
several others, who with the remainder escaped on account of the char-
acter of the country, the camp being so inaccessible that the lieutenant
was obliged to leave his horses a mile and a half distant. Many depre-
dations have been committed on this stream, and the Indians who
occupy it never fail to kill and steal whenever opportunity offers.
From the sign in the upper part of the valley we would have found
quite a force of them, but the creek had been visited about the Ist
of September by a party of miners who attacked a party encamped
near the month. We found the remains of seven bodies. All tlie roam-
ing Indians of the country visit the Bruneau more or less. It attbrds
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Cau-.LXU.] EXPEDITION TO SNAKE INDIAN COUNTRY. 225
good grass for auimals at a sufficient distance fVom the road to watch
emigrauts, and also the greatest abundance of salmon. In this respect
it excels any stream entering Suake Kiver that I know of. There is an
old and much-traveled trail leaving Snake £iver near Fort Hall, called
the Bannock Trail, which is used by roaming and hostile bands who
wish to change the scene of their depredations and prevent suspicion
as to what tribe they belong. It touches this river about seventy miles
horn the mouth. The command will resume the march in the morning
for Fort Walla Walla, and reach that post probably about the 1st of
Noveniber. It continues in excellent health.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
K. F. MAURY,
Colonel First Cavalry Oregon Volunteerg.
Acting Assistant adjutant-General,
Headquarters District of Oregon, Fort Vancvuvcr, Wash. Ter.
Udc^rs. Expedition against the Snake Indians,
Camp JS'o. 07, on Otcyhee River, October 11, 1803,
Sib : I have the honor to report that my command arrived here yes-
terday in tolerably fair condition. Since leaving Bruneau the feed for
animals has been very scarce, in consequence of which our stock is
considerably reduced. I found Captain Mason encamped here with his
company, in charge of additional supplies received from Fort Boisu for
my command. I shall remain here only days and again resume the
march. Major Kinearson leaves here to-day to assume coniuiaud of
Fort Bois^. I have kept scouting parties out during the march from
Bruneau Biver, but have succeeded in finding no Indians.
Very resi)ectfully, your obedient servant,
K. F. MAURY,
Colonel First Cavalry Oregon Volunteers, CommaHding.
Acting Assistant Adjutant-General,
Headquarters JHstrict of Oregon, Fort Vancouver, Wash. Ter,
IlD<iRS. Expedition against the Snake Indians,
Fort Walla Walla, Wash. Ter., October 27, 1863.
Sir: I have the honor to report the arrival of my command at this
post on the 2()th instant in good health and fair condition. Companies
A and E, of my regiment, and H, of the First Washington Territory
Infantry, took quarters at this post, and Company D, First Cavalry
Oregon Volunteers, went into camp near here, from whence I have
ordereil it to repair to The Dalles on the 29th instant. Myself and
staff will leave here for Fort Dalles as soon as practicable.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
R. F. MAURY,
Colonel First Cavalry Oregon Volunteers, Commanding,
Acting Assistant Adjutant-General,
Headquarters District of Oregon, Fort Vancouver, Wash. Ter,
15 B B — VOL L, PT I
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226 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. (Chap. Lxn.
MAT 5-30, 1863.— Expedition from Camp Douglas, Utah Ter., to Sods
Springs, on the Bear Biver, Idaho Ter.
Report of Brig. Gen. P. Edicard Connor, U. S. Army, commanding Dis-
trict of Utah.
Headquarters District of Utah,
Cattq) Douglas, Utah Ter., June 2, 1863.
Colonel: I have the honor to report to the general commanding the
department that on the .'itli of May ultimo Company H, Third Infantry
California Volunteers, Captain Black, left this poat, pursuant to my
orders, en route, via Box Elder, Bear Kiver, Cache and Marsh Valleys,
for a point at or near the great bend of Bear Kiver known as Soda
Springs, Idaho Ter., for the puri)Ose of establishing a new post in that
region for the protection of the overland emigration to Oregon, Cali-
fornia, and the Bannock City mines. Accompanying this expedition
and under its protection were a large number of persons heretofore
resident of this Territory, seceders (under the name of Morrisites) from
the Mormon Church. Many, if not all, of these having been reduced
by the long-continued persecutions of the Mormons to the most abject
poverty, have for some months past claimed and received the protec-
tion and assistance of the forces under my command. Prudential rea-
sons, applying as well to this command as to the Morrisites themselves,
rendered it advisable that they should be removed from the vicinity of
this camx> and beyond the evil influences and powers of the Mormon
hierarchy. Begarding the expedition to Soda Springs, Idaho Ter., as
presenting a favorable opportunity for this purpose, I ordered trans-
portation to be- provided for the most indigent and the distribution
of provisions to the destitute, both en route and after arrival at the
new post, until such time as by industry and well-directed efibrt these
impoverished and persecuted people should be able to support them-
selves. Some of them were able to furnish their own teams and wagons.
Most of them gathered up their household goods and provided them-
selves with a scanty supply of provisions for their sustenance. They
numbered in all 16U souls, comprised of 53 families, 7 single men, and
4 widows. On the next day, May 6, 1 followed with Company H, Sec-
ond Cavalry California Volunteers, Lieutenant Clark commanding, and
overtook the main train and infantry twenty-five miles north of this
city. Proceeding thence by easy mai'ches of from fifteen to eighteen
miles per day along the eastern shore of Great Salt Lake, the entire
command arrived at Brigham City (or Box Elder), sixty miles north,
May 8. Here leaving the infantry and train to proceed by the old
beaten road through Cache and Marsh Valleys and across the moun-
tains, via Sublett's Cut-Off, I took the cavalry by a less frequented
road, crossing Bear River at the lower ferry; thence up the plateau
lying between the Malade and Bear Rivers, over the mountains divid-
ing the waters of the Great Basin from those of Snake and Columbia
Rivers; thence down the westerly side of Marsh Valley, crossing the
Port Neuf River north of Sublett's Cut Off, and down the east and
right bank of that river to Snake River Ferry, a distance of 200 miles
from this post, arriving at that point May 13. Our general course to
the ferry was a little east of due north, passing through a series of val-
leys well watered and with light timber along the streams and on the
mountain sides. The luxuriant vegetation at this early season of the
year furnishing good grass for the animals, as well as the evidences of
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CHAP.LXn.) EXPEDITION TO SODA SPRINGS, IDAHO TER. 227
last year's growth, besi>oke the fertility of the soil and its adaptation
to agriculture. Tliis remark more esi>ecially applies to Marsh Val-
ley, lying due north of and adjoining Cache Valley, the latter being
already thickly settled by Mormons, whose most northerly settlements
extend within fifteen or twenty miles of the first-meutioned valley,
the Bear Kiver and a low ridge dividing the two valleys. Alter leav-
ing Brigham City the command performed two night marches, the first*
of twelve and the second of thirty-five miles, as I had reason to believe
that wandering bands of hostile savages, remnants of the Shoshones,
engaged or connected with [those] who took part in the battle of Bear
Eiver (29th of January last), were in the neighborhood and might be
surprised and punished for repeated and recent outrages on emigrants
and settlers. In this expectation, however, I was disai)pointed, few, if
any, traces of Indians being found, and thenceforward the command
proceeded by daily marches. In Port Neuf Valley we came upon two
lodges of Indians (Shoshones), who came unhesitatingly into camp with
their squaws, satisfactorily answered all questions propounded, and
gave evidence of friendly disposition toward the whites. Giving them
to understand the determination of the Government to punish sum-
marily all bad Indians, and receiving assurances of future good conduct
on their part, I passed on without molesting these Indians. At Snake
Kiver Ferry were several large trains of emigrants bound north to the
mines, and here recruiting their animals. Here also was an encamp-
ment of seventeen lodges of Shoshone (or Snake) Indians, numbering
in all, including those who came in the next day, 250 or 300. They were
well mounted and had grazing in the vicinity a considerable number of
stock. These Indians were reliably represented to me as friendly and
I)eaceable, and have been living at the ferry during the past winter.
Being accompanied by Judge Doty, superintendent of Indian affairs
for Utah, a conference was held with the Indians on the night of our
arrival attended by the chiefs, old and young men, and squaws.
Through an interpreter many questions were asked as to the locality
of hostile chiefs and their bands, and the power of the Government
duly impi-essed ujwu them. They were informed that the troops had
been sent to this region to protect good Indians and whites, and equally
to punish bad Indians and bad white men; that it was my determina-
tion to visit the most summary punishment, even to extermination, on
Indians who committed depredations upon the lives and property of emi-
grants or settlers. They were also assured that if bad w hites trespassed
upon their rights the report of the facts to me or my of&cers would be
followed by punishment on the malefactors and a prompt remedy of all
grievances to the extent of my power. After the customary smoking
with the chiefs and a grand dance by men and squaws, I ordered the
distribution among them of a small quantity of bacon, flour, and sugar.
The conference was satisfactory, and the exhibition of the force at my
command in that far-off region, as well as our rapid march through a
country rarely traversed by whites, evidently had a good effect. I
learned from them that Pocatello, the great chief of the hostile Sho-
shones, had gone a long distance oft" on the Lower Snake, probably in the
vicinity of the Humboldt ; that Saquache [Sagwich ?], one of the leaders,
who escaped wounded from the battle of Bear Kiver, was somewhere in
the south near the Mormon settlements of Cache Valley, and San Pitch
still farther east. The region immediately about the Snake River at
this ferry, which is about ten miles east of old Fort Hall, is a dry,
barren sand jilain, the road to the ferry being exceedingly heavy and
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228 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Chap.LXIL
difficult to traverse. Grass of tolerable quality and quautity is to be
found several miles to the eastward ou the Blackfoot Creek, vrbich here
empties into the Snake after running for perhaps thirty miles parallel
with and not far from the river. The Snake here is a rapid stream 250
yards in width, and at this season 20 feet in depth, and is seldom or
never fordable at this point. Beyond and to the northward the plaia
of sage brush and grea&e wood extends some fifty miles to a high range
of mountains, three high buttes in the midst of the plain forming a
prominent landmark. The distance from Soda Springs to this ferry, via
the Bridger and Fort Hall emigrant road, is upward of seventy miles,
pursuing a northwesterly course. Emigrants from the East via this
road for the new mines, leaving the ferry travel up the Snake Eiver in
nearly an easterly direction about seventy miles to a point nearly due
north of Soda Springs, thus following from Soda Springs along two
sides of a triangle, either of which is seventy miles long, a distance of
140 miles. With the design of finding a practicable route for a wagon
road through some pass in the mountains whereby a more direct course
could be made, I sent Lieutenant Clark with a detachment of twenty-
five men with five days' rations and orders to cross the Blackfoot near
its source at the base of the foothills, and, proceeding up the Snake
sixty or seventy-five miles, turn to the south, seek out such pass, and
join the command at Soda Springs. This expedition was eminently
successful, finding a good pass for a road along the base of the triangle
mentioned above, striking Snake Biver seventy miles above and east
of the present ferry. At this point a ferry has been established, and
in a short time a good boat will be in running order. With the main
body of the cavalry, train, &c., I left the Blackfoot about fifteen miles
east of the ferry, and pursuing a southeasterly course across the divide
by a good natural road, arrived at Soda Springs on the 17th of May,
passing through large and fertile valleys lying along Boss Fork of
Snake Eiver and the North Branch of the Port Neu J The Infantry
with the settlers not having yet arrived, detachments under Lieuten-
ants Bradley and Ustick were dispatched north and south to explore
the country and find a route for a direct and practicable wagon road to
the settlements in Cache Yalley and to report on the character of
country explored.
On the 20th Company H, Third Infantry, arrived, after a long and
tedious trip, accompanied by their charge, the settlers for the new
town. A suitable and eligible location was selected on the north bank
of Bear Eiver, near the great bend, and four miles east of where the
Soda Springs Valley opens into Old Crater Valley, the latter some fifty
miles in length and twenty in width. The sight was surveyed imme-
diately east of the springs, as was also one mile square for a military
reservation, adjoining on the east the town site, in latitude about 42^
north and longitude lllj west. The water is good and abundant as
well from the river as from the numerous mountain streams — easily
diverted for puiposes of irrigation. Back of the town and north wood
for fuel is abundant, while ou the opposite side of the river timber of
large growth suitable for building purposes is found at a distance of
less than two miles. The soil, judging from the growth of the native
grasses and the appearance of the ground, is susceptible of cultivation
and the raising of valuable crops, the shortness of the season and the
altitude of tlie place alone rendering this at all doubtful. The settlers
were allotted building lots of fair size, and proceeded immediately to
the erection of shelters for themselves and families. After remaining
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CHAt.tXli.] EXPEDITION TO SODA SPRINGS, IDAHO TEE, 229
at this post for six days, establishing the infantry at the new post and
looking to the present and immediate future wants of the settlers, on
the 30th of May I returned to this post via the Mormon settlement^ in
Cache Valley. The explorations above referred to satisfied me of the
fertility of the eountry surrounding Soda Springs and of the entire
practicability of making at small expense of labor a good wagon road
from the northern settlements of Cache Valley, crossing Bear River at
or near the battleground through a gap in the mountains, and thence
northerly along the western bank of Bear Eiver to Soda Springs. This
road will be much more direct than the old road traversed by the
infantry company, and the distance can be reduced from 200 miles, as
at present, to about 150 or 160 miles. This road, connecting with the
new road explored by Lieutenant Clark north from Soda Springs to
Bannock City, will render the distance from the latter place to this
point not more than 350 miles. The new road north from Soda Springs
to Snake Eiver will shorten the route of emigrants from the East via
Fort Bridger not less than seventy miles, as well as present a route
well watered and furnishing good feed for animals, with abundance of
game. The expedition has traveled in a direct line about 500 miles,
and has carefully explored a region of country over 1,000 miles in ex-
tent heretofore little known, and concerning which only the most vague
and crude ideas were held. Before leaving Soda Springs I sent a
detachment of twenty men over the mountains to pass through Bear
Lake Valley in hopes of finding the band of Sagwich, supposed to be
roaming in that section. The detachment was unsuccessful in its
object, and it joined the command a few days after at Franklin, the
most northerly settlement in Cache Valley, having thoroughly searched
the region through which it passed. In this connection I may add that
having occasion to send an empty train to Carson for quartermaster's
stores, I furnished to 150 Morrisites transportation to that point, and
they have already safely arrived at their destination.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
P. EDW. CONNOR,
Brigadier- Oeneralj U. 8. Volunteers, Commanding District,
Lieut Col. E. C. Drum,
Assistant Adjutant- Oeneral, U. S. Army,
Department of the Pacific, 8an Francisco, Gal.
JUNE 20, 18C3.— Skirmish near OoTemment Springs, Utah Ter.
Report of Brig. Oen. P. Edward Connor, U. 8. Army, commanding Dis-
trict of Utah.
Salt Lake City, June 22, 1863.
Expedition from Bridger under Captain Lewis captured fifty of San
Pitch's band. Captain Smith killed ten Indians Saturday last near
Government Springs. Utes collecting in settlements south in large
numbers, and threatening destruction to soldiers and overland mail.
Have only sixty men for duty at Camp Douglas.
P. E. CONNOE,
Brigadier- General, Commanding District.
Lieut. Col. E. C. Drum,
Assistant Adjutant- Oeneral.
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230 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. (Chap. LXII.
JVHE 23. 1863.— A&ir at Cafion Station, Vev. Ter.
Report of Maj. Patrick A. Gallagher, Third California Infantry.
FoBT Ruby, Nev. Ter., June 28, 1863.
Captain: Inclosed I liavo tho honor to transmit corrected proceed-
ings of garrison court. I would also inform the general commanding
that on yesterday Assistant Surgeon Kirkpatrick returned to this post
from Canon Station with Trivate Abbott, of Company K, who was
wounded at that place on the 23d instant. I learn from Abbott that
on the morning of the 2;{d Corporal Hervey and himself left the station
as a guard to the water cart. After they had left Privates Burgher and
Elliott also left to go hunting, leaving the station unprotected, some-
thing which has not been done since the troops have been guarding
the road. Between 11 and 12 a. m. as the water cart was returning
they were fired upon by Indians, who had made a screen of sage
bushes, and Corporal Hervey was shot dead. Private Abbott, although
wounded by a ball through his neck, jumped out of the wagon and
seized Hervey's gun and pistol, and returned the fire, as also did the
driver of the water cart. He is confident that they hit three or four of
them. This happened within about 500 yards of the station. They
immediately drove there, thinking if the balance of the guard was
there they might get some of the Indians, but found them gone. Soon
after they saw two or three Indians going up the mountain south of the
station, one of whom had a bright gun. Although they were upward
of 1,200 yards off they fired at them, and from their actions immediately
after think that one of them was hit An express was immediately
sent to Deep Creek, and eight of the cavalry left for the scene at once.
On their arrival they found the body of Elliott with thirty-five ball
holes in it, horribly mutilated, but not scalped. Soon after they found
the body of Burgher with tour ball holes in it, and in about the same
condition as Elliott's. The bodies of all three were taken to Deep
Creek and there buried under the supervision of Lieutenant Hosmer,
who left his post immediately on the receipt of the news. The Indians
succeeded in getting Burgher's musket and fifty rounds of ammunition;
also a double-barreled shotgun and a small quantity of powder and shot
from Elliott. I have order^ Lieutenant Quinn to scout in that vicinity,
and if possible discover their place of concealment. I have also
increased the infantry force along the road, sending every man that
can be spared from the garrison. I feel perfectly satisfied that if Bur-
gher and Elliott had not disobeyed orders and left the station they
would not have been killed, but on the contrary would have had an
opportunity of rendering a good account of some of the Indians, as they
were within range of their pieces, and there were seventeen counted.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
P. A. GALLAGHER,
Major Third Infantry California Volunteers, Commanding Post. -
Capt. C. H. Hempstead,
Acting Assistant Adjutant-General, District of Utah.
JULT 20-26, 1863.— Operations in Bound Valley, CaL
Report of Capt, Charles D. Douglas, Second California Infantry, com-
manding Fort Wright.
Fort Wright, Round Valley, July 26, 1863.
Colonel: I have the honor to report for the information of the gen-
eral commanding that on Monday, 20th of July, Col. S. S, Davis, a
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CHAP. LXn.] OPERATIONS IN ROUND VALLEY, CAL. 231
settler in Bound Valley, came to me and reported that on Sunday, 19th
instant, his hay and barn had been set on fire by Indians, and that the
fire had consumed the entire building and hay therein stored, amount-
ing to a loss of about $1,000. Col. S. S. Davis and other settlers in
the valley reported to me that the Ukie tribe of Indians did threaten
to kill all the white men in the valley, burn their property, and then
run off into the mountains. On hearing all these reports I immedi-
ately proceeded to investigate all the charges against the Ukie tribe,
and the results of my investigation are as follows: That the Okie chief
and three of his tribe set lire to and burned S, S. Davis' barns and hay,
and that the entire Ukie tribe had a well preconcerted plot to kill all the
white men they could, burn their property, and then go into the monn-
tains. In doing all this the valley Indians were to be assisted by the
mountain bands, and the mountain bands were to be led into the valley
to commit all kinds of depredations and mnrders by the headmen or
leaders of the tribe, and they had their plots so well arranged that
each Indian knew what he had to do and at what time to do it, but
the mountain Indians were to kill some white men that were at that
time herding sheep in the mountains southeast of this valley. On
learning these facts I directed Lieutenant Coflinan to take four men
from the eommand, and as many citizens as could or would go with
him, and proceed to the sheep ranches and notify the men there of
their danger and the threats the Indians made against them. The
lieutenant reports that on his arrival at the first sheep ranch (distant
twenty miles) he was informed that they had already run off the
men on the other ranches and that they were hourly expecting to be
attacked and burned out. The lieutenant further reports that about
hidf an hour after his arrival at the first ranch, five Indians came there
well armedj and he believed the Indians came there to put their threat
into execution, for the instant the Indians saw the troops they attempted
to get away. They were fired upon and killed, all but one. He getting
into the brnsb could not be shot. Two of these Indians were identified
by three men as the perpetrators of five murders during the past six
years. In the meantime, by the aid of the citizens, I succeeded in
arresting five of the principal leaders of the conspiracy against the life
and property of the settlers and they were (on the testimony of white
men and Indians of the same tribe as the offenders) hung at this post
July 21, 1863, in the presence of all the Indians in the valley. I
informed the Indians my cause for putting to death the five Indians of
their tribe; also that all Indians caught in like conspiracies against
white men would be hung in like manner, but if they would be good
Indians that the troops and Indian Department would protect and take
care of them. The principal chief and another Indian were killed
during their attempt to kill S. 8. Davis the night of the 20th instant,
which makes eleven of the principal leaders in the conspiracy who
have suffered death. I have reason to believe that the condign punish-
ment inflicted on the leaders will have a very good effect on the whole
tribe. It has already restored quiet among them. None of the reser-
vation are in any way implicated in any of these plots. Those who
suffered death were living with and working for the settlers in the
valley.
Very respectfullv, your obedient servant,
C. D. DOUGLAS,
Captain, Second Infantry California Volunteerg, Commanding Post.
Lieut. Col. E. C. Drum,
Aaat. Adjt, Oen,, Dept. of the Pacific, San Francisco, Cal.
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232 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. (Chap. LXn.
AUGUST 22, 1863.— Afiair at San Pedro Crossing, Ariz. Ter.
Report of Sergt. George W. Yager, Company E, First California Cavalry.
San Pedro Crossing, Ariz. Ter., August 22, 1863.
Sir: This morning about 9 o'clock, as we were turning our horses
out to graze — four of tliem were already hobbled about 100 paces from
the house, and the man who was looking out for them was engaged in
catching a horse that had got loose — eleven mounted Indians dashed
from the river above and intended to run between the haystack and
the station to stampede some that were picketed there, but the men
commenced firing at them and compelled them to change their course.
Then they made for the four that were hobbled, and the men were so
close on them that they were forced to leave the best mule. They suc-
ceeded in taking two Spanish horses and one small mule. Fortunately,
thoy were the worst animals at the station. Myself and Saenger
mounted our horses and pursued them about three miles, firing into
them with our revolvers, but all was in vain. They tried to surround
ua, but we kept the advantage of them. They were armed with bows
and arrows and short rifles. I had not enough men to follow them and
protect the station at the same time. Two horses short here.
Yours, with respect,
GEO. W. YAGER.
Captain Wellman.
As near as I can tell, three Indians were badly wounded.
AUOUST 2^SEPTEHBE£ 20, 1863.— Expedition fh)m Fort Lapwai. Idaho
Ter., to The Meadows.
Report of Lieut. John Botcen, First Oregon Cavalry.
Fort Lapwai, Idaho Ter., September 20, 1863.
Sir: I have the honor to submit the following, viz:
In compliance with Orders, No. 144, dated headquarters Fort Lapwai,
August 21, 1863, 1 left here on the 22d ultimo in command of twenty-
two enlisted men of Squadron F, First Cavalry Oregon Volunteers,
and the hospital steward of said regiment. On the 30th I arrived in
Elk Valley within two miles of illk City. After learning all I could in
reference to the Indian depredations committed on Eed River I started
the following morning for The Meadows on Eed River. The trail from
Elk City to The Meadows is somewhat dangerous for loaded animals to
travel over. One of the pack animals fell from the trail and was
killed. About twelve miles from Elk City came to excellent grazing
for our animals and encamped. The day after arriving at The Mead-
ows found a portion cf the remains of Mr. Andrews, the person sup-
posed to have been murdered by the Indians In the forepart of August.
He had been murdered, and to all appearances partially covered with
grass, but had been found by wild animals and entirely devoured,
except some of the larger bones. Some papers and pieces of clothing
were recognized by some of his friends, enough to prove his identity
beyond a doubt. I remained at The Meadows until the 13th instant,
during which time I had several parties out scouting, but could find
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Cmap.LXII.] AFFAIB at FOET BOWIE, ARIZ. teb. 233
no Snake Indians. Tliere were Rome Kez Perc6 Indians in the vicinity,
bnt they appeared friendly. I think there were no Snake Indians near
there, and such was the opinion of the Nez Perc6 Indians. On the
13th instant I started on my return to tliis place. Two privates
deserted while on the march. I sent a party in pursuit, bnt the desert-
ers were not taken. Arrive*! liere without farther incident on the 20tli
instant.
I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JOHN BOWEcI,
Second Lieuienani, First Oregon Cavalry.
Maj. S. Truax,
Firist Cavalry Oregon Voluiiteerg, Commanding Fort Lapirai.
AUOTJST 27, 1863.— Affikir at Fort Bowie, Arix. Tor.
Report of Sergt. Charles Kuhl, Company E, First California Cavalry.
FoBT Bowie, September 1, ]8(>3.
Sib : I report to you the loss of all our horses at this post. Ou the
27th of this month | AugustJ 1 had the horses turned out to herd, with
one man to guard them, giving the orders not to go out of sight of the
fort. Tlie horses were about (not over) 1 ,000 yards from the i)ost, when
twenty-five or thirty Indians on horseback, galloping down the road
from Tucson, surrounded the stock and drove it through the canon
toward Mesilla. Private Creeden, on guard that day, fired eight or ten
shots at the Indians, hitting one of them. The seutiuel at the fort see-
ing this (a little too late) fired his piece, and most of the men, with
Captain Tidball at their head, ran to overtake the Indians as quickly as
possible, bnt the Indians were t«o far ahead. There was another party
of Indians behind a little knoll a short distance from the old station, in
number about twenty or thirty, who operated in concert with the Indians
on horseback. A third party was outside the post, so it appeared that
the Indians had their position chosen to the best advantage. Therea
son why I herded the horses on foot of the hill is this : Privates Jones',
Blanc's, Davidson's, Lange's, and Creedeii's horses had sore backs. I
Lad all the men to work on their horses to wash and put on medicine
every day twice, and with good success. The horses were in a good
condition. We built a shed and cut a wagon load of hay, so that we
may keep our horses uj), only allowing the horses to go to water in the
morning and graze for one hour or two, not thinking of any danger.
There were two infantrymen herding the sheep close by, only having
one man on guard because there were at that time only two privates for
duty. Privates Davidson, Jones, and Blanc were sick; PrivateChappins
is in the kitchen, so left (Jreeden and Lauge for guard. The same time
I have to state that there was only one pair of hobbles here. I had t<o
put them on the mule of Chappins, who strayed off the herd most every
day. This mule the Indians left in the canon, and was brought back
to the fort by our men. I applied for picket rope at the quartermaster's
here, but there, was none. The express will leave hero to-morrow,
myself and six men, in the post team. Captain Tidball has not a mule
here to ride. The mules are most of them bronchos — buck, kick, and
bite. We tried them, and there was no show. They broke saddle-
straps and laid down in the road, so we had to give it up to ride express.
Captain Tidball says he will not send his team a second time. Our
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234 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Chap. LXII.
ammnnition is almost out. I had to draw 100 rounds irom Captain
Tidball. There are no pistol cartridges here. Please send some pep-
per and mustard if possible. The quartermaster sent yon some papers.
Please ask Sergeant Andrews if they are correct. The horses lost
belonged to the following men : First, Sergeant Kuhl, bay horse, Ameri-
can ; second, Private Blanc, black horse, American ; Private Lange,
dark bay horse, American; Private Davidson, light bay horse, Ameri-
can ; Private Creeden, white horse, Spanish ; Private Jones, dark cream
horse, Spanish.
I sign myself,
CHS. KUHL,
Sergeant, Company E, First Cavalry California Volunteem.
Capt. C. R. Wkllman.
SEFTEHBEB 3-DECEMBEB 31, 1863.— Operations in the Hmnboldt
Military District.
Sept. 3, 1863.— Skirmish in the Hoopa Valley, Cal.'
Nov. 13-14, 1863.— Skirminbes near the Big Bar on the South Fork of the Trinity
River, Cal.
17, 1863. — Skirmish near Willow Creek on the Trinity River, Cal.
Dec. 25, 1863.— Skirmish near Fort Gaston, Cal.
26, 1863.— Skirmish near Fort Oaston, Cal.
REPORTS.
No. 1. — Lieut. Col. Stephen G. Whipple, First Battalion California Mountaineers,
commanding Humboldt Military District.
No. 2. — Maj. William S. R. Taylor, First Battalion California Mountaineers.
No. 3.— Capt. Abraham Miller, First Battalion California Mountaineers.
No. 4.— Capt. George W. Ousley, First Battalion California Mouutaineera.
No. 1.
Reports of Lieut. Col. Stephen 0, Whipple, First Battalion California
Mountaineers, commanding Humboldt Military District.
Headquarters Humboldt Military District,
Fort Humboldt, Cal., September 26, 1863.
Colonel : I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of telegraphic
dispatch from department headquarters via Weaverville, of date Sep-
tember 17, 9 a. m. It arrived at this post this evening at 7 o'clock.
I immediately dispatched an order to Major Taylor, commanding Fort
Gaston, to have the telegraphic order at once carried out, if he had not
previously anticipated it. Fort Gaston is the nearest military post to
the scene of the recent outrages, being about forty miles distant, and the
force there being sufiBcient to spare, temporarily, thirty or forty men.
The first intimation received by me of the Indian depredations in
Trinity County came to hand on the 20th instant, to the effect that the
mules ridden by the two soldiers who were escorting the mail between
Fort Gaston and Weaverville had returned to the former place without
riders, saddles, or bridles. This was mentioned in a communication
from Major Taylor, but it was then supposed the males had got away
from their riders in the night; still, a detachment of twelve men under
Captain Miller, Company G, Avas immediately sent out to ascertain the
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Chap. LXU.) OPERATIONS IN HUMBOLDT MILITARY DISTRICT. 235
truth. By the escort to the mail from Fort Gaston to Camp Curtis,
which arrived this evening, I am informed oflBcially by Major Taylor that
Captain Miller met a party of citizens from Weaverville, who informed
him that the mail carrier and escort had been attacked by a party of
about fifteen Indians; that one of the escort was killed, the other
severely wounded, and it was supposed that the mail-carrier was dead,
as he could not be found, though about two miles from where the Indians
made the attack, his saddle mule was caught by the wonnded soldier
and a slip of paper found, upon which was written by the mail-carrier
that he was "shot and mortally wounded." The body of the murdered
soldier was found with the nose and ilesh cut from his face and his
head pinioned to the ground by a long Chinese dirk through the neck.
Previous to the attack upon the mail party the Indians liad burned the
buildings at Little Prairie, Martin's Ferry, and Taylor's Flat. It was
also reported that twelve Chinamen were killed by this party of savages.
At the time they attacked the mail the Indians were returning from
these depredations loaded with plunder. The Indians who perpe-
trated these outrages are from the hostile bands of the mountains,
joined, it is believed, by a few from those ostensibly friendly. To send
troops to punish these wretches in the vicinity where the depredations
were committed will not likely avail anything, as they make these raids
and then scatter and rejoin their several bands in the mountains.
These marauding parties are generally composed of delegations or
detachments from different clans. To bunt them out and kill or cap-
ture them is the slow work of months, but it is the only way to put a
stop to their hostilities. The best way to prevent a recurrence of dep-
redations in the region of the late attack, I suggest, would be to have
troops stationed .it the crossings of main Trinity and the South Fork;
also to have a strong escort upon the trail, as mentioned in letter to
department headquarters of the 10th instant. To insure protection to
the miners and other inhabitants along this line of communication, and
to keep it open, will require one company of troops. The mail can be
protected by less than half that number. This leads to a subject
which I would gladly avoid, but I feel compelled to represent to the
general commanding that the force at present at my command is not
adequate to the service required. There are but four companies of the
Mountaineer Battalion mustered into service, numbering in the aggre-
gate less than 300 men, and recruits are coming in but slowly. That
life and property may be rendered safe in this miUtary district, and
that the principal lines of travel may be kept open, I would most
respectfully, but in the strongest manner possible, urge that the pres-
ent military strength of this district be re-enforced by two companies
of infantry and one of cavalry.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
S. G. WHIPPLE,
Lieut. Col. First Battalion Mountaineers, California Vols.,
Commanding Humboldt Militarif District.
Lieut. Col. R. C. Drum, U. 8. Army,
Asst. Adjt. Gen., Dept. of the Pacific, San Francisco.
Headquarters Humboldt Military District,
Fort Gaston, Cat., December 30, 1863.
Colonel : I very respectfully report the following : On the day of my
arrival at this post, 22d instant, information was brought by a friendly
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236 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [C»ap. txn.
Indian tbat be liad discovered where hostile Indians were living in log-
Loases, to which they resorted after committing depredations or when
pressed by sconting parties. Lieut. Thomas Middleton, Company C,
First Battalion Mountaineers, California Volunteers, with thirty men of
same company, was at once dispatched, accompanied by Indian guides.
Lieutenant Middleton found the place as described on the 25th instant,
but he was not prepared to take it. In making a reconnaissance, one of
his men, Private Leonard, received a severe and dangerous gunshot
woand in the breast from an Indian spy. The Indian was shot down on
the spot, and Lieutenant Middleton withdrew his command a few miles
to await re-enforcements. Beenforceraents were promptly sent on the
morning of the 26th instant, under command of Capt. G. W. Ousley,
Company B, First Battalion Mountaineers, California Volunteers, when
the attack was made. The bouses were found to bo of large logs with
portholes, from which the inmates kept up a constant firing. The moun-
tain howitzer was nsed with good effect, though without much accuracy
at first from want of practice. Captain Ousley did not deem it best to
carry the houses by storm, as it was certain to result in the death of
several soldiers. He therefore posted a strong guard around the
houses and sent to Fort Gaston for more howitzer ammunition. This I
ftirnished and accompanied the escort in person. When I arrived at
the scene of action, about twenty-five miles from Fort Gaston, I learned
that the houses were demolished, most of the Indians having managed
to elude the guard in the darkness and had escaped. At the escape of
the Indians I was deeply chagrined and at first disposed to blame the
oflScers, but after observing the situation of the ground and taking into
consideration the continued exposure of the men in the storms and their
consequent fatigue, with other adverse circumstances, no other result
could hardly be expected. The houses were situated in the center of a
prairie, a good rifle-shot from the timber, in which occasionally num-
bers of armed Indians, friends of those in the houses, manifested their
presence. It was found that two Indians had been killed and that
several must have been wounded. Within the buildings were many arti-
cles recognized as having belonged to citizens heretofore — a Govern-
ment saddle lost at the time the mail carrier and one of the escorts were
killed in September on the Trinity; four guns, loaded, were also taken,
and the remnants of swords found, together with household furniture.
Two horses and two mules were also captured which had been stolen
from citizens. One important result is that the savages are now con-
vinced that they are not safe in any fortifications which they can
construct. It also proved that some of the houses (five in all) were
owned and occasionally occupied by Indians from this valley. The
casualties on our side were Private Leonard, of Company C, as noted
aboA'e, and Private C. Smith, of Company B, severely wounded in the
right arm at the elbow. Upon learning that men had been wounded
Asst. Surg. E. Phelps, Second Infantry California Volunteers, at once
requested permission to go to them in the field, which was granted.
I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
8. G. WHIPPLE,
Lieut. Col. First Battalion Mountaineers, California Vols.,
Commanding Humboldt Military District.
Lieut. Col. R. C. Drum, U. S. Army,
Asst, Adjt. Oen., Department of the Pacific, San Francisco.
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CHAP. LXn.J OPERATIONS IN HUMBOLDT MILITARY DISTRICT. 237
No. 2.
Reports of Maj. William 8, R. Taylor, First Battalion California Monn-
taineers.
FoBT Gaston,
Hoopa Valley, Klamath County, Cal., September 19, 1863.
Sir : On the 28th of July, 1863, 1 assamed comuiand of Fort Oastou.
I foand the magazine in ruins. I immediately set to work rebuilding
it, making it fire-proof. It is now completed and in use. The post
reports thirty mules. Of these but about nineteen are able to do light
work ; four are team mules. Out of the balance, four only would stand
a hard day's ride. The remaining eleven of the nineteen are misera-
ble old things, almost worthless, but can be made to jog along a few
miles a day, such as carrying blankets and •& few rations for scouts on
foot. Eleven animals have been turned out, being utterly useless.
Nine of them I have sent on the summit of Trinity Mountain, where
the grass is good and water abundant. They may pick up by fall or
before winter sets in. Two mules strayed off some time ago. They are
represented to me to be utterly worthless. I have not seen them, how-
ever. I have been informed by parties well acquainted here that the
Government mules that were of any worth were selected and retained
at Fort Humboldt, headquarters of this district, therefore our sorry
show of mules at this post. We have but seven saddles belonging to
this post at this present moment. The two escort mules of the Weaver-
ville mail have returned without saddles or bridles. We suppose they
have escaped from the pasture, as they bear no marks of violence.
Even if it should be worse with the mail-carrier and escort, we have no
means of assisting them, as there is but one saddle left in the stable,
and but three animals that can be saddled. The distance to the station
is forty-five miles, which is usually traveled in the night-time ou account
of lurking squads of hostile Indians. I have had some beef jerked for
the use of detachments when scouting. I found it answered much bet-
ter for the men, as frequently they go out with six days' rations on their
backs. In some instances they are not permitted to kindle fires, nor to
shoot game, eating nothing but jerked beef and hard bread, and water
as a beverage. We would like to jerk a lot more, if allowable, as it is
preferred by the men. The men have been kept very busy scouting,
escorting trains, the mail, and opening old trails in order to commence
active operations this coming winter, when the Indians can be tracked
ou the snow and their fires seen at night. The rations have been very
insufficient to keep the men up in this kind of service, especially their
clothing rations. Frequently a pair of shoes are worn out in a single
scout of ten days, and pants in a month; underclothing, however, does
very well. The country is very mountainous and thickly covered with
underbrush, which makes it so hard on the men and their clothing. The
settlers are somewhat inclined to extortion here iuthe matter of forage,
having combined to keep the price up. I would recommend that the
quartermaster have discretionary powers about purchasing horse feed.
Outside of this post there is no consumption for forage. I think oats
can be bought for about 3 cents per pound or less, bay at $20 per ton.
Packing from Areata can be had at about 4 cents per pound. Flour is
bought by the citizens at Scents per pound; 150,000 pounds can be
obtained here at the foregoing figures, payable in coin. I detained the
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238 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Chap.LXII.
Weaverville mail two trips. The escort of two men I considered too
small, as their road pa8se<l throitgh the worst portion of Indian country,
and of the bands with whom we have already come iu collisioD, result-
ing in the killing of two of their number and wounding one other, and
where the party that escaped us are supposed to be lurking. I would
have furnished a stronger escort, but such is out of my power. We
have not the means in saddles or mules, and men are too scarce. Shortly
after having assumed command of this post I made it my duty to ascer-
tain the number of Indians in this vicinity. Above the fort, on Trinity
as far up as the South Fork, fourteen miles, there were about 75 fighting
Indians and 150 squaws and children. Below the fort, on Trinity Kiver,
to the Klamath, eight miles, there are 155 fighting bucks and 350 sq uaws
and children. Indians from this valley are joining small roving bands
of Redwood and Mad Itiver Indians. We have conclusive evidence that
Madam Weaver and Mertick were murdered by Indians belonging to a
ranch about seven miles above this post, at the mouth of Willow Creek,
where it empties into the Trinity. Two of these Indians were captured,
and, endeavoring to escape, were killed. One of them confessed before
he died of being at Madam Weaver's murder; the other we have evi-
dence of his participation in the fights on liedwood. The ranches to
which they belonged have been deserted, and about thirty of their num-
ber have taken to the mountains. Two Chinamen were murdered on
New Biver by some Indians belonging to a ranch iu the vicinity of this
post, who are now prisoners. The guilty ones, however, have escaped.
On the 13th of August I visited and had a talk with the Indians at the
principal and largest ranches in Hoopa Valley, assuring them that my
chief entertained friendly feelings toward them, and would assist and
protect them if they remained at their homes and discontinued all inter-
course with the hostile Indians, and I would reward them for the appre-
hension of Indians who had been engaged iu hostility against the
whites. Everything went on smoothly until August 30, when we ascer-
tained that the murderers of the two Chinamen were at a ranch near
the fort. First Lieutenant Hempfield, Company B, First Battalion
Mountaineers, California Volunteers, was sent by Captain Ousley to
arrest the suspected parties, who resisted, and would have killed the
lieutenant but for the interference of the squaws. Lieutenant Hale and
Mr. Moffitt accompanied me to the ranch immediately after the occur-
rence. The chief informed me that the Indians we wanted had fled. I
told him I would give him three days to produce the guilty parties. If
they were not brought to me in that time we would hold the ranch
responsible, and they should not live there. Previous to the expiration
of the three days I visited the lower ranches and informed them of my
determination to take the upper ranch ; at the same time, if they desired
to participate in the fight, we were ready and willing to give them all a
good whipping. They, however, declined the invitation. I then ordered
them to keep the peace with each other for twenty days (they hud been
fighting each other for some time past). In the meantime we had cap-
tured a couple of boats going down the river in the night, severely
wounding one Indian and killing another who endeavored to escax)e.
This Indian we have satisfactory evidence had been engaged in the Red-
wood fights.
On the night of the 2d of September Capt. G. W. OuBley, Company
B, Mountaineers, with a detaehment of his men crossed the river (leav-
ing a party under Sergeant Hurst to guard the trail where his tracks
crossed it), and took up the mountains to come iu above the ranch by
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Ca»p. LXn.] OPEBATION8 IN HUMBOLDT MILITARY DISTRICT. 239
8 o'clock oil the morning of the 3d, as preconcerted. First Lieutenant
Hempfield was stationed with a party at the river, Sergeant Hurst
commanded the guard at the trail, and Corporal Underwood the lower
side of the river opposite the ranch. I proceeded with the howitzer to
the mill opposite the ranch, from which place a good range with shell
can be had. We were all at our posts when the Indians discovered ns.
Some endeavored to escape, but were stopped; others proposed to fight,
and were about to commence when I ordered the howitzer forward to
load with shell. The Indians, seeing the helplessness of lighting, gave
themselves up; but one escaped, and he was badly wounded and left
his gun behind. We captured 41 fighting bucks and 74 squaws and
chUdren, 9 guns all loaded, and 30 quivers of bows and arrows. The
prisoners were immediately removed to the fort and just under range
of the howitzer. They were then put to work removing their ranches
to a site near the fort. They are now gathering food for the winter and
constructing a fish dam. They are apparently perfectly contented, and
so far have not cost the Government a single extra dollar. I feel confi-
dent that all the ludians in this valley can be managed here without
extra cost, and kept from participating with or holding correspondence
with the hostile Indians if properly controlled. I am satisfied that
this has been the leading place for all the attacks made on trains and
travelers. The outside Indians, now hostile, are comparatively insig-
nificant, and can be easily cleared out this winter if the war is prose-
cuted with energy and with vigor. The men at this post are ready and
willing to finish this long-contiuued war this season. I would respect-
fully call the attention of the department to the importance of this
post. It is so situated, commanding as it does such a large body of
Indians, by far the most warlike and intelligent of this whole district.
It commands a large extent of country connecting with trails and ridges
throughout the whole Indian country. We have had lately as much as
100 miles between portions of Company B, Mountaineers. We have
scouted from New Biver, Trinity, and South Fork up to Trinidad on the
coast, and all this from this post. When we made the attack on the
ranch September 3 we were obliged to take the sick out of the hospital,
the hospital stewards, cooks, &c., to garrison the post. We could only
muster, including mechanics and such sick as were able to walk, fifty-
six men. I would most respectfully recommend the discontinuance of
the Weaverville mail to this place. Its route is through a dangerous
country. To make it safe now would require twenty mounted men and
stations and ferries at the South Fork and main Trinity during the
winter months. The same service can be obtained by the regular mail
route to Fort Jones, Scott Valley, via Etna Mills, Sawyer's Bar,
Orleans Bar, Hoopa, Fort Gaston. Letters from San Francisco would
probably be one day later by the proposed route, but would be perfectly
safe at all seasons, not requiring any escort. I would also most ear-
nestly and respectfully urge the necessity of the inclosed requisitions
being forwarded immediately, as the trails will soon close and be impass-
able for trains until about May, unless at very high rates. It is
expected that two or more companies will be stationed at this post.
I have the honor, sir, to remain, very respectfully, your obedient
servant,
WM. S. R. TAYLOR,
ilfa;. Ist Batt, Mountaineers, Gali/ornia Vols., Comdg. Fort Uaston,
Ool. R. C. Drum,
Assistant Adjutant-General, San Francisco, Cal.
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240 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Chap. LXn.
FoET Gaston, Cal., November 18, 1863.
Sir: On the 13tli of November Captain Miller, of Company C, with
a detachment of fifteen men from Companies B and C, who were scout-
ing to Big Bar and South Fork of Trinity, found two Indians and three
squaws dressing a beef they had killed. The two Indians were killed,
but the squaws escaped. The next morning while crossing the South
Fork on their return they were fired on by a small band of Indians.
Two of the men were severely wounded, but not dangerously. The
pack animals stampeded; all were recovered but three. Captain Mil-
ler was obliged to retuin without pursuing the Indians, as several of
his men were sick, two wounded, and the rations exhausted. Captain
Ousleyon the 14th left with a detachment of sixteen men of Companies
0 and B, and found two of the lost mules on the morning of the 17th
at the mouth of Willow Creek. They encountered a band of about
thirty Indians that have been concerned in nearly all the depredations
in this vicinity, who attacked the party, severely wounding two of the
men and slightly wounding Captain Ousley in the leg. The fight
lasted seven hours; five Indians were killed and a number wounded.
The men, although taken at great disadvantage, displayed admirable
courage and discipline. The two Indians killed by Captain Miller's
detachment are supposed to be two of the worst out, called Handsome
Billy and Frank, who have been from boyhood associated with the
whites, intelligent, and excellent shots. Accompanying please receive
reports from Captains Miller and Ousley.
Very respectfully, yours,
WM. S. R. TAYLOR,
Maj. lat Batt. Mountaineers, California Vols., Comdg. Fort Gaston.
Lieut. Col. R. C. Drum,
Assistant Adjutant- General.
No. 3.
Report of Capt. Abraham Miller, First Battalion California Moun-
taineers.
Fort Gaston, November 15, 1863.
Major : In accordance with your orders I proceeded up the river as
far as Taylor's Flat, on Trinity. Finding no chance for foraging with
my detachment we returned to Cedar Flat, where we found forage in
abundance. We remained there until the messengers we had sent to
Weaverville had returned, at which time we started on our return.
About 3 o'clock on the afternoon of the 13th we found two Indians and
three squaws dressing a beef they had just killed at Thomas' ranch.
Upon being surprised they at once jumped into the river and attempted
to swim away, but after much shooting they were killed. Being so
intent on killing the bucks the squaws escaped us. The next day,
while crossing at the mouth of the South Fork, we were attacked by a
band of Indians from the northern side of the main Trinity. At the
first fire all the damage was done, two men being severely wounded —
J. F. Heckmann, of Company C, and Samuel McCracken, of Company B.
Both sides of the river being nearly perpendicular, a grand rush was
made to get up the bank. When there we fired a volley at them, when
they ran away at the first fire. The wildest of our mules stampeded,
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Chap. LXII.) operations IN HUMBOLDT MILITARY DISTRICT. 241
but we recovered nil bnt three, who were loaded with blankets. Sev-
eral of our men being sick, and having the wounded to care for, and
being just out of rations, we deemed it at this time most prudent to
return.
Yours, most resi)ectfully,
A. MILLER,
Capt. Company C, First Battalion Mountaineers, California Vols.
Maj. W, S. R. Tayloe,
Commanding Fort Gaston,
No. 4.
Report of Cupt. George IV. Ousley, First Battalion California Moun-
taineers.
FoET Gaston, Cal., November IS, 1S63.
SiE: In compliance with Special Orders, No. 69, 1 took a detachment
of fifteen men on the 14th instant and proceeded up Trinity River to
the month of Willow Creek, where I camped for the night. Here I
found two of the mules that had strayed off from Captain Miller. On
the morning of the 15th instant I moved camp up the Trinity to within
one mile and a half of the South Fork, where I put out scouts, and
kept them out until the 16th at noon. Found no sign of the other mule,
and but little sign of Indians. At 12 m. the 16th I moved camp down
to the mouth of Willow Creek, where I camped for the night. The
morning of the 17th, at daybreak, I sent three men half a mile distant
to kill some venison, if possible. Whilst out they got separated, and
one came into camp a few minutes before 7 a. m. I then took four men
and started to go up a ridge to hunt for Indian sigus. On arriving at
the foot of the ridge I heard a shot and the whoop of Indians. As soon
as I reached the summit of the ridge I found that the Indians were
giving chase to the two men that had gone hunting, and had already
wounded one of them. I got my men from camp, half a mile distant,
by hallooing. In the meantime I gave the Indians fight with four men.
The fighting commenced at 7.30 a. m. and continued until 3 p. m.
Charles Johnson, of Company B, was wounded by the first shot that
was fired. Dusky, of Company C, acting packer for the acting assist-
ant quartermaster, was also wounded during the engagement. I was
also slightly wounded in the right leg. During the seven and a half
hours' fighting every man behaved as only good men could. We drove
the Indians from the ground, but they took with them their dead and
wounded, which I could not prevent, there being some thirty or forty
of them well armed and stationed in thick timber, and I had but eleven
men that I could send against them, as it took four men to guard camp.
The Indians carried off five dead that I know of, and I think more.
There was also a good proportion wounded. They fired at least 1,000
shots, and as a general thing shot close. I staid on the ground two
hours and a half after the fighting was over, finding it necessary to
get the wounded where they could be cared for. I then started for
Fort Gaston, whicli ])lace 1 reached at 12 p. m. the 17th instant.
Very respectfullyj yours,
GEORGE W. OUSLEY,
Captain, First Battalion Mountaineers, California Volunteers.
Maj. W. S. R. Tayloe,
Commanding Fort Gaston.
16 E E— VOL L, PT I
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242 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [CHAP.LXn.
SEPTEHBEE 8-9, 1863. — SkimuBhes in the Chiricahoa Monntaini, Ariz. Ter.
Report of Capt. James H. Whitlock, Fifth California Infantry.
In Camp, September 12, 1863.
Lieutenant: I have tlie honor to inform tlie commanding oflBcer-
that I found an Indian camp on the 5th instant; surprised it and
captured 2 mules, 1 Sharps carbine, 1 U. S. blanket (new), some other
traps, and as much as a thousand pounds of dried prepared Spanish
bayonet fruit. I took such as I wanted and burned the camp, including
all that pertained to it. No casualties. On the 8th I found them in
force. A very spirited fight of about fifteen minutes, and occasional
shots for as much longer, ensued, in which I had 1 man and my guide
severely wounded, and 1 horse mortallj wounded. I routed them and
destroyed their campooda. On the 9th some of my skirmishers met
some scattering Indians and exchanged a few shots.
J. H. ^VHITLO0K,
Captain, Fifth Infantry California Volunteers.
JAFUARY 1-28, 1864.— Operations in the Hnmboldt Tlilitary District
Reports of Lieut. Col. Stephen 0. Whipple, First Battalion California
Mountaineers, commanding IlnmhoUU Military District.
Headquarters Humboldt Military District,
Fort Gaston, CaL, January 29, 1864.
Colonel: By letter to department headquarters of date January 21
1 informed the commanding general of rumored hostilities on Salmon
River, Klamath County. Capt. G. W. Ousley, Company B, First Bat-
talion Mountaineers, California Volunteers, who was dispatched to
that section with detachment of twenty men, returned last evening,
and from his official report I gather the following facts: On the 15th
instant a band of about thirty Indians, mostly Hoopas, made a descent
upon a miners' camp on Pony Creek, a tributary of New River. The
miners, nine in number, made their escape to South Salmon, but a
winter's supply of provisions for the miners, four rifles, two watches,
and some money fell into the hands of the Indians. In this connection
I remark that these miners returned to or remained on New River,
against the remonstrances of the officers of this post. Captain Ousley
informs me that four of the miners had squaws living with them.
From Pony Creek the Indians crossed over to South Salmon, but by
another route from that taken by the miners, and on the ICth killed 2
white men and 2 Chinamen, also wounded 2 Chinamen near the month
of Plummer Creek. They obtained some gold dust from the Chinamen
and robbed a store near by of some $250 worth of goods and about
$350 in dust. This store was owned by a Mr. Dumphreys. During tlie
evening of the same day the Indians went down the stream about eight
miles to Dumphreys' lower store and helped themselves to about $300
worth of shelf goods and one revolver. Here the savages divided
among themselves (now numbering twenty-two) the gold dust, amount-
ing to about $2,000. The citizens gathered at the forks a few miles
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CHAP. Lxn.] OPBBATIONS IN HUMBOLDT MILITABT DISTRICT. 243
below during the night, and early the next morning were attacked by
the Indians, and the fight was kept up several hours, in which 3 white
men were killed and 2 wounded, also a Chinaman wounded. Of the
Indians 1 was killed and 2 wounded, 1 of which it has since been ascer-
tained died of his wounds. At this place the Indians obtained two
rifles and two pistols. The citizens were but few in number and poorly
armed.
The next day other citizens arrived from North Salmon and a party
was sent in pursuit, and came upon the camp of the enemy in the dark
before they expected to, and the Indians all escaped, being obliged to
leave nearly all their merchandise, two rifles, and a double-barreled
shotgun. After this the pursuing party saw no more of the Indians,
as they scattered in every direction. From this post Captain Ousley
proceeded directly to the South Salmon and returned via New Eiver,
where he found several hundred pounds of provisions the Indians had
left, which was cached by the captain. A few miles farther down the
stream were found caches made by the Indians of their plunder, which
were destroyed. The party of thirty men which I sent out to intercept
the Indians were not successful in discovering any. This raid on Pony
Creek was nothing but what was expected if a few miners would persist
in remaining for the winter on any of the branches of New Eiver. The
region is so completely isolated and difiicult of approach for troops that
it would be impossible to aflford assistance or protection to the miners,
except a force was stationed there. The people on Salmon River have
felt themselves comparatively safe from attack, the more probably
because they have heretofore escaped and from the distance than from
their ability to resist. The citizens here are now on their guard and
able to protect themselves for the present.
I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
S. G. WHIPPLE,
Lieut. Col. First Battalion Mountaineers, California Vols,,
Commanding Humboldt Military District.
Lieut. Col. R. C. Dkum, U. S. Army,
Asst. Adjt. Gen., Dept. of the Pacific, San Francisco, Cat.
Headquarters Humboldt Military District,
Fort Oaston, Cal., January 29, 1864.
Colonel: I have to report that on yesterday Corpl. Jos^ Picaso
and a sergeant of Captain Pico's company Native California Cavalry
were by the side of the river a little more than half a mile from this
post, when Corporal Picaso was shot through the lungs by an Indian
concealed in the brush on the opposite bank. The ball entered the
back just below the right shoulder blade, and came out near the neck
on right side, inflicting a severe and dangerous wound. Several
Indians were seen on the hills opposite, and immediate pursuit was
given, but without success.
I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
S. G. WHIPPLE,
Lieut. Col. First Battalion Mountaineers, California Vols.,
Commanding Humboldt Military District,
Lieut. Col. R. C. Drum, U. S. Army,
Assistant Adjutant- General, Dept. of the Pacific, San Francisco.
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244 OPERATIONS OW THE PACIFIC COAST. [Chi». LXn.
JANVABY 2, 1864.— Oocapatioii of Santa Catalina Idaad, Cal.
Report of Lieut. Col, James F. Curtis, Fourth California Infantry,
commanding District of Southern California.
Hbadquabtbrs District op Southern California,
Drum Barracks, Los Angeles County, January 12, 1864.
A company of infantry having been ordered by the commanding
general of this department to take post at Santa Catalina Island and
to assume military possession thereof, Capt. B. R. West's company (C),
Fourth Regiment California Volunteer Infantry, proceeded there from
Drum Barracks, Cal., on 2d of January, 1864, charged with executing
the duty above indicated. The command consisted of one captain, one
subaltern, one assistant surgeon (First California Volunteer Cavalry),
and eighty enlisted men. On the 7th instant the undersigned, accom-
panied by Captain Morris, assistant quartermaster, U. S. Volunteers,
Wilmington Depot, inspected the camp and made a reconnaissance of a
portion of the island with the view of selecting a suitable point for the
garrison and of obtaining such information as might be of value to the
department commander. Santa Catalina lies off the coast twenty-five
miles southerly from San Pedro (Wilmington), which is one mile from
Drum Barracks. It is twenty miles long from east to west, and has an
average width of fonr to five miles. Upon its easterly end it widens to
eight miles. Its surface is rough and mountainous and its shores rocky
and precipitous. Abont one-third its length from the west end the
shores of either side approach to within 600 yards, forming a low neck
or isthmus, which rises gradually from the beaches to the center, where
it is about sixty feet above the sea. This neck of laud (or isthmus),
beiug 600 yards in length as above stated, is about 300 yards in width,
the hills rising abruptly on either side. It was selected for garrison
purposes, and the company quarters authorized by the general were
directed to be built near its center. It had recently been laid off in
town lots by a squatter, and three shanties built, which, together with
a sheep corral, were ordered removed. At some distance from the
island the appearance presented is of two separate high islands. The
indentations formed at the extremities of the isthmus provide secure
anchorages. That on the south is termed Catalina Ilarbor, is land-
locked, and will float the largest war ships. Ten or more could safely
moor within it. Mariners consider it the safest harbor on the coast of
California next after that of San Diego. That on the north side, termed
Union Bay, was used by the vessel which transported the troops and
supplies. She anchored within 150 yards of the beach. It is safe
except during westerly gales, when a heavy swell rolls in. Union Bay
contains two coves, known as Fourth of July Harbor and Fisherman's
Harbor, which are used by small craft and fishing boats. Artillery
upon the parade-ground of the post as selected will command the
entire isthmus and both harbors at short ranges. Fresh water can be
obtained by sinking forty to fifty feet, and a stream of running water
has its source in the high land about eight miles from the proposed
garrison. Thousands of cords of firewood have been cut and sold on
the mainland to quartermasters and other purchasers. Directions
have been given forbidding the cutting down of more trees for any
purpose. Generally the hills are covered with wild sage, grease wood,
cacti, and other shrubbery peculiar to the latitude. Cottonwood, iron-
wood, manzanita, and wild cherry are found in the Tavines. The lati-
tude of the isthmus is 33° 26' north, and the temperature 10° warmer
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CMAP. Lin.] OCCUPATION OP SANTA CATALINA ISLAND, CAL. 245
than that of the adjacent mainland. Climate more salubrioas than
that of San Diego or any other portion of California. The fogs of the
coast rarely reach the island. No more fitting place could be found
for a general hospital or depot for Indian prisoners. It is estimated
that 15,000 wild goats are roaming over the almost inaccessible heights
on the easterly end and the number fast increasing. The soldiers of
the command were already supplying themselves with meat at the
point of their rifies. Excepting a few foxes and squirrels, no other
animals are found wild. It is unnecessary to state that fish in abun-
dance and variety are taken along the shores. Nothing definite was
ascertained of the title to the island. The occupants all acknowledged
the United States Government as owner, and received a notification to
leave more with regret than surprise. The U. S. district attorney for
the southern district of California should possess reliable information
regarding ownership. An order for all persons, excepting Government
employes and others specified, to remove from the island having been
issued recently by the department commander, steps were taken to
ascertain the names of the occupants, and the following-named persons
were ascertained to be engaged in raising stock : John Johnson, ten
years a resident; owns 3,000 sheep, 200 head cattle; raises vegetables
and firnits for sale. Charles Johnson, brother of above; ten years' resi-
dence; 100 mares and colts. Spencer H. Wilson, five years a resident;
12,000 sheep, 10 head of cattle; principal occupation, cutting firewood
for sale. William Uowland, six years' residence; 3,000 sheep. Benja-
min Weston, 2,000 sheep. Juan Cota, 400 head cattle. Francisco
Guerrero, eight years a resident; 2,000 sheep. Swain Lawson; 10 head
cattle; owns a small vessel employed about the island.
It will be impossible for the above mentioned persons to remove
without an entire sacrifice of their flocks and property. It is now
lambing season, and owing to scarcity of grass this year all through
the southern portion of the State it would be useless to attempt moving
sheep or cattle. Quite recently mines of galena have been discovered,
and about seventy miners are at work prospecting in various places.
Copper, silver, and gold are said to exist in connection, but lead is the
predominating metal throughout and has been found in numerous
places. Whether the ledges will ])ay to work is being solved. With
the contradictory evidence upon the point I could reach no conclusion.
An enrolling officer reached the island with the andersigned and pro-
ceeded at once with the duties of his office. No great pecuniary loss
can accrue to the miners by removal. They have been to no expense
as yet for machinery or tools, and have been but a short time there.
No work other than prospecting has been done. A meeting was about
being called to make such rules as would secure to present possessors
their mining claims until they be permitted to return. A harbor so
safe as Catalina upon a coast almost destitute of them would be eagerly
seized by any maritime enemy unless occupied by the forces of the
United States. Upon returning to these headquarters after the inspec-
tion instructions were received from the general commanding modifying
those previously given regarding the removal of persons from the
island so that all owners of stock and members of incorporated mining
companies may remain. It is respectfully suggested that claimants of
other mining ground, not incorporated, some of which may be more
valuable than that of incorjiorated companies, receive the equal privi-
lege. It is particularly important that the entire isthmus from harbor
to harbor, which is the military point of the island and upon which ao
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246 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. (Chap. LXH.
mines have been discoTered, should be retained and reserved for Gov-
ernmeut purposes. A 12-ponuder field gun with ammunition has been
sent to the post commander. A small sail-boat is required to commu-
nicate with the main. A steam-boat would be preferable,
ftespectfully submitted.
JAMES F. CURTIS,
Lieutenant-Colonel Fourth California Volunteer Infantry,
Commanding JHstrict of Southern California.
Lieut. Col. R. C. Detjm,
Asst. Adjt. Gen., Hdqrs. Dept. of the Pacific, San Francisco, Cal.
FEBBUAST l-JUNE 30, 1864.— Operations in the Humboldt Military
DiBtrict, CaL
sxj]vim;ajiy of t^bj principal evknts.
Feb. 29, 1864.— Skirmish on Redwood Creek, Cal.
Mar. 1, 1864. — Skirmish in Redwood Moontaius, Cal.
17, 1864. — Skirmish on Red Mountain, near Blue Rock Station, Cal.
19, 1864.— Skirmish on the Eel River, Cal.
22, 1864.— Skirmish at Bald Spring CaDon, Eel River, Cal.
27, 1864.— Skirmish on the Eel River, Cal.
28, 1864.— Engagement on the Eel River, Cal.
April 28, 1864.— Skirmish at the Big Bend of the Eel River, Cal.
May 1, 1864.— Affair at Booth's Run, Cal.
2, 1864.— Skirmish on Kneeland's Prairie, Cal.
6, 1864. — Skirmish near Boyuton's Prairie, Cal.
23, 1864.— Skirmish at Qronse Creek, Cal.
27, 1864. — Skirmish at Thomas' House on the Trinity River, Cal.
28, 1864.— Skirmish at Big Flat, Cal.
REPORTS.
No. 1. — Brig. Gen. George Wright, U. S. Army, commanding Department of the
Pacific.
No. 2. — Col. Henry M. Black, Sixth California Infantry, commanding District of
Humboldt.
No. 3.— Maj. Thomas F. Wright, Sixth California Infantry.
No. 4. — Capt. William E. Hull, Second California Infantry.
No. 5. — Capt. Thomas Buckley, Sixth California Infantry.
No. 6. — Capt. Duane M. Greene, Sixth California Infantry.
No. 7. — Capt. Eli Cook, Sixth California Infantry.
No. 8. — Lieut. Jacob P. Hackett, Sixth California Infantry.
No. 9. — Lieut. Hampton Uutton, Sixth California Infantry.
No. 10. — Lieut. John B. Taylor, Sixth California Infantry.
No. 11. — Sergt. Francis Bellon, Company G, Sixth California Infantry.
No. 12. — Sergt. Charles A. Baker, Company E, Sixth California Infantry.
Ko. 13. — Lient. Col. Stephen G. Whipple, First Battalion California Mountaineers.
No. 14. — Capt. Abraham Miller, First Battalion California Mountaineers.
No. 15. — Capt. George W. Ousley, First Battalion California Mountaineers.
No. 16. — Lieut. Knyphausen Geer, First Battalion California Mountaineers.
No. 17. — Lieut. William W. Frazier, First Battalion California Mountaineers.
No. 18. — Lieut. Thomas Middleton, First Battalion California Mountaineers.
No. 19. — Lieut. Leonard C. Beokwith, First Battalion California Mountaineers.
No. 20. — Sergt. John S. Hughes, Company B, First Battalion California Mountaineers.
No. 21.— Sergt. Richard B. Harris, Company E, First Battalion California Moon-
taineers.
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Ciup. LXII.) OPERATIONS IN HUMBOLDT MILITARY DISTRICT. 247
No. 1.
Reports of Brig. Oen. Oeorge Wrighi, U. IS. Army, commanding Depart-
ment 0/ the Pacific.
Hbadquaetees Depaktment of the Pacific,
San Frandaco, April 23, 1864.
Sib: I have the honor to inclose herewith a communication* from
Col. H. M. Black, Sixth Infantry California Volunteers, dated April 7,
1864, with seven inclosures, being reports of operations against hostile
Indians in the District of Iluiiiboldt during the month of March, 1804.
The ofBcers and men are deserving the highest praise for the zeal and
energy they have manifested as well as for their cheerful and patient
endurance of privation in that inhospitable region.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
G. WRIGHT,
Brigadier- General, IT. S. Army, Commanding.
Adjutant-General U. S. Army,
Waghington, I). C.
Headquarters Department op the Pacific,
San Francisco, May 9, 1864.
Sib: Tranquillity prevails throughout the department except in the
District of Humboldt, where the Indian war is being prosecuted vigor-
onsly and successfully. Col. II. M. Black, Sixth Infantry California
Volunteers, has been zealous and indefatigable in pursuing the enemy,
and his officers and men hnve endured the hardships and exposures of
that inhospitable region, amidst the snows and rains, with the greatest
cheerfulness. The whole country is covered with our scouting parties,
and already between thirty and forty of the hostile Indians have been
killed«and many wounded, with bat trilling loss on our side. Some of
the principal chiefs have surrendered, and Colonel Black expresses the
opinion that the war will soon cease.
Very respectftilly, your obedient servant,
G. WRIGHT,
Brigadier- Oeneral, U. S. Army, Commanding.
Adjutant-General U. S. Army,
Washington, 1). C.
Headquarters Department of the Pacific,
San Francisco, May 11, 1864.
Sib: I have the honor to inclose herewith seven reports t from officers
commanding scouting parties against the hostile Indians in the District
of Humboldt, Cal., for the information of the lieutenant-general com-
manding the Army and the honorable Secretary of War. These reports
have been forwarded to me by Col. II. M. Black, Sixth Infantry Cali-
fornia Volunteers, to whom, as well as the officers and men under his
*8ee p. 248.
tSee reports of Lient. W. W. Frazier, First Battalion Mountaineers; Capt. Wil-
liam E. Hull, Second Infantry California Volunteers; Lient. K. Geer, First Battalion
Mouutameers, and Capt. D. M. Greene, Sixth Infantry California Volunteers.
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248 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. (Chap. LXU.
command, great credit is due for the zeal, activity, and bravery tboy
luive exliibited, which it is confidently expected wUl result at an early
date in restoring peace and quiet in the district.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
G. WRIGHT,
Brigadier-General, U. 8. Army, Commanding.
Adjutant-General U. S. Army,
WanMngton, D. G.
Headquarters Department op the Pacific,
San Francisco, May 17, 1864.
Sir: For the information of the lieutenant-general commanding the
Army and the honorable Secretstfy of War I have the honor to inclose
herewith two reports* forwarded to me by Col. H. M. Black, Sixth
Infantry California Volunteers, commanding the District of Humboldt.
The indications are favorable for an early settlement of the Indian
difficulties in that quarter.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
G. WEIGHT,
Brigadier- General, U. S. Army, Commanding.
Adjutant-General U. S. Army,
Washington, D. 0.
Headquarters Department op the Pacific,
San Francisco, June 23, 1864.
Sir: Inclosed herewith are reports t received from Col. H. M. Black,
Sixth Infantry California Volunteers, commanding the District of
Humboldt. Under the vigorous prosecution of operations against the
hostile Indians by Colonel Black and the officers and men of his com-
mand it is confidently expected that peace will be restored at aji early
date. With the exception of the Indian disturbances in Humboldt and
in the country of the Snake Indians in Oregon all is quiet.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
G. WRIGHT,
Brigadier-General, U. S. Army, Commanding Department,
Adjutant-General U. S. Army,
Washington, D. C.
No. 2.
Reports of Col. Henry M. Black, Sixth California Infantry, command-
ing lyistrict of Humboldt,
Headquarters District op Humboldt,
Temporarily in Camp near Fort Gaston, Cal., April 7, 1864.
Colonel: In order that the general commanding department may
know what is being done within this district, I have the honor to inclose
herewith all original reports of scouts, &c., as far as heard from for the
month of March, made by the following-named officers, viz: Maj. T. F.
'See Whipple, May 6, ante, and Hall, April 30, ante.
tSee report of Sergt. Richard B. Harris, First Battalion Califomin Mountaineers,
p. 303.
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Chap. LXU.] operations IN HUMBOLDT MILITARY DISTRICT. 249
Wright, Sixth Infantry California Volunteers; Capt. D. *M. Greene,
Sixtli Infantry California Volnnteers; Capt. T. Buckley, Sixth Infantry
California Volunteers; First Lieut. J. P. Hackett, Sixtli Infantry Cali-
fornia Volunteers; Capt. Eli Cook, Sixth InfantryCalifornia Volunteers;
Second Lieut. H. Button, Sixth Infantry California Volunteers, and
First Lieut. K. Geer, First Battalion Mountaineers, California Volun-
teers. The scouts on the Klamath River, though not successful in
capturing Seranaltin John, have had a very beneficial effect upon the
Indians along that stream (Klamath), and I believe have made them our
allies; all of which is very satisfactory, as important results may be
expected from the same. Great credit is due both to ofBcers and men
for activity, energy, and zeal displayed in scouting over (to them at
least) a new country, which I might say cannot be described, but must
be seen and traveled over to know anything about it, particularly with
the elements against them nearly all the time. It has been storming,
rain and snow, every day but one since the 21st ultimo; snow on all the
mountains several feet deep and streams all high. One train has been
out nine days to-day from Areata. I propose to return to Fort Hum-
boldt as soon as the train arrives and the snow and streams will permit,
visiting Camp laqua and Boynton's Prairie on my route if possible.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
• H. M. BLACK,
Colonel Sixth Infantry California Volunteers, Commanding.
Lieut. Col. R. C. Drum, U. S. Army,
Asst. Adjt, Oen,, Mdqrs. Dept. of the Pacific, San Francisco, Cal.
Headquarters District of Humboldt,
Fort Humboldt, Cal., May 28, 1864.
Colonel : I have the honor to report, and it is with much satisfac-
tion, for the information of the department commander, the arrival at
this post yesterday afternoon of Captain Hull and sixteen enlisted men
of Company D, Second Infantry California Volunteers, with a goodly
number of Indian prisoners — 66 bucks, 68 squaws, and 24 children;
total, 158— who surrendered themselves to him near the junction of
North Fork and main Eel Rivers. He believes that he could have
induced more to come in, but his limited supply of provisions and
transportation would not admit of further delay. After a few days'
rest for himself and men at this post he will return to his scouting
ground to kill or capture what few hostiles are left in that section of
the district.*
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
H. M. BLACK,
Colonel Sixth Infantry California Volunteers, Commanding.
Lieut. Col. R. C. Drum,
Asst. Adjt. Qen., Mdqrs. Bept. of the Pacific, San Francisco, Cal.
ADDENDA.
Headquarters Department of the Pacific,
San Francisco, Cal., April 23, 1864.
Col. H. M. Black,
Sixth Infantry California Vols., Comdg. Dist. of Humboldt:
Sir: The general commanding has read with much interest and sat-
isfaction your report of the 7th instant, as also the accompanying
* See report of Capt. William £. Hull, May 15, p. 261.
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250 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Chap. LXII.
reports of^flScers under your command, relative to operations in the
District of Humboldt against hostile Indians. The energy and zeal
displayed by both ofScers and men of the Sixth Infantry and Battalion
of Mountaineers entitles them to the general's warmest thanks.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
E. 0. DRUM,
Assistant Adjutant-General.
Headquartees Department op the rACiPic,
San Francisco, May 10, 1861.
Col. H. M. Black,
Sixth Infantry California Vols., Comdg. Dist. of Humboldt :
Sir: The general commanding desires mo to say that he is well
pleased with the zeal and gallantry displayed by the oflBcers and men
of your command engagetl in the several Indian scouts in the District
of Humboldt. All are deserving of great praise, but the activity of
Captain Hull, Second Infantry, is particularly praiseworthy.* The
example of Captain Hull should be followed by all.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
R. C. DRUM,
Assistant Adjutant- Ge%eral.
No. 3.
Reports of Maj. Thomas F. Wright, Sixth California Infantry
FoET Humboldt, Cal., February 21, 1864
Sir : I have the honor to report that in obedience to orders from the
headquarters of the District of Humboldt, dated February 17, 18C4, 1
proceeded with Company C (Captain Buckley) from this post at 5 p. m.
same day. The order for the movement was not received until about
4 o'clock on the day of our arrival from San Francisco. Neither the
baggage of the officers nor men had been obtained from the steamer.
We were accordingly obliged to go badly prepared, the men with
blankets and overcoats, and three days' rations of hard bread and
pork. The oflScers were not able to get at their baggage. From infor-
mation received at Areata, on my arrival there, I learned that the
Indians had left the vicinity of Dyer's house, and had probably taken
the trail toward Weaverville. We proceeded along that trail from
Areata to the saw- mill, about one mile from the town, when from the diffi-
culty of finding the trail in the night I determinetl to wait until morn-
ing, when we could discover with more certainty the direction they had
taken. The following morning after proceeding about two miles we
came to the point where the Indians had come up from Dyer's onto the
trail, and we were able to follow them without any trouble to Boyn-
ton'5 Prairie, a distance of thirteen miles from Areata. Here they had
left the trail. By the time the guide had tracked them to their camp
of the previous night and back onto the trail it was too late to go any
farther, and we were obliged to camp for the night. During the night
it commenced to rain. On the morning of the 19th I, however, pro-
ceeded as far as the crossing of Mad River, a distance of six miles.
This stream flows between abrupt, steep banks, is exceedingly rapid,
and difficult to cross when high, and I deemed it prudent to wait until
the rain should cease before crossing with my command. From the
•See report of Capt. William E. Hull, May 8, p. 260.
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CHij-.tXlI.] OPERATIONS IN HUMBOLDT MILITARY DISTRICT. 251
tracks which I found at this point I think that the Indians numbered
about forty or fifty, one-half of whom were women. In the meantime I
sent to Camp Curtis for two days' additional rations, which I received
in the evening. During the night the rain fell steadily, and on the
morning of the 20th, theie being every prospect of a long-continued
storm, I determined, with regret, to relinquish the pursuit and return
with my command to Arcate. We accordingly marched through a
drenching rain to that place, where we arrived at 3 p. m. Yesterday,
after seeing that the men were comfortable under a vacant building,
occupied by the consent of the owner, I proceeded by steamer to this
post. I would respectfully suggest to the colonel commanding the pro-
priety of placing one company of troops at Boynton's Prairie for a
time at least. I think it would prevent any similar depredations being
committed in the neighborhood of Areata. I cannot neglect to men-
tion tlie good conduct of the men of my command without exception.
The energy and eudurance which they have displayed on this their
first active service will, I am sure, gain in the future for the company,
under more favorable circumstances, a high reputation.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
THOS. F. WEIGHT,
Major Sixth Infantry California Volunteers.
Lieut. James Ulio,
Sixth California Volunteer Infty., Actg. Asst. Adjt. Gen.
[Indorsoment.]
Headquarters District op Humboldt,
Fort Humboldt, Cat, February 21, 1864.
Respectfully forwarded for the information of the department com-
mander, believing that the major and his command are entitled to
great credit for the promptness and zeal displayed, and had not the
elements been against us I think we would have been able to have
given a better account of their maiden efforts. Yet we are here, and it
is known, and ready for anything that may offer.
h. m. black.
Colonel Sixth Infantry California Volunteers, Cotndg. District.
Hdqrs. Battalion Sixth Infantry California Vols.,
Camp near Fort Gaston, Cal., March 31, 1864.
Sir: In accordance with Orders, No. 2, dated headquarters District
of Humboldt, March 14, 1864, 1 have the honor to report the operations
of the battalion, composed of three companies (G, E, and 6), Sixth
Infantry California Volunteers, during the present mouth :
The battalion was in camp on the 1st instant near the town of Areata,
Cal. In accordance with previous instructions, Company C, Captain
Buckley, proceeded on that day to take post at Boynton's Prairie,
leaving fifteen men to guard the saw-mill near Areata. Boynton's Prai-
rie is east of Areata, twelve miles distant, and about two miles from Mad
River. Several trails form a junction at this point from the northeast
and southwest. It is, therefore, well located lor the defense of Areata
and the vicinity. On the 2d instant the two companies (E and G), with
the colonel commanding the district and staff, en route for Fort Gaston,
marched to Liscouibe's Hill, thirteen miles; on the 3d to Fawn Prairie;
on the 4th to Oak Grove, and on the 6th to this camp; total distance,
forty-six miles. On the 8th instant, it having been reported that the
Indians were assembling near the junction of Klamath and Trinity
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252 OPEEATION8 ON THK PACIFIC COAST. [Chaj.. Lxn.
Rivers with the intention of attacking a scooting party then oat in
that vicinity, Captain Greene, with forty men of his company, was sent
to that point. I have the honor to inclose herewith Captain Greene's
report of his operations during the remainder of the month.* He
deserves much credit for the activity and "energy displayed over a
region of country new to him and heretofore deemed impassable for
troops. The two Indians captured by Captain Greene were, on their
arrival at this camp, identified by citizens of the valley and others.
They had been engaged in many depredations committed previously,
and very recently had been with the Indians in open hostilities. They
were both hung, by my direction, on the 16th instant, at this place. On
the 9th instant Lieutenant Hackett, with thirty-five men of Company
G, was sent out at the request of Lieutenant-Colonel Whipple, of the
Battalion of Mountaineers, to assist in attacking a party of Indians
discovered by Lieutenant Geer, of the Mountaineers. The report of
Lieutenant Hackett is inclosed.! On the 10th Lieutenant Taylor, with
fifteen men of Company E, escorted a train with supplies to Captain
Greene's command, returning on the 11th. On the 12th Captain Cook,
with a detachment of his company, was out on a scout to the east of
this camp, and on the 19th Lieutenant Button, of the same company,
also was out in the same direction. Both reports are inclosed here-
with. J Lieutenant Taylor was again sent on the 19th to escort the train
to the camp of Captain Greene, returning on the 20th.
On the 22d instant, in accordance with my instructions, I left this
camp with Company G and the remainder of E for the purpose of mak-
ing a trip down the Klamath among the Indians on that river who have
heretofore been friendly toward the whites, but who had recently been
accused of rendering some aid to the hostile band under the Hoopa
chief, Seranaltin John. A detachment was left in charge of this camp
under Lieutenant Hackett. I arrived on the same day at Martin's
ranch, near the junction of the Trinity and Klamath Elvers, where
Captain Greene was encamped. About retreat. Lieutenant Hempfield,
of the Battalion of Mountaineers, came into my camp and reported
that a prisoner under his charge had been shot a short distance from
there. On the following morning I deemed it my duty to investigate
the affair as far as possible. All the facts were reported to the colonel
commanding the district in my letter of the 23d instant. The prisoner
was a very old man, who had, perhaps, more influence over the hostiles
than any other man, and his loss under the circumstances was much to
be regretted. The deed has also had a very bad effect on the Indians
disposed to be friendly, lessening their confidence if nothing more.
Having been satisfied from information received that the hostiles under
John were in the vicinity of Young's ranch, on the Klamath, some
twenty miles below its junction with the Trinity, and that they were in
the habit of visiting that place in the night-time, I, on the 24th, directed
Lieutenant Taylor with twenty men in canoes to go down the river,
leaving some stores for my command at Young's house, and afterward
to descend some distance below, conceal his boats, and return on the
opposite side of the river to a point directly opposite the house, there
to remain until my arrival, all of which was performed without the
knowledge of any of the Indians in the vicinity. Leaving Lieutenant
Button in charge with forty men, I with eighty men of the two com.
panies marched by land. On arriving within five miles of Young's
after a very hard march of seventeen miles, I halted, my men and ani.
mals almost exhausted, for the purpose of allowing them to recover.
•Seep, 265. t See p. 272. * See pp. 272, 2T7.
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CHAP.Lxn.] OPERATIONS IN HUMBOLDT MIIilTAEY DISTBICT. 253
At 8 p. m. I directed Captain Greene to proceed down the river very
cautioasly with bis men and Bnrronnd Yoang's and the neighboring
Indian ranches. The night was very dark, the rain falling in torrents,
and the trail difBcolt to follow even in the daytime, bnt they succeeded
in accomplishing their purpose about 1 a. m.
On the following morning with the train and the balance of the com-
mand I followed. On my arrival no hostile Indians conld be found in
any of the ranches. Mr. Young states to me that the night previous
they had been at his house with their leader, John ; that ho had not
allowed him to come into his house, but had warned him not to again
come there, and that he did not know the direction which the party
had taken. Ou going into camp a short distance below I sent word to
the different ranches in the vicinity that I wished to talk with them on
the following morning at my camp. Our arrival was so totally unex-
pected, and the appearance of so many men so much alarmed the
Indians, whose fears had been much increased by the stories circulated
among them by the whites who live with them, that it was difficult to
get them together. After some delay, however, some 200 were col-
lected together. After I had stated to them my object, and assured
them that there was no danger, they became calm. It appears that at
or near this point there are three ranches, the most powerful ones of
the Klamaths. They control the others, and their influence is very
great. For some time past the jealousy which exists has prevented
them from acting together. They readily admitted that from their
inability to resist they had harbored John and his party, but that they
were ready to act together now, and attempt his capture if he again
came on to the river. I told them that they must hereafter act together ;
that they would be held responsible that no succor was given to any
hostile Indian. They promisetl to deliver any Indian up who should
give them any aid or information. Being unable to learn which direc-
tion the party had taken, I sent out my Indian scouts to ascertain if
possible their whereabouts, and on the afternoon of the 26th moved up
the river six miles. The Indians returning without being able to get
any information, on the 27th I returned to our camp at Martin's ranch,
leaving twenty men under Sergeant Bellon, of Company G, to follow
the following day. Though not successful in capturing any hostile
Indians, I trust the expedition has not been in vain. The exhibition
of a much larger force than ever seen before must have its effect upon
these Indians. The good resulting from it is already apparent in the
actions of the Klamath Indians. During the four days we were absent
the rain fell almost incessantly, the weather very cold, and the men
suffered much from exposure, as we avoided making fires as much as
possible. I regret to state that I was obliged to shoot one of my mules.
It fell accidentally over a precipice, breaking its thigh, rendering it
unable to move. On the 28th Sergeant Bellou with the train returned
to camp. On the 30th I returned with both companies to this camp.
The estimated distance marched during the mouth by the scouts from
the two companies will, it is believed, approximate close to the a«tual
number of miles. Company E, Captain Greene, 483 iniles; Company
G, Captain Cook, 395 miles.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
THOS. ¥. WRIGHT,
Major Sixth Infantry California Volunteers, Gomdg. Battalion.
Lieut. J. Ulio,
Sixth Infantry California Volunteers,
Acting Assistant Adjutant- General, District of Humboldt.
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254 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. (Chif.LXII.
Headquabtebs,
Gamp laqua, Gal., May 15, 1864,
SiE : In accordance with Orders, No. 2, current series, from head-
quarters of the District of Humboldt, I have the honor to report the
operations of the troops of this command during the preceding part of
this month:
May 1 Lieutenant Geer, of the Mountaineers, was absent on a scout
with a detachment of his own company, and Lieutenant Taylor, Sixth
California Volunteer Infantry, with ten men of Company E, of the
Sixth Infantry, in the vicinity of Kneeland's Prairie. Having struck
a trail of hostile Indians, he on the morning of the 1st directed Pri-
vates Mills and Berry, of Company E, to proceed to the trail with the
mules and baggage of his command, and there await the arrival of the
supply train coming from Humboldt, join them, and come in to this
jMJSt. Instead of doing so they kept on, without waiting, in advance of
the train. On arriving at Booth's Bun, about six miles irom here, they
were about a mile in advance of the train when they were fired upon
by some Indians, five in number, concealed in the rocks. Mills waa
mortally wounded and overtaken by the Indians, who cut his throat.
Berry was shot through the hand, but succeeded in escaping with the
loss of his gun and ammunition. The mules were then stripped and
the blankets, overcoats, and cooking utensils taken away. This unfor-
tunate affair was the result of the disobedience of orders on the part of
the victims, and can be attributed to no one else. Lieutenant Geer con-
tinuing on the trail came up with the Indians at sundown. While
planning his mode of attack the Indians engaged in the attack of the
morning came in and joined them with all the plunder. The lieutenant
then resolved to wait until daylight, in hopes more might arrive during
the night. At daylight on the 2d he had completely surrounded them,
when he made the attack successfully, as shown by his official report
heretofore forwarded. One more body has since been discovered, mak-
ingthekilledseveninsteadofsix. Thekilling of the squaws was unavoid-
able on account of the thickness of the bushes and the early hour of
the attack, the camp being quite dark still. All who were recognized
or gave themselves up were spared. Most of the property was recov-
ered. On learning of the murder I immediately sent Lieutenant
Hackett, Sixth California Volunteer Infantry, with twenty men to
search for Berry. The body of Mills was brought into this post by the
train. May 2 Captain Greene, Sixth California Volunteer Infantry,
was ordered to scout to the southward of this post for five days. On
the 3d Lieutenant Huttou was sent in charge of the prisoners taken to
Port Humboldt. On arriving at Brown's ranch he found the missing
man Berry, who had been shot three days previous, just arrived. He
was taken in to Fort Humboldt. On the 4th First Sergeant Bellon, of
Company G, Sixth Infantry, with thirteen men was sent in search of
Berry and to scout over in the direction of the fight. Sergeant Bel-
lon discovered that the Indians had returned and buried their dead.
On the 5th Lieutenant Taylor was sent to the head of Mad Eiver, with
instructions to protect a drove of cattle and some families who were
desirous of crossing the mountains. This was accomplished, and on
returni n g the country was scouted. All of the above scouts had returned
on the 9th. On the morning of the 10th Captain Greene was, with
forty men and twelve days' supplies, directed to scout on Eel River to
within ten miles of Camp Grant, thence to Larrabee Valley and the
headwaters of Mad Kiver, by Fort Baker home. Lieutenant Geer to
scout with twenty-five men and ten days' supplies north of Mad Eiver
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CHAP. Lxn.] OPERATIONS IN HUMBOLDT MILITARY DISTRICT, 255
along Boulder Oreek to its head, thence toward the bead of Mad Biver.
On Sie 11th Sergeant Holt with ten men of Company G, Sixth Cali-
fornia Volunteer Infantry, and ten Mountaineers [was detailed] to
escort a party of citizens and a drove of cattle up Mad Biver to the
head of Pilot Creek; thence scout in a southeast direction toward the
head of Mad River and join Lieutenant Hackett, who on the 12th
started for Fort Baker with twelve men, with instructions to go thence
east toward the spot designated for the meeting. On the 13th Sergt.
F. Bellon, of Company G, Sixth California Volunteer Infantry, was
sent in pursuit of some Indians reported to be near Harris' house, five
miles southeast from the post, with twelve men and five days' rations.
When heard from Sergeant Bellon was on the trail. On the 15th Lieu-
tenant Taylor left with twelve men to escort the train toward Hum-
boldt. On arriving at Freshwater Slough he is to leave the train and
scout the country, joining it at the same place on the 18th. After
seeing the train over the dangerous part of the road to laqua, Lieuten-
ant Taylor will scout toward llad Biver until tlie^23d instant.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, '
THOS. F. WRIGHT,
Major Sixth California Volunteer Infantry, Commanding Post.
Lieut. JA3IES Ulio,
Adjutant Sixth California Volunteer Infantry,
Acting Assistant Adjutant- Oeneral, District of Humboldt.
Headquabtebs,
Camp laqua, Cal., May 31, 1864.
Sir : I have the honor to report the following operations of this com-
mand during the preceding fifteen days against the hostile Indians:
Five scouting parties were out at the date of my last report. The
reports of each I have the honor to inclose herewith. On the weening
of the 20th, further information having been received coucerning the
Indians referred to in the report of Lieutenant Hackett by a scouting
party under Sergeant Harris, Company E, Mountaineers, I at once
determined to capture them if possible. Nearly the entire command
had just returned. Having been in the field about thirty days without
rest, many of the men were unable to go uutil they had recovered from
their fatigue. A call for volunteers was responded to by more than
the number of men required, and Lieutenants Geer, Hackett, and Hut-
ton. The services of Stephen Fleming as a guide, two or three citizens,
eight friendly Indians, with the party under Sergeant Harris, in all
amounting to fifty men, left this camp at retreat on the 20th. The
report of the action on the 22d [23d], which was the result, I have had the
honor to transmit heretofore to the colonel commanding.* The officers
and men of the entire command have been active and untiring during
the past month, their labors severe, and the exposure has been neces-
sarily'great. On the 26th Sergeant Holt, Company G, Sixth California
Infantry Volunteers, and nine men left for the purpose of scouting to
the southwest of this post. It is believed that few if any Indians are
now roaming between Eel and Mad Bivers west of Baker. It is thought
that all the armed bands still out can be induced to come in as prison-
ers of war if steps are now taken with a view to that object. In the
meantime another severe chastisement will be perhaps beneficial. The
white man seen during the last engagement is thought to be Heath,
who recently escaped from Gaston ; while at the same time the horse
* See Goer's report, May 25, p. 292.
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256 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Chap. LXII.
captured is supposed to have belonged to a man by the name of Boss,
who has been missing since the 20th insteint from his home. In obe-
dience to verbal instructions a detachment of ten men was sent to
relieve the party of the Second Infantry at Brown's ranch on the 28th
instant. Also on the 30th a detachment of ten men to protect Beed's
ranch, ten miles south of this camp. This point is much exposed and
has been threatened repeatedly of late. I have to day directed Lieuten-
ant Taylor, of the Sixth, to establish a temporary camp at a suitable
point near the crossing of Mad Biver by the upper trail, with twenty-
five men for the protection of that route, now very much traveled, and
perhaps the most dangerous one in the country. Should this meet the
appreval of the district commander I will keep a party at the point
selected.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
THOS. F. WBIGHT,
Major Sixth California Volunteer Infantry, Commanding Post.
Lieut. James Ulio,
Adjutant Sixth Infantry California Volunteers,
Actg. Asst. Adjt. Oen,, District of Humboldt, Cal.
Headqttaetbbs,
Camp laqua, Cal., June 15, 1864.
Sib : I have the honor to report the operations of this command
during the previous fifteen days :
June 1, Lieutenant Taylor, Sixth California Volunteer Infantry, was
sent with twenty-five men of Company E, with instructions to select a
suitable place near the Upper Crossing of Mad Biver and there erect
a small bJock-houso. This point has been much firequented by Indians,
and they have given much trouble to people traveling that route over
the mountains. Large droves of stock pass over this trail during this
season of the year, and it is necessary to have a force suflBcient for
escorts and protection. On the same day, in accordance with instruc-
tions from the commander of the district, ten men and two corx)orals
were sent to Light-House Point, near Fort Humboldt, to guard Indian
prisoners there. Juno 2, four men were detached to guard Harris'
ranch, four miles southeast of this post, for the protection of forage
belonging to the quartermaster of this jwst. On the 6th Lieutenant
Geer, of the Battalion of Mountaineers, with a detachment of twelve
men was sent to meet a party of Indians (Bedwoods) who were said to
be anxious to deliver themselves up. The object was eflfected as far as
shown by bis report, and the detachment returned on the 14th instant
to this post. I have the honor to inclose the reports of Lieutenants
Geer and Taylor.
I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
THOS. F. WBIGHT,
Major Sixth California Volunteer Infantry, Commanding Post.
Headquaetebs,
Camp laqua, Cal., June 30, 1864.
Sib: I have the honor to report the operations of this command
during the preceding fifteen days :
On the 19th Lieutenant Taylor, Sixth California Volunteer Infantry,
was sent with instructions to take command of the detachment of Com-
pany E, Sixth California Volunteer Infantry, stationed since the 1st
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OBtf.LXII.] OPERATIONS IN HUMBOLDT MILITARY DISTRICT. 257
iustant at Soldier's Grove, consisting of twenty-flve men, and to scout
the country in that Aiciuity and on Grouse Creek and Mad Elver, for
the pnrjMse of discovering if any Indians still remain in that part of
the district. The inclosed reiwrt* will show that after thoroughly
searching the country referred to no trsices of Indians can be found,
l^o signs of Indians have been discovered on the south side of Mad
River since the 1st of May. On the 25th Lieutenant Geer, of Battalion
of Mountaineers, was sent out with a view to improving and shorten-
ing the trail from this post to the town of Eureka. Lieutenant Geer
returned on the 29th, having succeeded in locating the trail, shortening
it at least four miles. The new trail, leaving the old at Lawrence Creek,
continues on a ridgo runningnearly straight, and joins the old one again
at the foot of the hill four miles west of Brown's ranch. Very little work
will render it practicable for trains. As soon as possible this work will
be performed. Lieutenant Taylor and his command returned to this
post on the 29th instant,
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
TH08. F. WRIGHT,
Major Sixth California Volunteer Infantry, Commanding Pout.
First Lieut. James Ulio,
Adjutant Sixth California Volunteer Infantry,
Acting Aaaistant Adjutant- General.
No. 4.
Reports of Capt. William E. Hull, Second California Infantry,
Camp No, 25,
Bed Mountain, March 31, 1864.
SiB: I have the honor to report that on the 17th instant at the Red
Mountain, seven or eight miles southwest of the Blue Bock Station,
the scouting party of the company under my command routed a band
of hostile Indians and pursued them to Eel River. On the evening
of the 19th came up with them and killed 2 Indian men and captured 2
squaws. On the 22d followed the same band into Bald Spring Canon,
where 2 more men were killed. Continued the pursuit of the band
under cover of night until the morning of the 27th instant, when First
Sergeant Maguire, with one corporal and three privates, came upon a
large encampment, which they attacked, killing 5 Indian men and cap-
turing 3 women and 3 young children. On the 28th instant with the
main body of my detachment encountered a large party on Eel River
and succeeded in killing 16 men and capturing 2 women, making in all
this month 25 Indian men killed and 7 women and 3 children captured ;
the latter have been sent to Camp Grant under guard to be forwarded
to district headquarters. In this section of country there are large
numbers of wild Indians known by the name of Wileackee, and where
my detachment could do good service. If the district commander
should deem it advisable to order nie to that section, the communication
Irom him in this instance might be forwarded via Camp Grant, from
whence I could receive it earlier than by the usual mail route. In
the section of country allotted me for scouting, r. e., from the Mendo-
cino Reservation to Shelter Cove, the Indians have almost entirely dis-
persed, having returned to the reservation or left for other parts to
*S«e Taylor's report, June 30, p. 278.
17 B E — VOL L, PT I
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268 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. (Chap. hxa.
evade my command. I beg to state that Mattole Valley and Bear
Eiver alluded to in District Orders, No. 118, are beyond the capability
of my means of transportation, in consequence of the want of pack
animals. The roughness of the route makes it difficult to find animals to
hire in this vicinity equal to the task. With reference to the communi-
cation dated Fort Gaston, March 6, 1864, and transmitted through dis-
trict headquarters, relative to operating against domesticated Indians,
I beg in reply to state that I have not interfered with any of that class,
or with any who are living with or under the protection of white set-
tlers. In conclusion, I feel pleasure in stating that the scouting party
under my command did their duty in a soldierlike, cheerful, and satis-
factory manner, during several days and nights (the weather being both
wet. and stormy) while in pursuit of the Indians.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
WILLIAM E. HULL,
Captain, Second Infantry California Vohi., Comdg. Company D.
Acting Assistant Adjutant-General,
Humboldt Military District, Fort Humboldt, Cal.
[Indorsement.]
Headquarters District op Humboldt,
Fort Humboldty Cal., April 24, 1864.
Respectfully forwarded for information of department commander.
Great credit is due Captain Hull and his command for activity and
energy displayed.
H. M. BLACK,
Colonel Sixth Infantry California Volunteers, Commanding.
Camp No. 25,
Coast Range Mountains, Mendocino County, Cal., April 15, 1864.
Sir : I have the honor to transmit the following report of the move-
ments of a scouting detachment of Company D, Second Infantry Cali-
ioruia Volunteers, under my command, commencing on the 1st and
ending on the 15th instant, viz:
April 1, Sergeant Magiiire and six privates proceeded with seven
women and three children (Indian captives) toCamp Grant, and returned
here on tiie 8th instant, having traveled a distance of 104 miles. Ser-
geant Magnire states that one woman and child succeeded in making
their escape on the way t<j their destination, notwithstanding the strict-
est vigilance was kept by the party; that during the time they were
out they experienced very stormy weather and much snow had fallen.
Met with no fresh Indian signs. April 3, Sergeant Winn, one corporal,
and three privates proceeded on scout to Bell Canon, Island Mountain,
and returned on the 4th instant. Traveled a distance of twenty-five
miles; also on the 3d instant Sergeant Wheeler and four privates pro-
ceeded on scout to Blue Kock Canon and returned on the 4th instant,
both parties driven in by severity of snow-storm. Saw no fresh Indian
signs on either route. April 5, 6, 7, and 8, much snow lying on the
hill, consequent difficulty in traveling. April 9, I proceeded this day
with one sergeant, one corporal, and six privates, one packer and two
mules in a westerly direction toward the coast and scouted carefully
along the South Fork of Eel River, its- tributaries, and through the
different little valleys where Indians were likely to be found, taking
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Chip, hxn.] OPERATIONS IN HUMBOLDT MILITARY DISTRICT. 259
care to travel under cover of night. Keturucd to camp on the 12th
instant without finding any Indians or fresh signs. Traveled during
this scout a distance of about sixty miles. April 13, 1 proceeded this
day with one sergeant and six privates to Middle Fork of Eel River,
which is much swollen and cannot at present be forded. (Gradual melt-
ing snow on the mountains at the head of this stream will keep it np
for some time. Scouted in tliis neighborhood a distance of forty-five
miles, and returned to camp this day without seeing any Indians or
fresh signs. The whole of these scouts were supposed to be within the
limits of Mendocino County. My first object now will be to build a
canoe capable of carrying provisions and ferrying my men across the
Middle Fork of Eel River, and following up the remainder of the baud
of Indians referred to in my last report, who have no doubt escaped
across this river, taking with them their wounded, of which there were
several. I beg to add that I must give but an estimated distance of
miles traveled in each scout, but the figures are placed under rather
than over.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
WILLIAM E. HULL,
Captain, Second Infantry California Voh,, Comdg. Company J).
Acting Assistant Adjutant-Geneeal,
Mumboldt Military District, Camp near Fort Oaaton, Cal.
At Camp No. 25,
Coeut Range, Meridocino County, Cat., April 30, 1804.
SiB : I have the honor to make the following report of the proceed-
ings of the detachment of my company while on scout, from the 16th
to the 30th instant, viz :
April 16, occupied in making preparations for crossing Eel River in
a northeasterly direction. April 17, 1 proceeded with two sergeants,
one corporal, one guide, and eleven privates to the mouth of White
Rock Canou that foils into Eel River, a distance of about twenty
miles; found the river at that point impassable. April 18, sent out
two parties, one up and the other down the river, in search of a ford,
but without success, each party traveling about ten or twelve miles.
April 19j proceeded up the river with the whole detachment about
fifteen miles, and with great difficulty succeeded about 2 a. m. in cross-
ing. The men being very wet, I encamx>ed for the night; found fresh
Indian signs. April 20, having arrived in the neighborhood of Indians,
kept my men and animals concealed in the bushes until dark, then
traveled a distance of about twelve miles, keeping a good lookout for
Indian camp-fires, but discovered none; by the moonlight I could
plainly see the traces of Indians through the high grass. April 21,
encamped at daylight and at night fall resumed the scout; traveled all
night over a very rough country called the Rola Bola Mountains;
plenty of Indian signs; traveled a distance of twenty miles. April 22,
remained in camp until night, then resumed the scout, and after travel-
ing until near daylight discovered Indian camp-fires situated on a high
bluff of rock that seemed impossible to approach, and was so to
strangers at night-time; hence I was compelled to defer the attack until
daylight, but those wary savages discovered us and fled ; they had a start
of about two miles. I followed them as fast as possible, the ascent being
extremely difficult, and pursued them that day until myself and men
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260 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. (Chap. Lxn.
were almost exhausted; must have traveled a distauce of fifty miles,
including the scout of the previous night; discovered by the trail the
Indians had separated in two bands. April 23, divided my men in
two parties ; gave Sergeant Wheeler one and myself the other. I fol-
lowed one trail, traveling alternately by day or night until my provis-
ions began to give out. I arrived at this camp on the 28th ; traveled a
distance averaging twenty miles per day since the 23d. April 29, Ser-
geant Wheeler arrived at camp with 11 Indian women and 1 child,
prisoners captured by him on the 28th; he reports 8 Indian men killed,
besides quite a number wounded, that threw themselves into the
river and thus escaped or were likely drowned; this occurred at a
place called Big Bend, on Eel River; he also states that his party
traveled not less than twenty miles each day. I have detained three of
the captives (women) as guides for a few days, believing that they will
be of great use to me; the remainder I have forwarded to Camp Grant,
to be escorted to Fort Humboldt, agreeably to district orders. I have
had built on Eel River a large canoe, capable of carrying twenty men.
I feel pleasure in stating that people are already driving large herds
of stock into a portion of the country scouted over by me. heretofore
prevented by Indians.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
WILLIAM E, HULL,
Captain, Second Infantry California Vols., Comdg. Company I).
Lieut. James Ulio,
Actff. Asst. Adjt. Oen., Humboldt Military District,
Camp near Fort Gaston, Cal.
nD<iB8. Company D, Second Inpty. California Vols.,
Gamp No. 26, Eel River, Mouth of Bell Rock Canon, May 8, 1864.
Sib: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of
the 1st instant, transmitted via Camp Grant, and now beg leave to
report the proceedings of the scout detachment of my company from
the 1st to the 8th, as follows:
May 1 to 3, removing camp to this place. May 3, a band of forty
Indians have this day of their own accord come into camp and sur-
rendered themselves on condition of their lives being spared (having
previously burnt their bows and arrows). There are twelve or fifteen
bucks, the remainder of the number are squaws and children. I under-
stand from this band that there are more coming in to surrender them-
selves. My means of transportation will not admit of my victualing
a large number long. However, I have made arrangements to have
provisions purchased from the nearest settlement to enable me to for-
ward them to Humboldt for the disposal of the district commander.
May C, Sergeant Sweet and six privates from Camp Grant, where they
had taken Indian captives, saw no fresh Indian signs.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
WILLIAM B. HULL,
Captain, Second Infantry California Volunteers,
Comdg. Company D, Second Infantry California Volunteers,
First Lieut. James Ulio,
Adjutant Sixth Infantry California Volunteers,
Acting Assistant Adjutant-General, Fort Humboldt, Cal.
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ciu». lxn.] operations in humboldt military district. 261
Hdqrs. Company D, Second Inpty. California Vols.,
Camp No. 26, Eel River, May 15, 1864.
Sir: I have the honor to state that since the 8tb instant (the date of
my last report, in which I informed you that I had 40 Indians who had
surrendered themselves) I have accepted the surrender of 69 more,
making the total number of prisoners at this camp 109, and a proba-
bility of increase. I am only waiting for suflQcient supply of provisions
to start on the line of march to Humboldt with them. The i)ack train
firom Port Bragg and a gang of Indians sent to Long Valley for beef
will, I expect, arrive to-morrow. Captain Simpson arrived hero last
uiglit with two privates and his Indian interpreter, by my request, to
assist me in getting a inll understanding with those Indians. They
appear satisfied with my arrangements at present, but I fear that in
removing them from their country they may demur. I can muster a
guard of but twelve or fourteen men, and in the event of their chang-
ing their mind and making a stampede daring the night many will
doubtless escape. I shall use all caution within my limited means to
prevent such a disaster.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
WILLIAM E. HULL,
Captain, Second Infantry California Vol»., Comdg. Company D.
Acting Assistant Adjutant-General,
Humboldt Military District, Fort Humboldt, Cal.
N. B. — As a precautionary measure I deemed it necessary to keep
the whole of my detachment about the camp, in consequence of the
large number of prisoners therein.
W. E. H.
Camp No. 26,
Eel River, Mouth of Bell Caiion, Mendocino County, Cal.,
June 14, 1864.
Sir : I have the honor to report that the proceedings of Company
D, Second Infantry California Volunteers, under my command between
the 1st and 14th, are as follows:
Arrived at this camp firom Fort Humboldt on the morning of the 3d
instant. On the 4th instant sent out a scouting party in charge of
Lance Corporal Young, who retuined on the 7th with tit'teen Indians.
He reports that while scouting these Indians came to him and surren-
dered ; they (the Indians) say that they are the last of their tribe in
this section of country, which I am letl to believe is correct, as I have
scouted the country entirely over without finding any Indian signs
whatever, having started from camp on the 8th instant and returned
on the 13th, traveling on average a distance of about twelve or fifteen
miles a day. I sent two friendly Indians to the headwaters of the
North Fork of Eel River with the view of finding the whereabouts
of the tribe of Indians belonging to that portion of the country. They
Lave not returned, and it is my opinion that they have been killed.
As soon as I get supplies from Fort Bragg, and my camp moved from
this i)oint to that region, I shall commence active operations against
them. However, as my intended camping ground is fully 100 miles
from Fort Bragg, over an exceedingly mountainous country, it will be
about the Ist of July before I can get the necessary supplies to that
part. I have recently understood that there is a small baud of roving
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262 OPEEATI0N8 ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Chap. LXIL
Iiidiaus at Usal Creek, on tbe coast. I shall proceed immediately in
person to that vicinity and scout along the coast to Shelter Cove,
thence back again across country to North Eel Kiver, by which time
my supplies will have arrived at the head of North Fork of Eel River.
In the meantime Sergeants Maguii-e and Winn will be scouting with
the detachment in this section. This day I have forwarded to Oamp
Grant, undercharge of Lance Corporal Young and five privates, fifteen
Indian prisoners, who will be turned over to the commanding officer of
that post for transfer by him to Fort Humboldt.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
WILLIAM E, HULL,
Captain, Second Infantry California Voh,, Comdg. Company D.
Acting Assistant Adjutant-General,
Humboldt Military District, Fort Humboldt, Cal.
ADDEXDA .
Headquabtebs Department of the Pacific,
San Francisco, May 18, 1864.
Col. H. M. Black,
Sixth Infantry California Vols., Oomdg. Dist. of Humboldt:
Sir: The general commanding is gratified to observe the activity
and zeal displayed by Captain Hull, Second Infantry California Vol-
unteers, and Sergeant Wheeler of Captain Hull's company, on a recent
scout and engagement with the Indians on Eel Biver. They deserve
and receive the highest praise for their conduct on the occasion
referred to.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
R. C, DRUM,
Assistant Adjutant- General.
No. 5.
Reports of Capt. Thomas Buckley, Sixth California Infantry.
Camp Bidwell, Cal., April i, 1804.
Sib: I have the honor to report operations of my command from the
16th to the 31st ultimo, inclusive. Notwithstanding the inclement
weather, snowing or raining ox>ntinually, the command has been actively
engaged in scouting. Made scouts to Mad River the 2l8t, 23d, and 25th
ultimo without success. Lieutenant Oaks, in command of a detach-
ment of twenty-one men, with five days' rations, left camp on the morn-
ing of March 26 for the purpose of scouting in the vicinity of the Three
Cabins, distant fourteen miles, also to Renalda Creek and Big Bend.
After crossing Mad River and while ascending the mountain, Private
Joseph Smith, of Company C, Sixth Infantry California Volunteers, fell
and almost instantly expired at 11 a. m. 26tli ultimo; supposed cause of
decease, apoplexy. He was buried on the banks of Mad River. The
detachment proceeded to the Three Cabins and encamped. On the 27th
made a scout three miles north of Big Bend in the direction of Red-
wood Creek, where they discovered fi-esh Indian signs on the ridge
dividing Bug and Boulder Creeks. It is the opinion of Lieutenant
Oaks that there are two Indian ranches on each of the above-named
creeks. The detachment returned to their camp at night, having been
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Ciuf. LXn.] OPERATIONS IN HUMBOLDT MILITABY DISTRICT. 263
out in a violent storm of rain and sdow. On the 2Sth scouted seven
miles up the south side of Boulder Creek through a pelting storm of
rain. They saw fresh signs, but no Indians.
On the 29th the detachment scouted all day in a storm with like results.
On the 31st ultimo detachment returned to Camp Bid well by the way of
Kneeland's Prairie, fording the river with great difficulty six nules
above the lower ford, the latter being impassable. Lieutenant Oaks
reports seeing smoke ascending from the timber to the left of the trail and
half a mile from the prairie. On the detachment halting the fire was
imm^liately extinguished. Four men were detailed as spies to watch.
They returned to camp that night without discovering the enemy. The
detachment was com|>elIed to return, being out of rations and quite
exhausted from the effects of the severe storms. On the 28th March I
left camp with ten men, intending to join Lieutenant Oaks' command,
but was compelled to return, as the river could not be forded. Lieu-
tenant Oaks reports the country as very favorable for scouting. The
creeks are densely covered with heavy timber. On the summit of the
mountains are numerous plateaus covered with good grass and with
springs of good water. Boulder Creek runs paridlel with Mad River,
the latter forming Big Bend. Three Cabins is six miles southwest of
Big Bend. The range of country described is covered with fat cattle,
hundreds of which were seen by the detachment, and affording an inex-
haustible supply of food to the enemy. Distance marched going and
returning, forty miles. The health of my command has been generally
good. It is my intention to make another scout immediately, and I
hope a more successful one.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
THOMAS BUCKLEY,
Captain^ Sixth Infantry California Vols,, Commanding Camp.
Lieut. James Ulio,
Adjutant Sixth Infantry California Volunteers,
Acting Assistant Adjutant- Oeneralj Fort Oaston, Cal.
Camp at Botnton's Praieie, Cai.., May 5, 1864.
Sib : I have the honor to report that Lieutenant Oaks, in command
of a detachment of twenty-three men of Company C, Sixth Infantry
California Volunteers, left this camp on the morning of April 25, 1864,
on an Indian scout to Boulder Creek. After a diligent search, finding
no enemy in that vicinity, the detachment returned to this camp on the
evening of the 28th of April. As the Indians had been reported as kill-
ing cattle on Kneeland's Prairie, on the evening of April 30, 1864, I
sent a detachment, consisting of Sergeant Wing and six privates, who
were to proceed to the prairie and remain concealed, to observe if the
enemy returned to the prairie, and their numbers; also to follow their
trail to their camping place, and to send back for a larger force to sur-
round them, unless their numbers should be sufiicient to attack them
successfully. The detachment returned this day, and the sergeant
reports that he discovered a small party, consisting of five or six bucks
and squaws, but could not succeed in getting close enough to capture
them, the nature of the country allowing them to easily secrete them-
selves, and it would be impossible to get a shot at them unless close
upon them. I would also report that Lieutenant Oaks, in command of
a detachment of twenty men, left camp this p. m. for a scout in that
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264 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Cbap. LXn.
section. I would also report the health of my command as good, with
a few exceptions of colds.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
THOS. BUCKLEY,
Captain, Sixth Infantry California Vols., Commanding Camp.
Lieut. James Ulio,
Adjt, Sixth Infantry California Vols., Fort Humboldt, Gal.
Camp at Botnton's Peaibie, Cal., May 15, 1864.
SiE : I have the honor to report that Lieutenant Oaks, with a detach-
ment of tweuty-two men, left this camp on the 3d instant for the pur-
j)08e of scouting on and in the vicini^ of Kneeland's Prairie. The
detachment discovered iresh Indian sign at the Redwoods, head of Elk
Creek, and other localities in the neighborhood of the prairie. The sign
or trail was only made by one band of Indians, who succeeded in dodg-
ing and eluding the pursuit, although closely followed by Lieutenant
Oaks and party. The detachment found two Indian ranches composed
of huts, one of which they destroyed and the other they reserved for
future operations. The detachment returned to this camp on the morn-
ing of the 8th instant; distance marched, twenty miles (distance
marched during the whole scout, as reported by Lieutenant Oaks, 100
miles). I regret that I have to report the death of Corpl. J. D. Barnes,
late a member of Company B, First Battalion Mountaineers, California
Volunteers, and but recently attached to my company, who was shot
on the 6th instant while on the trail between here and Kneeland's
Prairie, by a party of Indians concealed near the trail. He was return-
ing to camp with two pack-mules, one of which he was riding, and when
between one and two miles from the prairie he was shot at and hit by
two balls, one penetrating his shoulder, which caused him to drop his
gun, and the other shot, which struck him in the lower part of the back,
passing through his body. He succeeded in returning to camp, but
died about three hours after. He reported seeing a white man with
the party that shot him. Lieutenants Oaks and ^we, with a detach-
ment of thirty-three men, are at present sconting in the same locality.
The health of the command is good. I would respectfully request per-
mission to remove five men from Tillow's Mill to this camp, if agreeable
to the commanding ofBcer of the district.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
THOMAS BUCKLEY,
Captain, Sixth Infantry California Vols., Commanding Camp.
Lieut. James Ulio,
Adjutant Sixth Infantry California Volunteers,
Acting Assistant Adjutant-Oeneral, Fort Humboldt, Cal.
Camp at Botnton's Peairie, July l, 1864.
SiE : I have the honor to report operations of my command from the
16th of June to July 1, 1864. I have not been actively engaged in
scouting the last fifteen days, owing to the intelligence I received from
reliable sources that all the hostile Indians were coming in and giving
themselves up. I was informed that there were two bucks and three
squaws still out in the vicinity of Boulder Creek, concealed in a cave.
I sent out a detachment on the 24th June, with a guide thoroughly
acquainted with that portion of the country, to make a thorough
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Chap. LXn.J OPERATIONS IN HUMBOLDT MILITABY DISTRICT. 265
search for any hostile Indians larking in that vicinity. The detach-
ment returned to Ciimp on the evening of the 28th Jane, and report
finding the cave on Boulder Creek. It had been evacuated, with no
appearance of having been recently occupied. With the above excep-
tion the detachment was unable to discover any Indian signs. I have
to report the loss by desertion of four men from my command on the
night of the 15th June. The next day I dispatched Lieutenant Oaks
with a detachment of five men in parsuit. After following them fonr
days the detachment lost their trail and was compelled to return to
camp, arriving here on the 22d ultimo. I would also report that the
health of my command is generally good.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
THOS. BUCKLEY,
Captain, Sixth Infantry California Vols., Commanding Camp.
Lieut. James Ulio,
Adjutant Sixth Infantry California Volunteers,
Acting Assistant Adjutant-General, Fort Humboldt, Cal.
No. 6.
Reports of Capt. Duane M. Greene, Sixth California Infantry.
Camp hear Fort Gaston, Cal., April 1, 1864.
Sir: I have the honor to report to the colonel commanding the dis-
trict the following scouts and movements made from the 8th day of
March, 1864, to the Ist day of April, 1864, by a detachment of Com-
pany E, Sixth Infantry California Volunteers, under my command:
Tuesday, March 8, 1864, left camp near Fort Gaston, Cal., at 12.30
p. m. with detachment of forty men of Company E, Sixth Infantry
California Volunteers, one packer, one Indian guide, two mules with
supplies for detachment, and one mule with supplies for Lieutenant
Middleton's command, which was supi>osed to be in the vicinity of the
junction of the Trinity and Klamath Rivers. I proceeded about six
miles and met him returning with his detachment to Fort Gaston. I
turned over to him the mule with provisions for his command and pro-
ceeded to Weitchpec, at the junction of the abovename<l rivers, where
I arrived about 5 p. m., crossed the Klamath Biver, and camped in
front of a vacant house. Found several friendly Indians living near
this place. Distance traveled, twelve miles. With the exception of
two places where there have been land-slides, the trail is good. Wed-
nesday, March 9, sent messenger to Fort Gaston, reporting my arrival
here. Sent out three scouting parties of ten men each under noncom-
missioned officers, with Indian gaides, one up the Klamath, one down
the Klamath, and the other to the valley behind the range of mountains
skirting the Klamath on the north, to discover the hostile Indians if
possible, or signs, and information that would lead to their discovery.
The parties returned to camp at C, 7, and 7.30 p. m., respectively. The
one that went up the river found the country in some places near the
river fiat and sandy, but generally hilly and rough. They went to a
point six miles ftom camp, but saw no signs of Indians. The party
that went down the river marched six miles f^om camp, three miles of
which was through tolerably smooth country, the remainder broken and
ruggetl. Found a great many friendly Indians living in ranches. Saw
a white man who informed them that a notorious Indian named Wanich
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266 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. (Chaf. LXn.
coald be found iu the vicinity of Bluff Creek, about eight miles above
my camp. The party that crossed the mountain traveled seven miles to
a valley, but saw no Indians nor signs of them. Aggregate distance
traveled by the three parties, thirty -eight miles.
Thursday, March 10, at a very early hour I took sixteen men and
went to Bluflf Creek, eight miles from my camp, in search of "VVanich.
He had been notified of my coming and made his escape to the moun-
tains. I returned to camp at 1 p. m. Lieutenant Taylor, Sixth Infan-
try California Volunteers, with an escort of ten men arrived in camp
at 2 p. m., with ten days' rations for the detachment. Friday, March
11, sent Sergeant McCullough with ten men to look for a more suitable
place to camp. He returned at 11 a. m., having found a deserted log
cabin and a barn at a distance of two miles from the junction and one
mile above Martin's Ferry. Wood and water convenient. Moved
camp iu afternoon. Lieutenant Taylor and escort returned to Fort
Gaston. I sent the two mules and packer I had back with him. Sat-
urday, March 12, having received information that Seranaltin John's
band was at Young's ranch, about twenty miles down the Klamath, I
took twenty men and twelve Indians in three canoes (the Indians as
guides and to work the canoes) and four days' rations and started in
pursuit. Arrived at Young's ranch about 3.3U p. m., and learned that
the Indians were about three miles below that pla<;e. Remained at
Young's until night set iu, then took the canoes and moved noiselessly
down the river, but their system of telegraphing is so perfect that my
coming had been long known to them, and they had scattered and fled,
some to the mountains and some down the river. The Indians with me
said there was but one place for those who ha<l gone down the river to
stop at, and that was a rendezvous at the mouth of the river. I con-
tinued on and arrived at a point half a mile above the mouth of the
river at 3 a. m. Sunday, where I landed the men. I proceeded cautiously
over the most indescribable rocks and cliffs a quarter of a mile and dis-
covered a large canoe partly drawn out on the rocks. I then ascended
a high buff, on the summit of which I found an Indian rancheria, which
I immediately surrounded, capturing the two notorious Indians, Jack
and Stone, and two squaws and two children. Having no rope or any-
thing else suitable to hang the bucks with, I was obliged to bring them
away with me. I could not take the sqnaws and children, as I had but
four days' rations for my men and I desired to hasten to the river to
intercept any others of the band that might be coming down to this
rendezvous. The children could not have got down the cliff to the
river, the night being so intensely dark. It is impossible to imagine a
rougher or more rugged country than that through whicli I passed.
Animals cannot be taken over it. There is no trail ou either side of the
river from a point one mile below Young's ranch to the mouth, a dis-
tance of thirty-four miles. There are bowlder-bars in some places near
the river one and a half and two miles long, where there is no earth,
not even a grain of sand visible, the strong currents of freshets having
swept it away, leaving nothing but the clean washed stones to walk
upon. The river is wild and rapid as a cataract all the way to its
mouth, rendering it extremely difiicult to bring an empty canoe up. In
traveling thirty-four miles I was obliged to cross the river thirty-eight
times. I remained on one side as long as it was possible to get through
the dense woods or until I came to an impassable cliff, then crossed to
the other side, thus alternating until within one mile of Young's, where
the country is more open. I continued marching until 6 ]). m. Sunday,
when I halted to rest the men and give them an opportunity to make
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CHAP. LXII.] OPERATIONS IN HUMBOLDT MILITARY DISTRICT. 267
coffee, having marcbed twenty miles. Kesumed the march at 8 p. m.
and arrived at Young's ranch at 4 a. m. Monday, having marched fif-
teen miles during the night. (This march was much impeded by the
men falling into chasms and gulches hidden by the tops of fallen trees
and underbrush.) Left Young's at C a. m. Monday and arrived in camp
near Martin's Ferry at 8 p. ui., having marched twenty miles. Confiued
the prisoners in a log cabin under a guard of six men. Found no other
trace of Indians. Distance traveled in three days and two nights, 110
miles.
Wednesday, March 16, sent Sergeant McCullough and nine men with
the prisoners Jack and Stone to Fort Gaston. Thursday, March 17, at
4 p. m., Sergeant McCullough and party returned from Fort Gaston,
reported having turned over the prisoners safely, and that they were
hanged the same evening, after attempting to escape from the guard.
Friday, March 18, sent out a party of fifteen men on a scout north of
the camp. They traveled about twelve miles and returned to camp at
6 p. m., having seen no signs of Indians. Country mountainous and
nearly all covered with forest. Saw very little prairie land. Water
abundant. Saturday, March 19, Lieutenant Taylor, Sixth Infantry
California Volunteers, with twenty-eight men and ten days' rations for
the command, arrived from Fort Gaston. Keported two men, Privates
Oultzhover and Perkins, of my comi)any, missing. Sent out scouting
party of thirteen men. They traveled northeasterly from camp five
miles, thence northerly, thence westerly to the river (Klamath), which
they reached about three miles below Martin's Ferry. Saw no Indians.
Country rough and mountainous. Arrived in camp at G p. m., having
traveled about fourteen miles. Sunday, March 20, Lieutenant Taylor,
with an escort of ten men, started for Fort Gaston, having the pack-
mules in charge. Sent out Sergeant Heines with fifteen men across the
river on a scout toward French Camp to examine the trails and search
for the two men who were missing from Lieutenant Taylor's command
on the previous day. Party returned at 5 p. m. Saw no signs of
Indians or the missing men. Traveled fifteen miles, four of which were
from the foot of a mountain to its summit. Saw considerable prairie
land, where feed was abundant. Tuesday, March 22, Major Wright
arrived in camp at 6 p. m., bringing with him Captain Cook and Lieu-
tenant Button, with a detachment of Company G, Sixth Infantry Cali-
fornia Volunteer8,andLieutenantTaylor, with theremainderof Company
E, Sixth Infantry California Volunteers, except four men left at Fort
Gaston. Thursday, March 24, Lieutenant Taylor left camp with a scout-
ing party of twenty men. By direction of Major Wright I sent four
men to Fort Gaston as an escort to \J. S. mail. I took thirty-six men
of my command and proceeded with Major Wright down the north
side of the Klamath Eiver to a place called Notchico, where we arrived
at 6 p. m. and camped ; distance, fifteen miles. At 7.30 p. m. I started
with my detachment for Young's ranch. Major Wright, with a detach-
ment of Company G, remaining in camp. Baining heavily and night
very dark. Arrived at Young's about 11.30 p. m. ; distance, six miles.
Friday, March 25, finding no hostile Indians in the vicinity, I camped
about 600 yards below Young's house at 11 a. m. Major Wright, with
detachment of Company G, arrived in camp about 4 p. m. Lieutenant
Taylor and detachment arrived about 6 p. m. Saturday, March 26, at
12.30 p. m., the entire command left camp at Young's on their return.
Marched aoout six miles and camped. Sunday, March 27, left camp
about 8 a. m. and arrived in camp near Martin's Ferry at 5 p. m. ; dis-
tance, fifteen miles. Wednesday, March 30, left camp near Martin's
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268 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Cha». UUL
Ferry about 9.30 a. m. ; crossed the river at the ferry aud took the trail
for Fort Gaston about 10 a. m., where we arrived about 5 p. m. ; distance,
twenty miles. In all the country traveled over water is so abundant as
to render it unnecessary for the men to carry canteens. Saw but very
little arable or table land, the country generally being of the most
mountainous and rugged description. For a distance of nearly seventy-
six miles from the mouth of the Klamath Eiver there are only about
twenty-two white men, and their interests are not permanent, being
engaged in mining along the river shores. Even the mines do not yield
an equivalent for the labor and danger of working them. Aggregate
number of miles traveled during the above scouts, 278.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
D. M. GREENE,
CaptaiUf Sixth Infantry California Volunteer*.
Lieut. James Ulio,
Adjutant Sixth Infantry California Volunteers,
Actg. Asst, Adjt. Oen., Camp near Fort Gaston, Cal.
Camp Iaqua, Cal., May 1, 1864.
Sir : I have the honor to report to the colonel commanding the dis-
trict the following scouts, made by detachments under my command,
during the month of April, 1864:
Friday, April 8, 1864, by direction of the major commanding the bat-
talion Sixth Infantry California Volunteers, I left camp near Fort
Gaston at 4 a. m. with twenty-five men of Company E, Sixth Infantry
California Volunteers, and one commissioned officer (First Lieut. J. P.
Uackett, Sixth Infantry California Volunteers), and proceeded by the
river trail to a point eleven miles and a quarter from Fort Gaston, and
three-quarters of a mile south of Weitchpec, at the junction of the
Trinity aud Klamath Rivers, where I arrived at 9 a. m.; raining hard
and trail very slippery. It had been reported that Seraualtin John and
some of his warriors were at the ranch of the fHendly Indian known as
Old Man Jim, chief of the Weitchpecs, on the north side of the Kla-
math, near the junction, and to avoid discovery I left the trail and
secreted the men in the dense woods on my left, placing some of them
in positions from which tl^ey could watch the trail. Old Man Jim hav-
ing been employed as a guide on many occasions, and it being understood
that he was co-operating with the troops (having given the information
of John's presence at his ranch), I sent my guide, who was also a Weitch-
pec Indian, to tell him I was in the woods near by and wanted to
see him. About an hour afterward Old Man Jim came and told me
that Seraualtin John aud part of his band were at his ranch. I then
made arrangements with him to send me two canoes to cross the river
with, and to collect hisown Indians together aud attack John and keep
him engaged until I could come to bis assistiince, all of which he agreed
to do. I then advanced under cover of the woods to within 100 yards
of the river, where I waited for the signal to cross, which was to be the
firing of Jim's rifles. In the course of half an hour after I reached this
point a shot was fired, and according to previous arrangement my men
suddenly emerged from the woods and rushed for the canoes, but on
arriving at the river found only one had been left for us, and instead of
the shot being a signal for me it was for John, it having been fired by
one of his party, whose suspicions had been aroused by the mysterious
actions of Old Man Jim, and John and his warriors fled to the mouutaius
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Chap, ixn.) OPERATIONS FN HUMBOLDT MILITARY DISTRICT. 269
in rear of Weitchpec. I could see them running, but they were out
of the mnge of my muskets. I took ten men into the canoe and crossed
the river, leaving Lieutenant Hackett to bring over the remainder of
the detachment. The river at this point was about 200 yards wide,
having been very much swollen by the heavy rains, and the current so
rapid that the canoe was swept down nearly a quarter of a mile before
I landed. Finding it impracticable to follow the Indians or to open fire
upon them at so great a distance, I sent two old Indians, unarmed, to
tell Seranaltin John, who had now reached the summit of the mountain,
that I wanted to talk with him, thinking that I could persuade him to
come in with his warriors somewhere near Fort Gaston and thus capture
the entire party. He sent back a message saying that if I would leave
my men under the bluff near the river, in front of Weitchpec, and lay
down my rifle, he would lay down his and come half-way down the
mountain, where he would meet me, but that he would not go out of
the range of liis men's rifles. This being the only condition on which
I could talk with him I consented, and proceeded to the spot where we
were to meet. His men were deployed as skirmishers near him, each
with his rifle in the position of ready. After shaking hands with me
and conversing a few moments he said he wanted ])eace ; that he was
tired of the mountains and wanted to come in. I tried to persuade him
to go to Fort Gaston, but he said he was afraid to go there; that he
wanted to stop at Weitchi)ec and take all his Indians there. I told
him he might do so, whereupon he turned to his men and told them
there would be no more fighting, and they immediately discharged their
rifles into the air. I then left him, rejoined my men, and returned to
camp near Fort Gaston, where I arrived at 7 p. m., having traveled
twenty-four miles.
Saturday, April 23, left camp near Camp laqua at 9 a. m. with eleven
men, one packer, and five mules, with five days' rations for my detach-
ment, and also for that of Lieutenant Geer, which left camp the i)revious
night. Traveled southeasterly to Fort Baker, thirteen miles, thence
easterly five miles to camp, where I met Lieutenants Geer and Hackett
with eighteen men of Company G, Sixth Infantry California Volunteers,
and two men of Oompany A, Mountaineer Battalion. They reported that
they had tracked the cattle which were driven off by the Indians to
that vicinity. On the morning of the 24th Lieutenant Geer with two
men went out to ascertain which direction the cattle had taken from
the point where their tracks were last seen the previous evening, and
discovered that they had been driven over a high bluflf into a canon
about half a mile long and extending down to the Van Dnseu Eiver.
This place is about one mile and a half east of Fort Baker. I took the
entire command to Fort Baker, where I left the mules and ten men, and
proceeded up the Van Dusen to the mouth of the caiion through which
the cattle passed, and there discovered three cows and two calves ham-
strung and living, and four steers and two heifers dead. Some of the
dead ones were in the river, and evidently had been hamstrung, and in
endeavoring to cross the river were canied down by the rapid current
and drown^. One steer had seven arrow holes in it. I directed Lieu-
tenant Geer to shoot those that were hamstrung and still alive. The
bluff on either side of the river is nearly perpendicular, and the river
is deep and full of large bowlders, and a more fit place for so cruel au
act could not have been found. They could not have escaped had they
not have been hamstrung. It appears to have been done purely for
mischief, as none of the meat had been taken away. It is impossible
to track the Indians away firom the river, there being nothing but stones
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270 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Chap. LXH.
on either side. I got to the i>lace by climbing from one rock to another.
I spent all the 24th scouting in the vicinity, but found no signs show-
ing the direction the Indians had taken. In examining the place where
the cattle were driven over we discovered two that had not reached the
bottom, and by getting them on a small bench of the hill they got
out. After a thorough examination of the country in the viciuity I
went to Fort Baker and camped, and on the 25th returned to Camp
laqua, having traveled forty-six miles. The trail from Camp laqua to
Fort Baker is very good, passing through fine open country, but beyond
that point mountainous and rough. Total distance traveled during the
above scouts, seventy miles.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
D. M. GREENE,
Captain, Sixth Infantry California Vols., Comdg. Company E.
First Lieut. James Ulio,
Adjutant Sixth Infantry California Vols., Fort Humboldt, Cal.
Camp Iaqua, Cal., May 15, 1864.
Sib: I have the honor to submit to the colonel commanding the
district the following report of a scout made since the 1st instant:
May 2, information having been received that the Indians Avere in the
vicinity of Reed's farm, by direction of the major commanding the
battalion Sixth California Volunteer Infantry, I took twenty five men
of my company, one packer, one guide, and seven mules, with five days'
rations, and proceeded to that place, where I arrived at 7 p. m. and
camped ; distance, ten miles. May 3, sent Sergeant Heines with teu
men and a guide on a scout to Grizzly Creek, and Corporal Mitchell with
nine men down the South Yager. Corporal Mitchell returned about 4
o'clock, having found no signs of Indians ; traveled ten miles. Sergeant
Heines returned about 5 o'clock. Saw no signs of Indians; traveled
twelve miles. May 4, sent Sergeant Heines with thirteen men and a
guide to scout down the Middle Yager. Returned about 5 o'clock;
traveled fourteen miles and saw no signs of Indians. May 5, sent a
scouting party six miles into the Redwoods in the direction of Hydes-
ville to return by the way of the Little Prairies. Reported having
seen no signs of Indians; traveled eleven miles. May 6, sent a party
in the direction of the junction of the three Yagers. Reported having
seen Indian signs about two days old leading toward Lawrence Creek.
Followed it as far as the supply of provisions would permit, and learn-
ing that Lieutenant Geer's party had gone in this direction the day
previous, the scout returned, having traveled twelve miles. May 7, left
camp at Reed's farm at 0 a. m. and arrived at Camp laqua at 12 m.
Aggregate distance traveled on the above scouts, seventy-nine miles.
Very resi)ectfully, your obetlient servant,
D. M. GREENE,
Captain, Sixth California Voluiiteer Infantry.
First Lieut. James Ulio,
Adjutant Sixth Calijornia Vol. Infantry, Fort Humboldt, Cal.
Camp Iaqua, Cal., June 1, 1864.
Sir: I have the honor to submit to the colonel commanding the dis-
trict the following report of a scout made by a detachment of Company
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CHAP. Lxn.) OPEEATIONS IN HUMBOLDT MILITARY DISTRICT. 271
E, Sixth Infantry California Volunteers, under my command, from May
10 to 20, inclusive :
May 10, left Camp laqua at 10 a. m. with thirty men of Company E,
Sixth Infantry California Volunteers, one packer, and nuie mules and
two guides. Arrived at Reed's farm at 2 p. m., ten miles, and camped
to prepare parties to go out the next morning. May 11, sent fifteen
men and a guide with the train to Cutterback's ranch, near the Van
Dusen lliver, via the Hydesville trail, thirteen miles. Took fifteen
men and a guide and crossed the Redwoods, arriving at Cutterback's
ranch at 4 p. m., where I met the train. This i)art of the Redwoods is
covered with a very dense undergrowth and is extremely rough. It is
impossible to discover a person at the <listance of ten feet. Corporal
Heller became exhausted, fainting several times, and it was with much
difficulty that I got him through. Sergeant McCuUongh fell into a
hidden ravine and dLslocatetl his left shoulder. I sent him to Hydes-
ville to obtain the assistance of a surgeon. Traveled twelve miles in
the Redwoods and saw no signs of Indians. May 12, went up the
Van Dosen River ten miles to a place known as Smith's ranch (all
the ranches on the Van Dusen are deserted), where I arrived at 5 p. m.
and found three soldiers, who represented to belong to Company E,
Battalion Mountaineers, California Volunteers, and that they were
stationed on the Van Dusen at the crossing of the new mail trail to
protect the property of the contractor. Suspecting they were deserters,
I made prisoners of them. Saw no signs of Indians. May 13, sent a
scoating party up the Van Dusen to the mouth of Grizzly Creek;
thence up Grizzly Creek with two days' rations. Also sent a party in
the direction of Eel River, to return by way of the new mail station
and ascertain if the prisoners I made the day previous were deserters.
Party returned bringing with them the order placing Corporal Knighton
and four men of Company E, Battahon Mountaineers, California
Volunteers, on duty at the mail station with instructions to scout in
the vicinity. I thereupon released them. Scout traveled eight miles
and saw no fresh signs of Indians. May 14, the scout that went to
Grizzly Creek returned, having discovered no fresh signs of Indians.
Traveled eighteen miles. Country very rough. Sent party to examine
a small prairie four miles north of this place in the Redwoods. Saw no
signs. Traveled eight miles.
May 15, left Smith's ranch at daylight and arrived at the Bald
Ranges on Larrabee Creek at 10 a. m., twelve miles. Saw no signs of
Indians. Sent a scouting party up the creek, one down, and two others
in difi'erent directions. Neither of these parties discovered any signs
of Indians. Traveled twenty-four miles. May 16, left Larrabee Creek
at 6 a. m., and having learned that a scouting party from Fort Grant
was on the south side of the ridge which separates Larrabee Creek from
Larrabee Valley, and that a party from the vicinity of Fort Seward was
about eight miles east of me, to avoid them and keep in country that
had not been scouted, I took a northeasterly course fourteen miles to
the Van Dusen River, crossed it, and camped. Sent out three parties
in difiTerent directions. They traveled twelve miles and saw no signs of
Indians. May 17, left camp at 7 a. m., taking an easterly course to the
headof Grizzly Gulch; thence south to a point near Reed's farm, where
the train was left to await the return of a scout sent in the direction of
the junction of the three Yagers (creeks), where it was supposed the
Indians who had been killing cattle in the neighborhood of Fort Baker
had gone. In the country between the Van Dusen River and Reed's
farm we found no signs of Indians. Distance, twelve miles. May
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272 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. {Chap.LHL
18, sent a party in tL© direction of the South Yager Creek. Traveled
eight miles and saw no signs of Indians. May li), the scout that went
to the junction of the three Yagers returned about 3 i).m., having found
twelve deserted Indian lodges near the junction. They appeared to
have been unoccupied for several months. Traveled eighteen miles.
May 20, many of the men being nearly barefooted and some of them
sick, I returned to Camp laqua, where I arrived at noon; ten miles.
Total distance traveled during the above scont, 189 miles. From the
11th to the 18th the weather was very stormy and unfavorable for scout-
ing. The entire country from Eel River to the source of Larrabee Creek
is one mass of mountains. On the Bald Mountains between Larrabee
Creek and the Van Dnsen River there is an abundance of good forage.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
D. M. GREENE,
Captain, Sixth Infantry California Volunteers.
Lieut. James Ulio,
First Lieut, and Adjt. Sixth Infty. California Vols., Fort Humboldt.
No. 7.
Report of Capt. Eli Cook, Sixth California Infantry.
Camp neab Fort Gaston, Cal,, March 14, 1864.
Sib: In compliance with Orders, No. 2, from the commanding officer
of Humboldt District, I herewith transmit you a report of my scouting
party:
On the 12th instant left camp at 7 a. m. with a detachment of fifteen
men of my company. Crossed the Trinity River about half a mile
above the camp, and then took a trail over the mountains until we
reached the summit. I then left the trail and marched a circuit
round through some timbered country about ten miles distance from
the camp, until I reached a deep canon, which I followed down about
. a mile. I then marched over a long and high mountain. I then fol-
lowed on the ridge until I reached a trail which took me out near the
one that I started on in the morning. I then returned to the camp,
which I reached at 8 p. m., making an estimated distance of twenty
miles' through a heavy timbered country with much underbrush and
very little water. Discovered no marks or signs of any Indians made
recently.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
ELI COOK,
Captain, Sixth Infantry California Vols., Comdg. Company O.
Maj. Thomas F. Wright,
Commanding Battalion Sixth Infantry Califomia Volunteers.
No. 8.
Reports of Lieut. Jacob P. Rackett, Sixth Califomia Infantry.
Camp near Fort Gaston, Cal., March 19, 1864.
Major : I have the honor to report that according to instructions
from the commanding officer I left Fort Gaston at 8.30 a. m. of the 9th
instant with thirty five men of Company G, Sixth Infantry California
Volunteers, with ten days' rations, to proceed on a scout under the
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CBAF. Lxn.] OPEBATION8 IN HUMBOLDT MILITART DISTRICT. 273
direction of Lieutenant Geer, of the First Battalion Mountaineers, Cal-
ifornia Yolunteers. Marched eighteen miles and encamped ou the flat
near Camp Anderson. On the morning of the 10th crossed Iledvrood
at 8 a. m. At 2 p. m. we came out ou to the Bald Mountain, where
Lieutenant Geer thought we had better halt until sunset, as we had to
travel a high ridge of open prairie, as it was his intention to take us
into his camp without being perceived by the Indians, as he thought
they were watching his movements. We reached his camp at about
10 p. m., having marclied (according to the estimate of those conversant
with the route traveled) twenty -two miles since morning, being about
fifteen miles from laqna and ten miles west of Hoynton's Prairie.
March 11, remained in cam]) and prepared two days' cooked rations,
whilst the scout» were out reconnoitering. March 12, started al>out 5
a. m. so as to get on the ridge before sunrise. Saw some signs and
tracks, which the scouts reported to be one day old, and were Indians
hunting deer. Marched twelve miles and halted io a ravine, with
instructions from Lieutenant Geer to remain there until he returned.
He then took one of his Indians, and his corporal the other, and pro-
ceeded in diflerent directions across the mountains. Both parties
returned to camp at night and reported that all the signs seemed to
iudiciite that the Indians were between us and the Trinity. Sunday,
March 13, crossed over to what is known as Hempfleld's lower ranch,
and camped for the night, having marched about twelve miles. March
14, left camp at sunrise. Lieutenant Geer with ten of his men and six
from my command proceeded across the country to meet us at what is
called Bloody Camp. I took the trains and the balance of the men,
and following the trail reached camp at 4 o'clock, having marched
twenty miles. March 15, Lieutenant Geer with twenty- five men from
Company G, Sixth Infantry California Volunteers, and twenty of his
men left camp at 3 o'clock in the morning, crossing the country between
the Redwood and the South Fork of the Trinity, with instructions for
me to meet him at the South Fork of the Trinity with the trains and
the remainder of the men. We reached camp about 5 p. m., having
marched about twenty-five miles over the roughest trail we have yet
encountered. Lieutenant Geer came in about an hour after, having
marched from 3 in the morning until 5 in the afternoon, and across the
country without any trails whatever, and he thinks he marched from
thirty to thirty-five miles. He found where the Indians had been about
four days before, and where they had burietl their dead that they had
lost with him in his last fight.
March 16, we remained in camp all day, and sent some of the best
marksmen out to try and procure some meat, as our last rations of
pork had been issued. At the same time the scouts were out recon-
noitering, it being Lieutenant Geer's intention, provided we got meat,
to cross the South Fork of the Trinity, where his Indians reported
plenty of signs, and scout up as far as NewJliver. The scouts returned
about 3 o'clock, and reported having found five houses, which they
thought had been vacated about twelve hours. They found some sol-
diers' clothing that was worn out, a dress, and some cooking imple-
ments. They burned the houses and contents and tracked the Indians
down to the South Fork, and, as they thought, were going in the direc-
tion of Burnt Kanch. The hunters returned unsuccessful, and on the
morning of the 17th we started down the river, sending some men ahead
for the purpose of killing some beef. Lieutenant Geer left camp about
5 a. m. with three men and crossed over to Willow Greek and scouted
18 B E — VOL L, PT I
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274 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Chap. LXH.
down the stream to its mouth, where I had instructions to halt the
trains until he came up. The hunters had succeeded in killing a small
bullock. In a short time after halting Lieutenant Geer came up, and
we concluded to halt there for the night, as he wanted to cross the
main Trinity either that evening or in tlie morning. It commenced
raining very hard before we encamped, and continued all day. March
18, Lieutenant Geer with some of his men built a raft and crossed three
of his men over for the purpose of reconnoitering some Indian houses
on the other side of the main Trinity. The corporal reported seeing
the houses, but did not deem it prudent to approach them up the
ravine, as there might be several Indians in them, and to get to them
by going up on the mountain would consume the greater portion of the
day, and knowing that the men were without anyprovisions of any
kind they returned to the river, and on their way back to the river
they found four hogs, which they supposed tlie Indians had fastened up
(as they were ina corral), which they shot and rafted across the river
and packed them on the mules and brought them into Gaston, where
we arrived about 3.30 p. m. of the 18th, having marched in the last two
days about twenty miles. I have to speak in the highest terms of the
men under my command, being always ready and willing to march at
any hour, late or early (without any grumbling or growling), to accom-
plish the object for which they started. Aggregate number of miles
traveled, 190.
' Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
J. P. HACKETT,
First Lieutenant Company 0, Sixth Infantry California VoU.
Maj. Thomas F. Wright,
Comdg, Batt. Sixth Infantry Cal. Vols., Camp near Fort Oaston.
Camp Iaqtta, May 3, 1864.
Major : I have the honor to report that according to instructions
received I left Camp laqua at 4.45 p. m. the Ist instant, about an hour
after the arrival of tlie train, with fifteen men of Company G and three
of the Mountaineers, to proceed to the place where Private Mills, ot
Company E, was killed, and find out if there were any more wounded,
and if so, to render them such assistance as was necessary and bring
. them into camp. I arrived at Booth's Bun in about two hours, distant
ii-om Camp laqna about six miles, and immediately commenced to search
the vicinity up and down the stream for any person or persons that had
been wounded, but did not succeed in finding any or any signs that
would indicate that more than one person had been shot. I found
where the Indians had cut the packs from the mules and scattered the
cooking utensils, &c., around, all of which I had carried into camp. It
then being too dark to follow any signs, I concluded to encamp there and
wait for daylight to search farther up and down the stream. At day-
light on the morning of the 2d I heard firing, seemingly about a mile
distant. I told the corporal of the Mountaineers that there was some-
thing going on close by, and to take his two men and five men and a
sergeant from Company G and find out the cause of the firing, and
return to camp immediately afterward, it being my intention to search
still more in the vicinity for any one that might have been wounded the
day before. After posting some sentinels on the highest points to com-
mand a view of the surrounding country, I went and examined the place
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Chap. Lxn.] OPERATIONS IN HUMBOLDT MILITAEY DISTRICT. 276
where Mills was sliot. I found that he was first shot as he was going
to step on the log tliat crosses the stream, and fell forward, striking the
side of his head against the log. lie raised himself tip by holding ou
to the log and crossed over (as the marks of his hands with blood were
on the log), and had got up the trail some sixty yards from where he was
first shot before they overtook him and cut his throat. The Indians
were in some rocks about twenty yards from him when he was first
shot. About 12 m. of the 2d the detachment returned that I had sent
out, and with it Lieutenant (Jeer and party with some prisoners. He
then informed me that there had been but two men sent with the
mules the day before, and also gave me an account of his fight with
the Indians in the morning (distant from us about six miles), and that
it was no use to attempt to hunt them for some time, as they were
scattered in all directions. The scout 1 sent out reported having seen
the track of a shoe about No. 10, without nails (which corresponded
with the missing man's), and that it was going back in the direction of
Brown's. My instructions being to remain on the trail until the mail
came along, I intended to send an escort through as far as Brown's and
see if the missing man had returned there. In the meantime I had
scouts out searching for any signs they could find of the missing man,
without any success. I remained there until 5.30 p. m., and concluded
to return to camp, as the mail would not be along that day. Thinking
there was nothing more to be accomplished by remaining any longer,
I returned to camp between 7 and 8 p. m. of the 2d.
I am, with respect, your obedient servaut,
J. P. HACKETT,
First Lieut., Sixth California Volunteer Infantry, Post Adjutant.
Maj. Thomas F. Wright,
Commanding Battalion Sixth California Volunteer Infantry.
P. S. — ^Number of miles traveled about twenty-eight.
Camp Iaqua, May 20, 1864.
Major: I have the honor to report that according to instructions
received I sent ten men of Company G, Sixth Infantry California Vol-
unteers, with one of the Mountaineers as a guide, to proceed on a scout
on the morning of the 11th instant, to be followed the next day by
myself with ten more, with rations for the whole party up to the 20th
instant. This party, under the charge of Sergeant Holt, passed in
sight of Fort Baker about 10 a. m. of the 11th (and five miles to the
left), when all the buildings were standing. They encamped at the
crossing of Mad Ki ver that night. Next morning they went to the sum-
mit of the South Fork Mountain, arriving thereabout 12 m. of the 12th
instant. They then struck off to the right (or west) and came ba«k to
Mad Biver, and came into what is known as the Second Low Gap after
night, arriving there one day sooner than I expected them, having
traveled over forty miles in the two days. The next day they sent a
spy on the top of the ridge to keep a lookout (which was their guide of
the Mountaineer Battalion). He reported to me when I arrived on the
afternoon of the 13th instant that he had seen five bucks examining
their tracks where they had crossed Mad River. (The rivers are about
one mile and a half apart at this jwint.) I left Camp Iaqua on the 12th
between 6 and 7 a. m. with the remainder of the scout, and arrived at
Fort Baker between 12 and 1 o'clock, and found every building burned.
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276 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. tCaip. LXIL
Some of the timbers were still burning. We immediately commenced
to hunt for signs of Indians. After three or four hoars' search we found
where three squaws had crossed the stream, coming into Baker, but
could not find any signs where they had gone out. They probably
went down one of the small streams on to the Van Dusen. We en-
camped there that night (distant from laqua about foui'teen miles).
Friday, 13th, left camp at o a. m. and arrived at the Second Low Gap
at 2 p. m., having seen the same three squaws' tracks coming down
toward Baker.
After twilight I sent two different parties up on the ridge to keep a
lookout for fires. They came in about 10 p. m. and reported seeing
some Indians fishing with a torch. It afterward got so foggy they
could see nothing more. The next morning before daylight I sent some
more men on to the ridge, but everything was so completely enveloped
in fog that they could not see anything. Whilst waiting for the fog to
lift they heard eight shots fired, which we also heard in camp. The
fog continued thick all the morning and then turned to rain and rained
hard all night. We have had rain every day since lea\ing camp.
Sunday, 15th, morning very disagreeable and rainy, with thick masses
of fog drifting over the mountains. At 11 a. m., the fog lifting, I sent
twelve men with the two Mountaineers up the Van Dusen with orders
to proceed about four or five miles up the stream and then to go up
onto the ridge and look over into Mad Eiver, and to remain out if nec-
essary until midnight. They came in about 6 p. m. well satisfied with
what they had seen. The Indians were just below them on Mad Biver
and extended for about one mile. They were on both sides of the river
(the majority on the side next the Van Dusen) in squads of ten, twenty,
thirty, and they thought as high as forty together, all dressed in citi-
zens' or soldiers' clothing. Some parties were practicing at the target.
They counted thirty- five rifle shots fired by one party. The place was
very well calculated for defense and very difficult to get at with men.
It was impossible for them to estimate the number as they were con-
tinually running in and out from under the hill and we did not have a
glass in the party, but they thought there were 200 or 300. The two
Mountaineers that I had along were of the opinion that all the Indians
with rifles this side of Hoopa Valley were there. I did not consider it
safe to remain where I was on account of being on a flat and surrounded
by brush. I had everything packed up and moved camp up onto the
ridge. Monday, ICth, I crossed the Van Dusen below the First Low
Gap and went up the South Fork of the Van Dusen and camped that
night. Next morning went over into Larrabee Valley and scouted that
valley through, camping that night where Larrabee's house stood.
Wednesday, 18th, we scouted from Larrabee's over to Fort Baker, and
the only signs we saw after crossing the Van Dusen were some squaw
tracks, which we concluded were the same ones that were at Baker,
going back toward Mad River. Thursday, 19th, left Baker at 7 a. m.
and arrived at Cami) laqua at 1 p. m. The weather was very disagree-
able for scouting, not being able to see any distance on account of the
fog and rain, either day or night. Number of miles scouted over,
about 192.
I am, with respect, your obedient servant,
J. P. HAOKETT, »
First Lieut. Company O, Sixth Infantry California Volunteerg,
Maj. Thomas F. Weight,
Commanding Battalion Sixth Infantry California Volunteers.
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Cbap.LXII.] operations in HUMBOLDT MILITABY district. 277
No. 9.
Report of Lieut. Hampton Hutton, Sixth California Infantry.
Camp near Fort Gaston, March 21, isr,4.
Sir : I have the honor to report that in obedience to instmctions 1
left Fort Gaston on March 20, 1.S64, to scoat along the ridge on the east
of Fort Gaston. I crossed the Trinity River at 7 in the morning, and
followe<l the trail along the river until 1 reached the trail going up the
mountain. Followed it for two hours and reached the summit of the
ridge at 9 a. m. Distance marched, four miles. Followed the trail over
the ridge, finding it rough and stony. Tried to find a camp on the
ridge, but failed, it being too narrow. I tlien marched to the foot of
the trail, which leads into a gulch with a fine creek flowing through it.
Cami)ed there at 5 p. m. Next morning startetl at 7 o'clock. Recroased
the river and followed the trail leading to the Klamath River. Followed
it for three hours, and then returned to Fort Gaston. Found that the
trail was good, and I arrived at camp near Gaston at 3 p. m., having
marched thirty miles in two days. 1 found in passing over the trails
that they were in very bad order, with the exception of the trail to the
Klamath River.
I remain, your obetlient servant,
HAMPTON HUTTON,
Second Lieut. Company O, Sixth Infantry California Volunteers.
First Lieut. James Ulio,
Adjutant Sixth Infantry California Volunteers,
Acting [Assistant] Adjutant-General of Humboldt IHstrict.
No. 10.
Reports of lAeiit. John B. Taylor, Sixth California Infantry.
Oamp Iaqua, Cal., May 10, 1864.
Sir: Pursuant to instructions from the major commanding, I left
Camp Iaqua on the 5th instant with one sergeant, one corporal, and
eleven men, one packer, two mules, three horses, and six days'rations.
Marched to the Weaverville trail and camped ; distance, ten miles. May
6, joined two trains of emigrants at this place, both having long droves
of cattle. I went with them to Soldier's Grove and camped ; distance,
eight miles. May 7, crossed Mad River and camped on the summit of
the mountain between South Fork and Mad River, the distance trav-
eled being eleven miles. May 8, left the emigrants and started en route
for Camp Iaqua; camped at Soldier's Grove, and on the 9th I arrived
at Camp Iaqua at 3 p. m. Total number of miles traveled, fifty-eight.
The trail along the entire route is in good condition, with wood, water,
and forage in abundance.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JOHN B. TAYLOR,
Second Lieutenant, Sixth California Volunteer Infantry.
First Lieut. J. P. Hackett,
Sixth California Volunteer Infantry, Camp Adjutant.
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"1
278 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. (Chap. LXII.
Camp I aqua, Cal., May 30, 1801.
Sir : Pursuant to instructions I left Camp laqua on tlie 17th instant
witli ten men and ten days' rations, and accompanied tlie Government
train same day to Brown's ranch and camped for tlie night; distance
traveled, fifteen miles. May 16, 1 traveled with the Government train
to Big Slough, a distance of seven miles, and camped, on account of
a sudden fog which made it impossible for me to know what course
I was going after I had left the trail. May 17, at daylight I was
attacked by a severe chill ; got my men ready to march, but before
6 a. m. a heavy fever set in on me, so that I was unable to leave camp.
May 18, sent to Fort Humboldt for medicine; unable to leave camp.
May 19, the Government train arrived at Big Slough, and myself and
men returned to Brown's ranch with the train and camped. May 20,
I left Brown's ranch with the train, and returned to Camp laqua for
the purpose of getting medical attendance; total distance -traveled,
forty-two miles. Trail good, wood and water jdenty, and forage in
abundance.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JOHN B. TAYLOK,
Second Lieutenant, Sixth Infantry California Volunteers.
First Lieut. J. P. Hackett,
Sixth Infantry California Volunteers, Gamp Adjutant.
Camp Iaqua, Cal., June 15, 1864.
Sib: I have the honor to rejwrt that in pursnanpe of Orders, No. 8,
dated Camp latpia, Cal., May 31, 18ti4, I left Camp laqua on the 1st
instant, with one sergeant and twenty seven men of Company E, Sixth
Infantry California Volunteers, two packers, and thirteen animals, with
ten days' rations; traveled fifteen miles, and camped near Mad River.
June 2, went in search of a suitable location to build a block-house, and
after traveling some distance both up and down the river selected a
suitable place at a point about three-quarters of a mile from the Hyam-
pom trail and close to the Weaverville trail. June 3, moved camp and
commenced work on theblock-honse. June4,employedin building block-
house. June 5, sent a scout out with instructions to cross Mad River and
proceed up that river in search of Indians; the scout returned on the
evening of the same day, having traveled sixteen miles; reported no
Indians or Indian sign to be found. June 6 and 7, employed on block-
house; got it ready to put the roof on. June 8, Sergeant Baker, of
Company E, Sixth Infantry California Volunteers, arrived in camp and
relieved me of the command iu obedience to Orders, No. 11, of June 6,
1864. On the 8th I returned to Camp laqua, Cal., to attend a general
court-martial. Total distance traveled, thirty-nine miles.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JOHN B. TAYLOR,
Second Lieutenant, Sixth Infantry California Volunteers.
First Lieut. J. P. IIaokett,
Sixth Infantry California Volunteers, Post Adjutant.
Camp Iaqua, Oax., June 30, 1864.
Sib : I have the honor to report that on the 23d instant I left camp
at Soldier's Grove at 6 a. m. with ten men; crossed Mad River at the
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CHAP.LXn.] OPERATIONS TN HUMBOLDT MILITARY DISTRICT. 279
upper trail; thence up the river about teu miles. No sigus of ludiaus.
Kecrossed Mad Kiver en route for camp. On my way back came across
several old Indian camps; some of tbem were sucb as they Jive in in
winter, but all of them had the appearance of being deserted for a
long time. The signs I found in that part of the country were, in my
opinion, at least a month or six weeks old. I arrived at camp at
Soldier's Grove at about 7 p. m'., having traveled a distance of about
twenty-eight miles. The country up the river is very rough. I had
no trail trfter leaving the upjier trail, which I left immediately after
crossing the river.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JOHN B. TAYLOR,
Second Lieutenant, Sixth Infantry California Volunteers.
First Lieut. J. P. IIackett,
Sixth Infantry California Volunteers, Post Adjutant.
No. 11.
Reports of Bergt. Francis Bellon, Company Q, Sixth California Infantry.
Camp Ia^ua, Gal., May 8, 1864.
Major : In obedience to orders received from the commanding officer
at Gamp laqua, Gal., I left camp on Wednesday, May 4, at 12 m., with
one sergeant, two corporals, and ten privates, for a scout. At 4 p. m.
same day I encamped at the other side of Lawrence Creek on a deserted
ranch, a distance of eight miles. Nothing seen that day. Ou the 5th
instant I left camp at 4 a. m. Saw nothing, and having nothing to
detaiu me on my march, arrived at Brown's ranch at C.30 a. m., a dis-
tance of eight miles. I scouted about live n^les round the place, but
no Indian sigir to be seen. In the afternoon I encamped. I ascer-
tained at Brown's ranch that Berry came there about two hours before
the train got in, and went with it to Fort Humboldt, being two days
and a half in the woods with his right hand shot. Ou the 6th instant
at 7 a. m. I left the ranch for laqua, marching through the woods
about four miles. When I came on Kueeland's Prairie 1 saw a detach-
ment of Company G, Sixth California Volunteer Infantry, encamped
about one mile and a half to the left of the trail on a ranch. Spoke to
Lieutenant Oaks; he told me that he ^as only a few days there; that
he had destroyed two Indian ranches, and knew there had been plenty
Indians around. I left him and went on my trail. I took to the right for
about two miles to find Mr. Geer's fighting ground, which I found after
a long search. At first there was nothing to show there had been a
fight. It had the appearance of a deserted camp, with meat scattered
here and there, and no more. But after a long search we discovered
about three or four places that indicated graves. So to satisfy myself
I had one opened and found a dead squaw. Being satisfied, I went to
my first encampment, where I arrived at 1 p. m., after a march of fifteen
miles. In the evening I sent out a scout, but they could find no Indian
sign, but brought in a bear. Being directed to keep lookout for the
train, which I expected would come in that morning, did not leave the
camp until about 9 a. m,, so as to keep about two miles ahead of it and
tp place myself in a position to see it pass across the Lawrence and
Mills Creeks in safety, which I did. I saw the train at 11 a. m. coming
and crossing the creeks in safety. Seeing it safe, I started for Camp
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280 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Chap. LXn.
laqua^ arriviug at 1 p. m., a march of eight miles. Total estimated
distance, forty-four miles. No Indian sign had been seen during the
trip.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
FRANCIS BBLLON,
First Sergeant Company O, Sixth California Vol. Infantry,
'Sergeant-Major of Battalion,
M^j. Thomas V. Weight,
Sixth California Volunteer Infantry, Comma/nding Post.
Camp Iaqua, Oal., May 18, 1864.
Majob : I left Gamp Iaqua on the 13th instant, at 1 x)< m., with tea
men and a guide for Ilarris' ranch, agreeably to written instructions
received from the commanding officer. I ai rived there at 3 p. m., a dis-
tance of five miles, and halted to derive some information. All I conid
learn from a party that had driven in their cattle was that several
Indians were seen that morning in the vicinity of said place, and also
that Indians were seen haviTjg a dance over a dead cow about seven
miles from the fann. Mr. Harris, one of the settlers residing tliere,
went immediately to see if he could find any Indians or tracks of them
anywhere around. At his return, which 1 was waiting for, reported
that he did not see any Indians nor any tracks of them, but to his
belief that there must be Indians around, as they were seen by differ-
ent parties for the last three days. I came then to the conclusion
to leave the place at dark. .Mr. Harris offered his services as guide.
Accordingly I left at 7 in the evening and proceeded on Taylor's
Bidge to have a view on Van Dusen's River, to discover, if possi-
ble, some Indian camp-fires, but arriving on the summit we were dis-
appointed by finding the jravines and rivers below covered by a heavy
fog. I concluded then to lie concealed for the remainder of the night,
and to leave the place early in the morning, which I did after a march
of ten miles. At about 3 a. m. of the 14th left my place of conceal-
ment undeir cover of a heavy fog, and arrived near the Van Dusen
River, where I halted, making six miles. I sent then two scouts out
in differ.ent directions, but both returned without success, except a
party of armed men, about twelve in number, must have encamped the
same night in a house stationed about two miles from where I halted,
and crossed the river the same morning about an hour before we got
there. At 6 o'clock in the evening I left the place and marched up the
river without seeing anything, and encamped after marching eight
miles. At 11 on the same night I sent two scouts out, but they could
not see any fires in the ravines and opposite side of the river. On the
morning of the 15th I left camp and crossed the river, and keeping my
guides about 300 yards ahead of me, so as to warn me in case they
should discover anything, I arrived at the place where it was supposed
that the Indians had a dance around a dead cow. I could see noth-
ing to indicate anything of the kind. I halted in the brush and sent
two parties out immediately to find something more about it, but
returned after two hours' scouting without having seen either Indians
or Indian tracks. I encamped after a march of ten miles; I remained
there all day of 16th, sending out scouts off and on, but all return-
ing without finding anything. On the 17th I left tor Gamp Iaqua,
where I arrived at 2 p. m., after a march of thirteen miles, making an
estimated distance of fifty-two miles. In all my travel I could not see
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CHAP. Lxn.) OPERATIONS IN HUMBOLDT MILITABT DISTRICT. 281
or find anything to corroborate the report of the citizens. The only
thing I conld see were cattle and bears' tracks.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
FRANCIS BELLON,
First Sergeant Company O, Sixth Infantry California Volunteers.
Maj. Thomas F. Wright,
Sixth Infantry California Volunteers, Commanding Fast.
No. 12.
Report of Sergt. Charles A. Baker, Company E, Sixth California
Infantry.
Camp at Soldier's Grove, Jvmc 15, 1864.
Sir : I left camp on the 8th, crossing Mad Biver, then taking the
Hyamponx trail, arrived the same evening at Hyampom, on the !§3uth
Fork of the Trinity River. Having ascertained that Government arms
were in possession of some of the inhabitants of that place, I remained
there the following day to search for them. Found one Government
rifle, which I took possession of. Hyampom is eighteen miles distant
from camp. Left the valley on the lOtb, arriving in camp the same
evening. No signs of Indians on the trail. Taking a corporal and eight
privates, with three days' rations, left camp after sunset on the 12th,
marching down and camping near Mad River. Next morning started
out scouting through the woods down the river. No signs of Indians.
Turned and followed up the river, occasionally finding the track of
Indians, one being that of an unusually large-footed Indian ; finding
plenty of old huts along the banks; also several places where small
game had been killed by this party of Indians. The banks being very
rocky and covered with brush, made slow progress. Camped near the
river. Started again next morning along the foothills. No signs of
Indians. Returned to camp, arriving there on the 14th. Distance
traveled on the above scouts, fifty-one miles.
Very respectfully,
CHAS. A. BAKER,
Sergeant, Company E, Sixth Infantry California Volunteers.
Lieut. J. P. Hackett,
Fost Adjutant.
No. 13.
Reports of Lieut. Col. Stephen 0. Whipple, First Battalion California
Mountaineers.
Headquarters,
Fort ijaston. Cat., May 6, 1864.
Sir: I respectfully report that Seranaltiu John and party arrived last
evening, having finally concluded to settle in this valley. Matters
seem to be settling down, and people begin to feel secure on the Trinity,
Klamath, and Salmon Rivers. A few of Jim's Indians, some half
dozen, still remain up the Trinity. As yet they refuse to come in, but
assert most positively that they have no hostile intentions toward any
but their Indian enemies. If prudently managed I think they may be
induced to comply with the terms offered, especially after finding there
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282 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Chap. LXH.
is no safety for them while abroad. I have constant applications made
by the Indians who have come in and are building for assistance in the
way of subsistence, tools, nails, and medicine.
I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
S. G. WHIPPLE,
Lieut. Col. First Batt. Mountaineers^ California Vols., Gomdij. Post.
Lieut. James Ulio,
Adjt. Sixth Infantry California Vols., Actg. Asst. Atljt. Oen.
Headquabtebs,
Fort Oaston, Gal., May 19, 1864.
SiK : I respectfully report for the information of the colonel command-
ing the following m regard to the Indian affairs in this section:
On the second day out Captain Miller was hailed from opposite side
of Trinity by the Indian known as Frank, a member of Jim's band,
heretofore refusing to come in. He wanted to talk, but would not cross
the river for the purpose. Lieutenant Middleton and one man then by
agreement went over to see the Indians, but provided against treachery
by having more men follow. At first the Indians were very saucy and
said they had no intention of coming in. They, however, agreed to
finally, and on Sunday last did so. I told them they could live in the
valley upon the same terms as Jim and John. This they agreed to, and
asked and obtained permission to return for their families and other
Indians, Big Jim accompanying them. My impression is that they
intend to do as agreed, though it is by no means certain, as Handsome
Billy is in need of nursing and medicine. Frank is a desperate scoun-
drel, and was at the head of the party which committed the outrages
on New and Salmon Rivers last winter. Another Indian is with him
who is said to be more influential and evil-disposed, but they both
promised me fair, though they know their guilt and are very suspicious,
as are all of those which have been out. My object is, and I believe it
to be the wish and policy of the district commander, to induce all or as
many as possible of these outlaws to come to this valley to settle. To
accomplish this time is required, and they must be managed with firm
kindness and watched closely. Some few days ago the Indian known
as Old Man Jim, of Weitchpec, was killed by other Weitchpec Indi-
ans. It is an old quarrel, aggravated by the arrest of the two Indians
confined in the guard house at this place a few days some two months
ago. I expect no very serious results irom this, though the Indians
who killed Jim will be killed by the friends of the latter or buy them-
selves oflf at a heavy figure.
I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
S. G. WHIPPLE,
Lieut. Col. First Batt. Mountaineers, California Vols., Gomdg. Post.
Lieut. James Ulio,
Adjutant Sixth Galifdrnia Vol. Infty., Actg. Asst. Adjt. Oen.
No. 14.
Reports of Capt. Abraham Miller, First Battalion California Mountaineers.
Btjent Ranch, Trinity County, Cal., May 19, 1864.
SiE : In accordance with Post Orders, No. 137, dated Fort Gaston,
May 11, 1864, 1 left Fort Gaston with my company on the 12th instant
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Ciup.LXII.] OPERATIONS IN HUMBOLDT MILITARY DISTRICT. 283
and camped the first night one mile below the mouth of "Willow Creek,
nine miles from Fort Gaston. Left Camp Ko. 1 at 8 a. m'. 13th instant,
and arrived at Camp No. 2 at 2 p. m. ; distance from Camp No. 1, nine
miles and a half. This camp was situated half a mile above the South
Fork of the Trinity Biver. Soon after camping we were enlivened by the
well-known whoop of the Indians. Looking across tlie river we saw
upon the opposite hill four bucks and two squaws; we called them to
come down to the river and talk. Lieutenant Middleton instantly
started down the hill to meet them. Two bucks came to the river, one
of whom was Frank. They would not swim the river, but said that if
a few men would go up the river to Thomas' house, where they had a
boat, they would come across. 1 sent Lieutenant Middleton with seven
men to confer with them. Arrived at the appointed place, the Indians
refused to cross, but sent Thomaa with a boat and permission' for two
men to come to them, assuring him that only three Indians should be
present or near. Lieutenant Middleton and Sergeant Eastman went
back with Thomas, and after going up the bank, which was about fifty
feet high, and across the bench out of sight of the men on the opposite
shore, they found three Indians as agreed. Frank said they knew noth-
ing of the pea<'e that had been made with the Indians in Hoopa; that
Big Jim had not been to them. He seemed willing to come in, but
was afraid, as he said that everybody knew that he had helped to
kill white men. While talking three more Indians came out of the
brush with their guns in their hands. One of these proved to be Bob,
the chief of this band. He was very saucy ; said that he knew nothing
of Big Jim or Seranaltin John; that these Indians belonged to him;
that we could not go to Burnt Banch, and ordered us to go back to
Hoopa, as he said he had Indians around Burnt Banch and he did not
want us to go there. From the time of Bob's appearance the Indians
assumed a very hostile attitude — so much so that the lieutenant and
sergeant supposed themselves to be in great danger. Lieutenant Mid-
dleton before going over had taken the precaution to have the men as
soon as he was out of sight send one of the Indian boys belonging to
the company to get tlie boat, and for all to cross as soon as possible.
The men had obeyed orders strictly, and came in sight at this time
very much to the surprise of the Indians, who were not aware of their
approach until they had arrived within 150 yards. The Indians
instantly brought their cocked guns to bear upon the lieutenant and
sergeant, and told them the soldiers must come no nearer. To save
bis own and the sergeant's life Lieutenant Middleton was obliged to
order the men to halt. Their near approach had, however, saved the
lives of Lieutenant Middleton and Sergeant Eastman, as we believe,
and caused the Indians to lower their pretensions considerably. They
would agree to nothing that night, but said they would come to the
river opposite the mouth of the South Fork the next morning. This
they did, and told us to go on and they would go to Hoopa, and if they
found everything right they woald try to get permission to live at
Willow Creek. Bob informed us that there were ten of his band here.
He asked for a pass, which Lieutenant Middleton wrote, but so suspi-
cions was he that he refused to come for it until after we had left Camp
No. 2, which we did about 9 a. m. We arrived at Burnt Banch 2 p. m.
the 14th instant. Distance from Camp No. 2, eleven miles and a half;
from Fort Gaston, thirty miles. May 15, I sent Sergeant Eastman
with thirteen men to Fort Gaston as escort to Government pack train
(Company Orders, No. 1, date May 15, 1864). Betnrned to this camp
May 18. May 18, Lieutenant Middleton, with twenty enlisted men, pro-
ceeded to operate against some hostile Indians found by one of th<°
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284 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC CfOAST. (Chap.LXU.
Indians belonging to my company upon the South Fork of Trinity Eiver
(Company Orders, No. 2, date May 18, 1864). They found two ranches
that night about 12 o'clock after fording the South Fork. The Indians
had lett a short time previous, having been informed of the approach
of the party by some Indians who had crossed tlie trail of Lieutenant
Middleton's command near this camp. May 19, Lieutenant Middleton
and command returned to this camp.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
ABRAHAM MILLER,
Captain, First Battalion of Mountaineers, California Vols.,
Commanding Company G and Camp.
Lieut. James Ulio,
Adjt. Sixth Infamtry CaUfomia Vols., Aetg. Asst. Adjt. Oen.
Camp at Btjbnt Ranch, Trinity Cotjntt, Cal.,
June 1, 1864.
SlE : I have the honor to submit the following report of my command
from the 15th of May to the 1st day of June, 1864:
On the 18th instant I received a communication from Lieutenant-
Oolonel Whipple advising me that the Indians were to be allowed four
days (commencing on the above date) in which to bring their families
to Hoopa Valley. ' By the same communication I was informed that
Heath (an escaped prisoner from Fort Gaston) was at Quimby's house,
on !New River (sixteen miles from this camp). On the 20th instant I
dispatched Lieutenant Middleton with one enlisted man in search of
him (Company Orders, No. 3, date May 20, 1864). H« found on his
arrival at the above-named place that Heath had left for Pony Creek,
twelve miles farther on. He was followed by Lieutenant Middleton to
this place, but the search proved unsuccessful. The party returned
to camp on the 23d instant. On the 25th I sent Sergeant Eastman
with six men, with three days' rations, to^ scout for Indians up the
Trinity River (Company Orders, Fo. 4, date May 24). He returned to
camp the 27th instant. Saw no Indians or fresh signs. This command
pro«Beded as far as Big Flat, twenty-eight miles from Burnt Ranch.
On the 27th instant Sergeant Leonard with seven men was ordered
to proceed to the South Fork of Trinity River, in the direction of the
mouth of Grouse Creek, in search of hostile Indians (Company Orders,
No. 6, date May 27). He returned with his command on the evening
of the 28th instant; saw no Indians, but fresh signs leading in the
direction of Trinity River. Same day ordered Sergeant Wilson with
nine men to proceed to Trinity River, in vicinity of Thomas' house, in
search of hostile Indians (Company Orders, No. 6, date May 27). In
the afternoon of this day a camp (in which there were seven or eight
bucks and several squaws and children) was found. The command
advanced within 150 yards before they were discovered. Three bucks
and 1 squaw (the last accidentally) were killed and 1 or 2 wounded
before they could gain the cover of the rocks and bushes. In endeavor-
ing to advance upon the ranch the command received a volley of bul-
lete from the opposite side of the river, where a band, supposed to
be Frank's, consisting of fifteen or twenty Indians, now appeared.
After regaining the cover of the timber, which they had before occu-
pied, the flre was returned. Two Indians were wounded, and all were
driven farther up the mountain. Exchange of shots was kept up with
this baud until dark, when Sergeant Wilson, finding that he could not
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CHAP. LXn.] OPBatATIONS IN HUMBOLDT MILITARY DISTRICT. 286
go (Iowa to the rauch without exposing hia men to great dangw, gave
orders to return to camp, where he arrived with his eommaud 6 a. m.
128th instant. This enp:ageuieut took place near Thomas' house, on
Trinity River, three miles above the month of the South Fork and
eight miles from Humt Ranch. May 30 (in accordance with Company
Orders, No. 7, date May 20), Lieutenant Middletou with twenty-five
enlisted men, with ten days' rations, proceeded against hostile Indians
in the vicinity of llyampom. No report has been received firom this
command. «
Respectfully submitted.
Your obedient servant,
ABRAHAM MILLER,
Captain, First Battalion Mountaineers, California Volunteers,
Commanding Company C and Camp.
Lieut. Jamus Ulio,
Adjutant Sixth California Volunteer Infantry,
Aotg, Asst, Adjt. 6en., Fort Humboldt, Cal.
(Jamp at Bxjbnt Ranch, Trinity County, Cal.,
June 12, 1864.
Sib : I have the honor to report the operations of my command (sta-
tioned at Burnt Ranch) from the 1st to-the 12th of June, 1864:
On the 1st instant Corporal Young, with one man, proceeded to Fort
Gaston in charge of special express to that post (Company Orders, No.8).
Returned to this camp 3d instant. On the 5th instant Sergeant Leon-
ard with five men, with two days' rations, ordered to proceed against
hostile Indians on the South Fork of Trinity River, near its mouth (Com-
pany Orders, No. 9, date June 5). Returned to this camp on the even-
ing of the 6th instant. Saw two Indians traveling up the river, but
were unable to approach within gunshot. Discovered but little fresh
Indian sign. The 5tli instant Lieutenant Middleton, with fifteen men
of his command, returned to camp at Burnt Ranch. The 6th instant
Sergeant Ipson with nine men, the remainder of Lieutenant Middleton's
detachment, reported at this place. For particulars of the operations
of this detachment I refer you to the inclosed report of Lieutenant Mid-
dleton. Lieutenant Middleton, with fourteen men, ordered to proceed
against Indians supposed to be engaged in fishing near Burnt Ranch
Caiion, four miles from this camp (Company Orders, No. 10). Returned
same evening. Found rauch, but the Indians, warned of the approach
of the party by a squaw placed upon a high point as lookout, were, with
the exception of the above-named squaw, enabled to escape. The ranch,
with several fish-nets and a large quantity of cured fish, was destroyed.
The squaw, taken prisoner, will be sent by the first train to Fort Gastou.
Sergeant Wilson, with eight men, ordered to proceed at 10 p. m. to Tins-
ley's place on Trinity River, eight miles from this camp ; to cross the river
at daylight of the 7th instant and scout for Indians up and in the vicinity
of the above-named river (Company Orders, No. 11). June 7, Corporal
Downer, with five men, ordered to proceed [at| 8 a. m. to Trinity River,
near Burnt Ranch Caiion (Company Orders, No. 12); to keep concealed
until the arrival of detachment under Sergeant Wilson, when he would
act in union with them. The two detachments returned to camp the
evening of the 7th instant. Saw, with the aid of a spyglass, two bucks
and several squaws and children. Tlicy were high up ou the mountain,
and it was impossible to get near them. June 8, Sergeant Leonard,
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286 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Chap. LXIL
with five men, ordered to proceed to-day ia search of hostile Indians in
vicinity of Altapom, eight miles southeast from Burnt Kanch (Company
Orders, No. 13, date June 8). Sergeant Leonard, with his detachment,
returned the evening of the 9th instant. Saw no sign indicating the
presence of Indians in that neighborhood. The company under my
command received to-day payment for eight months' service. Jane 10
and 11, company remaining in camp.
BespectfaUy, your obedient servant,
ABRAHAM MILLEB,
Captain, First Battalion of Mountaineers, California Vols.,
Commanding Camp at Burnt Ranch.
Lieut. James Ulio,
Adjutant Sixth California Infantry, Actg. Asst. Adjt. Oen.
A DDENDA.
Headquaktees Depaetment op the Pacific,
San Francisco, June 20, 1864.
Col. H. M. Black,
Sixth Infantry California Vols., Comdg. Dist. of Humboldt :
SiE : The commanding general has perused with much satisfaction
the report of Captain Miller of operations against the Indians in the
District of Humboldt, and desires me to say that the zeal and bravery
of the oflBcers and men composing the captain's command, particularly
the conduct of Sergeant Wilson and his detachment, is worthy of all
praise. Let all emulate the activity and spirit of these brave men and
the Indian troubles in the District of Humboldt will soon be brought
to a close.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
E. C. DETTM,
Assistant Adjutant- General.
No. 15.
Report of Capt. George W. Ousley, First Battalion California Moun-
taineers.
Camp Andeeson, Oal., May 17, 1864.
Sie: In compliance with Orders, No. 5, 1 marched at 6 a. m. the 7th
with twenty men and ten days' rations; made my way up the east side
of this creek; camped at 3 p. m. at what is known as Indian Camp;
distance, fourteen miles, direction two points east of south. On west
side of ridge but little timber, good water, and grass plenty; east side
of ridge timber and chaparral; Indian signs scarce, probably twenty
days old, going up the ridge. The 8th marched at 5 a. m.; camped at
4 p.m.; distance, fifteen miles; mountainous country, same as yesterday,
but more Indian signs, but not freslier. The 9th marched at 5.30 a. m.
and camped at 8.30 p. m. at the head of Redwood Creek; country
chaparral prairies, with timber in gulches. Scouted all day; no fresh
sign. The 10th marched at 6 a. m.; camped at the lake on Upper
Weaver trail at 12 m. Distance, seven miles and a half. Route brushy,
with prairie on the ridges; direction northwest ; some Indian sign;
scoat«d during afternoon and the following day. The 12tb marched at
6.30 a. m.; camped at 10 in prairie north of Thief Camp. Distance
traveled) four miles; direction north. The mountains here are heavier
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CHAP. LXn.] OPERATIONS IN HUMBOLDT MILITARY DISTRICT. 287
timbered all the distance. Found two fresh Indian signs. Scouted the
balanceof the day; could not ascertain where the tracks went to. The
13th inarched at 6 a. m.; camped at what is known as the Upper Hoase
at 12 m.; distance, five miles; direction north. Heavy timber with a
thick growth of underbrush all the distance. A good range for stock
where I camped. Scouted balance of the day. The 14th marched at
5 a. m., arriving at Bald Mountain at G.30 a. m.; distance, six miles.
Good trail; prairie most of the way on west side of ridge; timber on
the east. Scouted all day. The 15th marched at G a. m., arriving at
this camp at 11.30; distance, ten miles, (lood travel all way through a
dense forest. Direction about two points east of north.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
GEOEGB W. OUSLEY,
Gapt, Fimt Bait. Mountmneerit, California Yol*., Comdg. Co. B,
Maj. W. S. R. Taylor,
Commanding Camp Andernon.
No. 16.
Reports of Lieut. Knyphausen Geer, Firitt Battalion California Moun-
taineers.
Fort Gaston, Cal., March 8, 18G4.
Sir: I have the honor of transmitting the following report, to wit:
In compliance with Post Orders, No. 54, dated February 21, 1864, 1
left this post February 21, at 11 p. m., with thirty men of Company A,
Battalion Mountaineers, on a scout. I went by the way of Bald Hills
and Redwood Creek, which stream I reached at Albee's ranch without
seeing any fresh Indian sign. I followed up said stream to the old trail
leading from Areata to Weaverville, which place I reached on the 28th,
and pitched camp. From here I sent out scouts on both sides of Red-
wood Creek. The scouts returned at night and reported having found
Indians on the east side of the stream about eight miles from our camp.
On the 29th, at 5.30 a. m.. I attacked the Indians; killed 3 of them;
badly wounded several; took 2 women and 3 children prisoners. I had
1 man wounded in the leg. Same day returned to camp, canying the
man with us. On the morning of March 1 1 had 1 man (William Sharp)
killed by the Indians while hunting for deer. Several shots were
exchanged between the Indians and the men under my command with-
out any accident to either party, the Indians fighting under cover. On
the 3d I moved to Thief Camp, having scouts to the right and left of tlie
trail. On the 4th the scouts returned and reported having discovered
from 80 to 100 Indians camped on the west 'side of Redwood, between
Ilempfield's old ranch and the trail known as the Hyampom trail.
]\Iarch 5, went to Camp laqua with eight men sick. On the 6th returned
to Thief Camp. On the 7th, at 4 p. m., left camp for this post, at wliich
place I arrived on the 8th, at 6 a. m., leaving the detachment at Thief
Camp.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
K. GEER,
Lieut., Co. A, First Batt. Mountaineers, Cnh Vols., Comdg. Detach.
First Lieut. A. W. Hanna,
AdjuUmt First Battalion Mountaineers, California Volunteers.
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288 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST, (Chap. LXII.
FOBT Gaston, Cal., March 19, 1864.
Sib: I have the honor to transmit herewith the following report :
According to instrnctions from the commanding officer, I left this
post at 8.30 a. m. of the 9tli with six men of Company A, First Battalion
Mountaineers, California Volunteers, and was accompanied by Lieuten-
ant Hackett and thirty-five men of Company G, Sixth Infantry Cali-
fornia Volunteers, with ten days' rations. Marched eighteen miles and
camped on a flat on Eedwood Creek, near Camp Anderson. March 10,
crossed Redwood Creek at 8 a. m., and at 2 p. m. came to Bald Moun-
tain, where I lialted until sundown in order to proceed unobserved to
Thief Camp, where the balance of my detachment was stationed.
Reached there at 10 o'clock at night; distance abont twenty-two miles.
March 11, remained in camp and prepared two days' cooked rations
whilst the scouts were ont reconnoitering. March 12, started about 5
a. m., in order to cross over the bare ridge before sunrise. Marched
twelve miles and halted in a ravine, where we camped and sent scouts
in different directions. March 13, crossed back on the same ridge, and
sent one corporal, two privates, and an Indian scouting down Redwood
Creek. The rest of the detachment marched to what is called Hemp-
fleld's ranch and camped. The scouts came in and reported having
found three ranches, the Indians having left some three days before.
March 14, 1 left camp at sunrise with ten men of my command and six
men of Company G, Sixth Infantry California Volunteers, proceeding
across the country. Crossed Redwood Creek abont seven miles above
the upper crossing. Lieutenant Hackett took the train and the bal-
ance of the men and advanced on the trail to meet me at what is called
Bloody Camp ; distance about twenty-two miles. March 16, left camp
at 3 o'clock in the morning with twenty men from my command and
twenty-five from Company G, Sixth Infantry California Volunteers, en
route to the mouth of South Pork of Trinity River, passing over the
ground where I had an engagement with the Indians. They had been
back to bury their dead. Crossed the head of Willow Creek, and
reached the mouth of the South Fork of Trinity River at 0 p. m.
Traveled thirty-five miles. Lieutenant Hackett took the train and the
balance of my command and advanced on the trail to meet me at the
mouth of the South Fork of Trinity River, where he arrived after
marching twenty-five miles. March 16, remained in camp and sent
scouts in different directions; also some hunters to kill a beef, as oar
pork was all gone. The hunters did not succeed in finding any cattle.
The scouts returned at 3 o'clock in the evening, reporting having found
a ranch consisting of five bark houses, which they think was vacated
some twelve hours before they found them. They left several articles
of soldiers' clothing, which had been worn out. The Indians seem from
the sign to be traveling in the direction of a place on Trinity River
called Burnt Ranch. Everything that was left behind in their flight
was burnt, also their ranches. March 17, Lieutenant Hackett took the
train and all the men but two and went down the Trinity River to
the mouth of Willow Creek. I took the two remaining men and
advanced over the Willow Creek Mountain, from thence down Willow
Creek to the mouth, where I joined my command and camped for the
night; also sent some men to kill a beef, in which they succeeded; also
found a stray horse running with the cattle. March 18, 1 made a raft
and sent a corporal, an Indian, and private across the Trinity River
for the purpose of reconnoitering some Indian houses. The corporal
reported seeing the houses, but did not deem it prudent to approach
them up the rs^vine, and to get to them by going up on the mountain
would consume the greater portion of the day, and knowing that the
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Chap. Lxn.] OPERATIONS IN HUMBOLDT MILITARY DISTRICT. 289
men were without any provisions of any kind they returned to the
river, and on their way back they found four hogs, which they sup-
posed the Indians bad fastened iip (as they were in a corral), which
they shot and rafted across tlie river and packed them on mules to
Fort Gaston, where we arrived about 3.30 p. ni of the ISth, having
marched in the last two days about eighteen miles. I have to speak in
the highest terms of the oiHcers and men under my command, and also
the officers and men of Company G, Sixth Infantry California Volun-
teers, who held themselves in reaidiness to march at any hour. I must
say a word for Lieutenant Ilackett, who has paid unwearied attention
to the officers and men and withstood our many fatiguing marches,
that lie is well deserving of all praise.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
K. GEER,
First Lieut. Company A, First Batt. Mountmneers, Gomdg, Detach.
Lieut. James Ulio,
Adjutant Sixth Infantry California Volunteers,
Actg. Asst. Adjt. Gen., Humboldt Military District.
FoET Gaston, Cal., April T, 1864.
Sir: I have the honor to transmit herewith the following report:
That according to instructions from the commanding officer, I left
tins post at 8 a. m. of the 27th of March with twenty-five men of Com-
pany A, First Battalion Mountaineers, California Volunteers, and five
Indians, with ten days' rations, and was accompanied by Lieutenant
Middleton, of Company C, First Battalion Mountaineers, California
Volunteers, and twenty-five men and two Indians. Traveled nine miles
and camped at the mouth of Willow Creek. There waa plenty of wood,
water, and good feed for our animals. Bained and snowed nearly all
day. March 28, left camp at 7 o'clock and started for the mouth of the
South Fork of Trinity River j distance about nine miles. A rrived about
3 o'clock. Still continuing rain. March 29, attempted to cross main
Trinity River in a canvas boat. The river being very high caused me
to fail, after making several attempts. I returned to camp and pre-
pared some cooked rations. I then took one man and two Indians;
crossed the South Fork of Trinity River; traveled about seven miles.
Finding no sign, returned to camp. March 30, Lieutenant Middleton
left camp with nineteen men and two Indians with four days' rations;
crossed Trinity River about 12 o'clock. I remained in camp and pre-
pared three days' cooked rations. Still continues to rain at intervals.
March 31, left camp with nineteen men and five Indians; crossed the
South Fork of Trinity River at 7 o'clock; marched twelve miles and
halted at the mouth of New River. In advancing on the trail I saw
where the Indians had killed some hogs not long since.
April 1, remained in camp and sent our five Indians up the south
side of Trinity River. I found a boat lying in the river; crossed over
four men; they reported having found one log-house and several small
brush-houses which were tenanted not long since. From the position
on which the log-house was stationed the Indians could view the Trin-
ity for mUes in extent. There was in the log-house a large quantity of
grain, some worn-out clothing, all of which was burnt. From all indi-
cations the log-house was not entirely evacuated. The Indians sent up
the river returne<l about 4 o'clock, reporte«l having gone to Burnt
Ranch, and (m their return were fired upon from the opposite side of
19 B B — VOL L, PT I
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290 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. (Chap.LXII.
the river by three ludians. Fired several shots, but to no effect. Still
continues to rain. April 2, left camp at 7 o'clock for the mouth of
South Fork of Trinity River. In order to have a safe and better
means of crossing the Trinity River, I sent two Indians to pilot the
boat down to the mouth of the South Fork, but to no purpose. One of
the Indians broke his paddle, then she was unmanageable and left to
the mercy of the waves. The boat struck full broadside against a rock,
sinking her at once, the Indians barely escaping with their lives, losing
their guns, ammunition, and some articles of clothing. Still continues
to rain at intervals. April 3, remained in camp and awaited the arrival
of Lieutenant Middleton, who came in about 2 p. m., and reported:
Traveled about eight mileR, and camped at Dayis' Point at 3 p. m. Saw one fresh
Indian track at Haden's ranch, and where the Indians had killed some cattle
and hogs; crossed the mountain and struck New River, two miles and a half
above the mouth. Saw no sign. Went up the river some three miles and camped
3P- . _ .
ont on the points to see if they could discover anything. Nothing but a small
smoke on the other side of the river was seen. The river being too high, no attempt
to cross was made. Left camp with ten men. Went up the river and fonnd a log
across the river. Sent one sergeant and four men down on the opposite side. The
sergeant reported having fonnd an old Indian and two small children. The Indian
had a paper stating that he was friendly, and was left to prot<;ct the property of
Thomas & Quimbis. Returned to the mouth of Sonth Fork after traveling tbrongh
rain and snow for twenty miles and joined the main command.
April 4, sent Lieutenant Middleton with the train to Fort Gbston for
a supply of provisions. April 6, the train returned with orders to
report at Fort Gaston. Left camp at 2 o'clock the same day and camped
at Willow Greek. Rained all day. April 6, left camp at 7 o'clock.
After traveling nine miles arrived at Fort Gaston at 11 a. m. The only
pleasant day we had, as it rained and stormed at intervals all the time
we were out. As for the Indians I can put no dependence in them.
One contradicts the other, and they were little or no use to me. As
for the guns that were lost in the boat, one belonged to Government,
the other to one of the Indian guides, which I recommend he be recom-
pensed for. My command was kept well together on all marches, and,
as much as the nature of the country would permit, under my own eye.
When within a few miles of Fort Gaston I saw each mau of the com-
mand. I remained with the advance guard. Sergeant Eastman, of Oom-
pany G, First Battalion Mountaineers, Galifornia Volunteers, being in
command of the rear guard. XJiwn arriving at the fort it was found
that Private Samuel Overlander, of Gompany G, First Battalion Moun-
taineers, Cahfornia Volunteers, was missing, which was duly reported
to the commanding officer.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
K. GEER,
First Lieut. Co. A, Battalion Mountaineers, Comdg. Detach.
Lieut. James Ulio,
Adjutant Sucth Infantry California Volunteers,
Actg. Asst. Adjt. Oen., Humboldt Military District,
Camp Iaqtta, Gal., May 2, 1864.
Sir : In compliance with instmctions from M^j. T. F. Wright, com-
manding, I left Oainp laqua on the 27th ultimo with four men oi my
detachment of Company A, Mountaineers, in company with Lieuten-
ant Taylor, Sixth Infantry California Volunteers, and one sergeant and
ten men of Company E, Sixth Infantry California Volunteers, ten days'
rations and two mules, and proceeded in a northwesterly direction
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CBAP. LXU.) OPEPATION8 m HUMBOLDT MILITARY DISTRICT. 291
twelve miles and camped at a place known as Brown's ranch. April
28, I took three men as a recouuoiteriug party and crossed Fresh
Water Slough; thence to the Old Humboldt trail on Kneeland's
Prairie; thence back to camp, where I arrived at 6.30, having seen
no fresh Indian sign. April 29, moved camp at night about five miles,
and camped in a deep canon, so as not to be seen. April 30, Lieuten-
ant Taylor, myself, and three men left camp early in the morning and
proceeded to recounoiter the woods and prairie and discovered Indian
signs. Lieutenant Taylor returned to camp and ordered three days'
cooked rations to be got ready. I with three men proceeded to foUow
the sign, which led me in the direction of Elk River. After proceed-
ing ab>ut two miles I returned to camp, where I arrived about 4 p. m.
May 1, 1 told Lieutenant Taylor to detail from his command two men
to return to Gamp laqua with the mules packed with cooking utensils,
overcoats and blankets, and the remainder of the provisions, &c.
When the mules were packed. Lieutenant Taylor ordered the men so
detailed to go direct to the Humboldt trail, which was about a mile
distant from our camp, and there wait for the laqua pack train, which
was going through that day with an escort. I then proceeded with
the remainder of the command on the trail of the Indians. After
proceeding about five miles found a deserted Indian camp, where they
had been killing cattle. Continued on the trail about three miles
farther and found another deserted camp ; continued about two miles
farther and found a third camp, which had been occupied from appear-
ances only a few days previous to our arrival. From this camp we fol-
lowed the Indian trail down Elk River about a mile. We discovered
another camp and after a cautions approach to it we found that the
Indians had abandoned it that morning, as all signs were fresh and
the flres still burning. From this camp we followed the Indian trail
in a direct course back to Kneeland's Prairie. Here we halted our
men on the edge of the woods for the purpose of reconnoitering the
edge of the prairie. During the reconnaissance we discovered two
squaws on a high bluff. We then recalled our men and placed our-
selves in a position to watch the movements of the Indians, and learn
if possible if it would be better to make the attack immediately or
not; but after a consultation with Lieutenant Taylor we concluded to
postpone the attack until next morning, when the bucks would be all iu
camp. We waited till dark, when Lieutenant Taylor and myself went
to learn the position of the camp and the lay of the ground around it,
which we found to be in veiy thick brush and on a point between two
deep ravines. We then returned to our men and lay down to get some
rest. May 2, up before daylight and started for the Indian camp,
which we surrounded in a short time. Lieutenant Taylor occupying the
south and a part of the east and west sides, while I occupied the north
and part of the east and west sides, having a part of Lieutenant
Taylor's detachment. Lieutenant Taylor opened fire on the Indians,
when they ran toward me. I then fired on them, and the fire became
general from all sides.
After the fight was over we found that we had killed 3 bucks and 3
squaws and broke 1 buck's arm; took 2 squaws and 2 children prison-
ers. The attack took them so much by surprise that they had not
time to carry off any of their property or plunder, which we found
upon examination that the largest portion belonged to us, and was the
same that was sent in the day before, which led us to believe that the
train had been attacked. We also found some quilts, a shotgun, and
some clothing which I believe to have belonged to Mr. Hagan, who
lives on Elk River. (The property has been turned over to Major
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292 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Chap. LXIL
Wright.) We tlien lost no time in making search for the place where
the train was atta<;ked, but we had not traveled over three miles when
we met a detachment of Company G, Sixth Infantry California Volun-
teers, in command of Sergeant Holt, who informed us that Private
Mills was killed and Private Heriy missing, both of Company B (they
being the two men detailed to return to Camj) laqua with the mules),
and 1 have since learned from the men in charge of the laqua train
that they (Mills and Berry) did not wait for them to come up, but kept
about three-quarters of a mile ahead of them. I met a detachment of
Company C, Sixth Infantry, in command of Sergeant Wing, at the
same time that I met Sergeant Ilolt and detachment. He said he had
been out a few days and bad seen three bucks and one squaw, but did
not get a shot at any of them. We then proceeded on our way to
Camp laqua and came across Lieuteiiant Hackett and a detachment of
Company G, Sixth Infantry California Volunteers, who t^ld me he was
in search of Private Berry. Continued on for the camp, where we
arrived at 5 p. m., and turned over the prisoners to the officer of the
day, by direction of the commanding officer. I will liere state that
those who participated in the engagement deserve praise for the man-
ner in which they conducted themselves throughout the whole affair.
Distance marched during the six days about 100 miles.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
K. GEER,
First Lieutenant Company A, First Battalion Mountaineers,
California Volunteers, Commanding Detachment.
Maj. T. F. Wright,
Sixth Infantry California Volunteers, Commanding.
Headquarters,
Camp laqua, Cal., May 8, 1864.
Major : In obedience to your orders I left this post on the 5th instant
with one non-commissioned officer and ten men of Company G, Sixth
California Volunteer Infantry, together with four men of Company A,
First Battalion Mountaineers, California Volunteers. At 2 o'clock that
night encamped at Yager Creek, a march of eiglit miles. On the 6th I
went down Yager Creek to the junction of the South and main Yager,
there halt«d; went up South Yager about two miles; saw no Indian
signs; returned to camp and went on doSvn to the junction of Lawrence
and Yager Creeks; there encamped, making a march of twelve miles.
On May 7 went up Lawrence Creek to the mouth of Booth's Run; from
thence over the mountain to the prairie between Kneeland and Ia<ina,
where I encamped after marching fifteen miles. On the 8th started for
laqua, which point I reached at 9 o'clock, a march of seven miles.
Total estimated march of forty-two miles. No Indian sign whatever
had been seen on the trip.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
K. GEER,
First Lieutenant Company A; First Battalion Mountaineers, ,
California Volunteers, Commanding Detachment.
Maj. T. F. Wright,
Sixth California Volunteer Infantry, Commanding Post.
Camp Iaqtja, May 25, 1864.
Sir : In compliance with orders I left this post on the 10th of May with
tweuty-three men under my command to scout for Indians to the north
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CHAP. LXn.] OPERATIONS IK HUMBOLDT MILITARY DISTRICT. 293
and east of Mad Biver. I sent five men ahead to watch the movement
of the Indians and camped at Three Cabins, having traveled ten
miles. May 11, the scouts returned at 12 noon and reported having
seen firesh Indian signs. I ordered three days' cooked rations prepared,
and at 6 p. m. left camp with sixteen men, leaving the remainder to
guard the train. I traveled eight miles and camped. May 12, found
the Indian sign, and after following it two miles found where tliey had
killed an animal for beef. At tins point they had scattered, and we
had considerable ditliculty in tracing them, and it was late in the even-
ing when 1 found where they had come together again: after which we
trailed them to Boulder Ureek. This evening heard several guns fired
in the divide between Boulder Creek and liedwood; also saw three
Indians camped two miles from Boulder Creek.
May 13, followe<l the sign down to Boulder Creek, where we found
from the sign the three Indians had been joined by ten Indians, who
were all shod, as there were no barefooted tracks among them. I
followed them down Boulder Creek three miles, when I discovered
three squaws, apparently heavily loaded. I ordered the men to secrete
themselves in the brush and watch their movements. They went into
the timber on the creek. Half an hour after I saw one Indian and
three squaws coming down the mountain loaded with deer meat. They
went into the woods, the same place the others had gone. I remained
concealed until dark, and then went to where I thought they had
camped, when I found they were a traveling party and had only stopped
to rest, and traveled up the creek under cover of the night. May
14, joined the train at the crossing of Boulder Creek, where I camped
and ordered three days' cooked rations. May 15, took sixteen men and
followed the trail of the Indians up Boulder Creek five miles, where
they had left the creek and went up the divide between Boulder Creek
and Mad Biver. After traveling fifteen miles I camped on the divide.
May 16, continued on the trail of the Indians one mile, where I found
where the Indians had camped the night before. Here they had again
scattered, and I was unable to find their trail. I kept up the divide in
the direction of yesterday's march five miles, where 1 again found their
trail, but after following it two miles they again scattered, and the
ground being rooky, I was unable to follow them anj- fartlier. I then
traveled in the direction of Mad Eiver, whitfh stream I struck ten miles
above the Starrar ranch, where I camped, having marched eighteen
miles. May 17, traveled down Mad River to the Starrar ranch, where
I met the train and camped. May 18, took fifteen men and two days'
rations and traveled down Mad liiver as far as Bremer's ranch, having
ordered the train to laqua. Saw no fresh Indian sign to-day. Marched
fifteen miles. May 19, crossed Mad River and marched for this post
(by the way of Kneeland's Prairie), which place I reached at 6 p. m.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
K. GEER,
First Lieutenant Company A, First Battalion Mountaineers,
California Volunteers, Commanding Detachment.
First Lieut. Jaoob P. Hackett,
Adjutant Sixth Infantry California Volutiteers.
Camp Iaqua, May 35, 1864.
Major: I have the honor to report that according to instructions
received from you on the afternoon of the 20th I called for volunteers
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294 0PEEATI0N8 ON THE PACIFIC COAST. CChat. Lxn.
to accompany me on a scout. In a very sbort time I had more appli-
cants than 1 could take, and had to refuse several that wanted to go.
1 left Camp laqua about 7.30 p. m. of the 20th with Lieutenants Hackett
and Hatton, of Company G, Sixth Infantry California Volunteers: two
non-commissioned officers and nineteen privates of Company G, Sixth
Infantry California Volunteers ; one non-commissioned officer and five
privates of Company E, Sixth Infantry California Volunteers, and six of
my own men. We arrived at Fleming's camp, on Pilot Creek, about sun-
rise of the 2l8t. After the men had taken some coffee they lay down
and slept about two hours. After detailing ten men of my command to
remain with the train, we took four days' rations in onr haversacks and
started on the trail of the Indians. We bivouacked that night on the
same stream, but farther iip. At sunrise of the 22d we were again on
the trail, and found where tbey had been joined by some other Indians.
About 12 m. lost the track of them and did not find it again until near
sunset, when we discovered some smoke. We traveled until 12 o'clock
that night, and lay down on the ridge thinking we were within half a
mile of where the smoke was seen. At daylight on the morning of the
23d every man was up promptly at the word. We then found that we
were farther than we expected from where we supposed the Indians
were, and made good time to get there before light. The first thing
that attracted our attention was a horse tied in the bushes. Almost
immediately afterward a white man, accompanied by an Indian (with a
white band on his hat), passed into the bushes from the edge of the
prairies (having evidently been on the lookout) to where the &es were.
Our impression at that time was that it was some one hunting Indians,
but in almost one minute we got a glimpse of the squaws gathering up
the blankets. We then made the charge into the bushes (every one
seemed anxious to get in first). We succeeded in killing 5 bucks and
3 squaws (they would not stop when they were hailed), and taking 2
squaws and 2 children prisoners. After taking some coffee we then
started for camp, leaving ten men posted in the vicinity of those killed
to await the return of the Indians to bury their dead. We then took
the ridge and made as much noise as possible to let them know we
were going. In about one hour's time after we left a party of them
came back looking very cautiously as they came. They did not come
in the way they were expected, and we only succeeded in getting 1
buck and his rifle, making 6 bucks and 3 squaws killed, 2 squaws and
2 children prisoners. We also took Mills' rifle (who was killed at
Booth's Bun), besides 2 liunting rifles, a horse, saddle, and bridle.
Tuesday, 24th, started back to Camp laqua, and when about two milen
from camp the advance guard with Lieutenant Hackett arrested Cor-
poral Perry and Private Davis, of Company E, Sixth Infantry Califor-
nia Volunteers, dressed in citizen's clothing, with their blankets on
their backs, being then over twenty miles from Camp laqua. The men
all, without any exception, behaved as well as any set of men could
under the same circumstances. Aggregate number of miles traveled,
ninety. There were quite a number wounded that were shot through
the body that we followed some three or four miles, but they managed
to escape.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
K. GEBR,
Mrgt Lieutenant Company A, First Battalion Mountaineers,
California Volunteers, Commanding Detachment.
Maj. Thomas F. Wright,
Sixth Infantry California Volunteers,
Comdg. Battalion Sixth Infantry California Yols.
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Chap. LXH] OPERATIONS IN HUMBOLDT MILITABT DISTRICT. 295
Camp Iaqua, June 15, 1864.
Sib : In compliance with orders I left this post on the 6tli instant with
seven men of Company G, Sixth Infantry j four men of Company A,
California Mountaineers, and one friendly Indian named Billy nnder
my command, for the pnrpose of having a talk with the hostile Indians
known as the Redwoods. Marched fift^u miles and camped oa Boulder
Creek. June 7, went two miles to Thief Camp, where I met Ldeatenant
Beckwith, Company A, California Mountaineers, with a detachment of
nine men and three friendly Indians, two of them being the celebrated
chiefs Big Jim and Seraiialtin John. Here I camped and remained
until the 10th, waiting for the return of Captain John, whom Lieuten-
ant Beckwith had sent to Hoopa for an Indian who was acquainted
with the place in which the Redwood Indians were camped. He
returned on the 9th, at 3 p. m., with the Indian, who had taken him to
the camp of the Redwoods on his way to my camp. I immediately sent
Captain John and Billy to their camp and instructed them to find out
if the Indians were wUling to come in. June 10, moved camp eight
miles to the lagoon on the top of the Redwood divide, where the Indians
John and Billy returned at 6 p. m., and reported as having a talk with the
Indians, and that they were willing to come in. June 11, left camp with
two men of my detachment, in company with Lieutenant Beckwith and
command and the friendly Indiana, for Bloody Camp (having ordered
the balance of my command to Thief Camp), at which place I arrived
at 4 p. m. Marched twenty-five miles. June 12, three of the hostile
Indians came into camp to have a talk with us. They said they wanted
to stop fighting, and would come in and bring their families with them.
They told me there were eighteen warriors in their tribe, twelve of
whom were in camj), and that they had sent two Indians after those
that were absent, and assured me they would come in as soon as they
were found. Lieutenant Beckwith made arrangements with them to
meet him on the trail on the top of the mountain between Redwood
and Willow Creek the next morning (as it was eight miles nearer than
to our camp) and go with him to Hoopa. June 13, returned to Thief
Camp, a distance of eighteen miles. June 14, returned to this post, at
which place I arrived at 4 p. m.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
K. GEER,
First Lieutenant Company A, Calif ornid Mountaineers,
California Volunteers, Commanding Detachment,
First Lieut. Jacob P. Hackett,
Post Adjutant Sixth Infantry California Volunteers.
No. 17.
Reports of Lieut. William W. Frazier, First Battalion California Moun-
taineers.
March 1, 1864, encamped on the waters of Redwood Creek between
the head of Mattole and South Fork of Eel River, where the detach-
ment remained until I came to quarters, Upper Mattole. I returned
on the 5th. On the 7th I divided my command into three squads and
moved toward White Thorn Valley — two scouting squads and one with
the pack train — the train to march to Ross' Defeat, a small valley on
the Mattole, where the- different squads were to meet the party headed
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296 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. IChap. LXII.
by myself. On tlie 8th encamped on the Mattole, discovering no fresh
Indian sign. On the 9th we marched to near Bear Harbor, on the
coast. During the day on the head of Mattole I found fresh shoe tracks
going in the direction of Bear Harbor, still finding no Indian sign. On
tfie morning of the 10th, taking another route, returned to the Mattole
and travel^ down it till near White Thorn Valley and camped for the
night. On the morning of the 11th marched down the Mattole a dis-
tance of about fifteen miles, finding a number of Indian camps, some
of which had been occupied this winter by the Indians, but not late
enough for me to trail them. Camped near Boss' Defeat. On the
morning of the 12th met the train at Boss' Defeat. The squad in
charge of Sergeant Byrnes not having returned yet, I sent four men to
search the country between tbis camp and the coast. They returned
on the 13tli, reporting no trace of Indians. Sergeant Byrnes returned
the same day; reported no sign of Indians, but in scouting for Indians
he fell in with Captain Hull, in command of twenty-three men, scouting
in the vicinity of Bear Harbor and the head of Mattole. On the 18th I
dispatched Corporal Biding with four men and five days' rations to
scout the country between tbis camp and the Lower Mattole by way of
the coast and Kushka. On the same day I marched for Ualmou Creek
and the South Fork of Eel Biver with three men, ordering the pack
train to meet the parties at the mouth of McGinnis' Creek. On the
14th flOth] I camped near the Bear Butte on the waters of South Fork
of Eel Biver. On the 20th on South Fork, thence down the South
Pork. On the 22d called in to Camp Grant and procured rations, to do
us on the intended scout up Bull Creek. On the 24th marched from
Camp Grant and camped on Bull Creek. On the 25th marclied to the
head of Bear Biver and found fresh Indian sign farther in the direc-
tion of Salmon Creek. The indication showed they were not more than
one hour ahead of us. Followed their tracks into a deep caFion on the
head of Bull Creek. Darkness overtook us and we camped for the
night. At daylight the next morning we continued the pursuit and
found the ranch within 400 yards of where we had camped for the
night. I discovered their smoke when in about fifty yards of it. They
discovered us at the same time and made good their escape in the dense
thicket that was close by. We only captured one squaw and a cliild.
I found in the ranch about 100 pounds of beef, which was partly dried,
and several articles of clothing, supposed to be taken from Mr. Buss'
house when robbed by them some time since. On the iOth I returned
to camp on the Upper Mattole with the prisoners. I expected to get
an interpreter. I did so and found this party of Indians had just left
the gun party, where they were killing horses and cattle on Bear Biver.
I then sent word to Corporal Biding to bring the train to camp along
with his command. He had arrived at the mouth of McGinnis' Creek,
in Lower Mattole, after a hard tramp of five days, and reported having
seen no signs of Indians. On my arrival the citizens informed me that
the Indians had been killing stock on Bear Biver. A s(iuaw came into
Mr. Longdon's, on the Lower Mattole, and claimed protection. By his
request Sergeant Byrnes took her to our camp, where she remains at
present. She speaks English and says she came from the gun party,
where they are killing stock. She says they have got only three guns
and one revolver and that there are «)nly four bu<;ks, but plenty of
squaws. I am preparing to g« in pursuit of them, but the rain is pour-
ing down.
W. W. FBAZIEB,
Lieutenant, Company U, First Battalion Mountaineers,
California Volunteers, Commanding Detachment, Upper Mattole.
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tSBAT. LXn.) OPERATIONS IN HUMBOLDT MILITARY DISTRICT. 297
March 31, left headquarters on the Mattole with eight men for a scoot
on the headwaters of the North Fork of the Mattole, and caniiied at
Hoar's old ranch on Rainbow Bidge, having discovered no Indian sign.
Distance marched, six miles. April 1, lay over on account of a very
heavy rain-storm. April 2, the weather having moderated a little, we
again shouldered our packs and rolled out in the direction of Taylor's
Mountain, and when about halfway np the mountain we discovered an
Indian on the opposite ridge, traveling in the direction of Taylor's
ranch. We at once proceeded down the mountain and ai'ross a deep,
heavily timbered ravine to where we had seen the Indian last, but he
succeeded in getting into the brush before we got within gunshot of him.
We found his tracks and followed him as far as we could until darkness
prevented us from going any iarther. We camped for the night on the
North Fork of the Mattole, between Taylor's ranch and Baiu^wBidge.
Distance marched, eight miles. Aprils, during the night a very heavy
storm set in, raining and snowing. We were compelled to make tents
of our blankets and sleep on the wet ground. We were confined to our
blanket tents all day, the storm was so severe. April 4, the weather
moderated a little, and I took four men and went in seai'ch of the Indian
I had seen the day before. I found an Indian lodge that had been occu-
pied two or three days previous. They had lett behind them several
of their trinkets, such as baskets, milk pans, and an old calico dress,
but the Indian we saw did not camp there but traveled right through
in the direction of the coast; but I was unable to follow him, owing to
my health being bad, but Corporal Riding with four men volunteered to
follow him. They tracked him all day in the direction of Taylor's
ranch, and when within four miles of the ranch they found where he
had been leading an animal, and had not proceeded more than half a
mile farther up the mountain when they found a gray mare with ten
feet of rope tied to her neck, the property of Mr. Taylor. The mare and
two colts had been stolen from him by the Indians a month before.
They took charge of the mare and proceeded toward Taylor's ranch and
camped there that night. Distance marched, eight miles. April 5,
sent one man with the jnare to the owner, and with three men followed
on the tracks of the Indians; but we nowfound it very difficult to track
them, for they are using every possible means to avoid making sign,
wrapping their feet up in old rags and rawhide, but all to no purpose, for
we could still follow their tracks. We followed them all day, making
no new discovery, and when night overtook us we camped at Grifttth's
cabin, situated on the headwaters of the North Fork of the Mattole.
Distance marched, ten miles.
April 6, took their tracks again and found where they had been
campetl for some time. They had just left it, for we were so close after
th(im that they had not time to take away all their trinkets. We found
in the ranch frying pans, milk pans, earthenware, cups and saucers;
property that they had stolen from the citizens on Bear River. We
also found the remains of cattle and potatoes and pumpkins, but the
redskins were gone. We cami)ed there for the night, and took posses-
sion of house and property. Distance marched, ten miles. Ai)ril 7,
we were comi)elled to give up the chase, owing to our provisions being
entirely consumed. We had been following them then for two days with
no other provisions but dried beef, and we consumed the last of that for
breakfast this morning. We at once returned toward camp, but did
not succeed in reaching it that night, but were compelled to camp out
in a snow-storm with only one blanket to each man and no provisions,
Distauce, twenty miles. April 8, at daybreak we struck out for camp,
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298 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Chap. LXU.
and succeeded in reaching it at 10 p. m., hungry, wet, and cold. Dis-
tance marched, five miles. April 9, laid over and rested my men at
headquarters.
April 10, started on a scout with six men and five days' rations.
Having diBCOvere<l no fresh Indian sign, camped at Horner's burnt
cabin, situated about five miles south of Bear Biver, on the Hydesville
trail. Distance marched, ten miles. April 11, left the burnt cabin
and traveled down the ridge toward Southmad^a ranch, and posted a
lookout on a high mountain with a good spy-glass, thinking we might
discover the Indians running cattle; but we were disappointed; no
Diggers were to be seen in that neighborhood. We then crossed over
to Taylor's Mountain and camped. Distance marched, eight miles.
April 12 and 13, lay round concealed in the brush in hopes of seeing
the Indians traveling after cattle, but they did not show themselves.
They have most probably found out that we are on the lookout for
them. April 14, returned to camp in order to throw the Indians off
their guard and give them a chance to come out of their hiding place,
but I will endeavor to be close behind them when they move out
Distance marched, nine miles.
W. W. FRAZIEK,
Second Lieutenant Company E, First Battalion Mountaineers,
California Volunteers, Commanding Detachment.
May 1 and 2, 1864, in camp with eight men, a party of four men being
out on a scout since the 29th of April on the head of Bear River. May
3, scouting party returned to camp, having searched the head of Bear
River and Bull Creek, but were unsuccessful in finding Indians or
Indian sign. May 4 to 8, employed in moving camp, having made our
headquarters in the lower vaUey on the Mattole River about five miles
from its mouth. May 9, sent out new scouting parties, one to Shinani-
gan Mountain and Kushka's and the other to Taylor's Mountain, with
orders to lay concealed and watch the trails traveled by the Indians.
May 10, in camp with six men. May 11, sent out another party of four
men with orders to search all the gulches and small streams which put
into the coast from the mouth of the Mattole to the mouth of Bear
River. May 12 and 13, all hands out scouting with the exception of
two camp keepers. May 14, scouting parties returned from Taylor's
Mountain, having made no new discovery. There are two scouting
parties out that I have not heard from up to this date.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
W. W. FRAZIER,
Second Lieutenant Company U, First Battalion Mountaineers, ,
Commanding Detachment.
May 15, 1864, Sergeant Byrnes with a detachment of four menretumed
to camp from Shinanigan Mountain, having scouted on Kushka's for five
days without discovering any traces of the Indians. May 16, Sergeant
Byrnes with four men left camp to scout for Indians between Bear
River and the North Fork of Mattole. May 17, another party of three
men left camp to scout for Indians between the mouth of the Mattole
and Shelter Cove. They report that they struck fresh Indian signs at
the mouth of the Mattole, and followed it down the beach to a big
gulch, known as Bull Bun. The Indians were camped at the month
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CHiP.lxn.] OPERATIONS IN HUMBOLDT MILITARY DISTRICT. 299
of the gnlcb, and had it not been for au old grizzly bear that took
fright at our boys and ran through the Indian encampment, alarming
the Indians, and giving them time to make their escape before we got
within gunshot of them, we should most probably have taken them in.
We took their trail the next morning and followed them over the moun-
tains toward the Mattole, and jumped them again. They were camped in
open conn try, where they could see all around them for half a mile. We
got all their bows and arrows, butcher knives, baskets, and everything
they had, and ran them a very hard race for over two miles, but they
had too much the start of us. We gave up the chase at present, but
we still followed on their trail until our provisions were entirely gone,
when we left their tracks to return to camp for more provisions. They
were traveling toward the coast. We arrived in camp on the Mattole
on the 22d, averaging each day eighteen niiles. Sergeant Byrnes with
his detachment returned to camp on the 20th, having found no traces of
Indians. May 23, three men took another supply of provisions and
resumed the chase after the Indians; they left on the 22d. They got
on their tracks again on the South Fork of Mattole, and followed them
over toward the coast, but the Indians, finding that the boys were on
their tracks, set fire to the grass in order to hide their sign, but they
knew the Indians were heading for the coast, so they immediately struck
out for beach, intending to get on the beach before them and lay and
watch for them. They struck the beach about six miles below Big
Flat, then traveled up beach and discovered the Indians camped on
the Big Flat. The Indians kept a guard out all day, and it was almost
imi>ossible to get within gunshot without giving the alarm. They con-
cealed themselves in the high grass and weeds, watching the move-
ments of the Indians. At about 5 o'clock in the morning of the 28th
they started down the beaeh. Two of the Indians kept half a mile ahead
of the rest, keeping a good lookout on all sides, but they did not dis-
cover VLB until it was too late to beat a retreat. They commenced shoot-
ing arrows at us as soon as they saw us, but they did not last very long,
for a well-directed ball from our rifles at each one of them sent them to
their happy hunting ground and made good Indians of them. There
were ten in number, four bucks and six squaws. Two bucks and six
squaws succeeded in making good their escape, and the other two
bucks are lying on the beach, food for bears. We should have got them
all had they been all together. When the others heard the report of
our rifles they took to flight and got away from us. These are the gnn-
party of Indians that have been committing so many depi^atdons in
this part of the country. May 30, the same party of men are out again
in search of the remainder of these guilty Indians, and I hope in my
next report to be able to report the Mattole country free from all hostile
Indians.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
W. W. FRAZIEE,
Second Lieutenant Compemy E, First Battalion Mountaineers,
Commanding Detachment.
June 1, 1864, sent Corporal Riding with three men to scout the coun-
try on the waters of Salmon and Bull Creeks. Sent three other men
the same day down the coast, each party taking with them five days'
rations. I also started for Camp Grant on the same day, taking with
me two men. Sergeant Byrnes and Granville Hill, to be examined by
the doctor. They were found to be sick, and were left in his charge as
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300 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST, [Chap.LXH.
per orders. I called on Captain Simpson for ten men. The order
being filled, I started back for Gamp Mattole June 4 and arrived on
the 6th, then having nineteen men in my command. On the 8th sent
out sixteen men in five separate parties to search the country from this
camp to Spanish Ranch. The Indians liad shot at one of my men on
the i3tb near camp while looking after the mules, and run off in the
direction of Spanish Itanch. One of the parties followed the tracks of
the Indians to Spanish Eanch. Their rations being almost gone, they
left the trail at that point and returned on the 11th. The other scouts
all returned on the same day, neither party having fallen in with the
Indians. A detailed account of each one of those five small parties
would fill 80 much space I only assure you that, according to their
reports, they all did their duty. June 12, I moved camp about two
miles np the river for convenience to grass for the mules. June 13, 1
sent out sixteen men with five days' i-ations, in three separate parties.
They are to scout the country between this camp and Bear Harbor.
They are to trail in abreast of each other between the Mattole River
and the coast to Whit« Thorn Valley, there to meet and report to Ser-
geant Harris. At that point I sent supplies to meet the parties. Dis-
patched three meu on the 14th with one male packed with supplies for
them.
W. W. FRAZIER,
tSecond Lieut., First Battalion Mountaineers, California Voh.,
Commanding Detachment on Mattole.
No. 18.
Report of TAeut. Thomas Middleton, First Battalion California. Moun-
taineers.
Camp at Burnt Ranch, Trinity County, Cal.,
June 7, 1864.
Captain : I have the honor to report that in obedience to Company
Orders, No. 7, 1 left camp at Burnt Ranch with twenty-five men with
ten days' rations and a train of five mules 7 a. m. May 30, traveling in
a southeasterly direction toward the mouth of Grouse Creek. I halted
the detiichment on the mountain between South Fork and Trinity, and
with Sergeant Eastman I went down the mountain to a point which
overlooked the river. Could see nothing indicating the presence of
Indians. Returned to detachment and proceeded up the ridge on the
east side of South Fork, halting at Camp No. 1 6 a. m. This camp was
situated two miles above the moutU of Grouse Creek, one mile from
South Fork, and fifteen miles from Burnt Ranch. Ou the morning of
May*31 1 sent Sergeant Eastman with six men to the mouth of Grouse
Creek, and with four men I proceeded to the South Fork, opposite
camp. Neither' party were able to find fresh sign of Indians. Left
Camp No. 1 with my command 1 p. m. and proceeded up the east bank
of the river five miles. Crossed to the west side; proceeded up the
west bank one mile and halted at Camp No. 2 5 p. m. This camp was
aitnated on the South Fork four miles below Hyampom. June 1 I
proceeded with Sergeant Ipson and four men to Hyampom for the por-
l)08e of gaining information of the whereabouts of Indians supposed
to be in that neighborhood. Found stopping at this place four wliite
men and two squaws. They had seen no Indians, but supposed there
were some on Grouse Creek. I returned to camp 3 p. m. During my
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Chap. LXII.) OPERATIONS IN HUMBOLDT MILITARY DISTRICT. 301
absence Corporals Dillahanty and Dowuer, with small parties, bad
been ont scouting, but discovered nothing to show the late presence of
Indians. June 2, with my command left Camp No. 2 6 a. m. for Forks
of (irouse Creek. Crossed the East Fork at its mouth, and i)roceediug
up the dividibg ridge between the Middle and East Forks five miles,
]ialte<l at ('amp Xo. 3, on the Middle Branch, 1 p. m. Distance from
Camp No. 2, twelve miles. A scouting party in command of Sergeant
Ipsou sent from this camp 3 p. m. reported at 7 o'clock that old Indian
sign had been found up the Middle Fork. June 3, loft Camp No. 3 j
a. m.; proceeded up to divide between the ^Middle and North Forks, a
distance of five miles, and halted at Cam]> No. 4 8 a. m. Ordered Ser-
geant Eastman with ten men to follow the Indian sign found yester-
day, and with two men I proceeded around the head of North Fork for
the purpose of finding open country through which the train could be
taken to the South Fork of Trinity Kiver. Found the ground so
broken and brushy that it would have been im}>ossible to proceed with
the mules in this direction. Sergeant Eastman reported 7 a. m. that
he had followed the Indian trail nntil it bnincbed in different direc-
tions, some going toward Redwood and others toward South Fork.
June 4, ordered Sergeant Ipson with nine men with pack train to pro-
ceed by the most practical route to Burnt Banch. With fifteen men
with two days' rations I left Camp No. 4 at 7 a. m., crossing the country
in direction of mouth of South Fork. Arrived at Camp No. 5 at 5 p. m.
This camp was situated two miles west of South Fork of Trinity lliver
and twenty miles from Camp No. 4. June 5, left Camp No. 5 at 4 a. m.
Crossed South Fork at 5 a. m; halted and sent parties up and down
the river, who reported no sign found. Left the river 8 o'clock and '
arrived at Burnt Ranch 11 a. m. Traveled this day ten miles. June 6,
Sergeant Ipson reported that June 4 he proceeded with his command
to the South Fork, three miles above the mouth of Grouse Creek, and
camped; distance travele*!, twelve miles. June 5, crossed the ^uth
Fork and camped this night three miles from the summit of the moun-
tain between South Fork and Trinity River. June 6, arrived at Burnt
Ranch 7 a. m.
Respectfully, your obedient servant,
THOMAS MIDDLETON,
Second Lieutenant Company C, First Battalion of Mountaineers,
California Volunteers, Commanding Detachment.
Capt. Abraham Miller,
First ISattalion Mountaineers, (California Volunteers,
Commanding Cotnpany C and Gamp at Burnt tiaitch, Cal.
No. 19.
Report of Lieut. Leonard C. Beckwith, First Battalion California
Mountaineers.
Fort Gaston, Cal., June 15, 1864.
Sir : In compliance with Post Orders, No. 158, June 2, 1864, direct-
ing me to i)roceed to Redwood and induce the Redwood and Grouse
Creek Indians to come in, 1 left Fort Gaston, Cal., June 3, 1864, in com-
mand of Sergeant Nease and eight privates of Company A, First Battal-
ion Mountaineers, California Volunteers, accompanied by three Indians,
Big Jim, Seranaltin John, and Dick, with five pack-mules for transpor-
tation, and proceeded to Three Creeks and camped. Distance marche^
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302 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFic COAST. [Chap.LXU.
twelve miles. Left Three Creeks June 4 at 0.30 a. m. Marched to Red-
wood and camped, distance twelve miles, nothing unusual having
occurred. June o, sent out Private Blaynay, and Indians Jim and
John, up Itedwood, with instructions to induce all Indians they might
find to come in. They returned at 10 a. ni., having marched twelve
miles; had not seen any Indians, but found where they had camped
the day before. I then ordered the mules pa«ked, and left en route for
llemptield's upper ranch, at which point we arrived at 6 p. m. Dis-
tance marched, twenty-three miles. Next morning, June 6, we packed
the mules and proceeded down the mountain to Mad Itiver, thinking
that the Indians we were in search of had gone in that direction ; but
not finding any sign of them, returned up the mountain again and
camped at Thief Camp. Distance marched, twenty-five miles. At 5
o'clock June 7 I dispatched Indian John to Hoopa Valley for a Bed-
wood Indian, and sent Private Blaynay and Indian Jim on a scout on
Boulder Creek. At 11 a. m. Lieut. K. Geer, of Company A, First Bat-
talion Mountaineers, California Volunteers, in command of ten enlisted
men of the same company, and Company G, Sixth Infantry California
Volunteers, joined camp. He also bad with him Indian Billy, from Eel
River Valley. 4 p. m. scout returned from Boulder Creek. Found
no Indians. Distance marched, twelve miles. June 8, sent out two
scouts, one down Maple Creek to Mad River, and one down Boulder
Creek, who returned at 5 p. m. without meeting with any success. Dis-
tance each scout marched, fifteen miles. June 9, at 6 a. m. ordered
mules packed and left en route for Redwood (accompanied by Lieuten-
ant Geer, two privates of his command, and Indian Billy), at which
, place we arrived at 3 p. m., and camped near the place we camped June
4. Distance marched, twenty miles. At 6 p. m. Indian John returned
from Hoopa, having with him Redwood Indian Ceazer. June 10, at 5
a. m. sent out Indians John and Billy to scout up Redwood. At 6.30
a. m. ordered mules packed, and left in the direction the scout had
gone. Camped at 4 o'clock near the head of Redwood. Distance
marched, fifteen miles. At 7 p. m. the Indian scouts John and Billy
joined camp, and reported that they had found and talked with the
Indians they were in search of. June 11, at 5 a. m. Indians Billy and
John left to meet the Indians they had talked with the day previous,
as per agreement, and guide them into camp. I ordered mules packed
and proceeded down Redwood fifteen miles and up the mountain five
mUes, and camped at 4 p. m. at Pardee's old ranch. Total distance
traveled, twenty miles. At 6 p. m. Indian scout joined camp. They
brought with them four of the Redwood Indians, who said they were
anxious to quit fighting and come to Hoopa Valley and remain. June
12, at 7 a. m. Lieutenant Geer and two privates of hi» command left
camp to join remainder of command at Thief Creek, Indian Billy
remaining with me. At 8 a. ra. I left camp in company with Indians
Billy and John and the four Redwoods, who remained in camp all
night. We proceeded down the east side of Redwood Mountain about
three miles, where we found the Indian camp, consisting of nine male
adults and eleven squaws and children. They talked very freely, and
appeared very anxious to come in and live peaceably. I made an
agreement with them to meet me next day on tlie mountain and accom-
pany me to Fort Gaston. After remaining three hours I returned to
camp, Indians Billy and John accompanying me. Distance marched,
six miles. June 13, at 7 a. m. ordered mules packed and left en route
for Fort Gaston. Dispatched Indians John and Ccizer to the Indian
camp to direct them where to meet me. They joined command about
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Chap. LXH.] OPERATIONS IN HUMBOLDT MILITAEY DISTRICT. 303
three miles en route. The whole number being present, twenty in all,
we proceeded to Three Creeks and camped. Distance marched, ten
miles. Left June 14 at G a. m. for Fort Gaston, at which point we arrived
at 12.30 p. m. Distance marched, twelve miles. Command all well and
Indians all present. Total nnniber of miles marched, 197.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
L. ('. BECKWITH,
Second Lieuf. Co. A, First Batt. Mountaineers, California Vols.
Lieut. James Ulio,
Adjutant Sixth Infantry California Volunteers,
Acting Assistant Adjutant-General, Fort Humboldt, Cat.
No. 20,
Report of Sergt. John S. Hughes, Company B, First Battalion Cali-
fornia Mountaineers.
Camp Anderson, Cax., May 25, 1864.
Sir: In obedience to Post Order, No. 7, I left this place May 18,
1864, with twenty-foar men, to scout in what is known as the Bald Hill
country. On the night of the 18th we camped in the timber in the
vicinity of Oak Camp, on the Klamath trail, having marched to said
camp after dark. Posted lookouts on all the prominent points to remain
the following day; also scouted in various directions. Found sign near
Coyote Camp of Indians traveling in the direction of Elk Camp. On
the night of the 19th moved camp to Neal Hill's ranch, a march of
fifteen miles ; put out guard. Aft«r daylight guard discovered Indians,
six in number, traveling the trail which led directly through our camp.
We allowed them to come into camp, when we closed around them, giv-
ing them no chance whatever to escape us, when with great trepidation
they exhibited a pass from Lientenant-Colonel Whipple, giving them per-
mission to visit the Redwood Indians to induce them to come in and be
peaceable. Of course I allowed them to pass, and, watching them through
a glass for some distance, noticed that two of their number left them, I
suppose for the purpose of apprising other Indians of our approach.
On the 22d marched to Elk Camp, about six miles farther, and
camped for the night. Scouted in that section; found considerable
iresh sign, but no Indians. Being satisfied the Indians had learned of
oar approach, knew it was useless to hunt them; then started for this
camp. Arrived on May 24, 18C4.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JOHN S. HUGHES,
1st Sergt. Company B, 1st Batt. Mountaineers, California Vols.
Maj. W. S. R. Taylor,
1st Batt. Mountaineers, California Vols., Comdg. Camp Anderson.
No. 21.
Report of Sergt. Richard B. Harris, Company E, First Battalion Cali-
fornia Mountaineers.
Camp Grant, June 2, 1864.
Left Camp Grant April 13, 1864, marched ten miles and camped.
April 14, marched fourteen miles and camped at Fleming's ranch, on
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304 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. (Cbap. LXH.
Dobyn's Creek. April 15, stayed iu camp waiting for a guide. April
16, left camp, Stephen Fleming as guide and two other citizens
attached to the party, making the number of men ten; marched ten
miles and cami)ed. April 17, left camp and marched to the forks of
the Van Dusen Oreek, and camped; distance marched five miles; took
with me two citizens and prospected the country for Indian signs, but
found none. April 18, left camp early in the morning and traveled up
the north fork of the Van Dusen, and camped on the same; distance
marched, ten miles; scouted iu the afternoon on the headwaters of Mad
Biver for Indian signs, but found no fresh ^igns. April 19, scouted on
the headwaters of the Van Dusen and Mad liivers; distance marched,
thirteen miles. April 20, crossed over the dividing ridge to Mad
River; our march was up Mad Eiver; distance marched, fifteen miles;
Tins evenmg we found ftesh signs of Indians about four miles below
the Ketteusbaw trail. April 21, moved at sunrise in pursuit of
Indians, and trailed them over to the South Fork of Trinity River;
distance marched, fourteen miles. April 22, at daylight this morning
we were up and after them; we trailed them across the Sonth Fork of
Trinity, a distance of about thirty-five miles. April 23, still on their
trail; went in the direction of Hay Fork of Trinity River; we trailed
them to Mr. Rodgers' house in Hay Fork, where we learned they had
robbed his house of two rifles and some blankets; Indians twenty-six
hours ahead of us; distance marched, twenty-five miles. April 24,
camped for the day in Hay Fork to rest and get supplies. April 25,
being re-enforced at Hay Fork by three citizens and four domesticated
Indians, our force now numbered seventeen men. A citizen reported
being shot at by Indians, we started in pursuit and scouted through
the Hay Fork country, and returned to our camp at Rodgers' house
to-night; distance traveled, thirty miles. April 26, took their trail
from Rodgers' house and trailed them back again to South Fork of
Trinity River; distance marched, twenty miles. April 27, started on
their trail down the South Fork of Trinity River; to day we captured
a squaw, but she being too old to travel with the party we left her;
she informed us that the Indians we were after had gone over to join a
party of Indians that had forty rifles; we camped on the river; dis-
tance marched, fifteen miles. April 28, still on their trail from Trinity
River across tlie mountain to Mad River; distance marched, fifteen
miles. April 29, scouting all day on South Fork Mountain, as the rain
had put out all signs of the Indians; distance marched, about ten
miles. April 30, scouting as previous day; distance, about fifteen
miles.
May 1, found the Indian trail and followed it to the low gap in the
South Fork Mountain, and then to Mad River; distance marched,
about seventeen miles. May 2, started at daylight on trail, following
them to the north side of Trinity Mountain into a heavy-timbered
country; found where they had camped two days ahead of us; we lost
their trail in the timber, and the party camped; distance marched,
twelve miles. May 3, rained all day; bushes wet; did not move. May
4, divided my party and scouted through the timber; distance marched,
fourteen miles. May 5, rained and snowed all day; laid over on the
South Fork of Trinity River. May 6, struck their trail and followed
them up to the South Fork Mountain ; distance marched, about ten
miles. May 7, lost the trail in timber; marched to the old Ketten-
shaw trail and camped; distance, fifteen miles. May 8, scouting for
the Indian trail; distance raarclied, twenty-two miles. May 9, scout-
ing up Mad River; no sign; distance marched, fourt«en miles. May
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Ciup. LXII.) OPERATIONS IN HUMBOLDT MILITARY DISTRICT. 305
10, scoating all day from Mad River back to South Fork of Trinity
Eiver; distance marched, eighteen miles; camped on Mad Kiver. May
11, scouting on headwaters of the Van Dusen River; marched twelve
miles and returned to camp on Mad River. May 12, moved camp to
the low gaj) in the Van Dusen Mountain, and scouted over on the
South Fork of Trinity River and found the fresh trail of the Indians;
distance traveled, about twenty-five miles ; and returned to camp. May
13, rain ; did not move. May 14, trailed the Indians down the South
Fork of Trinity; distance, lifteen miles; wo received to day an addi-
tion of four domesticated Indians, which made our force twenty-one.
May 15, on the trail muning down the South Fork of Trinity; distance
marched, fifteen miles. May IG, following the trail down the Soath
Fork of Trinity; distance marched, fourteen miles. May 17, still in
pursuit of same band of Indians, trailing them by Ilyampom Valley,
up the South Fork Mountain and camped near the summit; distance
marched, fourteen miles.
May 18, still in pursuit trailitig down the mountain on to Pilot Creek ;
distance marched, seventeen miles. May 1!), trailed up Pilot Creek
fifteen miles and canii>ed at the crossing of the Ilyamimm trail;
today two citizens and three of the Indians left us and returned home.
May 20, being out of provisions and close on the Indians, who had
become numerous, we left the party secreted in camp, with orders to
lay still under cover, so as not to be spied by the Indians; we went
to Fort laqua for provisions and men ; Major Wright furnished us with
fifteen days' provisions and a detachment of thirty men ; we returned
to camp same night; distance marched from laqua, twenty-five miles.
May 21, in camp preparing rations until 2 p.m.; started and struck
the trail, following in the direction of Grouse Creekj distance marched,
seven miles. May 22, trailed the Indians to the dividing ridge between
Pilot and Grouse Creeks; discovered the smoke from their fires about
ten miles from us; laid under cover until about 1 a. m. on the morning
of the 23d, and started for their ranch ; we came up to them about sun-
rise; saw one white man with the Indians; thought at first sightit was
a soldiers' camp, as the white man was dressed in soldier's clothes; the
white man and one Indian appeared to be on guard ; after we had dis-
covered the white man and Indian we secreted ourselves to watch their
movements; the white man and Indian left their post and went in the
direction of the ranch; we then discovered our mistake, as they had
seen us and gave the alarm, but before they had time to move any-
thing or prepare to give battle we «;harged them, and was in the ranch
among them before they could get out. We killed nine Indians and
wonnded many others; we took two women and two children (Indians)
prisoners, capturing three rifles, one horse and saddle, and all their
camp equipage. The prisoners, and the rifles, and the horse and sad-
dle were turned over to Lieutenant Geer, of Company A, First Bat-
talion Mountaineers, California Volunteers. We returned to camp, at
the crossing of P.ilot Creek, the same evening.
May 24, broke up camp and started for Camp Grant. We captured
two deserters from the Sixth Infantry California Volunteers, on the
top of the mountain between Pilot Creek and Mad River; deserters
turned over to Lieutenant Ilackett, of Sixth Infantry California Vol-
unteers; distance marched, twenty miles. May 25, camped on Van
Dusen, at the McAtee crossing; distance marched, fourteen miles.
May ^, left camp on Van Dusen and marched sixteen miles, and
camped at Fleming's ranch. May 27, stayed in camp to rest. May 28,
still in camp. May 29, marched niner miles and camped on the dividing
20
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306 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Chap.LXII.
ridge between Larrabee's Creek and main Eel River. May 30, marched
sixteen miles and arrived at Camp Grant at 6 p. m. The entire dis-
tance marched from the 13th day of April to the 30th day of May was
about 600 miles, mostly over a very rough and mountaiuons country.
We had been nearly constant on the trail of the same band of armed
Indians. The Indians robbed one citizen's honse and killed one citizen
wbUe we were on their trail. They were never more than two days
ahead of as from the 20th of April, the time we struck their trail, until
we found them, the 23d day of May. Their camp equipage was all
destroyed.
E. B. HARRIS,
Sergeant, Company E, First Battalion Mountaineers,
California Volunteers, Commanding Detachment.
ADDENDA
Camp Iaqua, Cal., June 15, 1864.
Maj. Thomas P. Weight,
Sixth Infantry California Volunteers, Commanding Post:
Sib : At your request I have read the report of the scout of Sergeant
Harris, Company E, First Battalion Mountaineers, California "Volun-
teers, and would most respectfully call your attention to May 20, when
I left this post in command of thirty enlisted men of your command,
accompanied by Lieutenant Hackett and Lieutenant Hutton of the
Sixth Infantry. Sergeant Harris did nothing more than any other
enlisted man of the detachment. He did not turn over any property to
me except a German rifle, it being all of the property that he captured.
The deserters were taken by Lieut. J. P. Hackett, whom I brought in
and turned over to you.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
K. GEEB,
First Lieutenant, First Battalion Mountaineers.
Camp Iaqua, Cax., June 15, 1864.
Maj. Thomas F. Weight,
Sixth Infantry California Volunteers,
Comdg. Battalion Sixth Infantry California Vols.:
Sib : At your request I have read the report of the scout of Sergeant
Harris, Company E, First Battalion Mountaineers, and would most
respectfully call your attention to May 12, when he moved camp to the
low gap in the Van Dusen Mountains, and to my report that I made to
you on the 20th of the same month. . I there stated that a portion of
my scout, under the command of Sergeant Holt, Company G, Sixth
Infantry California Volunteers, encamped at the low gap, where I
joined them on the 13th instant (there was not at that time any signs
of a scout having been there). I also reported that when I arrived
they reported to me of having seen five bucks examining their tracks
on the 13th on the Mad River side of the low gap. Harris and Flem-
ing stated to yon personally in my presence that it was then, and yet in
his report says, May 13, "Rain; did not move." I also stated in the
same report that on Sunday, the 15th, I sent some men up the Van
Dusen about 6 miles, and upon the devils, where they discovered the
Indians down on Mad River. Fleming and Sergeant Harris stated to
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CHAP. Lxn.) EXPEDITION TO SNAKE BIVEB, WASH. TEE. 307
you that it was their party, aud yet iu his report he says, May 15,
"On the trails running down the South Fork of the Trinity," which
is on the other side of the samuiit of the South Fork Mountains, and
at least 30 miles from where I stated to them we had seen the Indians.
In regard to the latter portion of his report, which dates from the
evening of the 20th, when we left this post with thirty enlisted men
and three commissioned ofBcers of your command (Lieutenant Geer in
command of the detachment), Sergeant Harris did nothing more than
any other enlisted man of the detachment. He did not turn over any
property to Lieutenant Geer, for he did not capture any (excepting one
German rifle). He did not turn over any deserters to me, nor do I know
whether he was present when the deserters (that he speaks of) were
arrested, although he might have been.
I am, sir, very respectfiilly, your obedient servant,
J. P. HAOKBTT,
First Lieutenant Company 0, Sixth Infantry California Vols.
FEBSUAET le-SS, 1864.— Expedition from Fort Walla Walla to Snako
Biver, Wash. Ter.
Report of Capt. George B. Currey, First Oregon Cavalry.
Heabquabtebs,
Fort Walla Walla, Wash. Ter., February 25, 1864.
AoTiNO Assistant Adjutant-Geneeal,
Headquarters District of Oregon, Fort Vancouver, Wash. Ter. :
SiB: Herewith inclosed I have the honor to transmit the report of
Capt. George B. Currey, First Cavalry Oregon Volunteers, of an
expedition made by him from this post with two companies of his regi-
ment. The occasion for this movement has been already reported to
the general commanding the district. The command returned to this
post on the 23d instant, the expedition proving a complete success.
The Indian prisoners referred to in Captain Currey's report are now iu
confinement in the guard-house at this post. He also brought in with
him the two citizens whose property was destroyed by the Indians. I
have to request that instructions may be sent me as to the disposition
to be made both of the prisoners and witnesses.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
T. C. ENGLISH,
Lieut. Col. First Washington Territory Infantry, Comdg. Post.
FoBT Walla Walla, Wash. Teb., February 24, 1864.
Sib : I have the honor to report that in accordance with the plan of
oi>erations laid down in my letter of the I5th instant I started with a
command of fifty-nine enlisted men fronH Companies A and E, First
Oregon Cavalry, on the morning of the 16th instant. On the after-
noon of the second day's march I arrived at the Palouse Crossing of
Snake River. It was 4 p. m. of the third day before the command
got to the north side of the river. Fearing the Palouse Indians would
convey intelligence of my movements to the band I was in quest of, I
gave ont that I was en route for Colville, and as soon as it was fairly
dark and all the Indians had left camp I took op the march and moved
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308 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. (Chat. LXU.
Oil for five hours without halting. The fourth day being stormy, I made
but a short drive. On the morning of the fifth day about <S o'clock I
came upon their camp, consisting of seven lodges or wigwams, which I
immediately surrounded. ATter waiting some minutes after the men
were in positicm for some of the Indians to show themselves, and none
appearing either to welcome or fight us, I felt of the brush and wig-
wams with a couple of platoon volleys of ritle shots. These quickly
brought to sight thirty-one men and about forty women and children.
Why the Indians remained concealed until fired upon I cannot divine.
They seemed to have entertained the idea that if none were seen by us
that we would pass on, make no further investigation, and lest our
attention might be attracte<l by their dogs barking, every dog belong-
ing to the camp had its Jaws tightly bound together. I made the entire
population prisoners for a while. The citizens who had been driven
from their mining, referred to in my former letter, recognized three of
this party as being of the gang which had driven them away, among
whom was the chief of the village, who had acted as ringleader of the
party that ejected them from their cabin. Having secured the three
identified Indians, the others were released and 1 took up the return
march. The Citmp where the arrests were made is about eighty miles
travel from this post on the north side of Snake River, and some ten or
fifteen miles below the line of the old Nez Percys Reserve. The place
where the miners were at work is about twenty-nine miles below the
Indian camp. Upon arriving at this place on the afternoon of the 23d
instant, I turned the three Indians over as prisoners to Colonel English,
commanding officer of the post. The inquiring shots which I sent into
cainp wounded one Indian in the neck, probably mortally. The Indians
constituting this band I found, as I surmised before starting, are rene-
gades from all the neighboring tribes, who have selected their present
location because of its seclusion from and difficult approach by the
whites.
Hoping my action in the premises may redound to the peace of the
border and meet with the approbation of my superior officers, I remain,
very respectfully, your obedient servant,
GEO. B. CUREEY,
Captain, First Oregon Cavalry,
First Lieut. J. W. Hopkins,
First Oregon Cavalry, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General,
District of Oregon, Fort Vancouver, Wash. Ter.
[Indoreement.]
Headquarters District of Oregon,
Fort Vancouver, Wash. Ter., March 9, 1864.
Respectfully forwarded for the information of the general command
ing the dei>artment.
Captain Onrrey's conduct in this matter was skillful and very success-
ful. He had, under date of 15th ultimo, reported that a band of Indians
armed with firearms hatl surprised and. driven from their work some
miners on the north bank of Snake River, twenty miles above the
I'alouse Oossing. This ex)>edition of Captain Currey will have a very
good efltecrt on those Indians. They will be apt hereafter to let the
miners alone.
BENJ. ALVORD,
Brigadier- General, U. IS. Volunteers, Commanding District.
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CHAP.Lxn.) EXPEDITION TO HARNEY VALLEY, OREG. 309
ADDENDA.
Hbadquabtbbs District op Obeoon,
Fort Vancouver, Wash. Ter., March 1, 18(14.
Oapt. George B. Ciirrey,
Fir fit Oregon Cavalry:
(Through Commanding Officer, Fort Walla Walla, Wash. Ter.)
Sir: Your comuuinication of the 24th ultimo, reporting your expedi-
tion to Snake River, is received. The general commanding the district
desires me to express his gratification at the very favorable result of
the expedition and at your |>rouipt and skillful action in the matter.
I am, sir, very resi)ectfully, your obedient servant,
J. W. HOPKINS,
Firgt Lieutenanty First Oregon Cavalry, Actg. Aast. Adjt. Oen.
XABCH 24-APBIL 16, 1864— Expedition from Camp Lincoln, near Canyon
City, to Harney Valley, Oreg., with skirmishes.
REPORTS.
No. 1. — Brig. Gen. Benjamin Alvord, U. S. Army, commandinK District of Oregon.
No. 2. — Lieat. James A. Waymire, First Oregon Cavalry.
No. 1.
Report of Brig. Gen. Benjamin Ahord, U. 8. Army, commanding Dis-
trict of Oregon.
Headquarters District of Oregon,
Fort Vancouver, Wash. Ter., April 29, 1864.
Colonel: I have the honor to report for the information of the gen-
eral commanding the «lepartnient that I have received a report, <lated
the 7th iustiiut, from Lieutenant Waymire, at South Fork, on the
Canyon City road. On the 23d of February, Lieutenant Waymire, First
Oregon Cavalry, with twenty-five men of Company D of that regi-
ment, was ordered to the South Fork of John Day's River, with
instructions to encamp at some point best calculated to enable him to
protect the whites against the incursions of the Indians. About the
17th of March a band of horses and mules, numbering forty or more,
was stolen by Indians from a ranch two miles south of Canyon City
and run off into the mountains. On the 24th Lieutenant Waymire,
with eighteen men, supplied with twenty days' rations, started in pur-
suit of the stolen animals and their captors. He was preceded by a
company of citizens, uuiuberiug about sixty, under Mr. C. H. Miller, of
Canyon ('ity. On the 30tli he reached Harney Valley, where he came
up with the company of citizens, who were engaged in digging riHe-
pits with a view to establishing a depot preparatory to searching the
valley. On the 7th of April, after having followed the trail of the
Indians to the south and east by the eastern end of Harney Lake, and
about thirty miles beyond, he encountered them in force posted on a
sage ridge. He attacked them with his own men and was repulsed. A
second attack, assisted by the citizens, met with no better result. The
whole party was forced to retire without accomplishing more than to
discover the number and home of the savages. Tlie lieutenant attrib-
utes his failure to the weak support contributed by the citizens and
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310 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. (Chaj. Lxn.
tbe nnmber of the enemy, which he estimates at 150, jMssibly twice
that number. Two soldiers and one citizen are missing, sapi)Osed to
have been cat off from the main body. The party reached their camp
on the South Fork of John Day's Biver on the 16th of April, and
learned that on the 31st of March a party of Indians had atta!cked the
guard, overpowered it, and captured ail the animals left at camp— seven
horses and one mule. Lieutenant Waymire was sent to protect the com-
munication to Canyon City at a date too early for want of grass for a
large command to start. He has converted his humble task into a reg-
ular campaign into the Indian country,thas anticipating the operations
which are confided to Captains Drake and Currey. However, he has
procured important information, and evidently he and his men behaved
with great coolness and gallantry. I thus easily forgive him for his
adventurous trip, which far exceeded the programme intended for him,
though we count the loss of two excellent men captured by the enemy
when detached on a reconnaissance. I have directed Captain Currey, if
he shall deem it advisable, to cause Captain Drake to join him and
assume command of the whole. They are directed to be governed by
events whether a junction shall be effected. Colonel Maury reporte
that he thinks each force is large enough for the duty assigned it.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
BENJ. ALVORD,
Brigadier-Oeneral, U. 8. Volunteers, Commanding District.
Assistant Adjutant-Genebax,
ffdqrs. Department of the Pacific, San Francisco, Gal.
No. 2.
Report of Lieut. James A. Waymire, First Oregon Cavalry.
Camp Lincoln,
South Fork John Day's River, Oreg., April 17, 1864.
SiB: For the information of the general commanding the district I
have the honor to submit the following rex)ort of events which have
transpired in this vicinity since my arrival :
With fifteen men of the cavalry detachment under my command I
reached Canyon City on the 19th of March last and learned that a few
days previous about forty animals (mules and horses) had been stolen
from Mr. Davis' ranch, two miles below the town, and driven oflf into
the mountains to the southeast. Mr. Davis, with about thirty men, was
in pursuit of them, with a few days' supplies. Deeming it inexpedient
to follow before the party already out could be heard from, I returned to
camp, leaving word in town that I should hold myself in readiness
to march in pursuit of the marauders on receiving satisfactory informa-
tion that there was a probability of effecting anything. A messenger
informed me on the 22d that Mr. Davis had returned for provisions and
re-enforcements, having tracked the animals to the vicinity of Harney
Lake, where they had seen much Indian signs, and where twenty of the
pursuing party were encamped awaiting su])plies. I was further advised
that a party of thirty men, with plenty of provisions and transporta-
tion, would go out immediately to assist in carrying on the pursuit. I
Immediately wrote the chief of tl)e party, recommending that the men
be thoroughly organized, and requesting that a guide should be sent
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Chap.LXII.) expedition TO HABNEY VALLEY, OEEG. 311
me that I might meet and co-operate with them. On tlie 24th I was
furnished with guides, and on the same day, with eighteen men and
twenty days' supplies, commenced the march. Passing directly up the
Soath Fork about fifteen miles, we moved farther to the left across
the mountains to the headwaters of the stream, whicli empties into
Harney Lake; thence on the trail of the stolen animals to Harney
Valley. This valley is about seventy miles southeast of Canyon City,
and about ninety miles from Camp Lincoln by our route. We found
the road up the South Fork very rough and over the mountains almost
impassable on account of snow and ice.
On the 27th we encountered a severe snow- storm which prevented our
traveling on the following day. Reaching Harney Valley on the 30th,
I found a body of citizens fifty-four strong under command of Capt.
C. H. Miller, with Messrs. Davis and Bernon as lieutenants, throwing
up fortifications with a view to establishing a depot preparatory to
searching the valley. I was assured by Captain Miller that his men
were well organized and ready for any kind of service they might be
called upon to render. On the Slst Captain Miller with twenty of his
men marched toward the upper portion of the valley with a view to
crossing the river and examining the country on the opposite side.
With the remainder of the command I followed the trail of the stolen
animals, which led in a direct course for the southeastern terminus ot
the valley, which is here about fifty miles wide. By a forced march I
reached the eastern end of the valley, where I found a small stream,
with grass and wood. With the night came a snow-storm, causing the
loss of another day. While encamped here on the lab day of April
Captain Miller rejoined the command, having found the river impassa-
ble and but little sign of Indians. Harney Valley is a very broad plain,
apparently extending east and west and about fifty miles wide by
seventy long. In the southwestern portion the lake is situated, and is
probably about one-third of the surliace of the valley in extent. Our
route led to the northeast of the lake over a desert plain thickly studded
with a thrifty growth of sage brush. At the border of the plain along
the spurs of the mountains there are several small brooks running into
the valley, near which there is plenty of grass and wood.
Besuming the march on the 2d, following directly on the Indian
trail, we reached the southeastern border of the valley and encamped
two days, during which time snow fell almost without cessation.
Meantime scouts were sent forward and returned on the evening of
April 4, reporting a large valley ahead about fifteen miles. On the day
following we moved forward in an easterly direction about fifteen miles,
emerging from the mountains into a valley running north and south,
form^ by the small streams which issue from the Snow Mountains
east of Harney Lake. This valley has three small lakes in it. A low
range of rocky hills covered with sage brush borders on the valley to
the east. The lakes are each about a mile long by half [a mile] wide,
and between them and the moiiutains there is good pasturage. On a
small stream emptying into the first lake we encamped. This is about
twenty miles from Harney Valley. We found that there had been
about 100 Indians encamped at that place a few weeks before. They
seem to subsist principally upon horse and mule flesh, as the great
number of bones fi'om which they had taken the meat plainly testified.
This, however, had only been a temporary and not a winter encamp-
ment. Moving about twenty miles directly south, on the 6th we passed
through another small valley and came into a larger one. Soon after
encamping the scouts reported signal fires in various portions of the
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312 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Chap. Lxn.
valley to tbe south. Taking tlie cavalry forward and deploying as
skirmishers I examined the plain, but found no enemy. An Indian
village lately built of sage brush, willows, and grass, and having con-
tained probably 100 souls, had just been deserted. Baskets, ropes,
furs, half cooked meat (horse flesh), fires still burning, various trinkets,
and fresh tracks of all sizes showed that they had been forced to leave
hastily. All the tracks led toward the mountains. Two Indians,
mounted, were seen passing up a mountain gorge and two of the citi-
zens followed iu pursuit of them and succeeded in wounding one of
them and capturing the horses. One of the horses had been wounded
with an arrow before being abandoned by his owner.
At 3 o'clock on the following day, with fifteen of my own men and
thirty citizens under Captain Miller, we were on the march, taking one
day's rations, expecting to find the enemy's winter quarters near the
mountains at the head of the valley. At early dawn I noticed a large
smoke about three miles to the left of the trail, and sent Sergeant Cas-
teel with four men to reconnoiter the position and return by the trail,
rejoining the command as soon as possible. About 7 a. m. the citizen
volunteers iu advance mistook a flock of geese on the plain about two
miles below for a band of Iiorses and rushing forward at the charge
rendered their animals almost luefBcient for the remainder of the day.
About fifteen miles from our camp, at the northern extremity of the
valley, the trail passes to the right through a narrow gap into another
valley much longer, but not so wide .as the last. From the mountains
to the north comes a small stream running through the center of the
valley into a la"ke at the southern end. This brook is dry at this season
of the year after it reaches the valley, leaving a deep, dry channel
marked by a thick growth of willows. On the divide I requested
Captain Miller to send forward a scouting party. He took five men,
and moving half a mile to the front saw an Indian about two miles to
the right, and dispatching three of his men iu pursuit moved forward
with tlie remainder. Crossing the Willow Gulch with my force I heard
a shot in the direction which Captain Miller had taken, and immediately
changed direction down the gulch. On the west side of the gulch there
is a plain about 400 yards wide, with very little brush or grass on it.
From the rocky sage hills west of the plain there are several points or
spurs jutting out into it. About 400 yards in front of me, and as far
from the gulch, I saw a body of Indian horsemen file down out of a
canon and take position ou a prominent sage ridge. I moved up at
once and took position ou the ridge nearest them, which was about 300
yards distant from them. As I did so re-enforcements of foot and horse
came in to the enemy from every direction, the former laying in ambush
and the latter forming in front to conceal them. I saw at once that
they had chosen a strong position and could only be driven from it by
a charge. I decided to n>ake a feigned attack on the enemy's left with
a larger force than the one then on the ground, thus attracting his
attention and drawing his fire, while I should charge him iu front,
receiving support from tlie fliinking party. At this time Captain Mil-
ler's company was scattered in squads of from two to five over a plain of
three or four square miles. To hold my ground and prevent the enemy
from gaining my right flank I deployed the men as skirmishers on foot,
covering the horses. The enemyinimediately opened fire upon theline
with rifles, but without eflect, most of their balls falling short. This
was at 11 a. m. Seeing the enemy grow more and more daring, and
fearing a speedy attack, I threw the line forward within easy range
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CBAP.LXn.J EXPEDITION TO HARNET VALLET, OEEG. 313
and delivered a few well-directed volleys, which pushed the Lorsemen
rapidly back to the right and left, unmasking the footmen in ambush,
who kept up an incessant fire, which, from their position and excitement^
proved harmless, nearly all their balls passing overhead. The enemy's
horse now made a dash for our right, intending to cut off our horses
and surround us. A change of direction to the right, a rapid move-
ment by the right flank with continued firing from the line, forced tbeni
back, when both parties assumed their original positions. A series pf
similar movements followed until a half hour had passed, when a party
of citizens, about twenty five strong, had gathered on the plain below.
I dispatched a messenger for fifteen mounted men. A few minutes
afterward Lieutenant Bernon informed me that lie had tried in vain to
rally the men. The enemy, continually receiving Te-enforcements, was
rapidly gaining my right flank. Ordering the horses to the plain and
covering them with the skirmishers, 1 retired to the plain and formed
in line, mounted diagonal to the Willow Gulch. The citizen volunt«er8
i»llying formed on the left. Captain Miller, whose attention had been
drawn to one of liis men who had been slightly wounded by the first
shot fired, came forward and assisted in preparing for the charge. The
monnted warriors, emboldened by tlieir success, advanced to the pl;iin,
and with loud yells kept up an irregular fire. At 11.45 the full line
moved forward at the charge. The Indian horsemen held their ground
stubbornly, firing withont intermission. As v e approached they rushed
their horses to the right and left rapidly, firing their revolvers. Reach-
ing the brow of the sage ridge the enemy's horse unmasked the con-
cealed riflemen, who greeted ns with a heavy fire. Some confusion
followed, a few files on the left gave way, and the line fell ba«k to its
original position. Ordering i)reparation8 for a second charge all were
ready at 12.15. This charge I intended should be led by the saber and
followed up with the rifles and pistols of the citizen volunteers. Just
before moving forward Cai)tain Miller informed me that this was not
his way of fighting Indians, and that his men must fall back to the
Willow Gulch. Accordingly the left began falling back and I ordered
the retreat firing. Eeaching the gulch preparations were made to fight
on foot. With the cavalry and several citizen volunteers i regained
the edge of the brush and re-engaged the enemy's horsemen, who were
slowly advancing with loud yells and continued firing. Eearing firing
in rear I discovered that many of th& men from the left had continued
the retreat toward a rocky sage hill half a mile to the east, that the
wounded man had been taken to that place in charge of a physician
and six men, and that the enemy had gained the left flank of the retreat-
ing line. Ordering the retreat and throwing out skirmishers, moving
slowly and in order, the command was withdrawn to the sage hill.
This hill has three benches, or points, the middle and highest one
commanding both the others, which are within easy rifle range. The
wounded man had been taken to the point south of the middle one, and
as we approached it a party of the enemy's horsemen attempted to
gain the high point. 1 dispatched Corporal Miyers and five men to
secure the point. A brisk race over the sage plain and up the rocky
hillside followed, in which the Indians were bSaten and the ))oiiit gained
against them. The Indian horsemen and a few footmen followed, keep-
ing out of range of our guns from the hilltop.
At 2 o'clock seeing that the enemy's horses were fresh and ours
already nearly worn out, very greatly outnumbering us as they were
and as well armed, a retreat to camp was resolved ui)on. This wiis
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314 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Chap. LXU.
about twenty miles from our camp by our outward route. Accordingly
skirmishers were thrown out front and rear, and the command retired
in perfect order across the sage x^Iain to the large alkali plain which at
some seasons of the year is the bottom of a lake about fifteen miles
long by six wide, and at thiS' time a liard level plain of that extent.
Parties of the enemy followed, harassing us from the gulches and low
ridges. On the plain we had the advantage of them and they ceased
following, a body of horsemen thirty-seven strong passing our left for
the front. Thinking they would either attack our camp or lay in
ambush for us, I moved forward my detachment at the gallop, and
gaining the northern terminus of the plain twelve miles in advance, in
line of skirmishers scoured the brush and grass to camp, which I
reached to find everything secure.
Late at night the remainder of the command arrived. The day's
operations resulted in discovering the nature and strength of the enemy
and his home. One man was slightly wounded in the breast. In the
first charge one of the cavalry horses was wounded in the jaw, but not
seriously. Several horses belonging to the citizen volunteers gave oat
and were left. As the enemy held his ground it is impossible to ascer-
tain his loss. Two horses and five warriors were seen to fall, either
killed or seriously wounded. At night Sergeant Oasteel's party had
not made their appearance. Crossing the valley one of the men who
was taking the measles became too sick to travel and returned to camp.
On the morning of the 8th with a party of fourteen men on foot I went
oat in search of the missing men. Found their tracks across the val-
ley near the supposed smoke (which was only steam from a warm
spring), traced them back to our route, and on to the pass leading into
the second valley, where I supposed they had been waylaid and cut
oft". Deploying to the right and left of the road (it was dark when we
reached the place) we searched the ridge and the plain beyond, but
could find no sign of them. Beturning we reached camp after 2 o'clock
in the morning of the 9th and waited until night for them, when we
began the homeward march, being now on half rations. We were unmo-
lested returning, and by forced marches reached Canyon City on the
15th instant, where we were very cordially received and very kindly
treated by the citizens. On the following day we reached camp at this
place. Our expedition haa occupied twenty-four days. During the
first thirteen days we had a snow-storm eveiy twenty-four hours. The
road in many places was almost impassable. The grass has just begun
to grow, and will not be good in those mountains before the middle of
May. I think we fought no less than 150 Indians on the 7th instant;
possibly twice that number. They have a great deal of stock in that
country, and may be several hundred strong. A few good howitzers
would be very useful with a command in that region. I cannot refrain
from mentioning to the general the noble conduct of the men whom I
have had the honor to command in action. They were constantly self-
possessed, and as prompt in the execution of commands as on ordinary
drill. Without a murmur they have endured all the hardships and
privations of the expedition. Hospital Steward Henry Gatley accom-
panied me with medical stores, and has been efScient in rendering very
valuable service in his department. On returning to Camp Lincoln I
learned that the Indians have been quite active in their thieving career,
notwithstanding our presence in their own country. On the Slst or
March, about 3 p. m., they made a dash from the junipers, where they
had been concealed watching our horses near camp, upon the guard of
the herd, driving oft' tlie entire herd — seven horses and one mule. They
were mounted and armed. They were followed several miles into the
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Chaf. LXn.] EXPEDITION TO SOUTHEASTERN OREGON. 315
monntams, bat withoat success. A party of Indians drove oflf twenty-
three animals from a station twelve miles above Canyon City on the
morning of the 14th instant. Pnrsniug them the owners recaptared
twenty of them. Some of the Indians are reported to have been
killed. Two of the white men — Overton and Wilson — were killed,
one of them on the ground, and the other, being seriously wounded,
died soon after in Ganyon City. About a week ago two horses were
stolen from Mr. Officer's ranch near camp and several head of cat-
tle killed. Ho news from Sergeant Gasteel has yet reached me.
His party was undoubtedly surprised, separated, and killed. There
were with him Privates Cyrus R. Ingraham and John Himbert and a
citizen, George N. Jaquith, who was acting under my immediate com-
mand, and who is possessed of considerable property near Canyon City.
His people reside in Wisconsin. It is with pain that I am obliged to
state, in justice to myself and command, that our defeat on the 7th
instant is due to the want of organization under an efficient commander
on the part of the citizen volunteers. Although the stolen animals
could not have been recovered with our jaded horses, from my first
I)osition, with thirty cavalry (instead of the eleven that were there),
the Indians could have been routed and severely punished.
I have the honor to be, sir, your obedient servant,
J. A. WAYMIRE,
Second Lieutenant, First Oregon Volunteem,
Commanding Detachment Company D, Fimt Oregon Cavalry.
First Lieut. J. W. Hopkins,
First Oregon Cavalry, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General.
APBH 20-OCTOBEB 26, 1864— Expeditions from Fort Dalles, Oreg., and
Fort Walla Walla, Wadi. Ter., to Southeastern Oregon, with skirmishes.
REPORTS.
No. 1. — Brig. Oen. Benjamin Alvord, U. S. Army, comiraDding District of Oregon.
No. 2. — Capt. George B. Carrey, First Oregon Cavalry, commanding expedition.
No. 3. — Capt. Edward Barry, First Washington Territory Infantry, of operations
Angnst 16-18.
No. 4. — Capt. John M. Drake, First Oregon Cavalry, commanding expedition from Fort
Dalles.
No. 5. — Lient. John M. McCall, First Oregon Cavalry, of operations May 17-19.
No. 6.— Capt. William V. Rinehart, First Oregon Cavalry, of operations June 14-16.
No. 7.— Capt. Kichard S. Caldwell, First Oregon Cavalry, of operations Jnly 3-16.
No. 8. — Lient. James A. Waymire, First Oregon Cavalry, of operations July 6-8.
No. 9.— Lient. John F, Noble, First Oregon Cavalry, of operations August 7-16.
No. 1.
Beport of Brig. Oen.-Benjamin Alvord, U. 8. Army, commanding District
of Oregon.
Headquabtees Department op the Pacific,
8an Francisco, June 16, 1864.
Adjtjtawt-Genebal U. S. Aemt,
Washington City:
8m : Inclosed herewith I have the honor to forward, for the consider-
ation of the Department, a communication dated June 1, 1864, from
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316 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Ch*p. LXn.
Brig. Gen. B. Alvord, commanding the District of Oregon, witb two
iuclosures, giving the particulars of a fight with Snake Indians.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
G. WEIGHT,
Brigadier- General, U. 8. Army, Commanding Department.
Headquarters District of Oregon,
Fort Vancouver, WohIi. Ter., June 1, 1664.
Colonel: I have the honor herewith to inclose to yon, for the infor-
mation of the general commanding, a copy of the report of the 20th
instant of Capt. JohnM. Drake, First Oregon Cavalry, commanding an
exi)edition into the Snake country; also a copy of Lieut. J. M. McCall's
report accompanying the same. They give the particulars of a tight
between a small detachment of his command under Lieutenant McGall
and some Snake Indians on the 18th instant [ultimo] at a point about
170 miles south southeast from Fort Dalles. It resulted in the death of
a gallant and very valuable officer, Second Lieut. Stephen Watson,
of the First Oregon Cavalry, and two men. Fifty head of horses and
their saddles (all that the Indians had) were captured ; their lodges, pro-
visions, &c., were destroyed. The attack was made at daylight. At 6
o'clock Lieutenant McOall sent to Captain Drake for re-enforcements.
In three hours, at 9 a. m., Captain Drake was there, but in the mean-
time the enemy had fled. I supi>ose that Lieutenant McCall consid-
ered that he had a i\iir chance to capture the. whole gang if they would
hold on until Captain Drake arrived. Captain Drake reports that be
shall make near his last encampment his wagon depot, whence his
eight wagons will run to Fort Dalles for supplies. He intended to
remain there eleven days, scouting thoroughly through the whole
neighborhood for the Snakes. At the end of that time he would start
for Harney Lake. By my Special Orders, No. 70, of the 6th May, I
directed that the command of Captain Drake " will proceed to the
northeastern end of Harney Lake and effect a junction with the force
of Captain Currey, First Oregon Cavalry, who will command the whole
force. Captain Currey will decide when the two commands shall again
separate." 1 issued this order on the reception of a memorial from the
people of Canyon City directed to the Governor of Oregon, praying for
the calling out of temporary volunteers from that vicinity, as the memo-
rialists considered the troops too small in numbers. The junction of
the two commands ought certainly to suffice. I had desired each com-
mand to act separately, if possible, traversing distinct parts of that
mineral region. Captain Currey will doubtless be able to let them
separate for a large share of the summer. Both commands, you are
aware, are ordered to remain in the field until the middle of October;
Each has 100 pack-mules, which will carry near sixty days' rations, so
that they are prepared and equipped for efficient service. The friendly
Indians have already done service to Captain Drake as scouts. Cap-
tain Currey has with him Houlish Wampo (head chief of the Cayuse)
and a dozen Indians of long-continued enmity to the Snakes, and who
will assist in ferreting them out.
I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
BEN J. ALVORD,
Brigadier- Oeneral, V. 8. Volunteers, Commanding District.
Lieut. Col. R. C. Drum,
Asst. Adjt. Gen., Edqrs. Dept. of Pacific, 8an Francvico, Cal.
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CHAP.LXU.] EXPEDITION TO SOUTHEASTERN OREGON. 317
No. 2,
ReporU of Gapt. George B. Currey, First Oregon Cavalry, commanding
expedition.
Hdqrs. Expedition into the Indian Country,
Camp No. 1, on Walla Walla River, eight miles from
Fort Walla Walla, Wash. Ter., April 28, 1864.
Sir : I have the honor to rejwrt that I took up my line of march for
the Indian country this day and arrived here this afternoon. It is with
great pleasure that I acknowledge myself under many obligations to
yourself and Colonel English, commanding officer at Fort Walla Walla,
Wash. Ter., for the very superior ontlit with which I am supplied. 1
have 104 pack-mules loaded and eight six-mule teams. W^ith this I am
enabled to start with ninety days' rations for my command. A consid-
erable portion of the subsistence stores which were sent to Fort Walla
Walla, Wash. Ter., for the use of my expedition, remains there, as my
amount of transportation was insuflicient to move it. The troops under
my command, ninety-one in the aggregate, are in good condition and
fine spirits. The amount of ammunition for my pistols which I have
with me is insufficient for the entire campaign, and I most respectfully
urge upon yon the necessity of forwarding to me at an early da^y at
least 10,000 additional rounds.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
GEO. B. CURREY,
Captain, First Oregon Cavalry, Commanding Expedition.
Acting Assistant Adjutant-General,
Headquarters JHstrict of Oregon, Fort Vancouver, Wash. Ter.
Hdqrs. Expedition into the Indian Country,
Camp No. 6, on Grande Ronde River, May 3, 1864.
Sir: I have the honor to inform you that I reached this camp, on
Grande Ronde River, at the eastern base of the Blue Mountains, on yes-
terday. I experienced no difficulty in crossing the Blue Mountains;
had fair weather and much better roads than I expected before start-
ing. Uma-how-lits (war chief of the Cayuse tribe) and ten of his
warriors joined me at Lee's encampment, on the Blue Mountains. They
are fine-looking fellows, well mounted, and seem very anxious to return
with some war trophies. I could have selected more Indians, but after
making calculations concerning subsistence and the amount of trans-
portation under my command, I did not deem it prudent to take more.
I remained in camp to-day to permit the animals to lest and graze, as
there was little feed upon the mountain. I start in the morning at 6
o'clock, my usual hour for commencing the day's march.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
GEO. B. CURREY,
Captain, First Oregon Cavalry, Commanding Expedition.
Acting Assistant Adjutant-General,
Eeadquarters JHstrict of Oregon, Fort Vancouver, Wash. Ter.
Headquarters Expedition into the Indian Country,
Camp No. 16, on Owyhee River, at mouth, May 16, 1864.
Sir : I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your communica-
tion of the 25th ultimo at Camp No. 3, on Umatilla River, Oreg.; also
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318 OPEEATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Chap. LXn.
letter of the 27th at Camp No. — , on Malheur River, Oreg. Until I
arrived at the Malheur Biver it was my opinion that up that stream
would be my most practicable route to Malheur and Harney Lakes, and
in accordance with that opinion I ordered the infantry detachment to
join me there. While there I received information which I deemed
sufBciently reliable to act upon that a band of about 150 Indians were
engaged in making preparations for fishing on the Owyhee about seventy
miles from its mouth. This induced me to move to this place, where I
met the detachment of infantry. I will move forward with the cavalry
in the morning, clear the river of any Indians who may be found on it,
and select a location for my depot. My troops are in fine health and
spirits. The animals look remarkably well. I hope to be able to bring
my men under fire within five days from this. Of this, however, I can-
not speak certain. Grass thus far good. Yesterday we bad a fine
rain, and last night a splended thunder shower. The late fall of rain
will not only benefit the grass, but be of great utility in determining
the age of Indian signs. I have heard of no late depredations, but
much solicitude is evinced by the few settlers along the road for some
sheep drovers who are driving about 4,000 head of sheep on the road
leading from Queen's River to the Owyhee Mines. I hope to be able
to so engage the Indians that they will have little time to attend to
sheep drovers.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
GEO. B. OURRET,
Gapt., First Oreg. Cav., Gomdg. Expedition into Indian Country.
First Lieut. John W. Hopkins,
First Oregon Cavalry, Aetg. Asst. Adjt. Oen., IHstriet of Oregon.
Hdqbs. Expedition into the Indian Oountbt,
Camp on Oibbs' Creek, 100 miles above the mouth of
the Owyhee, River, June 8, 1864.
Sib : I have the honor to report that in accordance with the deter-
mination expressed in my letter of the 16th ultimo I started with the
cavalry from camp at the mouth of Owyhee Eiver on the morning of
the 17th ultimo. The road leads directly up the Owyhee for a distance
of about twelve miles, leading a south-southwest direction. Here it
leaves the river, diverges to the right up a deep canon for some miles,
when it reaches the table-lands, which are covered with sage brush,
trap rock, and scattering bunch grass. Traversing the table-land for
some ten miles, the trail makes a transverse over a rongh country of
promiscuous clay hills, basaltic ledges, and sandstone cliffs, on which a
stunted growth of grease-wood and half-starved prickly pears find a
precarious rooting. This uninteresting but tedious region extends for
about ten miles, where the hills become bolder and sides more clearly
defined, where the trail leads down a small creek, which at this season
of the year affords a small amount of muddy water. Passing down
this creek in an east-southeast direction for some miles, it passes up a
deep canon in a south-southwest direction for some miles, and again
comes out on the table-land, which presents the usual Snake River
characteristics — trap rock, sage brush, dust, horned toads, long-tailed
lizards, big crickets, and little grass, with an occasional rattlesnake
and scorpion. Over this stretch of high rolling country both men and
animals suffered exceedingly for water, being on a forced march from
6 a. m, until 8 p. m. without water. Finding water in a canon to the
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Clup.ixn.] EXPEDITION TO SOUTHEASTERN OREGON. 319
rigbt of the trail, owiug to the exhausted state of the animals, I
remained in. camp on the 22d, and sent out scouts in several directions,
who, returning at night, reported no Indian signs. The character of the
country does not change lirom the camp of the 22d to this place, where
I arrived on the morning of the 2.5th about 10 a. in. This creek, which
I named Gibbs' Greek, in honor of his excellency Governor Gibbs, is a
small creek which, wandering through trap-rock canons a distance of
about thirty miles from its head spring to the southwest, falls into
the Owyhee about five miles below the mouth of Jordan Creek. As I
found good grass and water here I halted, and sent Captain liinehart
with twenty men back to the camp of Captain Barry, at month of
Owyhee, with orders for Barry to come on. While awaiting the arrival
of the transportation and infantry I made two scouts with small parties,
one to the west as far as the foot of a snow range of mountains, the same
that afibrd8(I am told) a large portion of the waters of Malheur Lake;
found a beautiful valley, but no Indian signs.. The other up Jordan
Greek, during which I succeeded in surprising a small party of six Indians
and killed five. There were no women or children in camp. Some hours
after this afiair a lone Indian was discovered in the sage brush about
half a mile from the road. I sent the Indians in chase. After a two
miles' run they caught and shot him, making six killed in all. Captain
Barry, with the inrantry and Captain liinehart's detachment, arrived
on the 6tb with the pack-mules. The wagons will cross Snake Biver
on the Jordan Creek road and follow the wagon road used by miners
from Bois6 City to the mines, and thence to this place. I will start for
Harney Lake as soon as the wagons arrive here, which will be about
the 12th instant. I have just heard of a party of sixty or seventy
Indians on Jordan Greek. Will start in about three hours with four
days' cooked rations and find out more definitel}' their business.
"Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
GEO. B. GURBEY,
Captain^ First Oregon Cavalry, Commanding Expedition.
Acting Assistant Adjutant-General,
Headquarters District of Oregon, Fort Vancouver, Waxh. Ter.
Edqbs. Expedition into the Indian Cottntrt,
Camp No. 46, on Rattlesnake Greek, at the Northeast side of
Harney Lake Valley, July 2, 1864.
Sir: I have the honor to report that since my last, dated 100 miles
above the mouth of Owyhee Kiver, June 8, 1864, I made the scout up
Jordan Greek as contemplated at that writing, but after scouting the
entire valley of Jordan Creek to within eight miles of Wagon Town, a
mining camp on that stream, and to the south and east of that stream
to and along the waters of Sucker Creek, a small stream that f6e<ls the
lake, marked on the maps furnished from your oflBce, named Lake Ella,
I could get no traces of the supposed band of Indians. On the 12th
of June I arrived at Camp Henderson, the place I started from. On
the 10th I sent Lieutenant Gurrey and fifteen men of Company E from
my camp on Jordan Greek to meet the wagon train then en route along
the road firom Port Boi8<i to Wagon Town. On the 14th I ordered
Captain Binebart to take his company and examine the country up the
Owyhee Biver, taking with him three days' rations. For further par-
ticulars and description of country traversed, please see copy of his
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320 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. (Chap. IXH.
report, herewith inclosed, and marked A.* The wagon train arrived at
Camp Henderson a short timo after dark on the evening of the 15th of
June, with animals very much worn down, having drawn heavy loads
over a very rough road. The morning of the 16th I took up the march
for the valley at the east side, of Stecn's Snow Mountain, the valley in
which Lieutenant AVaymire, First Oregon Cavalry, had a fight with
the Indians early in the spring. On the 18th 1 arrived at the foot of
Stecn's Snow Mountain, a distance of fifty miles from the mouth of
Jordan Creek, in a west-southwest direction. Koad very rocky. This
valley affords an abundance of grass and water, and here I established
a depot, threw up a re<loubt of sufficient capacity to contain the entire
camp and quartermaster's property. While engaged in rendering the
depot secure 1 sent the Indians to scout the country to the south of
Stecn's Snow Mountain. They returned on the evening of the 21st,
bringing with them four captured Indian women, who reported the
men belonging to their camp in the vicinity of Harney Lake.
The morning of the 22«l 1 started for Harney Lake, passing along the
east base of the Steen range of mountains in a northeast direction for
twenty-five miles, passing the earth- worts thrown up by Lieutenant
Way mire last spring. On the 23d I passed over the range of mountains
cutting several of the head branches of the South Fork of the Malheur
River. On the 2J:th, readied the south sideof Malheur Lake. From here
I traversed the south side of that lake; passed over a low sage brush
range of table land to the southeast end of Harney Lake. Finding it
impracticable to pass the marsh that connects the two lakes at this sea
son ot the year I passed entirely around Harney Lake, and on the after-
noon of the 28th reached the northeast end of the lake. Saw no traces of
Ca)>tain Drake. The lake water being very salt and grass poor, on the
following day I moved out in a northeast direction to Cricket Creek, a
tributary of Malheur Lake, and encamped. Intending to scout for Cap-
tain Drake and Indians. Late at night George Beyuolds, the guide of
Captain Drake, rode into camp accompanied by four of the ludiaits
belonging to Captain Drake's expedition. From Reynolds I learned
that Captain Drake had not been to Harn^ Lake, but had passed to
the north, going around the east end of Malheur Lake; was then on
my trail marching after me. I mustered at that camp, and on the fol-
lowing day moved across the valley in a northerly direction to this
place, where I was .joined by Captain Drake and his command. Found
his command in good condition and 100 strong. With the two com-
mands I will start in the morning direct toward Canyon City, intending
to clear the region of John Day's River of Indians within the next
thirty days, an undertaking presenting no great difficulty, in my opin-
ion. Captain Barry with his infantry remains at the depot. I can but
regret that I did not reach this vicinity sooner, but as you have already
been advised of my reasons for not moving up the Malheur River I will
not now repeat. Since leaving Fort Walla Walla I have traveled 813
miles, making forty-six camps. This does not include the scouts made
by my officers. I would now gladly give my men and animals some
rest, but do not deem it advisable until the murderers of Lieutenant
Watson and the plunderers of our people have been chastised.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant.
GEO. B. OURREY,
Captain, First Oregon Cavalry, Commanding Expedition.
Acting Assistant Adjutant -Geneeal,
Headquarters District of Oregon, Fort Vancouver, Wash. Ter.
* See p. 347.
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Chap. LXII.] EXPEDITION TO SOUTHEASTERN OREGON. 321
Headquarters Expedition into Indian Country,
Gamp No. 57, on Crooked River, near Camp Maury, July 20, 1864,
Sir : I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of the letter of the
12th instant from the general commanding the district From Camp
No. 46, on Rattlesnake Creek, I moved with both expeditious north-
northeast for three days up Selvie's River to a valley of several miles
extent called by Lieatenant Waymire in his report last spring Summit
Valley. Here I halted and sent Lieutenant Waymire on a scout to the
east with three days' rations, and Lieutenant Carrey with twenty men
to Canyon City to make inquiry among the citizens of that place con-
cerning visitations from the Indians. For the information of country,
&c., elicited by Lieutenant Waymire, please see his report, inclosetl
herewith, marked A.* Lieutenant Carrey reported Canyon City as
being twenty miles from camp in a north-northwest direction; the citi-
zens very much alarmed at the Indians, and that some six days previ-
ous to his arrival (on the 6th) a party of thirty or forty had attacked a
train and driven away about forty head of animals from within a few
miles of the town. Parties who pursued the Indians gave information
that they had fled up the South Fork of John Day's River. This
information induced mo to change my direction to a north-northwest,
so as to reach the South Fork of John Day's River and thus intercept
them, or at least find their trail. On the evening of the 11th I crosseil
the dividing range to the west of the South Fork, and halted with a
view of scouting the western tributaries of the South Fork and head-
waters of Crooked River. At noon on the 12th the Indian scouts came
into camp at full speed and reported that they had been ambuscaded
by a large party of Snake Indians and one of their number killed
about ten miles from camp to the north. I immediately started witli
100 men to the scene. When about three miles from camp I discovered
a large smoke about three miles to the east of iny route, which I imme-
diately recognized as the smoke from burning wigwams. Changing my
direction and hurrying on as fast as the rocky nature of the ground
would permit, I soon arrived at their abandoned camp. It was situated
in a deep wooded ravine, seemed to have been occupied for several
days, and from the appearances aboat 100 hea<I of horses and mules
belonged to the band. It is Quly conjectare as to the namber of Indians,
bat I am of the opinion the party did not exceed sixty. Should esti-
mate their probable strength at about that namber. From the numer-
ous fresh tracks diverging from camp in all directions, several hours
were spent in determining the direction taken by the party in its flight.
Having satisfied myself that they had taken the direction of the South
Fork, I returned to camp.
On the morning of the 13th, with Companies A, D, and E, First Ore-
gon Cavalry, I started on their trail with a supply of eight day's rations
and three boxesof ammunition. Aboutnoonofthel2th[14thf]Ireached
the South Fork, which here runs in a canon of at least 1,000 feet deep,
very steep — indeed precipitous. As soon as my command reached the
bottom of this canon the Indians began a pretty lively fire upon me
from the almost overhanging ledges. The Indians having driven their
stock from the river op a deep walled cailon coming into the South
Fork from the east, doubtless supposed they had found the only exit
from the chasm. Dismounting my men I deployed Company A behind
rocks and trees up the canon on the west side of the South Fork ; Com-
pany E in front of the horses and transportation in the bottom, and
* See p. 349.
21 R R — VOL L, PT I
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322 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [C'hap.LXII.
Company D I threw across tJie caiioa up the cliff', with orders to take
and hold the heights at all hazards. As the firing soon changed from
the right and center to the left, I re-enforced the left from Company E
by sending a platoon. As soon as my men gained the heights on the
east side the Indians withdrew. The position my men now occupied
cut the canon diagonally, extending from several hundred feet up the
west side to the top cliffs on the cast. Behind this line I moved my
transportation out of the caSon to the east side without any loss. The
Indians shot over my men, consequently none were injured. One horse
was slightly wounded by a spent pistol ball. My troops were but
partly out of the canon before a party of Indians was seen coming
down the hill on our trail. These were doubtless a party detailed to
open fire on my rear should I get into confusion in the canon. Con-
tinning on the trail of the Indians we found several abandoned articles;
among the most valuable was an American horse. About ten miles
above the carion, where I first crossed the South Fork to the northeast,
their trail recrossed to the west. From this point their trail led in a
direct line toward the west end of Harney Lake. As they were evi-
dently^ traveling without reference to rest for man or thought for beast,
I desisted from farther pursuit, not wishing to again strike out on the
plains around and beyond the lakes until I was satisfied the Indians
had all been driven from this vicinity. As Captain Drake had not
heard from his depot for forty days I moved to this place, where I
arrived on the 18th. The grass being very much eaten out around
Camp Maury, on the 19th Captain Drake selected a new location about
five miles west of the present one. On the 20th he will move his camp,
and on the 21st, with fifty men of his command and fifty of my own, I
will start north and west.
I have the honor to remain, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
GEO. B. CUBREYj
Captain, First Oregon Cavalry, Commanding Expedition.
Acting Assistant Adjutant-Genbbal,
Headquarters District of Oregon, Fort Vancouver, Waxh. Ter.
Hbqbs. Expedition into the Indian Countey,
Camp No. 61, on Canyon City Road, at Rock Creek,
near Camp Watson, July 25, 1864.
Siu : I have the honor to report, for the information of the general
commanding the District of Oregon, that on the morning of the 21st
instant, with a cavalry command of 100 men, supplied with ten days'
subsistence, I started in a northeast direction for the Canyon City road.
My route led me through the range of Blue Mountains in which the
north branches of Crooked River, west tributaries of the South Fork
of John Day's Eiver, Bridge Creek, liock Creek, and Cottonwood
Creek (tributaries of John Day's River from the north side below the
South Fork) head. Passing slowly and making a careful examination
of the country along my route for evidences of Indians, I arrived at
this place at 10 a. m. of this day. Near the summit of the mountain
range, or rather bed, I crossed a trail about two weeks old, leading in
the direction of the place where I found the Indians as reported in my
last. Being well satisfied that it had been made by the same Indians,
I did not deem it worth while to follow it. This constituted all the
late Indian signs I saw on the route. At 10 p. m. of the 23d instant I
was overtaken by my exx>ress from Camp Alvord, containing the letter
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Cbap. LSII.) EXPEDITION TO SOUTHEASTERN OEEGON, 323
firom tlio citizens of BoonvUle (a miuing town on Jordan Greek), a copy
of which I herewith forward. Captain Caldwell, First Oregon Cavalry,
who is encamped near me, informs me that he has been in this vicinity
about two weeks, and that thns far his scouts have discovered no
Indians or fresh signs. Before leaving my camp on the 21st I directed
Captain Drake to take a party sufficieutly strong, in liis judgment, and
examine the country at and around Sheep Rock. lie started on the
22d, I have Iieard of no late outrages by the Indians, and am of the
opinion that they have abandoned this region of country. My express-
man from Camp Alvord brings a report that a baud of cattle were
stolen in the Harney Lake Valley. I shall start for Captain Drake's
depot in the morning, and from thence return to the llarney Lake
country. The Indians mentioned in the letter from the citizens of
]3oonviUe, Idaho Ter., are about 350 miles from me at this time. I will
go after them as fast as my animals will permit antl the completion of
my present undertaking will warrant. From this camp to Captain
Drake's dejMt, by my trail, the distance is sixty-five miles. Mountains
not difficult of travel, mostly covered with open pine timber.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
(iEO. B. CUKREY,
Captain, First Oregon Cavalry, Commanding Expedition.
Acting Assistant Adjutant-Gbnebal,
Headquarters District of Oregon, Fort Vancouver, Wash. Ter.
[Inclosure.]
BOONVILLE, July 13, 1864.
Captain Cubbey :
Deab Sib : We are compelled by force of circumstances to commu-
nicate to you a few facts in relation to the depredatious committed by
the Indians within the last few days. On Friday night last they made
an attack on ranches a few miles below this place, stealing and taking
all the stock in the valley, aud what is still more shocking, killing and
mangling one of our citizens in a most brutal manner. On Sunday
morning a party of about twenty men organized and started in pursuit,
and overtook them yesterday, the 12th, when a fight ensued, resulting
in our defeat, killing Mr. Jordan aud wounding two others. If they
are not promptly punished I fear there is but little safety of the lives
aud property of our citizens.
Very respectfully, your obedient servants,
SILAS SKINNER,
J. C. BOONE,
n. WHITE,
R. TUGASKES,
JAMES MILLER,
On behalf of the citizens.
Hdqbs. Expedition into the Indian Couwtbt,
Camp No. 60, near Gamp Gibbs, of Captain Drake's Command,
August 1, 1864.
SiB: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your communi-
cation dated June 9, 1864, on the evening of the 30th ultimo. I have
sent a commnnication to the general commanding by every return
express. From my camp on Canyon City road, near Camp Watson, I
moved down the road to Bridge Creek, where I found Lieutenant
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324 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. (CHAr.LXn.
Olney's command encamped. From there I learned that the camp had
been alarmed the night previous to my arrival. I immediately sent out
scouts, who reported that they had scoured the country for eight or
ten miles to the west, south, and east of camp, and found no tracks;
and as there was no probability that any would be found to the north,
upon the return of the scouts at 8 a. m. on the morning of the 28th I
started back for this place, passing up the east side of Bridge Creek
for twelve miles, and from thence to my out-going trail, which I fol-
lowed for some miles, and then diverged to the right in order to make
further examination of the practicable passes leading from the head of
Bridge Creek to the Crooked River side of the range. Found no new
signs, and am inclined to think no Indians have been in that vicinity
since the 11th of July. I arrived at this camp on the afternoon of the
30th ultimo, a few hours later than Captain Drake did from his scout
to Sheep Rock. For the information derived from his excursion 1
would most respectfully refer you to his report, a copy of which is
herewith inclosed,* My expressman, who arrived a few days ago from
Camp Alvord, reports upon information derived from some stock
drivers that old Po-li-ni joined twenty-three Wickiups at a small lake
about thirty miles west of Camp Alvord. On to morrow (August 2)
I start with my original command, will visit that locality, and then
return to my depot. (Joing by way of this reported rendezvous will not
increase the time of my journey to Camp Alvord more thau ten days.
Captain Drake will remain in this vicinity. I hope to be able to reach
my depot on the 16th instant, unless I meet with difficulties not now
apparent. From here to Camp Alvord is computed 200 miles. You
will see by this and my former reports that since I took command of
the two exi)edition8 the count.'y has been pretty thoroughly scouted
from the heiad of Malheur Giver, on the east, to the west bank of the
Des Chutes on the west, thus familiarizing to our troops a region
hitherto unknown to our arms and filled by the fertile imagination of a
I)anic-stricken people with hordes of savages strongly x>osted in the
impregnable fastnesses of trackless mountains and yawning cailons.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
GEO. B, CURREY,
Captain, First Oregon Cavalry, Commandiny Expedition.
Acting Assistant Adjutant-Geneual,
Headquarters District of Oregon, Fort Vancouver, Wash. Ter.
Hdqbs. Expedition into the Indian Oottntbt,
Camp Alvord, Augvst 20, 1864.
Sib : I have the honor to report for the information of the general
that on the 2d instant the commands of Captain Drake and mine Sepa-
rated. With mine I took up the march for this point via Harney Lake,
psissing around the west end and a portion of the south side of that
body of water, and from thence in a southeast direction to the head-
waters of Thunder Creek, a tributary of Malheur Lake, wliich takes its
source in the Snow Mountains immediately to my west. On the head
of this latter-named stream I found several small lakes and valleys.
On my journey out this creek was scarcely fordable for depth of water,
and upon my return was entirely dry, with the exception of a few pools
standing in deep holes in its bed. From Thunder Creek I changed my
* S«e July 30, 1864, p. 332.
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Chap.LXII.) expedition TO SODTHEASTEEN OEEGON. 325
direction more to tlie east in order to strike the pass in the moantains
throagb which I passed in going out. Owing to the wearied condition
of the animals I did not deem it advisable to make an excursion out on
the desert to the west, where there is some probability the Indians have
fled to. On the morning of the 15th I dispatched an express to the
Pueblo Silver Mines, some thirty- five miles south of me, with a letter
to Lieutenant-Colonel Drew, First Oregon Cavalry, hoping to gain some
information from him coucerning the region to my south and west, but
as he hail not yet arrived at that mining camp I gained nothing. On
the morning of the 16th I sent Captain Barry, First Washington Ter-
ritory Infantry, with twenty men of his company to make a scout
through the mountains to the south and west of this camp, and for the
information elicited by his movement I respectfully refer you to his
rei)ort, herewith transmitted. About noon on the 19th instant a party
of about twenty-five Indians, who were undoubtedly ignorant of the
location of this camp, came in sight at a distance of about three miles
from camp, but as soon as they saw the camp fled for the mountains
apparently panic-stricken. As soon as I could bring in the animals
which were out grazing I mounted a detachment from Compauies A
and E and pursued them until near night. Got within long- tiring range
of some of the hindermost. They abandoned six horses, three of which
they killed ; several pack loads of skins and Indian provision lay strewn
along their road. As the pursuit became hotter they directed their
course to the more rugged clifis of the mountain, and at sun about an
hour high they succeeded in reaching the head breaks of Horse Creek,
and scattered among the deep canons and roeky ledges. Further pur-
suit being useless, 1 returned to camp. You will observe from Captain
Barry's report that this camp is located iu the vicinity of the good win-
ter rendezvous of the Indians.* In fact, wintercampsarefoundinnearly
every canon on the east and south side of Steen's Snow Mountain. On
to morrow morning Sergeant Gates, Company E, First Oregon Cavalry,
and a detachment of twenty men will go to Jordan Creek and learn
what is going on in that direction. I am almost discouraged at the
prospect of being able to accomplish anything very definite by the 1st
of October; the country is so vast and the Indians so familiar with it
that until the mountain fastnesses are blocked up with snow and they
are compelled to seek winter camps I can devise no means of striking
an effectual blow. I have already traveled over 1,300 miles, and yet
find a vast region to my west and south untraversed, and, as far as I
can gather, unknown to the whites. I shall move as soon as my animals
have regained strength to warrant a delve into the unknown desert to
my west. I arrived at this camp August 12.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
GEO. B. CUEUEY,
Captain, First Oregon Cavalry, Commanding Expedition.
Acting Assistant Adjutant-General,
Headquarters District of Oregon, Fort Vancouver, Wash. Ter.
Hdqrs. Expedition into the Indian Country,
Camp Alvord, Oreg., August 30, 1861.
Sib: I have the honor to inform you, for the information of the gen-
eral commanding district, that since my last letter of the 20th instant
I have remained iu camp recruiting my animals. Sergeant Gates with
•8eo p. 328.
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326 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Chap. LXIl
his detachment returned this evening. He went as far as Sacker Creek
on the Fort Bois^ road. Saw nor beard any Indians in that vicinity,
and learned from settlers that Colonel Manry bad returned to Fort
Bois^. Unless my express, whicb is due to-morrow, brings some orders
to the contrary I shall start with 100 men on the morning of the 2d of
September, intending to move south as far as Pueblo Mountain, and
from thence west to the chain of lakes running near north and south,
the largest of which is called Lake Christmas, and perhaps as far west
as Lake Abert. Lieut. Col. C. S. Drew, First Oregon Cavalry, with
his command encamped near me on the 25th instant. He moves in the
morning for Fort Bois^. Colonel Drew informs me that he saw several
bands of Indians in the region which I propose to visit, but as he was
so encumbered with a large train of citizens, including several families,
he could not pursue tbem into the mountains. I will take with me
thirty days' rations, but will endeavor to get back to this camp by the
20th proximo if I can.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
GEO. B. CUBREY,
Captain, First Oregon Cavalry, Commanding Expedition.
Acting Assistant Adjutant-General,
Headquarters District of Oregon, Fort Vancouver, Wash. Ter.
Hdqrs. Expedition into the Indian Country,
Camp No. 82, Nevada Territory, September 10, 186i.
Sir : I have the honor to report for the information of the general com-
manding that on the 2d of September I took up my line of march for
the south and west, and arrived at this camp on the evening of the 8tb,
where I was obliged to halt on account of sickness in my command.
The trouble with my men is the bloody flux. I will start in the morn-
ing, and if not prevented by the continuance of that disease will carry
out the line proposed in my last. At this camp I found one of the
bands of Indians seen by Colonel Drew, and found them to be Pi-Utes,
and not inclined to do mischief. I would have captured the entire
party and sent them to the Pi-Ute Keservation, but the shortness of
my remaining time would not permit me to go so far south as that. I
think when winter pinches them they will steal stock to live upon, as
they are very poor. This camp is situated sixty miles south-southwest
of Camp Alvord and about ninety miles from Warner Lake, and about
forty miles south of the Oregon line.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
GEO. B. CURIiET,
Captain, First Oregon Cavalry, Commanding Expedition.
Acting Assistant Ad.jutant-General,
Headquarters District of Oregon, Fort Vancouver, Wash. Ter.
Hdqrs. Expedition into the Indian Cofntry,
Camp Alvord, Oreg., September 25, 1864.
Sir : I have the honor to report for the information of the general
commanding the district that owing to the continuance of the bloody
flux in my command I was ttnable to extend my last excursion as far as I
contemplated. I examined the country im mediately west of this (Steen's
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CHAT. LXII.] EXPEDniON TO 80UTHEASTEEN OBEaON. 327
range of inoantains) and returned to this camp ou the afternoon of the
Kith instant. Since the 16th I have remained in camp, and am now
happy to inform you that but few cases of sickness are iu camp. In tlie
morning I move with Companies A and E for tlie head of Malhear River,
intending to pass down that stream to its mouth. Captain Barry, with
the infantry and ten men from Companies A and E, will start at the
same time for Fort Bois4. Lieutenant Pepoon, acting assistant quarter-
master and acting commissary of subsistence of the expedition, with
the wagon train, will go escorted by Captain Barry to Fort Bois^, and
join me with his train at the mouth of Malheur River on or about the
12th of October. I think by moving down the Malheur with the cav-
alry that depredations may be prevented along the Bois4 road during
the fall. This seems desirable^ as formerly that section has been the
theater of their atrocities late in the season, and I fear the usu^,! role
may be repeated this year unless my presence in that region deters them
from their annual excursion in that quarter.
Very respectfiilly, your obedient servant,
GEO. B. CUBRET,
Captain, First Oregon Cavalry, Commanding Expedition,
Acting Assistant Adjutant-Geneeal,
Headquarters District of Oregon, Fort Vancouver, Wash. Ter,
Hdqes. Expedition into the Indian Country,
Camp No. 104, on Birch Creek, October 16, 1864.
Sir: I have the honor to report for the information of the general
commanding the district that on the morning of the 2Gth ultimo I broke
up camp at Camp Alvord and began the movements as contemplated in
my letter of the 25tli ultimo. With the cavalry I moved north north-
east along the eastern base of Steen's range of mountains for twenty-
seven miles and then crossed over to the west side. In the mountains
saw some fresh Indian tracks passing northeast. After crossing the
mountains I had to bear along the western base of the mountains in a
southwest direction for ten miles in order to find water, which I found
in a small creek, one of the head branches of the South Fork of Malheur
River. At this cnmp my scouts reported a well-beaten, newly made
Indian trail leading toward the east end of Malheur Lake. Taking the
direction of the Indian trail in a north-northwest direction, passing a
short distance to the east of Malheur Lake and in sight of i^ came to
the conclusion that the Indians had divided up, a portion of their tracks
turning to the right down the Malheur and the remainder going toward
the waters of John Day's River. Turning to the right, I followed
along the emigrant road toward the mouth of Malheur. On the after-
n»x)n of the 4th instant, after camping, three citizens with twelve
licnd of horses came up the road and encamped about half a mile above
mo on the river. They stated that they were endeavoring to make
their way to Virginia City, Nev. Ter. Early the next morning they
came down and reported all their stock stolen by the Indians, and
about the same time the packmaster reported four Government mules
gone. I sent men out to look for the stock, who upon returning reported
Indian tracks after the stock going up the river. Being suspicious that
the white men were concerned in the affair, and my stock being much
fatigued, I did not deem it advisable to make an extended pursuit,
feeling well convinced that not less than five or six days' hard riding
would bring me up with the rogues. The three citizens referred to
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328 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. ICbap. LXII.
came back with me to witbin one day's march of the crossing of the old
emigrant road with the Malheur Biver, and then without notice took to
the hills. Upon my arrival at the old emigrant road I learned from the
settlers that several days prior to my arrival three white men and one
Indian had driven off twenty -six head of horses and mules belonging to
the settlers, that they were pursued and thirteen head taken back.
This confirmed my first suspicions that these fellows were rascals, and
leaves me only to regret I did not arrest them. I have no doubt
they are in league with the Indians, but at the time did not feel fully
authorized to arrest them. The emigrant road down Malheur River is
very crooked, rocky, and mountainous, and in my opinion entirely use-
less as a wagon road. I arrived at the old emigrant road on the 12th,
and on the 13th reached this camp. From Camp Alvord to this place
I marched every day excepting one. On that day I remained in camp
to rest my animals, because on the previous day I did not get into camp
nntil several hours after dark. Lieutenant Pepoon with the wagon
train joined me at this camp ou the 13th instant. I have the honor to
acknowledge the receipt of your communication of the 5th instant on
yesterday. In the morning I take up the line of march for Fort Walla
Walla and will arrive there as soon as possible. Lieutenant Hobart
with detacameut of Company A Joined me at this camp.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
GEO. B. CURREY,
Captain, First Oregon Cavalry, Commanding Expedition.
Acting Assistant AdjutantGenekal,
Headquarters District of Oregon, Fort Vancouver, Wash. Ter.
Hdqbs. Expedition into the Indian Country,
Camp No. 115, October 26, 1864.
Sib : I have the honor tO' report for the information of the general
commanding the district t^at I arrived with my command at this camp
near Fort Walla Walla this day at 12 m. Company A, commanded by
First Lieutenant Hobart, First Oregon Cavalry, was sent to Fort Walla
Walla to report to the commanding oflftcer of that jwst. Lieutenant
Bowen, First Oregon Cavalry, and detachment of Company F, was
ordered to proceed to Fort Lapwai, Idaho Ter. With Company E,
First Oregon Cavalry, I will start for Fort Dalles on the morning of
the 28th.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
GEO. B. CURREY,
Captain, First Oregon Cavalry, Commanding Expedition.
Acting Assistant Adjutant-General,
Headquarters District of Oregon, Fort Vancouver, Wash. Ter.
No. 3.
Report of Capt. Edtcard Barry, First Washington Territory Infantry,
of operations August 16-18.
Camp Alvord, August 30, 1864,
Sir: I have the honor to report to you in compliance with Camp
Order, No. 19, detailing me with twenty men ou detached service. I left
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Qup.LXII.) EXPEDITION TO 80UTHEA8TEKN OREGON. 329
this camp ou the morniug of the 16th instant, and marched southwest
to Ilorse Creek, a distance of nine miles; thence up Horse Oreek six
miles and camped. Ou the morning of tlie 17th marched ten miles up
Horse Creek and camped. There is a good trail from Camp Alvord to
Horse Creek. Up the creek it is rough and wild and a hard road
to travel. Horse Creek heads between Snow Mountain and Green
Mountain in a northeasterly direction, aud runs south toward Pueblo
Mountain. Plenty of juniper and poplar along this creek. The creek
is about twenty-five miles long and sinks in a dry lake. On the morn-
ing of the 18th instant I took an escort of men and pa.ssed up the
mountains on the northwest of Horse Creek. After rising the ridge,
found a large open, rolling country, plenty of water and grass, inter-
spersed with groves of timber, consisting of mountain mahogany,
juniper, and poplar, which gave to the country an interesting appear-
ance. I should judge this to be the Indian paradise in this section of
the country. There are the remains of old Indian villages, which to
all appearances were deserted during the last winter or spring. There
is a mountain which heads on Horse Creek and runs in a northerly
direction about ten miles. It has a beautiitil slope to the southwest,
and is covered with excellent grass, green as a leek; hence I have
named it Green Mountain. Along the base of this mountain is plenty
of good water. A number of streams form a junction about five miles
from the mountain and make a large stream, which I have named
Trout Creek, as those fish appear to abound. The atmosphere was so
dense that I could not see more than the outlines of the mountains on
the west side of Harney Lake. All of this day was devoted to this
district of country within a circuit of twenty miles. It would require
twenty days to acquire a perfect knowledge of the country between
Horse Creek and Harney Lake. It is large country. This day it was
10 p. m. before I arrived in camp. On the 19th broke up camp on
Horse Creek and took up our line of march for Camp Alvord, where we
arrived at 12 m. in safety.
All of which I have the honor to respectfully submit.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
EDWD. BARRY,
Captain, First Waahington Territory Infantry, Oomdg. Detachment.
Captain CuBREV,
First Oregon Cavalry, Commanding Expedition.
No. 4.
Reports of CapX. John M. Brake, First Oregon Cavalry, commanding
expedition from Fort Dalles.
Headquarters Fort Dalles Expedition
TO the Indian Country,
Camp Maury, May 20, 1864.
Sib : I have the honor to report for the information of the general
commanding that on the 17th instant, at a point eight or ten miles
below this place, at one of the crossings of Crooked River, the atlvance
guard of the command on the inarch discovered fresh Indian signs. On
arriving in camp, at the iorks of Crooked River, some Indian scouts
were sent out into the surrouudiug coontry to gain information. At 5
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330 0PEBATI0N8 ON THE PACIFIC COAST. (Chap. LXir.
!>. ni. two of their number returned, reporting the discovery of a camp
of nine lodges and about twenty or thirty Indians in a northeasterly
direction, about twelve or fourteen miles distant. A portion of their
number were left to keep watch of the hostile camp. At 9.30 p. m. I
sent out a detachment of twenty-six men of Company D and thirteen
men of tlie detachment of Company B, First Oregon Cavalry, com-
manded by Lieut. S. Watson, the whole making a force of thirty nine
men, commanded by First Lieut. J. M. McCall. The detachment was
accompanied by ail of our friendly Indians remaining in camp.
Lieutenant McCall's instructions were to make a night march, surprise
their camp at daylight the following morning, and attack at once with-
out preliminaries. A copy of Lieutenant McCall's rei>ort of his opera-
tions up to 9 a. m. of the 18th instant is respectfully inclosed herewith.*
On the morning of the 18th instant the command resumed the march
as usual, intending to halt and encamp at this place, a distance of five
miles.
At about 7 a. m., and when thi'ee miles from camp, a messenger
from Lieutenant McCall arrived, bringing a note from him asking tor
assistance. Taking forty men of Company G, First Oregon Cavalry,
under command of Captain Small, I set out for the scene of conflict at
once, giving instructions to the officer next in command to continue
the march to this place and establish a camp. On arriving upon the
field at 9 a. ni. I found Lieutenant McCall's party occupying a small
rise of ground nearly a mile distant fi-om the scene of actual conflict.
The wounded had all been carried down the hill to this place; the dead
were in the hands of the Indians. Surgeon Dumreicher, who accom-
panied me, proceeded at once to care for the wounded, and as soon as
I could get the necessary information as to the exact locality in posses-
sion of the hostile Indians, I set out with Captain Small's detachment
for the purpose of renewing the fight. Moving slowly, and reconnoit-
ering carefully, over a country so rough as to be almost impracticable
for cavalry, we gradually approached the cliflF of rocks under which
they had taken refuge, but found it abandoned. I subsequently learned
from some of our friendly Indians that they left about an hour before
our arrival, di8i>ersing into the mountains. Their trails could not bo
found, as they were on foot, and the surface of the country so excodingly
rough as to render any attempt to trail them utterly useless. Our dead
had been stripped and horribly mutilated. A Warm Springs Indian
killed in the fight ha<l been disemboweled and scalped. The dead were
carried down to the place occupied by Lieutenant McCall and party and
I then proceeded to make an examination of the position lately occupied
by the Indians. It was a very strong one, had been well fortified and
barricaded with large bowlders, probably in anticipation of attack at
some time or other. On going into their camp we found a very large
store of provisions and a considerable quantity of property of every
description such as is usually collected about an Indian camp; also
clothing, saddles, camp equipage, &c., that had been stolen from the
whites. Everything was burn^ under the supervision of Captain
Small, a special detail having been made for the purpose. As far as I
can ascertain positively but three Snake Indians were killed; if any
were wounded they carried them ofiF. Lieutenant McCall captured
fifty head of horses, all they had. Fifty or sixty saddles were burned
wifih their camp, and they are without the means of committing depre-
dations for the present.
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CBAP.LXII.) EXPEDITION TO SOUTHEASTERN OREGON. 331
From what informatiou I can get I place the strength of this party of
hostile Indians at forty or fifty in namber, well armed; a desperate
band, headed by a chief named Po-li-ni, a noted character in the Indian
coantry. This is one of their haunts ; our friendly Indians say they
have occupied this camp for three or four years; the camp itself bears
every evidence of this fact They are undoubtedly the party that has
committed so many depredations on the Canyon City road during the
past winter and spring. I sent the captured horses to camp ; turned
over to the Warm Springs Indians eight of them claimed as their prop-
erty. I have appropriatetl five more to remount soldiers whose horses
were shot in the action and killed or wounded. Ten others were turned
over to the quartermaster, to be used by the herders and packers; the
balance of the lot I distributed among the Warm Springs Indians, and
will require them to send them back to the reservation. These horses
have all been stolen from the whites, and will probably be claimed at
some time. With the large quantity of stock belonging to the com-
mand to be cared for in a hostile country I deemed a lot of horses of
tills description an addition that might embarrass ns, and have made
this disiK>sition of them, hoping it may meet the approval of the general
commanding.
Our casualties in this affair are: Second Lieut. Stephen Watson,
commanding detachment Company B, First Oregon Cavalry, killed;
Privates J aines Harkinson and Bennet t Kennedy, detachment Company
B, First Oregon Cavalry, killed ; and Corporal Dougherty and Privates
Freeman, Henline, Level, and Weeks, detachment Company B, First
Oregon Cavalry, wounded. Private Henline is severely wounded in
the shoulder and will not recover under two months; the others are
but slightly wounded and will be fit for duty in ten or lifteen days.
One of our Indian scouts was killed, and Stock Whitley, their chief,
dangerously wounded; the surgeon thinks he will recover. The citizen,
Richard Barker, named in Lieutenant McCall's report, has been trav-
eling with the command for eight or ten days for the purpose of joining
a prospecting party somewhere in this vicinity ; I did not know that he
bad gone out with the detachment until I heard of his being wounded.
His wound is a severe one, a fracture of the thigh bone caused by a
ride ball. He has a wife and family living at Salem, Oreg. The
killed and wounded were brought to camp during the afternoon and
night of the 18th. The dead were interred yesterday with appropriate
honors; the wounded are comfortable and well cared for. In conclu-
sion, I would state that the management of this afl'air on the part of
Lieutenant McCall seems to have been prudent and careful ; the intende<l
surprise was only partially successful, the Indians taking the alarm in
time to make good their retreat to the cliff 300 yards distant from their
camp, and in the direction from which Lieutenant Watson was
approaching. He (Lieutenant Watson) evidently did not know of the
existence of the ledge upon which his platoon made the charge, as the
ground was descending and extremely rough. He may have been pre-
cipitate and imprudent, perhaps, but his conduct on the whole was
gallant and daring.
Very resiiectfiilly, your obedient servant,
JOHN M. DRAKE,
Captain, First Oregon Cavalry, Commandimi.
AcTfero- Assistant Adjutant- General,
Headquarters District of Oregon, Fort Vanvouver, U'asA. Ter.
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332 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Chap. Lxn.
Camp Gibbs, Obeg., July 30, 18G4.
Sib: Iu compliance witk your directions that a scouting party be
sent to Sbeep liock and its vicinity, I made a detail on the 2l8t instant
of fifty men as follows : Second Lieut. John F. Noble and sixteen men of
Company G, twelve men of Company D, ten men of the detachment
of Company B, and twelve men of the detachment of your own com-
mand left at this camp. The district of country to which the detach-
ment was to march is but little known. The only information that I
have ever been able to procure concerning it was from the Warm
Springs Indians, to the ett'ect that it was a barren desert. Its exact
locality was unknown to any person of my command, and I had no
guide to send out witli the detachment. In consequence of these facts
1 determined to take command of the scouting party myself. Leaving
camp on the morning of the 22d instant, I proceeded along the tim-
bered ridge immediately in rear of this camp in a course as nearly due
west as the surface of the country would permit. I encamped the first
night on a small tributary of Crooked Biver, about eighteen miles west
of this camp. While descending the ravine upon which I encamped
from the summit of the mountains, a single Indian was seen in the
heavy timber of the canon. A pursuit was made, but he escaped in
the thickets. As no signs of Indians were found in the vicinity, I con-
cluded he was a hunter from some distant camp. From the camp my
course was pursued due west to the big bend of Crooked Biver, where
I encamped the second night. About fifteen miles west of this camp
on Crooked River, on the open desert, stands a cluster of high peaked
hills, isolated from any other range of mountains. I supposed this to
be Sheep Bock. Accordingly on the morning of third day I continued
the march westerly, following the course of Crooked Elver through the
windings of the canon, six or seven miles to a point where the river
makes a short turn to the north. Leaving the river at this point I
marched directly west to this cluster of hills, and arrived upon the
summit at 2 p. m. These hills are high, rocky, and barren of vegeta-
tion except a few clusters of juniper. No water could be found on
them, and I was reduced to the necessity of returning to Crooked Biver
or of continuing on to the Des Chutes, about eighteen miles distant, as
near as I could judge. I determined on the latter conrse, and resumed
the march at 3 p. m., taking a course a little south of west, aiming to
strike the Des Chnt(» at a point opposite to the Three Sisters. At 10
p. m. I arrived near the river, but did not succeed in reaching it that
night. The bank of the river at this i>oint is skirted with a strip of
heavy pine timber and undergrowth ; the surface of the ground very
broken and rocky. In this labyrinth I became entangled iu the dark,
and notwithstanding the meu and animals were famishing with thirst
jrom a long and tiresome march across the desert, I was obliged to
halt for the night, having accomplished a march of thirty-five miles.
During the night the men in squads of three to five found their way to
the river and filled their canteens. The animals were tied up without
water or grass.
On the morning of the 25th I proceeded down to the river and halted
for the day. On the morning of the 26th the march was resumed.
Going lip the river three miles a good ford was found, and I crossed
the river and proceeded down the river twenty miles and encamped on
the west side. The following morning I recrossed the river and returned
to Crooked Biver, intersecting our outward trail at the summit of the
cluster of hills before mentioned. During a temporary halt here one of
the men found a small spring about two miles north of the trail not
large enough to water animals. A camp on Crooked Biver was reached
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CBAP.LXn.] EXPEDITION TO SOUTHEASTERN OBEGON. 333
at 3 p. m., making the distance across the desert by this route not over
twenty-five miles. Prom this point I continued the march in a south-
east direction twelve or fourteen miles, and encamped ou Juniper Creek,
a tributary of Crooked River, that has its source immediately south of
this camp, and arrived at camp at 11 a. m. to-day, having marched dur-
ing a nine days' absence 165 miles. I found no signs of Indians of any
recent date except of the single Indian before mentioned as having
been seen on the first day's march from camp. At the cluster of hills
which 1 supposed to be Sheep Rock, there are no Indian signs at all to
be found, and I do not think any have ever lived there. There are
some evidences of a few winter camps ou Juniper Creek and in the bend
of Crooked River — perhaps six or eight families in each place. Their
camps appear to have been vacated early in the spring. I found the
country south and west of the timbered ridge to be extremely barren
and sterile in character — in fact, a desert. Except Juniper Creek there
is no water to be found this side the Des Chutes. The grass of this desert
country is of poor quality and scarce. I am convincetl there can be no
large number of Indians in any jwrtion of tliis district of country, from
the simple fact that they could not subsist themselves in it, and there
is evidently little or no travel on the part of the Indians through it, as
no trails or signs of travel could be found. It is possible a few Indians
may be concealed in some rugged place fifteen or twenty miles south-
west of this camp. If so, their numbers -are so small that they would
escape all ordinary search. Their capacity to do harm is not sufKcient
to justify an expenditure of time necessary to hunt them out.
I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your most obedient servant,
JNO. M. DRAKE,
Captain, Mrat Oregan Cavalry.
Capt. George B. Cubeey,
Commanding Joint JSiepeditions, Camp Oibba, Oreg.
Hdqbs. Expedition into the Indian Countby,
Camp Dahlgren, Oreg,, September 4, 1864.
Sib : I have the honor to report, for the information of the general
commanding, that Capt. H. C. Small, with a detachment of forty men,
carrying twenty days' supplies, marched from this camp this morning,
with instructions to proceed to the hiUy country west of I^ke Ilarney for
the purpose of seeking information as to the present locality of the
band of Indians routed by Captain Currey on the 12th of July last.
The latest information received concerning Po-li-ni's band was from
Captain Currey's expressman, who saw and Avas chased by five or six
of them on his way from Camp Alvord to Camp Gibbs in July last.
This was in the mountains, some twenty miles south of Lake Harney,
about the 18th of July, six days after they had been driven from this
section of country by Captain Currey's command. Whether Captain
Currey succeeded in finding them or not on his return to Camp Alvord,
they have of necessity continued their fiight farther to the southwest,
into the only section of country left open to them, the Goose Lake
Mountains. The scouting operations of this command during the past
month prove that no attempt has been made on their part thus far to
re-enter this section, and from the manner in which they were pursued
and hunted out of the country I think they will not attempt to return
while any troops remain here. Captain Small's scout will settle this
point. This country has been their home for many years, but the prob-
ability is that they have abandoned it as a permanent place of habitiv
tiou, and will probably locate themselves for the ensuing winter at one
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834 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Chip. Lxn.
of the numerous small lakes south of tlie desert. This will uot prevent
them from making an occasional raid upon the settlements during the
coming winter, particularly if the winter should be oi)en like last win-
ter. These attempts, if they occur at all, may be looked for in January
and February next, possibly as early as December. The point tliey
will strike at is the Canyon City road from South Fork west to Cherry
Creek, as being the most exposed point in the white settlements. I am
led to these conclusions from my knowledge of the former habits of
these Indians. It is highly improbable that they will resort to any
other means of obtaining a livelihood than such as they have been
accustomed to in times i)a8t. They are a bold and enterprising ban-
ditti, who live on the stock they steal. On securing a band of stock
they start it into the mountains. If pursued, they travel night and
day, halt occasionally, kill a horse, eat it, and continue their (light.
White men, who are obliged to carry provisions with them, pursue in
vain. I have presented these facts and conjectures to the attention of
the general commanding in consideration of the losses sustained by
our ])eople heretofore, and the depredations these Indians are stiii
capable of committing in this part of the country should their atteu
tion be directed to this ])oint in future. As a means of protection
against any such operations as are herein contemplated I would respect-
fully suggest the policy of stationing a company of cavalry at Kock
Creek or Bridge Creek during the winter. The mere presence of such
a body of troops at one of these points would deter them from making
any attempts on the road, particularly if the road was patrolled occa-
sionally by small detachments.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JNO. M. DRAKE,
Captain, First Oregon Cavalry, Commanding.
Acting Assistant Adjutant-General,
Headquarters District of Oregon, Fart Vancouver, Wash. Ter.
[First intloraement.]
Headquarters District op Oregon,
Fort Vancouver, September 13, J8C4.
Respectfully forwarded to Maj. Gen. I. McDowell, commanding the
Department of the Pacific.
BENJ. ALVORD,
Brigadier-Oeneral, U. S. Volunteers, Commanding District.
[Second iudorsemeut.]
Headquarters Department of the Pacific,
Portland, Oreg., September 13, 1864.
Brigadier-General Alvord will take the necessary measures to keep a
company in the district of country of which Canyon City is supposed
to be the center, for the protection of the inhabitants from the predatory
band of Indians who have been committing hostilities during the past
season. No exijeuditures whatever will be allowed, nor will any citizen
be hired in consequence of this order. The company must be instructed
to either hut themselves on Rock Creek, where it is understood there
is an abundance of timber, or live in their tents. The general will
report from time to time the measures he takes in the fulfillment of
this orderi
iRviN Mcdowell,
Major-Oeneral, Commanding.
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CHir.I,xn.] EXPEDITION TO SOUTHEASTERN OUEGON. 335
Port Vancouvbb, Wash. Tbr., November 6, 1864.
SlE: The military expedition into the Indian country under my com-
mand having returned to Fort Dalles and closed the campaign on the
11th of October, I have the honor to submit herewith to the general
commanding the following report of the summer's operations :
The expedition was directed in Special Orders, No. 33, headquarters
District of Oregon, March 19, 1864, to march on the 15th of April, but
owing to some unavoidable delays the start was not made until the 20th
of the same month. At this time the command was composetl of Com-
pany D, First Oregon Cavalry, Capt. John M. Drake, First Lieut. John
M. McCall, and forty-five enlisted men ; (Company 6, First Oregon Cav-
alry, Capt. H. C. Small, First Lieut. William M. Hand, Second Lieut.
John F. Noble, and sixty-seven enlisted men, and two staff oflicers, Surg.
C. 0. Dumreicher, U. S. Volunteers, and Capt. D. W. Porter, assistant
quartermaster, U. 8. Volunteers, making an aggregate of 119 officers
and men. A detachment of twenty-five men of Company D, First
Oregon Cavalry, under command of Second Lieut. James A. Waymire,
stationed at the South Fork of John Day's Eiver, pursuant to Special
Orders, No. 19, headquarters District of Oregon, February 23, 1864,
were to join the expedition en route, and a detachment of twenty-five
men of Company B, First Oregon Cavalry, under command of Second
Lieut. Stephen Watson, was sent from Fort Vancouver to the Warm
Springs Agency. This last detachment marched from Fort Dalles April
20, was supplied with sixty days' rations, and Lieutenant Watson was
placed under my orders. The outfit of the expedition in the way of
transportation consisted of eight six-mule teams, and ninety-five pack
mules, enabling the quartermaster to transport ninety days' supplies
for the wliole command, including thirty-nine citizens employed in the
quartermaster's and commissary departments, and a party of Wasco
Indians that were to accompany the command in the capacity of scouts
and spies; also medical stores, ammunition, and camp and garrison
equipage for a six months' campaign.
Notwithstanding the season of the year in which the expedition was
taking the field, I deemed it advisable that the troops should be well
supplied with tents, as the climate of Eastern Oregon, especially the
mountainous regions, was known to be severe at times, even in sum-
mer, and always uncertain. Every aid and assistance practicable
was received from the commanding officer at Fort Dalles, Col. E. F.
Maury, in putting the expedition into the field, and I am desirous of
expressing my thanks to him for this as well as the interest manifested
for its success. In your letter of instructions of the 7th of April I was
advised that the main objects of the expedition were to protect the
whites in mining operations, to explore and occupy the country not
included in the Indian reservations, and to afibrd all the protection
practicable to the friendly Indians of the Warm Springs Reservation.
The plan of campaign therein indicated was to establish a depot of sup-
plies at some point in the Indian country from which two circuits of sixty
days each could be made, one west and south and one cast and sonth,
with full authority to select my own route of travel and a site for the
depot. By your letter of instructions dated April 12, 1864, authority
was granted to make any deviation from the original plan that my
judgment might dictate, keeping in view the main objects of the expe-
dition. This was in consideration of recent Indian depredations near
Canyon City. A good deal of pains had been taken by myself and
others at The Dalles for several weeks prior to the departure of the
expeditiou to coUect information relative to the section of country over
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336 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Cbap.LXIL
which the campaign was to be conducted. Two persons were fbund (Mr.
Louis Scholl and Mr. George Eundell) who had been employed as guides
with similar expeditious into that country in tlie years of 1859 and 1860.
From them I learned that the natural route of travel into the Harney
Lake country — in fact, into any part of the country lying south of the
Blue Mountains — was by the road traveled by Captain Wallen in 1859
and Major Steen aud Captain Smith in 1860, by the valley of Crooked
Kiver. This led me to adopt that as the route of travel. A thorough
knowledge uf the country acquired during the summer's operations
assures mo that it was a judicious selection. On the arrival of the
expedition at Cross Hollows April 26 orders and transportation were
dispatched to move Lieutenant Waymirtfs detachment from the South
Fork, to join the expedition at Trout Creek during a temporary halt
iu contemplation at that place. This detachment did not arrive until
the 7th of May, joining at Cedar Springs. Meanwhile Lieutenant
Watson's detachment at Warm Springs had been moved across the
Des Chutes Biver aud joined the expedition at Trout Creek on the 2d
of May. Lieutenant Waymire's party was sent over to the Warm
Springs immediately on his arrival to take the place of the troops under
Lieutenant Watson. This exchange was made in consideration of the
hard service performed by Lieutenant Waymire's men in the early
spring, and the jaded condition of his cavalry horses and the necessity
of an efl'ective force to guard the depot. The re-enforcement by Lieu-
tenant Watson's detachment increased the effective force of the expe-
dition to an aggregate of 145 officers and men. At Trout Creek the
command was joined by a party of ten Warm Springs Indians, and a
few days after by eleven more, making twenty-one in all, who agreed to
accompany the command through the campaign to serve as scouts and
spies.
On the 27th of April, at Antelope Springs, a letter from the general
commamling was received by express from Fort Dalles informing me
that Captain Currey, commanding an expedition from Fort Walla Walla,
had been advised to inarch at once to the vicinity of Lake Harney,
unless important claims should draw his .attention elsewhere, and that
he had been instructed, "Tou must order Captain Drake to effect a
junction with you whenever you think it advisable;" and Special
Orders, No. 70, headquarters District of Oregon, dated May 6, 1864,
ordering a junction of the two expeditions at Lake Harney, was received
May 10, at Cottonwood Creek. Under these orders and instructions,
and with this arrangement of the troops under my command, the expe-
dition moved forward from Cottonwood Creek May 11 and entered the
Indian country a few days afterward. A depot of supplies was estab-
lished on a small tributary of Crooked River, five miles above the forks
of the river and about three miles south of the South Fork, at the foot
of a timbered ridge extending from the head of Crooked River to its
mouth, on the south side. The distance from Fort Dalles to the depot,
known as Camp Maury, is 175 miles by our journals. Owing to bad
roads and other causes some delays took place during the march to
Camp Maury, and the locality selected for the depot was not reached
until the ISth of May. The manner in which Indian depredations had
been committed during the previous winter on the white settlement? on
John Day's River and the Canyon City road raised the presumption
that a small party of marauding Indians inhabited the country about
the head of Crooked River. This presumption was sustained by the
opinion of our guide, who from previous experience in the district of
country iu question had acquired some knowledge, not only of the
country itself, but of the Indians who inhabited it.
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Cwf.Lxn.j EXPEDITION TO SOUTHEASTERN OREGON. 337
As the expedition approached the ludian coantry the usual methods
were instituted for tlie discovery of Indian signs and evidences of Indian
habitation, but no discoveries of this character were made until the
17th of May at one of the crossings of Crooked River, four or five miles
below the forks of the river. This led to the action on the morning of
May 18, iu which Second Lieut. S. Watson and Privates Bennett Ken-
nedy and James Ilarkinson, Company B, First Oregon Cavalry, were
killed, and Corporal Dougherty and Privates Weeks, Freeman, Level
and Henline, same company and regiment, wounded. One of oar Indian
scouts was killed. Stock Whitley, chief of the Warm Springs Indians,
mortally wounded, and a citizen of Salem, Oreg., named Barker, severely
wonndeil. When Po li-ni's camp was discovered by our Indian scout-s
on the 17th of May it was thought to be a small squad of marauders
who had made a temporary camp at the place then occupied for the
purpose of carrying on their thieving operations. Such was the opinion
of the scouts themselves, who reported that a close examination of the
camp had been made. For the purpose of breaking up this camp and
chastising the Indians I sent out, under command of First Lieut. John
M. McCall, First Oregon Cavalry, a detachment composed of two com-
missioned ofiScers, thirty-nine enlisted men, and twenty-one friendly
Indians, with orders to make a night march and surprise the hostile
camp at daylight on the morning of the 18th. On making the attack
Lieutenant McCall found the Indian camp not only far superior in num-
bers than had been reported, but well prepared for defense. Three
hundred yards above their camp was a semicircular ledge of rocks that
hail been turned into a fortification with a good deal of labor and skill.
The upper side of the ledge was protected by a low wall hastily thrown
up along its entire length, and the lower side was thorouglily and efltectu-
ally barricaded with the large bowlders and loose rocks broken from
the face of the clift' by the action of the elements. The place was large
enough to contain with ease sixty or seventy men, nearly inaccessible
on account of the extremely rugged character of the surrounding coun-
try, and could not be attacked except by direct assault. The movement
of the troops was sufficiently sudden to surprise the Indian camp, but
not to prevent them from taking shelter in this lodge of rocks, when
Lieutenant Watson's platoon was received with a fire that repulsed the
attack, and forced the assailants to fall back to cover, leaving their
gallant leader and 2 of his men killed and 5 wounded upon the
ground. The original plan of attack was to surround and capture the
hostile camp. With this purpose in view the troops were divided into
two parties, to march by different routes and attack opposite sides of
the camp, while the party of friendly Indians were to attack midway
between the two. The escape of the Indiana from their lodges some-
what disconcerted the plans and precipitated the fight with one portion
of the attacking forces and caused a repulse before the remaining frac-
tion were within supporting distance. On the arrival of Lieutenant
McCall with the remaining platoon it was determined after an exam-
ination of the place to secure the wounded, place them in safety, draw
off the troops, and send for assistance. The messenger was started at
6 a. m. and re-enforcements arrived on the ground at 9 a. m., to find the
fortification abandoned and the Indians dispersed into the mountains.
The losses of the Indians amounted to 3 killed, and judging from
evidences on the ground, ^ or 6 wounded. These they succeeded
in carrying away. Our own wounded were brought away ftom imme-
diately under the fire of the intrenched savages and carried to a spring
nearly a mile distant. Our dead were not recovered until after the
22 E E — VOL L, PT I
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338 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Chap. LXn.
fligbt of the Indians. On the arrival of re enforcements Lieutenant
McCall's force was found collected at the spring above mentioned, where
the wounded had been carried with a great deal of exertion. Their
wounds were immediately attended to by the surgeon, and on the dis-
covery of the iliglit of tiie Indians measures taken to get them to camp.
This proved to be a laborious and tedious task. The camp was fifteen
miles distant, over a rugged country, and no means of trausi)ortation
for wounded men. Two of the wounded bad to be carried on hand
litters; the others managed to ride their horses. Before removing the
killed and wounded the stock captured from the Indians were sent to
camp,andthelndiancamp,with its lodgesand stolen property,destroyed.
At 2 p. m. on the 19th of May the command was formed in procession
to render the last office which the living may administer to the dead.
On a small hillock 300 yards in rear of Oamp Maury, at the edge of a
grove of pines three graves were dug side by side, and into these were
deposited the eartlily remains of our fallen comrades. Let us hope that
the wave of civilization as it rolls over that desert country in future
years may not swallow up the memory of men whose lives were so nobly
sacrified in its cause. The numerical strength of Po-li ni's band devel-
oped by this afTair induced an apprehension on my part that the Indian
marauders living in this region had been underrated. This was par-
ticularly the case when our small scouting parties sent out daily from
camp into the surrounding neighborhood reported fresh Indian signs
of almost every character, in great abundance. During the few days
consumed in burying our dead, providing for the wounded and estab-
lishing and rendering secure the depot, they appeared to be hovering
about the neighborhood in considerable numbers at night. This state
of affairs rendered the utmost vigilance necessary for the protection of
the large quantity of stock belonging to the expedition, and required
that measures should be taken to destroy or drive otf these prowlers,
and to explore thoroughly the surrounding country before the expedi-
tion could move forward to Harney Lake with safety to the depot.
"With this object in view the country within a radius of twenty or thirty
miles of Camp Maury was thoroughly scoured, and what was ascer-
tained to be a small band of night prowlers driven across the Blue
Mountains. These operations consumed twenty days and developed
the fact that except the small party that had been annoying us at
night, the only In(Uans about the head of Crooked River was the party
concerned in the affair of the 18th of May, and that these had dispersed
into the mountains lying between Crooked River and the Canyon City
road. Daring this time I ordered forward Lieutenant Waymire's
detachment from Warm Springs, which arrived May 29, thus increasing
the strength of the command to 165 officers and men. Of this force
fifty- seven men, including an escort of twelve men with the wagon train,
were detailed as a guard for the depot, and Captain Small placed in
command, preparatory to moving forward to Harney Lake in execution
of the orders to that effect. The command left Camp Maury on the 7tli
of June as a movable column, with an aggregate of 108 officers and men,
and supplies for forty days. Our cavalry horses and pack animals were
in better condition for hard service than at any time since leaving The
Dalles, and no apprehensions were felt as to the safety of the depot and
line of communications. It was supposed that Captain Carrey's com-
mand with which I was to effect a junction would reach Harney Valley
by the 10th of Jane, and I was particularly anxious that the junction
of the two expeditions should not be delayed on our account, and conse-
quently moved forward from Camp Maury with all rapidity that cir-
cumstances would permit. The command arrived at Big Meadows
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CHAP.LXn.] EXPEDITION TO 80UTHEASTEEN OREGON. 339
June 13, and it was asceitained the same day that Captain Carrey's
command had not yet arrived at Harney Lake. The jnnction was
effected July 1 at a point aboat thirty miles northeast of Lake ilamey,
after some considerable marching and conntermarching over the east-
ern part of the valley and adjacent foot-hills. From the 1st of July to
the 2d of August the two expeditions operated together under Captain
Ourrey's command, and a detailed account of operations within that
period could not be properly embraced within this report.
On the return of the expedition to Camp Maury, July 18, a removal
of the depot became necessary on account of the failure of the grass at
that place. A site for a camp was selected five miles west of Camp
Manry, the removal effected July 21, and the new depot named Camp
Gibbs. A second removal became necessary a month later for the same
reasons as the first, and a depot was established at Camp Dahlgren,
twenty miles northeast of Camp Gibbs. From these two camps the
scouting and exploring operations were conducted for the remainder of
the campaign, after the departure of Captain Currey's command from
Camp Gibbs on the 2d of August. The operations of the two expedi-
tions under Captain Cnrrey's command during the month of July had
driven Po li-ni's band of Indians to the south side of the desert. This
fact, connected with Captain Cnrrey's proposed plan of operations in
returning to his depot, indicated the only practicable coarse to be pur-
sued during the remainder of the summer for the protection of the
frontier settlements, a thorough and continued scouting of all that
region of country lying south of the Blue Mountains, and embraced
within the bouTidaries of the mountaiits on the north, the desert on the
west and south, and the Canyon City Mountains on the east. The pri-
mary object of this plan was the quick discovery and pursuit of any
parties of Indians that the presence of the other command in the coun-
try farther south might drive into this region. To carry it out effec-
tually required cavalry horses in good condition, and transportation and
other facilities for rapid movements. Our means of transportation was
still m good condition for hard service, but the cavalry horses were
somewhat exhausted, partly from hard service and partly from a dis-
temper raging amongst them during the summer. ]!Totwithstanding
this defect in means, the plan was carried out successfully, beginning
with a scout of Captain Small with thirty-two men of Company Q into
the Blue Mountain Eange about the head of Bridge and Rock Creeks,
and a scouting party commanded by myself, consisting of Second Lieu-
tenant Waymire and forty-two men of Companies B and D, First Ore-
gon Cavalry, into the mountainous country lying between the Blue
Mountain Bange and Harney Valley. These parties marched from
Camp Gibbs, the first on the 4th of August and the second on the 5th
of August, each supplied' with fifteen days' rations. The second of
these parties returned to camp August 16, having been absent twelve
days, and the first returned August 21, naving been absent seventeen
days. These parties traversed districts of country previously unex-
plored by either of the military expeditions, acquired a considerable
amount of information regarding the country, and confirmed previously
entertained opinions that the Indians had entirely abandoned the
country. Some other parties were sent out daring the month of
August into the country west and soath of Camp Gibbs, all productive
of a like result.
On the 4th of September a scouting party, consisting of a subaltern
oiScer and forty-two men, under command of Capt. H. C. Small,
marched with twenty days' rations from Camp Dahlgren, with instruc-
tions to proceed to the head of Beaver Creek; thence south to the hilly
to the ml
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340 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [CiUP.LXn.
country lying west of Lake Harney. As the campaign was drawing to
a close, and arrangements for the return of the expedition to Fort
Dalles would have to be made by the 25tli of September, it became
important to know something of the whereabouts of Po-lini's band.
At this time it was supposed that the troops stationed on the Canyon
City road would be recalled about the Ist of December, leaving the road
unprotected, hence the absolute necessity of procuring some informa
tion in regard to the movements of the Indians before they located
themselves for the winter, in order that their plans for winter depreda-
tions, if any were contemplated, might be counteracted. Captaiu
Small's scout was intended to accomplish this purpose. His cavalry
horses and means of transportation were the best in the command.
He received full instructions and clearly understood the object of the
enterprise and the importance attached to it. Proceeding with his
party to the head of Beaver Creek, about forty miles from camp, the
trail of a small party of Indians traveling in a northeasterly direction,
evidently a hunting party from all accompanying signs, was discovered,
and the main object of the scouting party abandoned for the pursuit of
this party of hunters, women and children. This pursuit was kept up
in an irregular manner over the rugged and almost inaccessible country
about the South Fork of John Day's Eiver for twelve or fourteen days,
the Indians, resorting to their habitual tactics in such cases, dispersed,
each individual to take care of himself. During this chase some of
Captain Small's scouts approached to within twenty miles of Camp
Dahlgren, and the whole detachment rejoined the command at camp on
the summit of the mountain September 22. It was a matter of serious
regret that the principal object of this scouting party was not attained,
as the campaign closed with its return to camp, and the expedition was
compelled to return to The Dalles without being able to communicate
any information whatever regarding the abiding place of the Indian
marauders, or intelligence concerning their plans and purposes for the
future.
It was generally believed by ofllcers who had performed scouting
service in the main range of the mountains north of Crooked River
that a practicable route for a wagon road could be found across from
CampDahlgren. Accordingly,iu the early partofSeptember,an explor-
ing party crossed the mountains for the purpose of examining in detail
the surface of the country with the view of opening a road if a practi-
cable route could be found. This party returned to camp September 9,
having ascertained beyond question the practicability of a route run-
ning north from Camp Dahlgren and intersecting the Canyon City road
at the Mountain House. The distance was estimated at twenty-three
miles. On the 11th of September Captain Porter was sent out in charge
of a working party, and by the ISth the road was opened and the party
returned to camp. The object of the road at tirst was to march the
expedition over it on the return to Fort Dalles, and to secure an open
route of communication between the Canyon City road and the open
country at the head of Crooked Eiver for the benefit of the settlements
in that neighborhood and to facilitate military operations in the future.
The more immediate usefulness of the road became apparent when the
orders were received to establish Captain Small's company for the win-
ter at Camp Watson. These orders were received September 18, and
recognizing the necessity for immediate action in carrying out the pur-
poses of the general commanding as indicated in those orders, prepa-
rations were at once made to move the expedition to the north side of
the mountains. Camp Dahlgren was abandoned on the 20th, the com-
mand marching to the summit of the mountain, there to await the
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CBAP.LXIt.) EXPEDITION TO SOUTHEASTERN OREGON. 341
return of the detaclimeuts of Captain Small and Lieutenant McCall,
then absent. These detachments joined September 22, when the expe-
dition moved down to the foot of the mountain on the north side and
encamped at Alder Creek September 24. The near approach of cold
weather and the absence of any kind of shelter for the troops other
than tents at Camp Watson rendered it necessary that Captain Small's
company should bo relieved at once, that necessary steps might be taken
to prepare their camp for winter. This was accordingly done on the
25th of September. Our surplus commissary stores and every article
of property in the quartermaster's and commissary departments not
absolutely needed on the march to The Dalles was transferred to Lieut.
John F. Noble, acting assistant quartermaster and acting commissary
of subsistence at Camp Watson, and our surplus transportation sent to
Fort Dalles. According to the original instructions arrangements were
to be made for the return of the expedition to Fort Dalles by the 15th
of October. With this purpose in view the command, now reduced to
Company D and the detachment of Company B, with trausiwrtation
reduced to five teams, broke up the camp on Alder Creek on October 4
and started for The Dalles. At Bridge Creek October 5 authority was
received by lett«r from headquarters District of Oregon for the expe-
dition to move forward to The Dalles with dispatch. Accordingly the
niarch was accomplished in eight days, and the command arrived at
Fort Dalles on the 11th of October after an absence of six months, less
a few days.
At the close of a long and arduous campaign it becomes me to speak
of the troops which I have had the honor to command. For them I have
none but words of praise. Without the opportunities of personal distinc-
tion that mark the history of more serious warfare, they have been
patient and enduring in long and fatiguing marches over a mountain
and desert country, brave and vigilant in times of danger, and obedient
always. Instinctively observing a high standard of discipline, every
kind of service was portbrmed with alacrity, as a matter of duty
unmixed with hopes of reward. They are entitled to the highest
commendation. The district of country explored by the expedition
lies between the parallels of 42° 30' and 44° 30' north latitude,
and between 118° and 121° west longitude, and is inhabited by a
few bands and some scattered families of Snake Indians, who roam
over a vast expanse of mountain and desert unmolested. It would be
difficult to estimate their numbers. Migratory in their habits and
averse to intercourse with white men or other tribes of Indians, not
much is known of them. Of these bands Po-li-ni's is the largest and
most formidable to the white settlements, numbering probably fifty or
sixty fighting men, and some women and children — it would be impos-
sible to say how many — and is composed in part of Snake Indians
proper, who have united themselves under able leadership for the pur-
poses of plunder, and in part of renegades from other tribes actuated
by a like motive. Their home is the upper part of the Crooked River
Valley, shifted occasionally to other localities to suit their nomadic
tastes and to seek shelter and protection for their families and stolen
property after an incursion into the settlements. These are the Indians
who have committed the depredations on the Canyon City road, John
Day's Eiver, and the Warm Springs Reservation within the past two
years. Some other small parties of a few families each, roaming over
the country, live concealed in the most rugged and inaccessible places
to be found, are possessed of the instincts of the wolf or panther more
than those of humanity, rendering all efforts to hunt them from their
lairs almost futile. Lieutenant Waymire found in April last at the
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342 OPKBATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Ohap. LXn.
eastern base of Steeu's Monntaia these Indians collected in quite con-
siderable numbers. From the appearance of their camps in the latter
part of June they evidently abandoned that section of the country
soon after Lieutenant Waymire's attack upon them. No signs were
found that would indicate the route taken in their departure, and no
information obtained to show where they went. It is probable that on
the approach of warm weather they dispersed in all directions. The
experience derived from the campaign just closed leads me to believe
that these Indians have been vastly overestimated in numbers. Their
habits of life enable them to midtiply evidences of their existence
indefinitely, and at the same time to evade successfully all attempts on
the part of the whites to hunt them out and open intercourse with
them. A squad of eight or ten families encamped at a small spring
about the head of Malheur Eiver in early spring will be at Goose Lake
in midsummer, at Steen's Mountain in the fall, and on Crooked Kiver or
the Des Chutes the ensuing winter, occupying at least five or six differ-
ent camps in each locality, and as many more on their route of travel
from one place to another. They are indisjwsed to fight if it can be
avoided, and seldom take risks of that nature unless advantages are
largely on their side. Their strength lies in the extent and character of
the country in which they live and their activity and address in availing
themselves of the advantages afforded by nature. To subdue or exter-
minate them would require time and means beyond the advantages to be
gained by such a course. To protect the settlements from their inroads
a small military force stationed at the most assailable points is all that
is necessary. The rapid advance of the white settlements in Eastern
Oregon has so circumscribed their territory that they will be obliged
to abandon their country entirely within a year or two at the outside,
or go upon some reservation and live at peace with the whites.
Of the district of country embraced within the theater of the sum-
mer's operations there is little to be said beyond the mere fact that it
is worthless. Presenting to the explorer alternating sections of moun-
tain and desert, it is destitute of attractions for the settler or traveler.
A few small valleys occurring at long intervals are to be found in
traveling over this vast region that appear to be susceptible of settle-
ment and cultivation. Having a good soil and water and timber in
abundance, some of them may be made available for settlement if the
climate does prove too severe. The altitude of these places is gener-
ally so great that frost, snow, and ice are matters of common occurrence
even in midsummer. In the little valleys amongst the Bine Mountains
it was found to be so frosty that the mountain grass was bitten off in
September, and at Silver Creek on the 11th of June snow fell to the
depth of three inches on the low hills inclosing the valley, and covered
the bottom of the valley itself. At this place on the day in question
the thermometer went down to 24° at sunrise. On the 18th of June,
at the head of a tributary of the Malheur, the thermometer at sunrise
stood at 20°; at Summit Valley, thirty miles south of Canyon City, the
mercury fell to 21°, and at the same place on the 9th of July it fell to
19°, and on the 18th of July, on Beaver Creek, the mercury went down
to 16°. The instances here cited are the extremes of cold experienc!ed
during the summer, but will indicate the rigors of climate to which the
country is subject. It is questionable whether any of these valleys can
be made useful for anything but grazing. A marked feature of this
part of Eastern Oregon is found in "The Desert," a strip of country
extending firom the mouth of Crooked River in a southeast direction
to the Humboldt Mountains, a distance of 250 miles, and varying in
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CHAP. LXll.) EXPEDITION TO SOUTHEASTERN OKEQON. 343
width from 30 to 100 miles. It separates tlie Klamath Lake country
from the Crooked Biver and Harney Lake basins, is an undulating
l)lain, ridged irregularly with high ledges of volcanic rock, and covered
with a stunted growth of sage and juniper, presenting to the eye a
picture of desolation seldom seen in our country. It was crossed in
July by a scouting party from Camp Gibbs at a iwint opposite the Three
Sisters, when the distance across was found to be thirty miles, the
route pursuing the old emigrant trail of 1845. Southeast of this trail
the desert becomes wider and more impassable. From Silver Lake to
Mountain Springs by the Yreka trail it is seventy-two miles, and from
Saline Lake to Pleasonton's Butte, by the Red Bluff trail, it is ninety
miles in width. Another trail crosses it from Goose Lake to Owyhee.
The distance across by this route I did not learn, but it is much reduced
below the distances by the other routes. These trails are traveled by
people emigrating from California and Southern Oregon to the Boise
and Owyhee countries. As routes of travel they are practicable for
loose stock only, except the first and last named, which may become
practicable routes of transportation. It is said by some parties of
prospectors somewhat familiar with that country that the route by
Pleasouton's Butte can be improved by a slight deviation to the west,
thus touching at some small brackish lakes that occur somewhere near
the middle of the desert. Since the return of the expedition informa-
tion has been received that leads me to believe that a route could be
found from the Des Chutes River, twenty miles above the Three Sisters,
to intersect the military road at Spring Valley twenty miles south of
Camp Maury. This supposition is based upon the fact that a small
stream empties into the Des Chutes twenty miles above the Three
Sisters from the east. It is probable that from the head of this stream
not more than twenty-five or thirty miles of desert would have to be
crossed to the chain of hills south of Crooked River. This if found
correct would afford a route of communication from the Willamette
Valley to all points east of the mountains, nearer than any now known.
Should a military force be sent into that country the ensuing summer
an examination of this part of the desert with a view to the opening of
this route, if it exists, would be altogether practicable, and attended
with but little expense.
Next to the desert the Harney Lake basin naturally presents itself
to our consideration as a feature worthy of notice in a description o^
the country. Inclosed on the north and east by some rambling spurs
ol the Blue Mountains, on the southeast by the Snow Mountains, and
on the west by a chain of ridges and isolated peaks that rise out of the
desert, the basin is simply a depression on the very apex of a large
district of highlands, circular in form, with a diameter of fifty or sixty
miles and no outlet; with its sterile, rocky slopes cut into chasms and
gorges by volcanic action ; with its wide tracts of sage desert and general
want of everything that renders a new country attractive, it forms a
fitting climax to a most worthless part of our country. The two lakes,
which for some unaccountable reason are called the Malheur Lakes on
all the old maps of the country, are near the center of the basin and
separated from each other by a narrow sand bank. Lake Harney, the
smallest of the two, is about ten miles long and four or five miles wide;
its waters are clear, but brackish from evaporation. Tule Lake, the
most easterly of the two, is a little larger than Lake Harney, and com-
municates with it by means of a channel or slough. Its waters are
shallow and muddy. It is in reality nothing more than the sink of
Cricket Creek, a stream that has its source in the high peaks near
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344 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Chit. LXII.
Canyon City and flows south to the Harney Lake basin. The country
immediately sanoauding these lakes affords nothing worthy of notice;
high, rocky table lands and almost endless fields of sage comprise the
landscape. Thirty miles north of Lake Harney, as Cricket Creek
debouches into the valley, a wide alluvial bottom is formed, wet and
swampy, subject to periodical overflows, and covered with a rank
growth of wild grass. This place was called Big Meadows by Major
Steen in 1860. It would afford fine grazing grounds during the summer
months, and is capable of supplying large quantities of bay if cut in
proper season. The Snow Mountains, so called by Major Steen, who
crossed it in the month of August, 1860, forms the southeastern por-
tion of the great rim that incloses the Harney Lake basin. It is simply
an elevated portion of the chain that forms the connecting link between
the Sierra Nevada and the Blue Mountains. The altitude was not
ascertained, but it approaches close to the snow line, as the summit was
covered with snow in June, and large patches were distinctly visible in
July and August. The eastern face of this mountain is abrupt and
precipitous, broken occasionally by great caiions, through which the
melting snows of the mountain find an outlet to the desert plain below.
The western face descending into Harney Valley wears a barren appear-
ance, is rocky and broken, and entirely destitute of vegetation. From
the Snow Mountains eastward to the Owyhee River stretches a broad
expanse of desert It was not crossed by any parties from the com-
mand, but was supposed to be about thirty miles in width. From the
Main Fork of John Day's Biver to the Harney Lake basin lies a dis-
trict of country extremely broken and rugged in character, embracing
the main chain of the Blue Mountains and its numerous spurs that
shoot out in various directions. The Blue Mountain — so called in the
reports of the expedition to distinguish it from the numerous detached
ridges in its vicinity — is a single ridge that branches out westwardly
from a great mass of mountains east of Canyon City, and terminates
in high, rugged table-lands near the mouth of Crooked River. Its
northern face, abrupt and precipitous, affords here and there a route of
ascent, is densely timbered, and has a moist, damp climate. From the
base to the table-lands of the Columbia the country is chopped into
struggling foot-hills destitute of timber. The southern face of the
niountein slopes gently to the Crooked Biver Valley, is barren in
appearance, with a dry climate, and a temperature considerably warmer
than the northern side. It is hero worthy of notice that the whole
country south of the Blue Mountain wears the marks of an arid climate.
An extensive district of mountain country is drained by three small
streams — the South Fork of John Day's, Crooked River, and Cricket
Creek. The water-courses and springs dry up in the latter part of the
summer and vegetation almost ceases to exist. As a mineral country
it has afforded thus far nothing that would be at all remunerative to
the miner. Gold in small quantities was found by some of the men of
the command on Beaver Creek about forty miles southeast of Camp
Dahlgren. With this exception no minerals of any kind have been
discovered so far as known, although several large prospecting parties
have devoted a good deal of time to exploring its gulches and canons
within the past two years. The water-courses of the country, as before
remarked, are small and of no importance. Crooked River, the largest,
has its source in the mountains north of Lake Harney, flows northeast
through broken table lands, lying immediately south of the Blue Moun-
tains, to the Des Chutes River. Forty miles above its mouth it enters
a great canon marked by i)recipitou8 walls of rock on either side, and
affording only at long intervals an occasional rout« of crossing. Its
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CBAP. LXII.] EXPEDITION TO S0UTHEA8TEBN OREGON. 345
waters are warm, strongly impregnated with the alkalies of tbo soil on
its banks, and unwholesome for man or beast. The broken table-lands
aboat the head of this stream, called the Crooked Eiver Valley, are
characterized by unexampled ruggedness of surface, so rough and
rocky that a cavalry horse losing a shoe would be unable to travel in a
few hours. This is a fair grazing country early in the season, these
rocky table-lands producing bunch grass of superior quality and in
great abundance, that ripens in July and parches and dries up in
August. The South Pork of John Day's River heads in some rocky
ridges about thirty miles north of Lake Harney, and flows north
through a great gorge in the Blue Mountains to the Main Fork. The
stream in July was a mere brook, liunuiug through a deep canon
nearly its entire length, there are no valleys of any size or consequence
on its banks. Cricket Creek, sometimes called Selvic's River, heads
near Canyon City and flows south through some straggling spurs of the
Blue Mountains to Uarney Lake Valley. It has two quit« largo valleys
near its source, and forms the large meadow bottoms in tlio valley
before mentioned. Its course until it reaches the Uarney Luke basin
is through a densely timbered country, wild and rugged, and abound-
ing in game of all kinds. It abounds in beaver and other animals of
that kind, and was a great deal fi-equented in times past by the
employes of the Hudson Bay Company. A few smaller streams of
trifling importance complete the history. Among these may be men-
tioned Bridge Creek, Rock Creek, and Cottonwood Creek, all heading
in the Blue Mountains, the two first flowing north to John Day's River
and the last west to Crooked River. Silver Creek heads about fifty
miles south of Camp Dahlgren and flows south to a brackish lake near
Pleasouton's Butte. It forms a valley fifteen miles from the butte of
considerable size, with a rich alluvial bottom, producing an abundancte
of grass.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JNO. M. DRAKE,
Captain, First Oregon Cavalry, Commamlinii.
Acting Assistant Adjutant-Genebal,
Headquarters District of Oregon, Fort Vancouver, Wash. Ttr.
No. 5.
Report of Lieut. John M. McCaU, First Oregon Cavalry, of operations
May 17-19.
Expedition to the Indian Country,
Camp Maury, May 19, 1Sl>4.
Sib : I have the honor to report that in obedience to orders on the
17th instant, with twenty-six men from Company D, thirteen men from
detachment of Company B, with Lieut. Stephen Watson and ten Indian
scouts, I left Camp No. 17, on Crooked River, at 9.30 ]). m., t« attack
the camp of Snake Indians that had been discovered by the scouts tlie
same day. We proceeded in a northeasterly direction over a high and
extremely rocky country for some twelve or fourteen miles, where we
found eleven of our Indians who had been left to watch the Snake camp.
They reported that the Snakes had been having a regular war dance, .
singing, laughing, and shouting so that they could hear them two miles,
and had only just got quiet. It was now nearly 2 a. m. We moved up a
short distance and halted. Four of our Indians then started outon foot
to ascertain if possible the exact locality of the Snake encampment.
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346 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Chap. LXII.
After an aosence of about three-quarters of an hour they returned.
We then moved forward about one mile and sent out two more scouts,
who returned in a few minutes reporting that the distance to the camp
was not over 600 yards. The united report of all the scouts was that
we approached the camp from the west; to the north and south was an
open flat or bottom running some distance; to the east was a gradually
ascending hill covered with jnniper trees, the encampment being on the
west side of the open flat under some juniper trees. I divided my com-
mand into two platoons, Lieutenant Watson in charge of one and
myself the other. The Indians were to go to the north, I to the south,
while Lieutenant Watson was to go slowly up the center, with instruc-
tions to all to capture any horses they might see, so as to cut oft' their
retreat by horseback. As soon as it was light enough we all started.
My route was over a very rocky country until I reached the flat, which
at that point was very miry — almost impossible to cross. Just as we
got over this mire we discovered a band of horses being rapidly driven
up by an Indian. We immediately captured them, and I put them in
charge of a corporal and two men. We then heard firing to our right,
and turned in that direction, but found we were coming directly under
the fire of our own men. We turned to the right and came around
over the point of the hill and Ibund Lieutenant Watson's party. • The
Indians had retreated across the flat to a clifi' of rocks, where they had
a complete fortification. Lieutenant Watson had charged them to the
edge of the clifi', where the Indians fired a volley into them, killing
Lieutenant Watson and 2 privates of Company B and wounding 5
others, some severely. I also found a citizen, Richard Barker (who I
did not know was along until I bad started), with his thigh broken and
Stock Whitley very severely wounded. Some 3 horses had been
shot dead and 5 or 6 badly wounded. The wdole of this had been
been done in less than fifteen minutes. I soon found that the Indians
were impregnable in their position, and the only way for me to save the
wounded men and the horses, both of the men and those already cap-
tured, was to retreat to a safe place and send for re-enforcements. The
attack was made before 4 a. m. At 6 o'clock I started an Indian and
Private Barney as express for re-enforcements. At 8 o'clock we reached
a safe x>osition about one mile and a half from tlie field, and you arrived
at 9 a. m.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
J. M. McCALL,
First Lieutenant, First Oregon Cavalry.
Capt. John M. Drake,
First Oregon Cavalry, Commanding Expedition.
A n I) E N D A.
Headquarters Department op the Pacific,
San Francisco, June 13, 1S64.
Brig. Gen. B. Alvord,
Commanding District of Oregon, Fort Vancouver, Wash. Ter.:
(xENERAL: I am directed by the general commanding the depart-
ment to say that he has read with much interest the reports of Oapt^ain
Drake and Lieutenant McCall; that he commends the gallantry of the
troops and regrets the loss of a brave officer and the noble men who
fell in the conflict. lie trusts their surviving comrades will avenge
their deaths in a summary manner.
I have the honor to be, general, your obedient servant,
E. SPAEKOW PUllDY,
Assistant Adjutant- General.
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CUAP.LXII.) EXPEDrnON TO SOUTHEASTERN OBEGON, 347
No. 6.
Report of Capt William V. Rinehart, Fimt Oregon Cavalry, of opera-
tions June 14-16.
Camp Alvobd, Obeg., June 21, 1864.
SiB: I have the honor to report that in compliance with Orders, No.
13, from your headquarters, I marched from Camp Henderson with
thirty-two men of my company to the Jordan Creeli Ferry, on Owyhee
River, and proceeded thence up the west side of the river two miles to
a ford, where I crossed over and found moccasin tracks and the trail of
the horses stolen from the proprietors of the ferry. Following up the
east side of river three miles I recrossed the river at the mouth of the
Great Canon and ascended the bluffs to the high table-lands, from which
1 could trace with my glass the course of the river, bearing nearly due
east. This I found to be the great bend of Owyhee, as laid down upon
the [sic]. Following a small trail in a southeastern direction for two
miles, 1 turned eastward across a rocky sage plaiOj and sent out Ser
geant Taylor and three men to scout along the bluffs and examine the
flats and bars on the river for Indians. In this manner I marched
about eight miles, keeping in sight of the scouting party, and far
enough out from the bluff' to avoid the rocks, which were very bad near
the bluff. Here 1 turned toward the river and called in my scouts,
who reported no signs of Indians, and also that the river was entirely
inaccessible except at one point about three miles below. It being now
5 p. m. I followed down the river to the place indicated by the scouts,
and succeeded in getting down to the river by passing down a rocky
gulch to a small bar covered with porcupine and barley grass, where
I encamped for the night, having marched full twenty-five miles. On
the 15th I resamed the march as before, passing along the margin of
the sage plain and taking observations of the river at every oppor-
tunity. Having gone about fifteen miles in this manner I halte<l at a
pool of water occasioned by late rains, at 11 a. m., and leaving the
command here 1 took three scouts and passed up the river about three
miles to where it turns directly south, and as far as I could trace its
course with my glass it appeared to bear a direction nearly due south.
Having found no indications of Indians, and our rations being over
half exhausted, I returned to the pool, and after grazing an hour
started on my way back to Camp Henderson. 1 passed back by a
route farther out from the river through fine grass for ten miles, then
through sage and rocks, and found several Indian wick-i-ups five to
eight miles out from the river on the dry plain. These seemed to have
been summer lodges and had not been occupied lately. I returned to the
river at the mouth of the Great Canon just before dark, having marched
about forty miles. The caiion from the Great Bend up to where I last
saw it, a distance of twenty-five miles, is narrow and very deep; from
300 to 400 feet the bluffs perpendicular and of basaltic formation. On
the 16th instant we inarched to Camp Henderson, fifteen miles dis-
tant, and finding it evacuated followed the trail to Camp No. 36, mak-
ing thirty miles. On my return I sent out scouts from the Great Bend
to discover the course taken by the party with the stolen horses, and
having found that they were taken across toward Jordan Creek, I went
and examined the trail, and believe it to have been made by other than
Indians.
W. V. RINEHART,
Captain, First Oregon Cavalry.
Lieut. John Bowen,
First Oregon Cavalry, Adjtitant Expedition,
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348 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. (Chap. LXIl.
No, 7.
lieports of Capt. Richard 8. Caldwell, First Oregon Cavalry, of opera-
tions July 3-16.
Camp on Bridge Creek, July 10, 1864.
Sir : I bave the honor'to report that I left Fort Dalles with my com-
luand on the 3d and arrived at this camp yesterday without any event
of interest transpiring. I found the command of Lieut«nant Wood at
this camp. He arrived on the 5th. He reports having seen Indians
upon the hills near here. There have been no depredations on the road
since the fight here except a few shots fired at the Mountain House
yesterday morning. The stage bound up stopped there for the night.
The Indians left before day. I shall move to-morrow for Eock Creek,
thirty miles above here, where I shall make permanent camp. I shall
leave detachment of six infantry at Alkali, four miles above here, and
with the train returning shall send a small escort as far as Muddy,
where they will remain, this being the lower end of the route, where
every difficulty has occurred. Muddy, Alkali, and Ilock Creek are all
stations where the stages stop for the night and where packers and
travelers will make. The travel upon the road is larger than I had
anticipated, and even now families are traveling upon the road. The
locality of the Indians and their captured stock is a matter upon which
great variety of opinion exists, some putting them upon one side of the
John Day's and some upon the other. I hope to determine the matter
with certainty before the arrival of Lieutenant Olney's command. The
Eugene City trail comes in at this place I learn the distance is from
sixty to eighty miles to where it crosses the road, twenty- five miles
below Camp Maury.
1 am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
R. S. CALDWELL,
Capt,, First Oregon Cav., Comdg. Canyon City Road E.rpedition.
Lieut. J. W. Hopkins,
First Oregon Cavalry, Acting Assistant Adjutant-Oeneral,
Udqrs. District of Oregon, Fort Vancouver, Wash. Ter.
Canton City Road Expedition,
Camp Watson, Bock CrceTc, Oreg., July IS, 1864.
SiE: I have the honor to acknowledge the recept of your communi-
cation of the 0th instant, with Special Order, No. 94. I am in receipt
of no communication from Lieutenant Olney, or of the acting assistant
quartermaster at Fort Dalles, as to what transportation and rations he
will be supplied with. This command arrived here on the 12th instant,
having left six infantry at Alkali, twenty-five miles below. The supply
train started back on the 14th with an escort of seven cavalrymen, who
will accompany it as far as Muddy, where they will remain for the pro-
tection of that station. I did not deem it necessary that the train
should have an escort below that point, as no Indians had been seen
below there, but learn since of depredations committed at Antelope,
twenty-five miles below. On the same day I sent ten men as escort to
some families going to South Fork to settle, with orders to scout in that
. vicinity for two or three days. They will be back today. Lieutenant
Wood has scouted for ten or twelve miles in the mountains south of
this camp, and reports ^o sign of Indians. A few Indians have been
seen about the stage station on the road the last week, but, strange as
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CHAP.Lxn.) EXPEDITION TO SOUTHEASTERN OREGON. 349
it may appear, no travelers report having seen any. Since we have been
at this camp the travel on the road has been immense; cattle droves,
pack trains, and families from Jackson County, Eugene, and The Dalles
have passed, and all report having seen no Indians on Crooked Eiver
or on the Eugene trail. I learn that the command of Captains Drake
and Currey were twenty-five miles from Canyon City a week ago, and
some of the command were at Canyon City. They had seen no Indians
oil the route. Their destination 1 did not learn. This camp is on Rock
Creek, sixty miles from Canyon City and twenty from the South Fork.
Grass, wood, and water are plenty, and shall make this the permanent
camp for the season.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
R. S. CALDWELL,
Gapt, First Oregon Cav., Gomdg. Canyon City Road Expedition.
AcTiNa Assistant Adjutaht-Geherax,
Headquarters District of Oregon, Fort Vancouver, Wash. Ter.
Camp Watson, July 26, 1864.
Sir : I am in receipt of no communication from your headquarters
since mine of the 18tb instant. Since that time 1 have, with the avail-
able mounted force of my command, spent four days in scouting over
the country for thirty miles below here on both sides of the road, and
find no Indians, or any sign of there having been any for some time.
Captain Currey, with 100 men, arrived here yesterday from Camp Maury.
He struck the road ten miles below here; distance sixty-flve miles; good
mountain trail. From information derived from him and other sources,
I am of opinion tbat Po-li ni, with his band, left the road about the
time of our coming here, and has gone to Ilarney Lake or that vicinity,
where, in connection with other bands, I think he will infest the roads
from Nevada and North California, or else return with increased force
to this vicinity. The packers and teamsters travel on this road in large
companies now and guard their stock well, and this circumstance and
his fight at Bridge Creek has taught him that he cannot steal without
fightiug, which with his force hecannot aflbrd to do. Lieutenant Olney
has not yet arrived, and I have not heard from him. I have directed
him to encamp at Bridge Creek, where he will remain and scour the
country from there to Crooked JUver.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
R. 8. CALDWELL,
Capt., First Oregon Cav., Comdg. Canon City Road Expedition,
Lieut. J. W. Hopkins,
Actg. Asst, Adjt. Oen., Mdqrs, District of Oregon,
Fort Vancouver, Wash. Ter.
No. 8.
Report of Lieut. James A. Waymire, First Oregon Cavalry, of opera-
tions July 6-8.
Fort Dalles Expedition into the Indian Country,
Gamp No. 38, July 8, 1864.
Sir : In obedience to Orders, No. 30, headquarters Fort Dalles Expe-
dition into the Indian Country, and in accordance with instructions
received as herein directed from Capt. George B. Currey, First Oregon
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350 OPEBATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST, (Chap. LXII.
Cavalry, commanding the detachment of cavalry under my command,
comprising thirty enlisted men of Company D, First Oregon Cavalry,
marched from this place on the morning of the 6tli instant. Passing
ont of the eastern end of Summit Valley, a plain situated near the
source of Selvie's River or Cricket Creek, and about sixty-five miles
north of Harney Lake, I passed over a succession of timbered hills,
gradually ascending toward the east a distance of four or five miles,
and then joining to several irrregular chains of mountains, tlie m«>st
prominent of which lay to the north. Taking this prominent ridge
I found it to be the dividing range between Canyon Creek to the north
and the East Fork of Selvie's River to the south. The general course
of this high divide is east-northeast and west-southwest, and it leads
directly toward Malheur Butte, the highest point of the mountains,
at the head of John Day's River. About three miles after striking the
ridge our route intersected a large trail which comes out of the great
defile of Canyon Creek, and runs almost due south in the direction ot
Steen's Mountain , east of Harney Lake. The guide, an old trapper, who
is practically acquainted with the country, thinks that this trail was
formerly used by the Indian tribes of the Umatilla and Walla Walla
Rivers in coming to the mountains of this vicinity in search of game.
It may, however, bo a thoroughfare to the Harney Lake country. It has
not been recently traveled. Following along the divide our route was
quite practicable, though rough in many places from rocks and fallen
timber. There are two steep precipices of perhaps 300 feet each, about
sixteen miles from Camp No. 38. From the last precipice it is six miles
t-o the source of the East Fork of Selvie's River in a canon a few miles
southeast of Malheur Butte. Here the detachment was encamped for
the night after a march of about twenty-two miles. Camping facilities
were snfBcient.
On the evening of the 7th with some difficulty from the steepness of
the ascent and rocky nature of the mountain, I moved up two mUes to
the top of the range. There is a fine spring here with some uiouutaiu
grass surrounding it ou the hill-side. The range here is quite rugged,
its northern face forming a cove in the shape of a horseshoe of several
miles in circumference. The walls of the cove are nearly perpendicular,
are composed of basalt rock, are about 1,000 feet in height, support
several very large beds of snow, and rest their base upon a large table-
land. On this table-land, thousands of feet above John Day's River,
the brooks from the walls of the cove form a lake about one and a
quarter miles long and half a mile wide. The lake is bordered by rock
and a large grove of pine surrounds it. A large stream issues from the
lake and runs into John Day's River. Malheur Butte occupies the
northwestern end of the cove three miles distant from its center.
Leaving the animals at the spring in charge of one platoon, with the
other I went to the summit of the bntte. The ascent was steep and
rocky. The butte is composed of trap rock. It commands a fine view
of the country for more than 100 miles around. The Middle Fork of
John Day's River has its source in the mountains immediately con-
nected with the butte, to the east a few miles; Canyon Creek five miles
to the southwest; Selvie's River or Cricket Creek (East Fork) three
miles south-southwest. One fork of Malheur River heads directly east
and runs east, and another tributary heads about five miles southeast;
runs south perhaps fifteen miles, where it is joined by a stream coming
from the west and turns east. All the intermediate country about
these streams is mountainous and covered with fine timber, except two
small valleys on Selvie's River, one on the tributary of Malheur,
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CHAP.LXII.) EXPEDITION TO SOUTHEASTERN OREGON. 351
whicb roDS south, and the channel of John Day'rt Kiver, which is marked
by a high rolling prairie of several miles in width, bordered by timbered
moantains. The moantains on North Fork of John Day's Eiver to the
north, on the head of Burnt and Powder liivers to the northeast, the
Payette Mountains to the distant east, Steen's Mountains east of Har-
ney Lake to the south, and the Cascade Bange far iu the west were all
plainly visible. Leaving the moantains, passed down a gradual slope
to the south into a small valley on the tributary of Malheur. It is
nearly round, about five miles in diameter, has several groves of pine
in it, is surrounded by timbered mountains, and discharges its waters
through a canon to the south. There is plenty of game iu the valley,
but no Indian sign of this year. Encamped in the valley with plenty
of grass, wood, and water. On the morning of the 8th I left the valley
at its western side, passing into the timbered mountains in a western
direction, for Gamp No. 38. The mountains are quite rough for about
seven miles to the west. Several large caiions running south, thence
passing into the divide north of Selvie's Eiver the descent is gradual
and comparatively free from fallen timber (the worst obstacle to marcli-
iug in that region). Traveling west about twenty miles, reached Gamp
No. 38 at 2 p. m., having discovered no fresh Indian sign during the day.
I have the honor to be, sir, very respecjtfully, your obedient servant,
JAMES A. WAYMIEE,
Secotid Lieutenant, First Oregon Cavalry,
Commanding Detachment Company D, First Oregon Cavalry,
Oapt. John M. Drake,
First Oregon Cavalry, Commanding Expedition
into the Indian Country, Camp No, 38, Oreg.
No. 9.
Report of Lieut, John F. Noble, First Oregon Cavalry, of (Operations
August 7-16,
Gabip Gibbs, Obeg., August 17, ItiOL
Sir: In obedience to instructions dated headquarters Expedition
into the Indian Country, Gamp Gibbs, Greg., August 4, 1864, 1 left this
camp at 7 a. m., on the 7th instant, with a detachment of twenty-one
men of Companies B and G, First Oregon Cavalry, and four days' rations.
Following a southerly course over tlio mountains, struck Juniper Greek
in about eight miles. Then taking a course about north of west through
the timbered ridges, crossing several small creeks, all dry at this season
(general course being south and running into Juniper Creek), iu about
eight miles camped on a creek, but little water and poor grass. Said
creek also runs into Juniper Greek. The following morning took a
westerly course. In about eight miles struck a creek, running water.
Here I halted the pack train and left one platoon with it. I proceeded
with the other platoon down the creek southwest about four miles, and
ascending the bluffs found said creek emptied into Juniper Creek about
two miles beyond. On this creek a large number of Indiana had been
encamped some time last fall. From the number of old wigwams and
signs I should suppose they numberetl from fifty to seventy Indians.
They had but little stock, apparently. On returning to the train I fol-
lowed up the creek some four miles. This region is known as Sheep
Mountain and hunting grounds of the Suake Indians. Then bearing
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352 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. {Chap. LXII.
off to the northeast crossed a low divide in the mountains to the north
side and went into camp in about four miles on one of the tributaries
of Crooked Biver. Grass poor and water scarce. The following morn-
ing, taking an easterly course, in about four miles struck another creek
running in a northerly direction into Crooked River. Following this
creek down to its mouth, some eight miles distant, and then following
up on the north side of Crooked Kiver to this camp about twelve miles.
No fresh signs of Indians were discovered, only on the first day out.
An Indian on horseback had passed down one of the creeks a few days
before on the south side of the mountain, traveling south. Most of the
creeks on the south side of the mountains which were running in June
last are now perfectly dry. There is great scarcity of water and grass
ui)on the south side of the mountains at this season of the year. I am
of the opinion that there are no Indians at present, nor have there been
any about Sheep Mountain for a long time. The distance traveled about
sixty-four miles.
Upon returning to Camp Gibbs I lay over to rest the animals, &c.,
until the morning of the 12th instant, when I left with twenty men of
Companies B and G, First Oregon Cavalry, taking five days' rations
with me. Crossed the mountains in a southeasterly course; struck the
head of a large valley in about eight miles. Said valley encircles the
east end of this range of mountains, running around into Crooked
River Valley some fourteen miles east of this camp (Gibbs). I followed
this valley down a short distance, leaving it, bearing off in an easterly
course over a low mountain. In about eight miles brought us to a fine
running creek which empties into the above mountain valley. This
creek is about two miles long, the water good, and plenty of grass at
this camp. The following morning struck a southeasterly course, pass-
ing over the valley, struck the wagon road (Major Steen's), and in
alwut twelve miles came to Alkali Flat, or Spring Valley ; crossed the
main branch of Crooked River and took the Canyon City road and fol-
lowed it about ten miles in a northeasterly course and encamped on a
creek running into Crooked River. The water very poor and but
little of it; the grass very poor. The next morning took a northerly
course, leaving the Canyon City road at this point, it bearing off in an
easterly direction. In about six miles struck a creek running into
Crooked River through a deep and rough canon. Followed up this
creek about one mile and struck the Canyon City road again; but little
water. Followed said road about two miles, then bore oft' to the west
of north (here the road took a northeasterly course), and in about six
miles struck a creek running into Beaver Creek. I followed said creek
down some eight miles — no water in it at this time, but there is a fine,
strong spring about six miles up it, southeast from Beaver Creek, and
large valley surrounding it — to Beaver Creek, and camped. Water
standing in holes and very poor ; grass very fine at this camp. Tlie
following morning took a direction north of west and passed through
two large valleys; fine grass, but no water at the points through which
I passed. After traveling eight miles I took a westerly course and
crossed over onto Crooked River in about twelve miles and encamped;
plenty of water and grass good. I met Captain Small and his command
on the southwest side of the battleground of May last about noon
to-day. He was then moving in an easterly direction, having marched
that morning from the north ford of Crooked River. The following
morning, taking a westerly course down Crooked River, reached this
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CHiT.lXll.) EXPEDITION TO COOS BAY, OEEQ. 358
camp in abont ton miles. I saw no fresh signs of Indians during my
scout, and am of the opinion that there have not been any in tliat por-
tion of the country very recently. The distance traversed on my second
trip, about ninety-five miles.
Most respectfully submitted.
JOHN F. NOBLE,
Second Lieutenant, First Oregon Cavalry.
Capt. John M. Drake,
First Oregon Cavalry, Commanding Expedition into the
Snake Country, Camp Oibbs, Oreg.
AFSU 21-KAT 12, 1861— Expedition firom the Snetz Siver Block-Honw
to Coos Bay, Oreg.
Report of Lieut. Louis Herzer, First Washington Territory Infantry.
Block House, Siletz Rivek, Obeg., May 13, 1864.
Snt: I have the honor to report that in compliance with Post Order,
No. 4, dated Fort Hoskins, Oreg., March 11, 1864, 1 proceeded on the
2l8t of last month with a detachment of ten men of Company D,
Fourth Infantry Oalifomia Volunteers, in pursuit of Indians who had
left the Alsea Sub- Agency. On April 21 our march was by land from
this post to the depot branch of the Yaquina Bay. There I procured
a large Hat-boat, embarked all my men and animals on it, and arrived
at the mouth of the bay toward evening, where I disembarked and
camped for the night with good grass and water. Distance twenty-
eight miles and a half. April 22 our route lay for fifteen miles along
the beach to the month of Alsea Bay, where we arrived at 11 a. m. On
account of the state of the tide we Lad to wait till evening before we
could swim our animals across, a distance of one third of a mile at low
water. We encamped for the night on the south side with good grass
and water. Distance, fifteen and a third miles. April 23, marclied
nine miles along the beach to the Alsea Sub-Agency, where U. S. Indian
Sub-Agent A. Harvey, and one of his employes joined me. Distance,
nine miles. April 24, marched over very rough, broken, and miry
ground, the road being almost impassable from its having rained all
the previous night. Camped with good grass and water. Distance,
fourteen miles. April 25, followed the beach for six miles, then ascended
Cape Perpetua. We were here detained by fallen timber, through which
we had to cut our trail. Camped on the south side of the cape, at
the distance of one mile, amongst low sand hills; grass poor and
scanty, water brackish. Distance, fifteen miles. April 26, marched
six miles along the beach, when we reached the mouth of the Siuslaw
River, 600 yards wide. Crossed the detachment in canoes, and swam
the animals. Followed the beach until we arrived at Ten-Mile Creek,
the southern boundary of the Oregon Indian Coast Reservation.
Camped five miles south amongst sand hills; grass poor and scarce,
water very bad, but it is the only camping ground in this vicinity.
Distance, twenty-one miles. April 27, sent one man to accompany Mr.
Harvey's employ^ ahead of the detachment to Coos Bay for the purpose
23 B B— vol. L, PT I
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354 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Chap. LXII.
of procuring boats and ascertaining the location of the Indian camps.
The detachment marched six miles along the beach, and reached
Umpqua Eiver, near the old fort. Crossed over in boats and swam the
animals over, the river being one mile and a quarter wide. Encamped
at Winchester Bay. This country being all settled, had to put the
animals over to pasturage. Distance, eight miles and a quarter.
April 28, followed the beach for twenty miles and arrived late in the
evening at Coos Bay. Encamped in the brush on the north side and
immediately sent a detachment of six men in a boat across the bay to
an Indian camp, where twelve Indians were captured ; distance, twenty
miles. April 29, formed camp for a few days, and there being no grass
land vacant, had to put the animals to pasturage. From this date to
May 4 sent out parties by day and by night all through the surround-
ing country to every Indian camp I could obtain information of. We
captured in all thirty-one Indians, some of whom have never lived on
the reservation and some others who have been absent from it two
years and over. We could have taken a great many more had the white
settlers not interfered, but they sided with the Indians, giving them
intbrmation of our movements, and assisting to evade our pursuit and
hide in the hills, where it is impossible to follow them with such a small
force as I bad at my disposal. A party of seventeen Indians who had
left the reservation last summer, and who had been encamped near
Empire City, on learning of our arrival returned immediately to the
reservation, preferring coming back of their own accord to being
brought back under escort. May 4, started back with the Indians cap-
tured by the same road we had come, and made the same marches,
there being no other camping grounds on the trail but those above
mentioned. Were much detain^ by Indians giving out on the road.
Arrived at the Alsea Sub- Agency May 10, and turned all Indians taken
over to Sub- Agent Harvey. I arrived with my detachment back to
this post yesterday evening, having been absent twenty-one days and
traveled a distance of 262 miles. I have to bring to your notice the
good conduct and zeal displayed by every man of the detachment under
my command. They were always ready and willing to turn out for
scouting parties at all times of the day or night with great cheerful-
ness. I would especially bring to your notice Corporal Bensell and
Private Plunkett, of Company D, Fourth Infantry California Volun-
teers, who were constantly and always at work and assisted materially
in the success of the expedition. I would respectfully call your atten-
tion to the fact that the white settlers at Umpqua and Coos Bay
always took the part of the Indians, assisting them to hide or escape
to the hills, where pursuit was impossible. I would respectfully sug-
gest that the only plan of preventing the Indians from returning ^nd
remaining in that part of the State would be to make it a penal offense
for any white to harbor or aid a runaway Indian, and to authorize the
military to arrest without civil process any parties committing such an
offense.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
LOUIS HERZER,
Second Lieutenant, First Washington Territory Infantry, Comdg.
Lieut. J.. W. Hopkins,
First Oregon Cavalry, Actg. Asst. Adit. Oen.,
Edgrs, Dititrict of Oregon, Fort Vancouver, Wash. Ter.
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CHAP. Lxn.] EXPEDITION TO POET MOJAVE, AEIZ. TEE. 365
MAT 9-JTniE 22, 1864— Expedition from Fort Crittenden, Utah Ter., to
Fort Xojave, Ariz. Ter.
Report of Capt. George F. Price, Second California Cavalry, eommandi'ng
expedition.
Salt Lake and Fobt Mojave Wagon Road Expedition,
Camp 31, Fort Mojave, Ariz. Ter., Wednesday, June 22, 1864.
SiE : I have the honor to sabmit herewith preliminary report of this
expedition to this camp. A full and complete map of my route, together
with complete history of the expedition, will be furnished as soon as
practicable after my arrival at Camp Douglas. It is intended to furnish
in this preliminary report suflBcient information to enable the general
commanding District of Utah to determine how far the expedition was
successful, to what extent it succeeded in accomplishing his wishes, and
whether a route from the Colorado Biver to Salt Lake City can be made
superior to the present route from Carson City to Salt Lake, or equal
to it. In obedience to letter of instructions of May 7, 1864, from head-
quarters District of Utah, I left Camp Douglas on morning of 9th of
May, 1864, with Lieutenant Conrad and sixty-one non-commissioned
officers and men, four six-mule teams, and sixty-four Government
horses. I arrived at Fort Crittenden on the 11th of May, from which
point I was instructed to commence my operations. I here determined
to move the column and teams by the San Bernardino road, sending
out small parties to the west to explore the country. Upon arrival
at Muddy Creek the wisdom of this measure was apparent, for had I
attempted to haul my teams on any one of the routes run by my side
scouts, would have been destitute of horses and means of transporta-
tion long before arrival at Mountain Meadow. I moved the column
by easy marches to Mountain Meadow, a distance of 302^ miles, in
sixteen days, having good water and grass along the route, with as fine
a road as 1 ever traveled over. To this point six of my horses had
become unserviceable and were run in the herd. Two of my teains gave
evidence of failing, and I commenced feeding them from my private
grain. At this point I also erected a monument in memory of the
victims of the Mountain Meadow massacre, which fact was at that time
communicated to you in an ofiQcial letter. From Mountain Meadow to
Muddy Creek my stock failed rapidly. I employed every means in my
power to keep it up, making short drives, working at the teams when-
ever a pull was required, and keeping a working party ahead to improve
the roiul. The distance was ninety-eight miles, and I occupied nine
days in traveling it, besides resting at Mountain Meadow two days, and
then did not get two of the teams into camp at Muddy [Creek | until
three days after making the camp; was compelled to pack the loads in
and give the mules empty wagons, which then they could scarcely haul.
Leaving the Eio Virgin for Muddy, had to rise a large hill, a mile long.
At that point was compelled to pack outfit on horses; then place all
mules to wagons, and sixty men with ropes in addition to' get them on
top of the hill. It was not so much the condition of the route which
broke down my means of transportation as it was the fact of having
old and worn-out mules, who commenced failing on a road which was
equal to a turnpike.
I made Camp 24, on Muddy, June 3, 1864, having succeeded in get-
ting all my stock in, excepting one mule and one horse died and one
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356 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Chap.LXIL
horse strayed. Total distance from Camp Douglas, 396 miles 6 furlongs
and 21 rods. My side scouts from Fort Crittenden to Muddy are as
follows : One from Fort Crittenden to Hound Valley, via Tintic Valley,
Oak Creek, and Sevier River, 101 miles; one from Radford's to Cedar
City, via Deseret Settlement, Sevier River, Sevier Lake, Sink of Beaver,
and Black Rock Springs: distance, 156 miles. No wagons accompanied
either of these scouts. Neither could wagons have accompanied them,
the routes being across heavy sand, rank growth of sage brush, no grass,
and but little water on routes, and it at long intervals. The third and
most important side scout sttvrted from Corn Creek, south of Fillmore,
taking with it one six male team, the best one I had, with twenty days'
rations. This scout, after almost superhuman exertions, succeeded in
making New Mines, west of Beaver City, and passing down to Blaek,
Mountains were forced to come m my route to San Bernardino road at
Mountain Meadow. Distance traveled, 350 miles. All of these scouts
reported barren, desolate country, and uo chance to run a natural wagon
road where there could be found wood, water, and grass. A carefully
prepared map of each of these side scouts has been made, together with
complete daily journal, which will be submitted with final report. By
means of these scouts I was possessed with much valuable information,
and succeeded in running a complete line from Fort Crittenden to
Clover and Meadow Valleys, to within a distance of seventy miles of
Muddy Creek, and at one point on the side scout being 115 miles west
of Beaver City. The last-named scout joined me at Muddy on 5th
June, having occupied twenty days, with team and horses much jaded.
It thus became evident to me that I could not continue the expedition
with all of my teams and horses, and accordingly left Sergeant Gass
with fifteen men at Muddy, having m charge two wagons, nineteen
horses, and eleven mules, together with all of outfit not absolute neces-
sary for me to have, and by reducing rations of those who were to
accompany me was enabled to leave him rations for thirty days. He
was instructed to run line from Muddy to Clover Valley as soon as
horses were rested enough to do so, and to await at that point (Muddy)
orders from me. None of the horses or mules left behind were in con-
dition to cross to the Vegas ; in fact, could not have driven them across
the desert loose.
1 left Muddy on Tuesday evening, June 7, 1864, with forty-five men,
forty-seven horses, and ten teams, having only provisions and water
barrels on them. The men were reduc^ to one blanket and their
saddle-bags, each containing one shirt, one pair drawers, and one pair
of socks, Mr. Conrad and self doing the same, leaving all our mess kit,
bedding, &c.,at Muddy. Succeeded in crossing the desert without much
trouble, and found at Vegas plenty of excellent water and grass. Had
to leave at that place two horses which could not proceed any farther.
After resting there until evening of 9th June resumed march from Las
Vegas for El Dorado Canon ; distance, forty-four miles. Traveled to Mes-
quite Springs that night, when halted until daybreak, using the spring
water, which was very bad. Next day (10th) resumed march. After
traveling up grade eighteen miles halted at grass; mules and horses
much exhausted ; gave horses three quarts of water each, and men had
one quart each issued to them. Wagons and troops then separated,
former taking road, latter taking trail. We made water in mountains
which stood in pot holes in the rocks, and was only rain water. About
dark horses were crazy for water, and had the men been compelled to
travel five miles farther some of them would have gone ci-azy. On this
route four horses gave out and had to be shot. Next morning went
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CHAT. LXn.] EXPEDITION TO PORT MOJATE, ABIZ. TEE. 357
down into El Dorado €auon and made Gamp 27. Water euoagh
standing in caQon for stock, but no grass. Teams eame in some two
or three hours afterward ; males scarcely able to stand in the harness.
I remained in canon until next day in the afternoon, when resumed
march for Mojave. Arrived at Lewis' Spring with many of the horses
exhausted, men nearly all walking. Upon arrival at spring could not
obtain water enongh for the stock. Horses arrived there about reveille ;
team mules did not get in until middle of afternoon, and then only
brought iu one wagon. It became evident to me that 1 would be com-
pelled to leave them. Had taken precaution to send party from El
Dorado Cailon to Mojave by river trail, and knew that fresh mules would
come out in few days. Left Sergeant Gordon and nine men at Lewis'
Spring with the teams; also left with them about all the provisions
I had : also left with him ten horses who could not travel any farther.
Six additional horses were shot or left en route from El Dorado Gallon
to Lewis' Spring, making a total of twelve horses shot or left at water
and grass since leaving Muddy. I then started from Lewis' Spring for
Rock Springs with twenty-five horses all told, and nx)on arrival tliere
found ^o water for stock. Drove them out to Government Hole, where
they obtained enough to quench thirst Found a stray cow and shot
her for meat. Next day resumed march for Piute Greek, and from
Piute Greek arrived here on the 16th instant completely worn out and
exhausted, half the men barefooted, horses scarcely able to walk, not
because they were poor in flesh, but because the route from Vegas here
affords but littlegrass and water, and where the grass is there is no water,
and where water is found there is no grass. I was very thankful that
I had succeeded in getting here. At Piute Greek met six fresh mules
going out to meet my wagons, taking also some provisions to the men.
From Fillmore to Cedar Gity the route makes a circle into the east, and
I ran three observation lines as follows: One from Gorn Greek to
Beaver Gity; one from Gorn Greek to Parowan, and one from Gorn
Greek to Gedar Gity. None of these are practicable, for want of water
and grass. The streams starting out from the mountains do not run
down more than from one to six miles, excepting Beaver Greek. I
found the maps extant of the country through which I traveled very
incorrect. No reliance whatever can be placed upon the maps for any
portion of the country south of Fillmore. I ran the distance from
Gamp Douglas to El Dorado Canon, 488 miles, and from Camp Douglas
to Fort Mojave, 585 miles four furlongs and nineteen rods. The route
can be shortened from El Dorado Canon probably twenty-five or thirty
mUes, and from Fort Mojave at least sixty miles, which will be done on
return trip. On Tuesday {21st) dispatched an express for Muddy, with
orders to Sergeant Gass to resume line of march for Camp Douglas. I
cannot obtain any fresh teams or horses at this post. There are but
few animals here, and they are in but little better condition than my
own. The condition of my stock may be stated as follows:
Left at Muddy June 7, 1864, 19 horses and 11 mules, worn out and
unserviceable; left at Las Vegas, June 9, 2 horses, unserviceable; shot
en route to Eock Springs, 10 horses; left at Eock Springs, 2 horses; left
at Lewis' Spring, 12 mules and 10 horses. Total rendered unservice-
able en route, including mule and horse died before reaching Muddy
and 1 horse strayed, 24 mules and 45 horses. My team mules were
driven in yesterday. The stock I have here will not be in condition to
resume travel for at least one month, and I doubt my ability to return
much of it to Gamp Douglas. Plenty of provisions can be obtained
here, bat I do not purpose taking ful' supply when starting, only
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358 OPERATIONS OK THE PACIFIC COAST. (Chip. LXn.
enough to supply to Mountain Meadow, intending that teams will meet
me from Camp Douglas at or near that point. You will be advised
fully of my plan of operation in time to meet me at Mountain Meadow,
should I so adopt. I repeat that the condition of my stock is not
caused so much by the character of the road as it is from the fact that
the (eam mules were old, worn out, and almost unserviceable at the
start for a march of such magnitude. The delay of the teams also
delayed the troops, keeping it in poor range much longer than it would
have been had the teams been serviceable. You will remember that at
Camp Doaglas I remarked that not less than fifteen of my horses were
totally unfit for this expedition. I made the same remark to the gen-
eral commanding, and was told that he could not do better for me.
This I believe, and am satisfied I had as good an outfit a% coald be at
that time furnished. Yet the fact cannot be denied that the outfit was
entirely inadequate to the wants of the expedition. As a natural
result the route proved severe upon both men and animals, and
both freqnently suffered intensely from want of water, and also from
fatigue incident to misfortune of getting through with broken-down
teams. As soon as the teams commenced failing I issued private grain
belonging to Mr. Conrad and self amounting to 800 pounds. As regards
the route J have fully made up my mind as follows: While I will not
yet say that road cannot be opened west of present traveled route until
learn result of line run from Muddy to Clover Valley, am decided that
no nearer, better or more practicable route can be run than the present
one from Camp Donglas to Las Vegas; and having traveled from Carson
City to Salt Lake over the mail road, state without any hesitation that
the route 1 have traveled to mouth of El Dorado CaBon is superior in
every respect to it, and that the total length of route need not exceed
450 miles. There is no occasion to run the southern terminus of road
below El Dorado CaSon. Steam-boats can navigate the river as easily
to the caQou or to a point eight miles above it, as they can and do to
La Paz, 200 miles south of Mojave. I will locate the southern terminus
of road either at mouth of El Dorado Ca&on or at a landing eight
miles above, running from thence to Las Vegas to Muddy, Virgin
Kiver, Clara River, Mountain Meadow, Cedar, Beaver, Fillmore, west
side of Utah Lake to Salt Lake City. Nature of road as follows : From
El Dorado Canon forty- four miles desert to Las Vegas, where find most
excellent water and grass; from Las Vegas to Muddy forty-seven miles
desert, where find good water and abundance of grass; from Muddy to
Virgin, twenty miles, good road; on Virgin to Beaver down thirty-two
miles sandy road, heavy hauling; from Beaver down to Clara River,
good road; &om Clara River to Mountain Meadow, heavy road; from
Monnt&in Meadow to Salt Lake City, 302^ miles, a turnpike road,
supplied with wood, water, and grass; longest drive on it without
water is twenty-seven miles. Best time to start freight trains from
El Dorado Canon on or about 20th April, as follows : A train of 100
Government wagons, divided into five parts, each part two days in
advance of rear, each twenty wagons to have two grain and water
wagons along, and every wagon to have water barrel holding twenty-five
gallons. Feed grain to Mountain Meadow anyhow, haul water to Muddy
Creek ; from these two points load grain and water wagons from other
teams, and the through trip can be made in twenty-six to twenty-eight
days, easy. So well satisfied am I of this fact would be willing to take
charge of such a train and stake my commission on bringing it
through without loss of an animal, except from natural causes, pro-
vided that at the start the outfit was of a No. 1 quality. To start out
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CHAT. Lxn.] EXPEDITION TO FORT MOJAVE, ABIZ. TEE. 359
any otlier kind of stock would simply result in delays and losses, aud
also injure tbe reputation of the route. It is useless to run a road from
the canon to Fort Mojave. It would make nearly 100 miles additional
land carriage over a country poorly supplied with water and grass. The
Colorado Eiver can be navigated to El Dorado CaDon with greater ease
than the Sacramento Biver can be navigated from Knight's Landing
to Bed Bluff, using the same kind of boats as are employed on the
Upper Sacramento Biver. There are no obstructions in the Colorado
Biver excepting the occasional shifting of sand bars, which is pecul-
iar to the Missouri, Mississippi, aud Sacramento Bivers. No appro-
tions of public monej' are necessary to improve the navigation of the
river. Bich mines are located along it from a point seventy miles south
of La Paz to the mouth of the Virgin; the country is rapidly filling up
with an energetic people, aud private enterprises can easily do all that
is required and receive handsome profit from any outlay thus made.
The so-termed Colorado Steam Navigation Company runs one heavy,
good-for-nothing boat to La Paz, which town property is mostly owned
by that arrangement. Instead of placing good boats on the river, the
company acts a« though it wished to retard the opening of the country,
and it is my decided opinion that this company is seeking to obtain
from the Go?ernmeut a large appropriation for the ostensible purpose
of improving the navigation. Steam-boat brought a load of freight to
this post on 20th May last and said would return immediately. Mr.
Hardy has over 300 tons of fireigbt lying at La Paz awaiting trans-
portation from this model company, and when it is a notorious fact that
the river is as easily navigated from La Paz to El Dorado Canon
as it is from Fort Yuma to La Paz, no reasonable excuse can be
offered for such conduct on the part of a company professing a great
desire to open the river and supply the wants of a region rapidly
developing in great mineral wealth. All tbe steamers tbey could
place on the river could run down every trij) loaded to utmost capacity
with rock from the many ledges and receive four cents per pound for
freighting it. A steam company could make fortune upon fortune at
the business of freighting rock down the river. It is scarcely a year
since the mines were discovered in this section of Arizona, and now
there are over 100,000 persons interested in them. Many of these
ledges rival in richness the Comstock and Gould and Curry, of Nevada
Territory, and it is my belief that ledges will be discovered all the way
from here to Salt Lake City in the mountains of the Colorado, the Vir-
gin, and the Sevier Bivers. The importance of opening the navigation
of the Colorado Biver and establishing good wagon-road communica-
tion fh>m head of navigation to Salt Lake City cannot be urged too
strongly or impressed too firmly upon the minds of those in authority
who have the power within their hands of prosecuting such a work to a
successful termination. I passed through numerous bands of Indians
from Mountain Meadow to this point, and had no trouble with them.
On the contrary, found them the most inveterate beggars I ever met.
In conversation with Indians at Muddy they charged the Mormons with
the Mountain Meadow massacre, naming John D. Lee and Jacob Ham-
blin as two of the principal leaders in that aflair. I have now commu-
nicated about all that 1 deem worthy of note at present time. The
daily journal of the expedition will when finished embody every detail
occurring from day to day, which, together with the map of routes, will
affor complete information, and will I trust meet the approval of the
general commanding, and I desire you to assure him that no effort has
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360 OPEEAT10N8 ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Chap. LXn.
been spared on uiy partto make the expedition saccessful and to accoin-
plisL bis wishes in regard to it. Whatever of hardships and suffering
the expedition may liave endnred amounts to nothing if success, in his
judgment, has not been accomplished by it The health of the command
is excellent.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
GEO, F. PRICE,
Captain, Second California Cavalry, Commanding Expedition.
Capt. M. G. Lewis,
Assistant Adjutant- Oeneral, District of Utah.
MAT 16-AlTOlTST 2, 1864.— Expedition from Fort Craig, N. Mex., to Fort
(}oodwiii, Arix. Ter.
Report of Col. Edwin A. Bigg, First California Infantry.*
Headquabtees,
Fort Craig, N. Mex., September 19, 1861.
Capt. B. C. Cutler,
Assistant Adjutant- Oeneral, Santa F6, N. Mex.:
Captain: I have the honor to transmit my report of expedition
against the Apache Indians and to establish Fort Goodwin, pursuant
to department General Orders, No. 12, current series. This report
embraces all except the details of scouting parties, which have already
been forwarded to department headquarters.
I am, captain, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
EDWIN A. EIGG,
Colonel First Infantry California Volunteers, Commanding.
Headquarters,
Fort Craig, N. Mex,, September 14, 1864.
Captain: I have the honor to report for the information of the
department commander that pursuant to instructions and department
General Orders, No. 12, current series, I left Fort Craig, N. Mox., on
the 16th day of May for Las Cruces, N. Mex., to organize and get into
the field the companies designated to form the expedition against the
Apache Indians and to establish Fort Goodwin, Ariz. Ter., on the Gila
Siver near the confluence of the Eio de Sauz, the exact site to be
located by Lieut. Col. Nelson II. Davis, assistaiit inspector-general, U.
8. Army. I arrived with the headquarters First Infantry California
Volunteers, Surgeon Whitney, Apache Expedition, and Lieut. W. A.
Thompson, First Infantry California Volunteers, adjutant Apache Exi)e-
dition, at Las Cruces, N. Mex., on the morning of the 18th. On my
arrival at Las Cruces I found that all the companies designated iu the
order ha<l not arrived there. 1 also found that snfScient transporta-
tion could not be furnished without delay, and that the beef-cattle
intended for the expedition had not arrived. I, however, set to work
to get off such of the troops as were present.
On the 20th, the cattle having arrived, I sent forward a band to ren-
dezvous at the Eio Miembres, in charge of seventeen men of Company E,
First Cavalry California Volunteers. On the 22d, Company D, First
* See also report of Lieut. Col. Nelson H. Davis, assistant inspector-general, U. S.
Army, Vol.XLl, Part I, p. 125.
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CbatLXIII expedition to fort GOODWIN, ARIZ. TEB. 361
Infantry California Volunteers, marched as escort to Ochoa's train (citi-
zen), which was also ordered to rendezvous at the BioMiembresor Hot
Springs. On the l^d, Captain Weilman, with the men present of Com
pany E, First Cavalry California Volunteers, left in charge of the bal-
ance of the beef-cattle with instructions to rendezvous at the Miembres.
24th, Company C, Fifth California Infantry, and Company H, First
California Infantry, with Surg. J. H. Prentiss, First Cavalry California
Volunteers, the whole under the command of Maj. J. Smith, Fifth Cali-
fornia Infantry, marched with instructions to proceed to the Cieuega de
Sauz and there await further orders. This command was rationed for
twenty days and the men furnished with two pairs of shoes each and
100 rounds of ammunition per man. On the 26th, I received a note from
Lieut. Col. Nelson H. Davis, inspector-general, to the effect that he had
found no place suitable for a post, and recommended that the command
go to the Burro Mountains and Cienega Navajo, making a depot at
Cienega Grande, to ascertain from Captain Whitlock, Fifth California
Infantry, commanding camp at Kio Miembres, as to the practicability
of a route for wagons by express. I ordered Maj. Joseph Smith with
his command to halt at the Miembres until further orders, also Ochoa's
train. On the 27th, reported to department headquarters that all the
companies had gone forward, Companies A and E, Fifth Infantry Cali-
fornia Volunteers, having marched that day for the Cienega de Sauz,
rationed and furnished as the other detachments; Company I, First
Infantry New Mexico Volunteers, had not yet arrived from Fort Union.
Also forwarded to department headquarters copies of all orders issued
to the command up to that datej also list of stores forwarded for want
of transportation. The bulk of the stores still remained at Las Crnces.
On the 30th, after being satisfied that my presence in Las Cruces could
not be of further use, and directing Lieut. S. B. De Long, acting assist-
ant quartermaster and acting commissary of subsistence, to remain
and forward the stores as expeditiously as possible, I left in person for
the front. Arrived at the Picacho at 9 p. m., and on the night of the
3l8t arrived at Cook's Canon.
June 1, arrived at the Eio Miembres and found that Major Smith's
command had gone forward, taking the Burro CaQon route. Captain
Whitlock, Fifth Infantry California Volunteers, was not positive about
the practicability of the route suggested by Lieutenant-Colonel Davis,
viz, via Burro Mountains. M^jor Smith having misunderstood his
orders and gone on, I sent a detachment of ten men and one non-
commissioned oflScer, Company C, First Cavalry California Volunteers,
to follow him, and ordered Captain Weilman with Company E, First
Cavalry California Volunteers, in charge of all of our cattle, to follow
on the same route; that if insurmountable difficulties occurred that
Major Smith would have abundant assistance to get out. I directed
Lieutenant Martin, commanding Company D, First Infantry California
Volunteers, to proceed with Ochoa's train by way of Cow Springs and
Soldier's Farewell to the valley of the San Simon, either by Steen's
Peak or Leiteudorfs Wells, as Ochoa might elect, and thence down
that valley to where Lieutenant-Colonel Davis suggested a depot
should be established. June 2, this morning Companies A and E,Fifth
Infantry California Volunteers, arrived with O'Rear's Government train
loaded with quartermaster's stores. I directed them to move together
from the Miembres and to move early to the valley of the San Simon,
and thence down that valley to the Cienega Grande, a point designated
by Lieutenant-Colonel Davis, inspector-general, as a proper place for a
depot. Haying started the different detachments and done all that in
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362 0PEBATI0N8 ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Chat. LXn.
my judgment could be done^ I preferred to leave myself and get to the
front, so that I could ascertain from personal observation the difficulties,
if any, that would have to be encountered. June 3, wrote to Lieuten-
ant-Colonel Davis informing him of my whereabouts and the routes
taken by the different detachments, and asking that guides be sent me
who knew where the Gienega Grande was, or the point selected for
Fort Goodwin, impressing upon him the importance of there being no
delay, otherwise it would work prejudicial to myself, the time of most
of the men in the command being short, and it was necessary to get to
work. At 2 p. m. marched with the men left of Company 0, First Cav-
alry California Volunteers, for Cow Springs; arrived at 5 p. m. June
4, broke camp at 2 a. m. ; arrived at Soldier's Farewell at 6 a. m., pass-
ing all the trains on the road. Found water in tanks, but little grass.
Bavin g no forage for our animals, and these being all old cavalry
horses, worked hard before starting, turned out; breakfasted; 12 m.
hitched up and moved on to Barney's Station. Little grass and mis-
erable water. June 5, broke camp at 4 a. m. Ochoa's train coming in,
and another to follow (O'Eear's), and doubtftil of water sufflciout for
all at Steen's Peak, took the road I traveled in 1861 for Leitendorfs
Wells; arrived at 9 a. m.; found water and good grass; grazed until
11 a. m. and moved on to the Cienega de Sauz, where we arrived all up
at 5 p. m. Found an abundance of fine grass, and, as is usual here, an
abundance of good water.
June 6, turned out the stock to graze until dinner. After dinner sent
all forward except a small detachment with instructions to camp as near
the San Simon as they could find water and grass. I remained in camp
to intercept the mail from Las Cruces and California. Bemained until
4 p. m. The mail not arriving, moved down to camp; sent a detail of
six mounted men back with our mail, with instructions to go on until
the mail party from Las Cruces was met. They met the party, and in a
few hours returned with our mail. To-day many Indian iires were seen
burning in the Chiricahua Range of mountains south of us. Ochoa's
train came in to San Simon Station to-day. No water. Compelled to
come up to our camp for water and to fill tanks. June 7, visited Ochoa's
camp and consented (their animals having but little water after leaving
Soldier's Farewell) to move their camp up to good grass and water and
lay over one or two days. Sent a detachment of twenty men from Com-
pany C, First Cavalry California Volunteers, to explore for the cienega
where Whitlock had his last fight with the Indians, alluded to by
Lieutenant-Colonel Davis in his communication of the 16th of May, and
to report on the practicability of taking wagons to it, as well as water,
wood, and grass. Took from Lieutenant Martin small water-tank, 300
gallons' capacity, and gave him one from Captain Frink's command, who
arrived in the interval, and at 1 p. ro. moved down the valley of the
San Simon or Kio de Sauz. Made dry camp at 6 p. m.; distance from
camp eight and two-tenths miles. At midnight Sergeant Grelely[t], of
Company C, commanding detachment in search of Whitlock's Cienega,
came in and reported having found plenty of water and good grass, and
reported Major Smith's command in camp all right. Koad practicable
for wagons. The safe arrival of Smith's command was a relief. I had
fears that he could not get through. June 8, broke camp at 4 a. m.;
halted at 9 a. m.; gave the animals water and moved on, using the
light ambulance to break the road, which was sandy, and in places hard
to pull through. The country became more rolling as we approached
the entrance to the small valley leading down from the Cienega Whit-
lock or Cienega Navajo, or Cienega Pass, as Captain Anderson calls it.
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CHAP. LXII.] EXPEDITION TO FOET GOODWIN, AEIZ. TEB. 363
This cienega, or water, is three miles firom the main valley. It narrows
as you pass ap to opposite where Captain Whitlock had his fight with
the Indians. The water is impregated with sulphur, bat good. June
9, broke camp about 3 p. m. and continued down the valley, leaving a
board at the mouth or entrance of the valley, instructing the trains to
camp there and send the animals up for water. Camped at 7 p. m. (dry
camp.) The roads rough, but uo difficulty in getting wagons over it.
June 10, broke camp at 4 a. m. Daybreak found us where Mounts
Graham and San Marcial (so named by Colonel Davis) could plainly be
traced. Kested and grazed our animals for an hour, when we resumed
our march. At 7 a. m. found good water in an arroyo and good grass.
Turned out the stock and took breakfast. We were now approaching
within a few miles of the Gila River and drawing up to it. 9.30 a. m.
saddled up and resumed our march ; thinking to strike the Gila within a
few miles, I took a few men and pushed ahead. Soon struck into the
valley of the Gila proper, and Smith's trail. Followed it up until about
1 p. m. Finding the river making a bend off to the north, struck for the
river direct. Watered and grazed our animals, and struck off to the
southwest, where we came suddenly upon Smith's camp. He informed
me that Captain Thayer, Fifth In&ntry California Volunteers, was out
looking for the Cienega Grande. In a short time Captain Thayer
returned and reported finding the Cienega Chiquita or Bonita, discov-
ered by Captain Anderson, Fifth U. S. Infantry. Knowing that the
Cienega Grande was bat a few miles east of that, we all camped near
together.
June 11, broke camp at an early hoar and haaled np to the small
cienega, being anxious to establish the depot and get the troops in the
field while our stores were coming up, and awaiting Colonel Davis'
report on selection of site for Fort Goodwin. This cienega is south-
southeast from the point where we struck the river and seven miles and
a half from it. Fine water and perhaps 300 acres of good land that
could be irrigated and cultivated. Took four men and rode over to the
Cienega Grande. Found tt and explored most of it. The surface of
most of it was covered with a thick crust of alkali, through which our
animals sank into deep sand ; again over a thick growth of grass, cov-
ering marshy ground. I could find none of the fine land reported by
Colonel Davis, and the water was difficult of access. To bring the
trains there would involve time, and in my opinion, when there, not a
good place for a depot. 1 ordered the command back to the river, where
they all arrived about 5 p. m, and made camp, which I called Camp
Goodwin and where I established the depot. June 12, command busy
unloading stores and putting np shades. June 13, sent Major Smith,
Fifth Infantry California Volunteers, with an escort to thoroughly
explore the Cienega Grande. His report in detail was forwarded for
the information of the department commander. Ochoa's supply train
arrived, and not knowing when I could hear from Lieutenant-Colonel
Davis, and desirous of getting my troops in the field, I unloaded his
train here. At 11 a. m. a guide came in and reported that he came from
Captain Shaw, First New Mexico Volunteer Cavalry. Captain Shaw
soon reported in person. His orders showed that he had come from
Fort Wingate, N. Mex. Copies of his orders and report to me of his
scout, together with correspondence, was forwarded for the information
of the department and district commanders. At 2 p. m. Captain Tid-
ball. Fifth Infantry California Volunteers, arrived in camp with instruc-
tions and information as to the site selected for Fort Goodwin. It was
unfortunate that the captain did not arrive one day sooner, becaoae
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364 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Chap. LHL
Ochoa's train was unloaded, which iuvolved the haiiliugof all the stores
by our owu trains from Oamp Goodwin to Fort Goodwin, making in dis-
tance the round trip of some sixty-five miles. Captain Tidball also
brought Juan Arroyo, guide. Those that I had proved to be entirely
ignorant of that country. June 14, Captain Wellman, First Cavalry
California Volunteers, arrived with our beef-herd. I sent his command
with the herd to Cienega Bouita (I call it Anderson's Cienega.) Major
Smith's report on the route by Burro Mountains was promi)tly forwarded
for the information of the district and department commanders. June
15, busily engaged in putting the stores under shelter. June 16, left
this morning with Captain Tidball at 5.30 for Fort Goodwin with the
light ambulance. Made a plain track for the trains to follow. Camped
at 3 p. ni. Distance traveled twelve miles. June 17, broke camp at
6.30 a. m. and crossed (short cut) where the River Gila bends again to
the northwest. Camped on the river at 3 p. m. near the locality selected
for Fort Goodwin. June 18, in company with Captain Tidball and an
escort of twenty men explored and selected a site for Fort Goodwin, as
Lieutenant-Colonel Davis directed, in the valley of the Tulerosa. The
description and sketch of this valley have been forwarded to department
headquarters. June 19, Captain Tidball, having accomplished what he
was sent for, returned to bis post at Fort Bowie, Apache Pass. June
20, took twenty men of the First Cavalry California Volunteers and
returned to the Tulerosa. Explored it well up toward the mountains
for grass. Found grass scarce; several patches only of grama grass.
The valley is the most beautiful one I have seen in Arizona. The spring
heads far up and furnishes water sufficient to irrigate all the lauds fit
to be cultivated. It has evidently been a place of great resort for the
Indians. Trails are leading to it from various directions and have the
appearance of being much used. The main trail to Sonora passes here
leading through Graham's Pass.
June 21, took Lieutenant Lambert, Fifth Infantry California Volun-
teers, and on foot explored lower end of valley. Camped the command
on west side of stream under a fine shade made by large mesquite trees.
These are the largest of the species that I have ever seen. Some of
them are as large and wide-spreading as the oak. Detailed First Lien-
tenant Lambert, Fifth Infantry California Volunteers, to survey and
define the boundaries and limits of Fort Goodwin, as near as practica-
ble to be six square miles in area, takiug as near as possible the site
of Fort Goodwin as a center. Juue 22, command clearing underbrush
and making camp comfortable. At 12 m. LieuteuantThompson and non-
commissioned staff arrived in camp. Captains Thayer and Harrover,
Fifth Infantry California Volunteers, having arrived with their com-
mands, were detailed to lay out the camp. Orders issued for the vari-
ous calls and rules and regulations to govern the camp were published.
June 23, reported to district headquarters that Fort Goodwin had been
located. Sent trains and ambulance to Camp Goodwin to bring down
the troops. June 24, sent Wagon-master Smith with train to Camp
Goodwin to bring down troops and stores. Every man for duty ordered
to report to Captain Thayer for police duty. Juue 25, issued General
Orders, No. 3, which related to the government of the camp and pres-
ervation of the purity of the water. June 26, directed Captaiu Well-
man, who had arrived with the herd of beef-cattle, to turn the same
over to Lieut, S. R. De Long, First Infantry California Volunteers,
acting commissary of subsistence. June 27, command engaged in clear-
ing away underbrush and building brush houses for their comfort.
June 28, party sent out exploring for grass. June 29, to-morrow being
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CMtf.LZn.] EXPEDITION TO FORT GOODWIN, ABIZ. TER. 365
last of the month, command relieved from duty to prepare for inspec-
tion and master. Jane 30, inspected and mastered the command to-day
at the post. At 5 p. m. proceeded to Oamp Smith and inspected and
mastered the cavalry in that camp.
Jnly 1, command diliji^ently at work pitching tents and preparing
store-rooms for the sapplies. July 2, command at work as on day pre-
vious. Notified Major Blakeney, First Cavalry California Volunteers,
commanding Camp Qoodwin, distant east from this i>ost thirty-two
miles, that transjiortation had been sent to his camp to move all the
stores there and break camp. Directed him to place a party in ambush
around camp, so that if Indians came in after his command liad left to
surprise and kill them : to keep a party along the river all the way
down to Camp Smith, located on the Gila lliver two and a half miles
north of Fort Goodwin. Sent detachment of cavalry in charge of the
mail to Fort Bowie to proceed up the valley of the San Simon via
Whitlock's Cienega, there to remain until the arrival of the mails from
California and Las Cruces, X. Mex. ; then to return without delay to
Fort Goodwin. July 3, wrote to district commander suggesting that
in view of many of the troops of this command going out of service in
August that a weekly express be put on to connect with one from Fort
Gooidwin (at Camp Miembres), schedule time to be arranged at districtr
headquarters. Transmitted to department headquarters through dis-
trict headquarters journal of march of the headquarters of the expe-
dition from Las Cruces to Fort Goodwin, Ariz. Ter. Reported to dis-
trict headquarters that on the trip from here to Fort Bowie the mail
party were attacked in the Chiricahua Mountains by Indians. They
were repulsed, woanding several and capturing foup burros. The
detachment was commanded by Corporal Hayes, Company E, First
Cavalry California Volunteers. To-morrow being the anniversary of
American Independence, orders were issued that all labor will be sus-
pended by the troops of this command. July 4, at 8 a. m. the troops
were paraded, and in the absence of heavy ordnance a volley of mus-
ketry was fired, as the flag of our country was elevated on a temiK)-
rary flagstaff, after which Lieut. John Lambert, Fifth Infantry Cali-
fornia Volunteers, delivered an appropriate address. July 5, pubUshed
an order prohibiting the cutting of ash and walnut in this valley.
Ordered Maj. Joseph Smith, Fifth Infantry California Volunteers, to
take the field against the Indians for twenty days. The following com-
panies comprise his command: Companies A, Fifth Infantry; I>, First
Infantry, and Lieut. Porter Haden with fifteen men of Company C,
First Cavalry California Volunteers, to be rationed for twenty days,
two days of which to be cooked and carried in the men's haversacks,
the field of operations to be the headwaters of the Negrito, Bonito, and
Pneto Rivers. Copy of order forwarded through district headquarters
for the information of the department commander; also directed Cap-
tain Thayer, commanding Company C, Fifth Infantry California Vol-
unteers, to take the field for twenty days, rationed and fitted out as
Major Smith's command, the field of operations to be striking west from
Fort Goodwin down the south bank of the Gila, and to operate on the
San Carlos and its tributaries. July 6, directed Capt. D. B. Haskell,
commanding Company H, First California Infantry, to scout through
Mount San Marcial tor seven days, the rations to be carried iu the
men's haversacks. Thermometer indicated the weather to-day at 7 a.
m. 790, 1 p. m. 950, 7 p. m. 87°.
July 7, the usual routine of camp duty. Thermometer indicates the
weather to day at 7 a. m. 79°, 1 p. m. 95°, 7 p. m. 87°. July 8, directed
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366 OPEEATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. (Chap. LXn.
First Lieut. Charles P. Nichols with twenty men of Company C, First
Cavalry California Yolanteers, to proceed by way of the h€«d of tlie
Tulerosa Valley and through the mountains to tlie Valley de los Playas,
and define the wagon road suggested by Lieutenant-Colonel Davis,
inspector-general, U. S. Army, to connect Fort Goodwin, Ariz. Ter.,
with the main (overland) road to Tucson, and to make a full report in
writing on his return as to practicability for a wagon road, on wood,
water, grass, and such other information as ho may deem necessary
having reference to a good wagon road. He was also instructed that
if he met with a transportation train en route to Fort Goodwin to
return with it by the most practicable route. Copy of his order in detail
sent through district headquarters for information of the department
commander. .July 9, acting assistant quartermaster and acting com-
missary of subsistence directed to make application for a sufficient
guard to protect their herds from Indians, and will see that they are
safely corraled at night and properly guarded. July 10, sent Lieuten-
ant Stockwell, First Cavalry California Volunteers, with ten men and
one noncommissioned officer of Company E, First Cavalry California
Volunteers, in charge of mail matter for M^or Smith's command in the
field. He was directed to proceed to Pueblo Viejo (old town), on the
Oila.Biver, some fifteen miles above where Camp Goodwin was located,
where he would meet an express &om Major Smith, Fifth Infantry Cali-
fornia Volunteers, then scouting on the Negrito, Prieto, and Bonito
Rivers. July 11, Captain Haskell returned from bis seven days' scout
and reported having scouted through Mount Turnbull. Found many
deserted rancheriasbut no Indians, they evidently having left about the
time Colonel Davis was exploring this valley for a site for Fort Goodwin.
Found but little water, which was obtained by digging. A full report
from Captain Haskell was forwarded through district headquarters for
the information of the department commander. July 12, directed Lieu-
tenant Smith, First California Infantry, with a detachment of twenty
men of Company H, same regiment, to proceed in charge of O'Eear's
train to the BioMiembres for stores, Col. G. W. Bowie, Fifth Infantry Cali-
fornia Volunteers, commanding District of Arizona, having notified me
that stores would be sent there, and from that point I would have to
ftimish the transportation and escort. Lieutenant Smith was directed
to go by the Cienega Navajo (or Whitlock's) and by Major Smith's
route to the Bio Miembres. An odometer was fiirnished this officer to
ascertain the exact distance, and instructed to report all particulars in
reference to this route.
July 13, Captain Kennedy, First Cavalry California Volunteers, in
charge of Government supply train from Tucson, reported by special
express his arrival at the cienega beyond Graham's Pass, and requested
that water be sent out to meet him. Directed Captain Harrover, Fifth
Infantry California Volunteers, to take twenty-five men of his company
to take two water-tanks filled with water in charge, and two Govern-
ment wagons with as much water as could be hauled in barrels and
kegs for the use of Captain Kennedy's command and the animals under
his charge; also, a sufficient number of spades, shovels, and picks to
make a road through Graham's Pass, if necessary; after meeting
Captain Kennedy to return with him to this post. The route taken
by Captain Kennedy was suggested by Lieutenant-Colonel Davis as a
short route to Fort Goodwin from Tucson. The route proved entirely
practicable for wagons. Captain Kennedy's report was forwarded
through district headquarters for the information of the department
commander. Col. King Woolsey's command of seventy-six miners
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Chif. Lin.) EXPEDITION TO FORT GOODWIN, AEIZ. TEE. 367
arrived to-day from Fort VTlupple, via Big Bump Valley, Piual Greek,
San Carlos Kiver, and the Gila. Colonel Woolsey mande a report in
detail, which was forwarded throngh district headquarters for the
information of the department commander. He reported thirty acres
of wheat and aboat forty acres of corn on Pinal Creek cultivated by the
Apache Indians. The wheat being ripe, I thought it would be well to
send a force into that section of country at once to prevent the Indians
from thrashing and caching it in the mountains for winter use. 1
directed a command under Miy, Thomas J. Blakeney, First Cavalry
California Volunteers, with the understanding that Colonel Woolsey,
in command of a company of Arizona miners, should join him on the
30th of July after exploring the headwaters of the Negrito and Prieto
Bivers, passing thence along the south base of the Sierra Blanca and
Mogollou Mountains to the headwaters of the San Carlos Biver. His
report in detail relating to that scout was forwarded to department
headquarters.* The report shows that the San Carlos heads and rans in
direction not shown on any map that I have seen. July 14, Captain
Kennedy, First Cavalry California Volunteers, in charge of Govern-
ment train, reported to-day all in good condition. Wagon-master Win-
gate's ti'ain, brougjit in by Captain Kennedy, was forwarded as directed,
to report to Maj. William McCleave, First Cavalry California Volun-
teers, acting assistant quartermaster at Las Cruces, N. Mex.
July 16, reported to Lieutenant-Colonel Davis, assistant inspector-
general, the safe arrival of Government trains at Tucson. It is the opin-
ion of Captains Kennedy and Nichols, First Cavalry California Volun-
teers, that water can be found nearer tlian the cienega in the valley south
of Mount Graham, by digging. The distance from Fort Goodwin via Gra-
ham's Pass to first water is thirty miles. Upon farther examination it is
probable that water can be found mnch nearer. One problem is settled.
A good road for wagons from Tucson to the valley of the Gila through
the valley of the San Pedro and Arivaypa is perfectly practicable
and a much nearer route to Las Cruces, N. Mex., than the one by Apache
Pass. The valley of the Gila is a fine one from the San Carlos to and
above the mouth of the San Francisco and Prieto, and can easily be
irrigated. The banks of the Gila being steep, the stream can by
means of dams be turned on the ground and the whole valley culti-
vated. If the Rio Negrito and Prieto should prove as rich in minerals
as it is expected, then this valley will soon be thickly populated. The
locating of Fort Goodwin has settled the reign of the murdering
Apaches who have held it so long. Their race is nearly run. Extinc-
tion is only a question of time. Published orders in detail for troops
to take the field — Company E, Fifth Infantry California Volunteers,
and Company I, First Infantry New Mexico Volunteers, and a detach-
ment of Company E, First Cavalry California Volunteers. Copies of
these orders and instructions to Major Blakeney, First Cavalry Cali-
fornia Volunteers, were forwarded for the information of the depart-
ment commander through district headquarters. July 17, sent party of
nine men in charge of Sergeant Harshaw, Company K, First Infantry
California Volunteers, to Fort Bowie with instructions to go by Gra-
ham's Pass and Ewell's Station, striking the old overland road near
the latter point, to observe the character of the road, and on his return
to report in writing as to distance, wood, water, and grass. From Ser-
geant Harshaw's reiwrt it will be seen that this route is preferable to
the trail through the Chiricahua Mountains or by San Simon, the
country being open and small parties not so liable to be attacked by
• See Vol. Xhl, Part I, p. 81.
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368 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. (Chap. LXn.
Indiaas. The route is also shorter. Sergeant Harshaw's report was
forwarded to department headquarters. July 18, wrote to Governor
Goodwin, Gt)vernor of Arizona, in reply to his communication of 9th of
June, inibrining him of the operations of troops from this command.
Forwarded Colonel Woolsey's report to department headquarters; also
Gaptaiu Kennedy's and Captain Nichols', First Cavalry California Vol-
unteers, reports in detail. The report of the latter refers to the valley
of the San Pedro and Arivaypa, and is full of interest in view of open-
ing communication by that route to Tucson and Port Lobos, on the
Gulf of California. Major Blakeney's command were inspected and
marched from Fort Goodwin at 5 p. m. The barrels of the men's mus-
kets were blacked and every precaution taken to get the command to
where the Indians were that could be. Major Blakeney was also fur-
nished with good guides, who knew just where to go to find Indians.
July 19, it rained to-day nearly all day, which cannot be other than
beneficial to the grass in this vicinity, which will also be of great serv-
ice to our animals'. July 20, sent express to meet subsistence train
and bring it up, the acting commissary of subsistence being ont of
the important parts of the ration, and troops expected in from the
field. For want of transportation the quantity of stpres on hand could
not be increased so as to keep troops out as long as was desirable.
July 21, with two or three men thoroughly examined the vicinity for
six or eight miles for grass. Was successful in finding more than I
expecteH, but not in sufiBcient quantity to afford grazing for any great
length of time for the post herd and furnish hay for cavalry horses.
Rain would help grass here very much. July 22, weather warm and
showery during the day. July 23, inspected the troops at the post.
During the day express arrived in charge of mail. Received Captain
Plympton's report of scout made by Captain Pfeiffier, First Cavalry
New Mexico Volunteers; also report of one train (subsistence) being
within one day's march of Fort Goodwin. This relieved my anxiety
about subsistence.
July 24, the usual routine of garrison duty here, cutting timber and
completing quarters and store-rooms. July 25, Maj. Joseph Smith,
Fifth Infantry California Volunteers, returned from his scout on the
headwaters of Prieto, Negrito, and San Francisco Rivers yesterday.
He found but five Indians, they having left that section of country.
The party he found hoisted the white fiag and desired to have a talk
with Lieutenant Martin, First Infantry California Volunteers. Major
Smith met them. They said that they were desirous for peace and
would come in and bring their families, and would go then with him to
camp, but moved off in another direction, when Msgor Smith opened fire
on them. Out of eighteen he could count but fourteen who reached the
canon leading to the mountain. Major Smith reports that the region
of country has all the appearance of being a gold-bearing country.
Copi)er can be found in inexhaustible quantities. Major Smith's report
in detail was forwarded through district headquarters to department
headquarters. July 26, verbally notified Major Smith that on the 28th
he would be required to take the field again. July 27, having heard
that Major Blakeney, First Cavalry California Volunteers, was not
successful in accomplishing what he was sent to do, I ordered Maj.
Joseph Smith, Fifth Infantry California Volunteers, with all the men
for duty in Company A, Fifth Infantry, and H, First Infantry California
Volunteers, and E, First Cavalry California Volunteers, to proceed to
the San Carlos on the 28th and join Major Blakeney's command, then
at Pinal Creek. Major Smith was to take command of the whole; his
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Chip. IXn.) EXPEDITION TO FORT GOODWIN, ARIZ. TER. 369
detachment to be rationed for thirty days. Although he had, with
Company A, Fifth Infantry California Volunteers, only returned from
a twenty days' scout on the 24th, every one went to work with alacrity
to get off promptly. I also furnished Major Smith with a copy of Cap-
tain Plympton's letter and route of Captain Pfeiflfer, First Cavalry of
New Mexico, against the Apaches from Fort<3anby to the Sierra Blauca.
With department commander's indorsement thereon instructed him to
make a depot on the San Carlos and fit out an expedition as the general
commanding directed. Also to have the force left in charge of depot
collect the grain found there and stored in wagons to be sent to Fort
Goodwin. Copies of orders and instructions were forwarded through
district headquarters for tbo information of the department commander.
I also transmitted through district headquarters sketch of the valley
of the Tulerosa, in which Fort Goodwin is located. This sketch was
made from the then unfinished survey of Lieutenant Lambert, Fifth
Infantry California Volunteers, together with a plan for a four-company
post. This valley is certainly a beautiful one, and with care all the
land north of the spring to the Gila can be made to produce cro])8
which will add to (about 600 acres) the lands now fit for growing crops
and for gardens. Aside from this, in a strategical point of view, in
case of foreign war, the site is a fine one. There is but one pass into
this valley or the valley of the Gila within many miles that artillery
conld be brought through, and that can be easily so fortified that it
would require a large force to force it. The water is abundant, yet the
volume of it can be increased, and is as pure as any mountain stream
I have ever seen. I directed Lieutenant Lambert to survey a reserve
for the post, which survey has been forwarded to department head-
quarters. Near the post a deposit of fine salt was found, the extent of
which I had not time to examine at the time. Reports of Major Smith
with sub-reports of Captain Frink, Fifth Infantry California Volunteers;
Lieutenant Martin, First Infantry California Volunteers, with a journal
of his route, were all forwarded to day to department headquarters.
Captain Thayer's report of operations on the San Carlos was forwarded
yesterday, and I would take this occasion to say that for energy and
perseverance bnt few officers surpass him. July 28 and 29, nothing of
interest. July 30, for several days we have Bad showers, accompanied
by high wind.
August 1, 1 directed Captain Thompson, First Infantry California
VoluTiteers, to take twelve men of his company and one non-commis-
sioned officer and scout for five days through Mount San Marcial for
Indians, the men to carry their rations. Captain Thompson was also
directed to report on mineral indications. Captain Thompson's report
forwarded to department headquarters. August 2, special express
arrived ordering me to send into Las Cruces, N. Mex., in time to be mus-
tered out of service on the 31st instant. Companies D and H, First
Infantry California Volunteers; Companies E and C, First Cavalry Cal-
ifornia Volunteers, and to repair in person to Fort Craig, N. Mex., to
muster out commissioned and non-commissioned staff of my regiment.
To do this, troops in the field had to be recalled, which I regret, for the
reason that they had become acquainted with the country, and guides
had been procured that knew where to find Indians. Another month
in the field would have resulted in clearing the Indians from the Prieto
to- Big Eump. As it is, the Indians have for a time (except in small
parties) left for Big Hump Valley, the Mogollon, and Sierra Blanca.
Mi^or Blakeney's report will show for itself I cannot help but state
that be at least exercised bad judgment. This is my opinion, that if
24 E B— VOL L, PT I
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370 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. (Chap. LXII.
Major Smith or Colonel Woolsey had arrived in time, from 200 to 500
Apaches would have come in. His zeal for an Indian boy resolted in
stampeding the whole rancheria. Maj. Joseph Smith is an excellent
ofiBcer, possesses energy, and exercises good judgment in handling his
men, and at all times ready for any duty. The men under my command
did their whole duty cheerfully. Ko better men could be found in any
department. As directed, I turned over the command to Major Smith,
Fifth Infantry California volunteers, and started for Las Cruces on the
11th of August, where I arrived on the 21st. Visited Franklin, Tex.,
district headquarters, on tbe 22d ; returned on the 24th to Las Cruces
and continued on that night to Fort Craig, where I arrived on the 27th.
For three or four days we had to haul our wagons by hand, and one day
made but three-quarters of a mile. The unusual rains had so softened
the ground that animals and wagons mired down at every step. It,
however, has done much good to the grass. The Gila, San Simon de
Sanz, and, in fact, tbe whole country from Fort Goodwin to Fort Craig,
resembles our eastern meadows. The San Simon or Bio de Sauz I
found quite a stream, and for many years, this I believe is the first that
a running stream has run through this valley emptying into the Gila
River. I was obliged to hug the mesas up to and near Whitlock's
Cienega to cross it. I had in charge an Apache boy taken by Major
Blakeney's command. He seemed to be well contented, and showed no
disposition to get away, and was apparently much attached to my serv-
ant, but on the fourth or fifth night, near where Whitlock had his last
fight, he escaped. No doubt he recognized the locality, and perhaps
some of his people were in that vicinity. The results of the expedition
are not barren. The Gila Valley and the sources of all the tributaries
of the Gila have been thoroughly explored. The Apaches have been
run out of that country, and with a few good troops stationed at Fort
Goodwin, with a co-operation from the various posts north, this tribe
will soon be compelled to surrender.
I am, captain, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
EDWIN A. RIGG,
Colonel First Infantry California VolunteerSf Commanding.
Capt. B. C. Cutler, .
Assistant Adjutant- General, Santa FS, N. Mex.
MAT 25-jnLT 13, 1864— Expedition from Fort Wingate, IT. Hex., to the
Oila and San Carlos Bivers, Ariz. Ter., with gkirmigheB (June 7 and 8) on
the San Carlos Biver.
Report of Capt. Julius C. Shaw, First Neic Mexico Cavalry.
Fort Wingate, N. Mex., July 14, 1864.
Sir: I have the honor to report that on the 25th day of May last, in
obedience to Post General Orders, No. 18, dated headquarters Fort
Wingate, N. Mex., May 20, 1864, 1 left this iwst with a command con-
sisting of First Lieut. Jos6 Maria Sanches, forty enlisted men of Com-
pany F, twenty enlisted men of Company B, First Cavalry New Mexico
Volunteers, one citizen (a guide), and myself (total, sixty-three men),
with rations (on pack animals) for sixty days, to scout against the
Apache Indians in the direction of the Sierra Blanca and the head of
the Bio Gila. Consulting the guide I found that I could the most
readily reach the Sierra Blanca via the Pueblo of Zuiii. Accordingly
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CHIP. Lxn.j EXPEDITION TO QILA. AND SAN CARLOS RIYEBS. 371
I proceeded in that direction and camped first night at the Jara, dis-
tance eighteen miles from this post. May 26, this morning whilst pack-
ing up preparatory to leaving camp one of the moles (being loaded)
suddenly ran off, which, whilst the men were endeavoring to force it to
return to the train, leaped down a precipice, injuring itself to such an
extent that I was obliged to abandon it. Keaching the Galliuas,
owing to the feeble condition of the mules, there being excellent pas-
tnrage at this place, I determined to encamp until the morrow ; distance,
eight miles. May 27, marched eighteen miles this day and camped at
the Tanate [Tinjyatl. May 28, marched eighteen miles this day and
camped at the Qjo Pescado. Experienced a heavy rain-storm to-day.
May 29, marched sixteen miles and camped at the Pneblo of ZuuL
More rain to-day. Here I determined if possible to hire an interpreter
to accompany the expedition, but conld not induce one to go. By
these Indians I was informed that five days previous to my arrival ten
or twelve Apache Indians from the Sierra Blanca met Captain Pfeiffer
at this place, and they asserted that the captain made a treaty of peace
with the Apaches, and that the Governor of Zniii himself bad taken
copies of the articles of agreement to the commandant of Fort Ganby.
Not choosing to believe this rejiort I determined to continue my journey
without changing my course. To me it was clear that the Zufii Indians
were anxious to screen the Apaches of the Sierra Blanca, and if they
knew it would probably try to get information to them of my intended
invasion of their mountains. May 30, leaving ZuOi at an early hour
this morning I marched about eighteen miles and camped on an arroyo.
Roads have been very heavy to-day. One of the pack animals gave out
and was abandoned, with a possible chance of its falling into the hands
of the Zufii Indians and perhaps thereby being saved to the Government.
May 31, marched eight miles and camped at Deer Spring. Owing to
the heavy fall of rain last night, which thorougly saturated the men's
blankets and other articles^ I concluded to remain here the balance of
the day and dry our equipage.
June 1, marched eighteen miles and camped at the Arroyo Colorado.
Roads very heavy, and with much difficulty I got some of my mules
into camp. June 2, marched sixteen miles and camped on the south
bank of the Eio Colorado Chiquito. lioads to-day have been nearly
impassable. I had to cut timber and construct a bridge before cross-
ing one arroyo. June 3, reached Ojo del Mai Pais, eighteen miles from
Colorado Chiqtiito. June 4, reached Ojo del Oso, nineteen miles from
last camp. This spring is situated on northern slope of the Sierra
Blanca, and here we found the first indications of Apaches. June 5,
marched ten miles and camped at a spring in the mountains, and sent
out small parties in all directions to search for recent trails or any
other indications of our near proximity to Indians. These parties
returned without finding any very recent signs. June 6, marched nine-
teen miles and camped at Apache Spring, which is situated in the heart
of the Sierra. Had parties (acting as Sankers) out during the march
to day looking for Indian signs, &c. June 7, at 6 o'clock last evening,
leaving tweu^men in charge of my pack animals and provisions, with
orders to follow after at the break of day, I started from camp with the
balance of my command for the head uf the Kio San Carlos, which
stream we reached after traveling probably twenty-five miles, when,
judging ourselves in the vicinity of Indians, concluded to wait for
daylight to reveal to us their precise locality, at which time we found
the rancherias all deserted, apparently not having been occupied for
several days. Oontiuuing our route down the western bank of river
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372 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. IChap.LXII.
antil abont an hour after sunrise, our attention was attracted by the
barking of a dog somewhat to our right rear. Immediately deploying
my men as skirmishers, we advanced in that direction at the double-
quick, and soon a brisk fire was opened from the center of the line.
Hurrying to that point I discovered an Indian rancheria. The men (of
which there were several), owing to the dense growth of low timber
(cedar) which covered the entire slope of the high ridge on that side,
succeeded in making good their escape. Finally, returning from the
pursuit, I found at the rancheria one woman and one child (the latter
])robably ten years old) mortally wounded, both of whom subsequently
died. Under the circumstances, and from the long distance from which
the men fired, and their being partially concealed, it was impossible to
distinguish male from female, or old from young. This will account for
the killing of the woman and child, for the men had received orders not
to fire knowingly upon any such. Two other children were also found
at this place. The woman, who spoke Spanish (and even claimed to be
a Mexican, the truth of which I very much doubt), told me that at a
short distance from that point I would find a large band of Indians. I
at once started in the direction indicated, but after traveling sever<al
miles and finding all the rancherias deserted, and my men much fatigued
and needing rest, I was obliged to call a halt and await the arrival of
my packs, which came up all safe at 1.16 p. m. During my temporary
absence from the camp, owing to the neglect of one of the men the largest
of the captured Indian children escaped and coald not afterward be
found. At quite a late hour several warriors bearing a white flag made
their appearanee on a high ridge not far off and requested permission
to come into camp. This I finally granted. They stated that they had
for several days been aware of my approach and professed to believe
as to be a party of Mexican traders; that they wished very much to
purchase jwwder, lead, &c., telling me that on the morrow a great many
Apaches would come in to trade with me. It now being some time past
sunset, I thought it best not to undeceive them until the following day,
bot insisted upon their retiring to their own camp for the night, which
they did, sleeping within a mile of my own camp.
June 8, same camp as yesterday. Daylight discovered to me a large
increase in the numbers of the Indians, I immediately issued orders
to my men to hold themselves in readiness for action at a moment's
notice, and was sorely tempted to march and attack them at once, but
finally concluded that perhaps by waiting I might get them at a greater
advantage, when finally they sent a messenger requesting permission
to move their camp closer to the water. I indicated to them a point on
the river, distant about 250 yards ft-om my camp, to which they might
come, informing them that they must not attempt to cross the stream.
Toward this place they soon marched in single file, advancing with a
large white flag at their head. Their numbers I ascertained to be ^by
actual count) seventy-six warriors and four old women, about one-half
of which were armed with rifles and other fire-arms. The balance
carried lances and bows and arrows, and some also carried slung-shots.
In a few minutes more I bad summoned them to a parley, when some
fifteen of their chief men advanced to within a short distance of my
camp, bearing with them their white flag, which they planted in the
ground and placed themselves in a semicircle around it, when I
advanced, accompanied by Lieutenant Sanches. When all were seated
they opened the conversation through their interpreter (one Francisco),
a Mexican, who has been with them for many years, by asking what I
had to sell, &c. I now told them that my business with them was not
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Chip. LXHl EXPEDITION TO GILA AND SAN CABL08 RIVERS. 373
to sell goods, bat to fight them unless they complied with certain con-
ditions. This having been dniy explained to them, they said that they
bad not been deceived from the first in relation to the nature of my
business in their country, for they had lately returned from Zuni, where
they had been to buy corn, powder, lead, blankets, &c., and that whilst
there they had met a captain with whom they had made a treaty of
peace, and that they now wished to enter into a contract of the same
nature with me. I demanded to see a copy of their agreement with
said captain, which somewhat puzzled them, but finally acknowleged
that they had none, but said that a certain Zuiii Indian, Jos6 Maria,
whom they style capitan, bail given them some such a document, for-
bidding any soldiers molesting them in any way, &c. This pa])er they
could not produce. Being now at their wits' end, after stating that
they had never killed or robbed anyone in New Mexico, but, on the
contrary, had assisted in conquering the Navajoes and always went into
Sonora to kill and plunder and get their captives, I explained to them
that they would no longer be allowed to commit their depredations even
in Sonora, which they seemed to think was a legitimate field for any
piece of barbarism they might see fit to execute, and coald not under-
stand why we should interest ourselves about it. I told them that in
less than a year we had subjugated the entire Navajo Nation, and now
had nothing else to do but bring them to the same terms. They
expressed a desire to be informed how they might obtain peace. I told
them only by surrendering themselves and families prisoners until the
war with their nation was over. In the meanwhile they would be
treated kindly and fed, &c. ; that by thus separating themselves from
their people we would know that they were our friends. They said that
the Zuuis had told tliem that after the Navajoes surrendered we had
killed all the men, and left none alive but tlie women and children, of
whom we made slaves. Of this idea I tried to disabuse them, but with
little or no success. After much more talk of a similar nature they
finally said that what few horses they had were so poor as to be unable
at present to transport even their children, and offered to compromise
the matter by letting their animals have one month in which to recuper-
ate when they would all be ready and willing to go to any place that
might be required. In the meantime they proposed to send with me
immediately one of their capitans and tliirty warriors as hostages.
This certainly had tlie appearance of honesty and honorable intentions,
and 1 was flattering myself on the successful termination of my negoti-
ation, when the Indians requested permission to retire to their people
for the purpose of deciding and selecting those that were to go with me.
I gave them one hour to complete their arrangements. At the expiration
of the time specifledj having allowed them several minutes' grace, I
called to them informing them that the time was up, and demanded the
fulfillment of their promise, when I noticed some of the Indians gliding
out of camp. These I ordered to halt, but instead of so doing the bal-
ance commenced a general movement which I could not understand,
and believing that they were about to decamp en masse, I ordered my
men to fire upon the whole party. At the first volley fourteen or fifteen
Indians fell, my men continuing to fire and advance. The mounted
Indians fled across the river and thence down the canon, those on foot
breaking to the left toward the mountains. These latter beingbyfarthe
larger portion, I, of course, directed my men to their pursuit, and whilst
they were crossing an open space of nearly half a mile in width several
were severely wounded, but whether mortally so or not I cannot cer-
tainly say. Upon gaining the mountains they scattered in several
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374 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. (Chap. LXn.
directions, but a portion of the men continued the pursuit until a late
hour, some of them returning to camp after dark; upon returning from
the pursuit I visited the scene of the opening of the ball, and was
astonished to find not a single Indian on the ground. During our
absence the mounted Indians, some eighteen or twenty in number, had
evidently returned and borne off the bodies of their dead companions.
After the affair I found myself in possession of 1 horse, 6 rifles, G lances,
and several bows and arrows, some blankets, buckskins, &c., Indian
property. The arms were rendered worthless by breaking and after-
ward thrown into the river. The bows and arrows were burnt. Thus
ended my peace negotiation, and yet I am inclined to the belief that a
majority of these Indians were anxious for peace, and rather than fight
would have complied with my demand, but owing to the iniluence of
one of their chiefs, named Soldado, and the Mexican, Francisco, who
has great influence with them, they succeeded in persuading them to
resist; and as they outnumbered us, to fight us, and at least attempt
the capture or stampede of our mules; but I had them too well secured
and probably I opened upon them (the Indians) before they had their
plans properly matured. Again I labored under a great disadvantage,
having to rely solely upon what Francisco said in the way of interpre-
tation on both sides. Not a man of my detachment received even a
scratch in the affair.
June 9, passed the night without any demonstrations of an attack.
Leaving camp this morning I proceeded to scout and scour the sur-
rounding country, and finally camped some fifteen miles farther down
the stream. The extensive crops of the Indians seen to-day are yet so
young as to render it impossible to effectually destroy them, but should
I return by this route then it may be done. Saw but few Indians
t&day, and them at a long distance ofl', and in such positions that pur-
suit would be useless. All the rancherias are deserted, the women and
children doubtless hidden in the fastnesses of these mountain gorges.
June 10, after vainly trying yesterday and last night to surprise and
capture Indians in this vicinity, I this morning concluded to leave them
for a time and let them settle down once more, when perhaps upon my
return from the Gila I may be able to surprise them once again. Hav-
ing come to this determination I broke my camp and marched in the
direction of the Rio Azul, and after a most laborious march of eight
and a half hours over a very rugged piece of country made camp on the
south bank of the Azul. Lieutenant Sanches, who was in advance this
day, upon approaching the river descried a small party of Indians, and
giving chase succeeded in mortally wounding one. Tliis fellow was shot
by the lieutenant himself. The nature of the country being so broken and
precipitous the remainder of this band got away unharmed. June 11,
continuing our journey this day in the direction of the Gila (by the only
route known to my guide), having traveled twenty-five miles over coun-
try so broken and rough as to defy description, I finally camped at some
water-holes. Saw no Indians, but did see many deserted rancherias.
June 12, marched thirty-five miles and camped on the Bio Gila. The
nature of the country traveled over very similar to that of yesterday.
Guide undertook to pilot the command across to the Eio Tulerosa, but
getting lost we finally found ourselves on the Gila. Saw no Indians
and but few recent indications. June 13, marched twelve miles to-day
and camped on the Gila. The mules being very much exhausted from
overwork yesterday, I was obliged to go into camp early. June 14,
marched twenty miles and camped on the Gila. June 15, marched
about nine miles and came upon the camp of Col. E, A. Rigg, command-
ing Apache Expedition. Having reported to this officer, I received
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CHAP. l-xn.] EXPEDITION TO QILA. AND SAN CARLOS BIVEES. 375
from bim a letter of instructions advising and directing me to retrace
my roate via the Sierra Blanca, &c. Accordingly, breaking my camp
at about midnight I directed my course down the Bio Gila, down which
I continued to travel on the 16th, 17th, 18th, and 19th of June, when
upon reaching the mouth of the Tnlerosa I ascended the stream about
three miles and camped. June 20, continued up the Tulerosa, marching
twenty miles, and camped. Passed several fine fields of corn, some beans
and vines this day, but as requested by Colonel Kigg not to destroy any
crops on this stream within the vicinity of the site selected for the new
post, I did not destroy or disturb anything on this stream. June '21,
having found no Indians on the Tulerosa, and the stream becoming
very feeble, and the valley having contracted into a narrow, rocky,
deep canon affording no place for planting, consequently but small
chance of finding Indians, I left the rio, striking out in a northwestly
direction, when finding a fresh Indian trail I pushed on with all possi-
ble speed until we arrived at some deep canons, where the main trail
divided or branched into numerous others. Having lost our principal
trail, and the signs having become nearly obliterated, our pack train
being far in the rear, the men having marcheil sixteen miles, began to
feel the need of breakfast, consequently called a halt for the purpose of
preparing that meal. The mule train did not reach us for three hours,
when I found that another of the mules had given out, and not being
able to get it into camp it was killed to prevent its falling into the
hands of the Indians. At 6 p. m. continued our route until it became
so dark that we could not possibly proceed in that broken country.
Saw three Indians this evening, but they were on the top of a high mesa,
between us and which was an impassable cation. Our guns not being
able to reach them, and night being close at baud, I was obliged to
let them pass. Having marched at least forty miles this day, we were
finally compelled to go into camp without water.
June 22, leaving dry camp this morning when the moon rose, after
marching twenty miles we reached the Eio Azul opce more, but many
miles farther down the stream than where I crossed when going out.
Saw no Indians this day, but in passing a narrow defile in a very pre-
carious situation, we suddenly found the only passage completely filled
with large rocks which the Indians bad rolled into the road for the
purpose of delaying our march. This I imagine was done last night,
expecting us to continue our route, when, whilst we would have been
removing the obstructions before being able to proceed, they could
under the cover of darkness have done us a deal of damage without
themselves being in the least exposed. At sunset continued our route,
and having marched about ten miles made a dry camp and halted for
the moon to rise. June 24, starting this morning at 3 o'clock we reached
the San Carlos at 7 o'clock, having marched twelve miles. Upon the
arrival of the train got breakfast, after which we proceeded to destroy
a field of twenty-five or thirty acres of corn. Here we found and broke
pome farming implements, hoes, &c. At 5 p. ni. raised camp and pro-
ceeded a few miles down the river. Found another small field of corn,
which we destroyed, and camped for the night. June 24, without
moving camp this day, at an early hour I sent a portion of my com-
mand down the river to scout for Indians and destroy crops. This
party traveled down the river twelve or fifteen miles, but found neither
corn nor Indians. Meantime other parties have been scouring the
neighboring cafions for Indians but found none. June 25, raised camp
at an early hour and commenced my return up the river. Marching
up the stream about twenty miles, thence up one of its tributaries four
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376 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Chai-. LXIL
or five miles, went into camp. At tbia point we found extensive fields
of grain, which will require several days to destroy. June 26, camp
same as yesterday. Continued the destruction of crops, which consist
principally of corn and beans, but a small proportion of wheat. Water-
melons, muskmelons, sqaashes, &g., in large quantities. A Mexican
woman, who has for many years been a captive among the Apaches, suc-
ceeded in making good her escape some days since and came into camp
this day, claiming protection and requesting to be allowed to remain
and to travel with the command to the settlements. She stated that
she was captured by the Indians many years ago in the State of Sonora.
She also stated that the Indians had at this time all gone over onto the
Gila; that they had constantly watched my movements since the 8th
of June, and when they found that I was returning they Lad with their
families continued to dodge me and finally to get around me, and had
escaped, and did not intend to return to their old haunts whilst my
command had remained in the mountains. The destruction of their
crops she says will certainly cause many of them to perish from starva-
tion, and that the whole nation come to these farms to purchase grain,
these Indians of the Sierra Blanca being the most extensive planters
in tbe nation. June 27, without raising camp, continued the destruc-
tion of the Indians' crops. June 28, finished our labors of destruction
on the tributary. June 29, returned to the San Carlos this morning
and proceeded up the stream twelve or fifteen miles, destroying some
small fields on the road. June 30, this morning early commenced
destroying crops, in which occupation we continued all day without
being able to finish.
July 1, finished the work of destruction this day and proceeded up
tlio river several miles and camped. Since our return to the San Carlos
I have had small parties traveling in every direction searching for
Indians, &c., visiting all the small streams, on most of which they found
corn and other crops, which was destroyed. Less than 375 or 400 acres
would not cover the amount of corn and other crops destroyed by my
command since our return to this vicinity. I now purposed changing
my direction and going to the extreme western point of the Sierra
Blanca, but my guide informed me that the country was so rough and
broken and my pack animals in so poor condition, most of them having
long before lost their shoes were very sore footed; that under the cir-
cumstances if I persisted in going to that point that I would certainly
leave the most of the animals behind. Again by examination and
inspection I found that many of my men, besides being nearly naked,
were actually without shoes to protect their feet, having worn out two
pairs of shoes since leaving Fort Wingate. This was owing to the
rugged nature of a great portion of the country over which we had to
march. From these circumstances I found I could do but little more,
and selecting the men who had the best shoes, I took them and com-
menced scouting the mountains in a northeastern direction, ordering
the most poorly clad to remain as a guard to the train and to travel
with them. In this manner and in the same direction passed success-
fully the 2d, 3d, and 4th days of July, when, meeting with no Indians
and finding no crops in this section of the Sierras, and having several
men sick, one of whom was unable to even ride on a mule, a pack animal
having been given to him, and the condition of my men generally, many
of whose feet being perfectly bare were actually bleeding, and besides
these men who had undergone great hardships for forty-two days, liv-
ing on poor diet, having no meat with us except bacon, many of them
were evidently greatly enfeebled, having no surgeon along, I thought it
best to return to my station and recruit up, preferring to make another
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CBAF. Lxn.l EXPEDITION TO HUMBOLDT BIYEB, NEV. TEB. 377
trip to remaining longer (under the circumstances) at this time. Accord-
ingly on the 5th of July we turned our faces homeward, and by slow
but steady marching reached Fort Wingate on the 13th, having been
out fifty-one days, nine days less than the time for which I had been
rationed. By vai-ious accidents I had lost some flonr, considerable
sugar and coffee, and the heat of the sun had greatly reduced my rations
of bacon; so much so that upon my arrival at this place there was only
left enough for two or three days' consumption. On the 16th July, one
day's march below Gamp Goodwin, two men deserted, taking their arras
and accouterments. The same two men deserted six or seven months
ago whilst on scout onder Lieut. Jose Maria Sanches. They are from
Mesilla, and have probably made their way to that portion of the conn-
try. It is estimated that the warriors of the Sierra Blanca and vicinity
will number from 350 to 400, about one-half of whom are armed with
firearms, and I would respectfully state that I deem (owing to the
nature of the country) a force of less than 125 to 150 men inadequate to
prosecute successfully a war against tliem, simply because a less num-
ber can not cover simultaneously enough ground. lu my case with but
sixty men against the Apaches of the Sierra Blanca; who have the
reputation of fighting troops man for man, less than one-half of my force
could never be left with the packs, and even then, whenever I was
away from them for more than six or eight hours at a time 1 was not
without my apprehensions for their safety. Again, I would resi)ectfully
suggest the propriety of stationing an officer and say twenty or twenty-
five men at the Pueblo of Zuui, for the purpose of preventing those
Indians from trading with the Apaches, who undoubtedly procure from
that place arms, powder, lead, blankets, and in short, every article
necessary to themselves, giving in exchange horses, mules, and captives.
Colonel Kigg, to whom I mentioned these facts, coincided with me that
a station should be maintained at ZuHi to prevent this trade, &c. In
closing this report I can not in justice refrain from mentioning that
from First Lieut. Jos6 Maria Sanches I received at all times ready,
willing, and most efiicient aid, and 1 cannot too highly commend the
willingness and alacrity displayed by the greater portion of the men
composing my command to obey all others, and the cheerfulness with
which they underwent severe hardshijia during marches, &c., in pursuit
of Indians is well worthy of emulation.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JULIUS C. SHAW,
Captainj First Cavalry Xew Mexico Vols., Comdy, Detachment.
Maj. E. W. Eaton,
First Cav. New Mexico Vols., Comdg. Fort Wingate, N. Mex.
J USE 8-AUOUST 9, 1864. — Expedition from Port Churchill to the Hum-
boldt Biver, Nev. Ter.
leKi'oii'i's.
No. 1. — Maj. Charles McDermit, Second California Cavalry.
No. 2. — Capt. Almond B. Welle, First Nevada Cavalry.
No. 1.
Report of Maj. Charles McDermit, Second California Cavalry.
llEADQtTABTKBS,
Fort Churchill, Nev. Ter., September 4, 180-1.
Sir : I have the honor to inclose herewith (Captain Wells' rejwrt of
bis late exx>edition up the Uumboldt Biver, also to Smoke Greek and
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378 OPEEATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Chap. LXn.
Surprise Valley. I was in Surprise Valley in 1852 and 1853. It is
situated at the east side and at the base of the Nevada Mountains,
about 175 miles north of this post, 60 miles east of Fort Crook, and by
the Lassen route 200 miles east from Yreka, and about the same dis-
tance from Eogue Eiver Valley. It was in the north end of this valley
where Captain Warner had a severe battle with the Indians in the year
1849 or 1850. The Indians are not very numerous, but they are expert
thieves. The water, grass, and timber are abundant and of the best
quality. I think it would be well to have a company of troops sta-
tioned in this valley for one or two years, but not permanently, as the
country will in a few years be settled, and the Indians either run off or
become domesticated. There is a good wagon road from Humboldt
Eiver to Surprise Valley, also from Fort Crook and Yreka. If the gen-
eral commanding would wish me to go to Surprise Valley in October to
select a military station I will be pleased to do so. The troops can put
up their quarters without any expense to the Government, as the
timber is abundant.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
CHAS. McDBRMIT,
Major, Second California Cavalry Volunteers, Commanding Post.
Lieut. B. D. Waite,
Acting Assistant Adjutant-Oeneral, Sacramento, Gal.
[Indorsement.]
Headquabtebs Disthict of Oalifobnia,
Sacramento, September 9, 1864.
Respectfully forwarded to department headquarters.
Captain Doughty, Seeoud Cavalry California Volunteers, is, by my
order, now moving to Surprise Valley for the purpose of examining the
country. When his report is received it will be submitted to the gen-
eral commanding the department.
G. WRIGHT,
Brigadier- General, Commanding.
No. 2.
Report of Capt. Almond B. Wells, First Nevada Cavalry.
June 8, 1864, left Fort Churchill, Nev. Ter., pursuant to orders from
Maj. Charles McDermit, commanding post, at 8 a. m.; traveled east
ten miles and camped about 2 p. m.; water and wood plenty. Camp
TSo. 1, June 9, left camp at 7 a. m.; traveled a distance of eighteen
miles in an easterly direction and arrived at camp at 3 p. m. ; wood
and water plenty. Camp No. 2, June 10, left camp at 5 p. m. ; traveled
a distance of thirty-live miles in a northeasterly direction; arrived at
the sink of Humboldt River at 4 o'clock next morning. This was a
complete desert, the whole distance being destitute of wood, grass, and
water. Camp No. 3, June 11, laid over one day to rest men and ani-
mals, they being much fatigued, as also the animals of supply train.
June 12, traveled a distance of thirty-five miles; encountered a severe
rain-storm, which lasted from 11 a. m. till 3 p. m. Camp No. 4, June
13, left camp at 7 a. m.; traveled a distance of twenty miles and
arrived at Camp No. 5 at 3 p. m. Laid over two days in a fine valley
supplied with an abundance of wood, water, and grass. Several of
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CwkP. Lxn.] EXPEDITION TO HUMBOLDT SIVER, NEV. TEE, 379
the animals stampeding was the canse of my detention in the camp.
However, I was fortunate in recovering the whole of them. Left the
camp on the morning of the 14th of Jane; the command arrived at
Star City, in the west range of the Hnmboldt Moantains, about 2
p. m., traveling a distance of twenty-two miles over a barren country.
Thinking it prudent to rest men and horses previous to the many des-
erts I had to cross, and the place affording the best kind of grass and
water, I camped here for three days. Gamp No. 6, June 19, here I
divided the command, taking fifty men with me to visit the scene of
the late massacre; the remaining twenty men I sent with the train,
both to form a junction at Camp Pollock, in Smoke Creek Valley;
traveled twenty-six miles; crossed the Hnmboldt River at Basse's
Ferry; grass and water plenty. Camp No. 7, June 20, left camp at 6
a. m. and traveled in a northerly direction a distance of fifty miles,
thirty miles of which was a desert country without wood, water, or
grass; camped at 7 p. m. Camp No. 8, June 21, left camp at 8 a. m.
and traveled a distance of twenty-nine miles over a mountainous
country. Here was the scene of the late massacre. Country supplied
with abundance of grass, wood, and water. Camp No. 9, June -2, left
camp at 9 a. m. ; arrived at Camp No. 10 at 3 o'clock, having traveled
a distance of eighteen mUes ; wood, water, and grass plenty. Camp
No. 10, June 23, left camp at 4 a. m. and traveled in a southwesterly
direction a distance of fifty-five miles, the whole distance being an
alkali plain, and arrived at Rabbit Hole Station, on the Humboldt and
Susanville road, at dark. Grass very poor, water scarce, and no wood.
Camp No. 11, June 24, left camp at 7 a. m. and arrived at Hot Springs
Station, distance of twenty miles directly west of Rabbit Hole, at 2
p. m. ; wood and grass very scarce. Camp No. 12, June 25, left Gamp
No. 11 at 4 a. m. and traveled a distance of twenty-four miles directly
west over an alkali country and arrived at Camp No. 12 6 p. m. ; watw
plenty, but wood and grass scarce. June 26, left Camp No. 12 at 5 a. m.
and traveled a distance of thirty-five miles, thirty miles of which is a
barren waste, arriving at Camp Pollock at sundown. Here I formed a
junction with the train and are awaiting supplies. Remained at Camp
Pollock until July 18, 1864.
July 8, sent Lieutenant Littlefleld with detachment of ten enlisted
men; took up the march to Surprise Valley, a distance of about fifty
miles, with instructions from commanding ofBcer to be absent for eight
days, at the expiration of which time to report to Gamp Pollock.
Detachment arrived at camp on the evening of the 15th, having trav-
eled a distance of abont 180 miles, traversing nearly all of Surprise
Valley (which is about sixty-nine miles in length) without meeting any
Indians. This valley is situated at the base of the Sierra Nevada
Mountains, about seventy-five miles from Susanville, Gal., the greater
portion of which is in the State of California. Here wild game of
nearly all kinds abounds, with an abundant supply of bunch grass and
clover. Water of every description, from boiling hot springs to the
pure mountain streams, in all parts of the valley. Detachment arriv-
ing in good order, the whole command remained at Gamp Pollock until
July 18, losing one enlisted man by disease and eight by desertion. July
19, left Gamp Pollock at 5 a. m. ; traveled a distance of thirty miles in a
westerly direction; arrived at Gamp No. 14 at 6 p. m. ; grass and wood
scarce; water plenty. July 20, left Gamp No. 14 at 5.30 a. m. and trav-
eled a distance of twenty miles in a westerly direction, and arrived at
Gamp Johns, near Susanville, in Honey Lake Valley, Gal., at 2 p. m.
Whole command staid at this camp until July 25, when, pursuant to
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380 OPEHATION8 ON THE PICIFIC COAST. [Chap. Lxn.
orders from headquarters Fort Churcliill, a detachment of thirty men
with twenty days' rations, under command of Lieutenant Littlefield,
took up march for Unionville, in Humboldt Oounty, Nev. Ter. (report
of proceedings of detachment is herewith submitted), the balance of the
command remaining at Camp Johns. Detachment under Lieutenant
Littlefield returned to Gamp Johns August 9, after which the whole
command [remained] at the camp until August 17, when a detachment
of forty men, commanded by Captain Wells, left for the summit of the
Sierra Nevada Mountains with four days' rations, the remaining portion
of the command, under Lieutenant Wolverton, removed camp about two
miles for the purjjose of getting better fee<l for animals. Arrived at
new Camp No. 15 at sundown, and remained here until ordered to
reiwrt to Fort Churchill, the detachment under Captain Wells arriving
on the 20th of August. Whole command remained at the camp nutU
August 24, when we broke up camp and started for Fort ChnrchilL
Traveled a distance of thirty miles and arrived at Camp "So. 16 at 6
p. m. Water plenty, grass scarce.
August 25, left Camp No. IG at 6 a. m. ; traveled a distance of twenty
miles in a southwesterly direction ; arrived at Camp No. 17 at 3 p. m.
Wood and water plenty, grass scarce. August 26, left Gamp No. 17 at
5 a. m., traveling a distance of thirty-two miles through Long Valley in
a southwesterly direction, and arrived at Camp No. 18 at 6 p. m. This
camp was at Pea Vine Station on the road from Susanville to Virginia
City; but little water and no grass. August 27, left camp at sunrise
and traveled a distance of thirty-two miles, arriving at Camp No. 19 at
5 p. m., Virginia City. No grass, plenty of water. August 28, left
Virginia City at 6 a. m.; arrived at Fort Churchill at 3 p. m.; distance
from Virginia City, twenty-five miles.
Respectfully submitted to Maj. Charles McDennit, Second Cavalry
California Volunteers, commanding Fort Churchill.
A. B. WELLS,
Captain Company D, First Cavalry Nevada Territory Volunteers.
[Indosaro.]
July 25, 1864, detachment of Company D left Gamp Johns, near
Susanville, Cal., at 6 a. ni. (Lieutenant Littlefield in command) for
Unionville, on the Humboldt River; traveled forty miles over dry and
dusty plains; arrived at Mud Springs at 6 p. m. Good water and hay
for horses. July 26, left Mud Springs at 6 a. m.; arrived at Smoke
Creek Station at 10.30 a. m. Good water and hay for stock. Took in
Government grain for horses, and purchased beef for men. Heavy
showers of rain during the night. July 27, left Smoke Creek at 5 a.
m.; watered at Buffalo Springs; arrived at Deep Hole at 4 p. m.; dis-
tance of thirty-four miles. Found water and hay for horses. During the
night three men deserted, taking with them three Government horses,
three saddles and bridles, three revolvers, and two carbines. July 28,
left Deep Hole 0 a. m.; arrived at Hot Springs 4.30 p. m; found hay
for stock ; water bad. July 29, left Hot Springs at 5 a. m. ; arrived at
Willow Creek at 6.30p. m. after a hard drive of forty miles. Hay and
good water for stock. July 30, left Willow Greek at 6 a. m.; arrived
at Saint Mary's, on Humboldt, at I p. m. Camped at Humboldt River;
plenty water and hay for stock. July 31, Lieutenant Littlefield left
camp at Saint Mary's for Unionville, leaving command at camp. Stock
and men in good condition.
August 1, still at camp. August 2, Lieutenant Littlefield returned
from Unionville at 2 p. m. August 3, still at camp. August 4, started
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Chap. Lxn.] EXPEDITION TO BOONVILLE, IDAHO TEB. 381
back to Gamp Johus at 5 o'clock, arrived at Babbit Hole Station at
3.30 p. m. ; distance of thirty miles. Found good hay for stock, but
water bad. August 5, left Babbit Hole at 5 a. m. Stock in good con-
dition; arrived at Hot Springs 2 p. ni.; distance twenty miles. Pound
hay and poor water. August 6, left Hot Springs at 5 a. m. ; arrived at
Deep Hole at 3 p. m., traveling twenty-four miles to-day. August 7,
left Deep Hol« at 5 a. m.; arrived at Smoke Creek at 4 p. m.; distance
thirty-two miles. Good water and hay for stock. August 8, left
Smoke Creek at dark, traveling all uigbt. August 0, arrived at Sol-
dier's Bridge at daylight; fed stock and proceeided to Camp Johns;
arrived at 9 a. m.
JXnifE 84, 1864. — Attack on wagon train on the John Day's Bead, near
Fort Klamath, Oreg.
Report of Lieut. Col, Charles S. Drew, First Oregon Cavalry.
Camp on Spragfe's Biver,
Thirty Miles Ea§t of Fort Klamath,
July 2, 1864.
Colonel: I have to report that on the 24th ultimo the Indians
attacked a train on the California and John Day's road about forty
miles to the northward of this camp. Two men of the train were
wounded, one severely, and seven head of cattle taken and 3,000 ]>ounds
of flour destroyed. The train fell back to the John Day's Ford, on this
river, a few miles to the eastward of this camp, where it now is. The
man that was the most severely wounded has been sent to the hosijital
at Fort Klamath. The Indians who made the attack are doubtless of
the Klamath Lake, Modoc, and Goose Lake tribes. I have directed
messengers to be sent to the Klamaths and others in the neighborhood
of the fort and at Williamson's Lake, requiring all the Indians there to
report at once at the fort. In this way I hope to ascertain who are
absent, so that sooner or later I may require the absentees to give an
account of their whereabouts at the present time. I shall march slowly
toward the Goose Lake country, so that I may be within express dis-
tance from Fort Klamath should more troops be required there or in
that vicinity. I have directed the issue of rifles and ammunition to
the workmen at the fort, if necessaiy.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
C. S. DBEW,
Lieut. Col. First Cavalry Oregon Vols,, Gomdg. Owyhee Expedition.
Assistant Adjtjtant-Geneeal, U. S. Army,
San IVancisco, Cal.
JULY 20-AUGUST 17, 1884 Expedition from Fort Bois^ to Boonville,
Idaho Ter.
Report of Col. Reuben F. Maury, First Oregon Cavalry.
HEADQT7 ASTERS,
Fort BoisS, Idaho Ter., August 19, 1864,
Sir ; As indicated in letter of 10th July, I left this post on the next
day, relinquishing temporarily the command to Captain Seideustiiker,
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382 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Chap. LXII
and joined Lientenant Funk in camp some six miles from Boonville
(Owyhee mines). Moved next day to the immediate vicinity of Boon-
ville, and on ascertaining that the party of citizens referred to in letter
of 19th had left some six or seven days previously for the Indian camp,
from which the first party had been repnlsed with the loss of Jordan, a
prominent resident of Boonville, distant only forty miles, I determined
to lay over the next day with hopes of learning by express directly
from them, and to learn by inquiry, if possible, something of the coun-
try and obtain the services of some one who had been through it. Fail-
ing in both instances, and acting upon the conclusion that the Indians
had left the camp referred to and had scattered, proceeding most prob-
ably west, I resumed the march on the 24th, going down Jordan Creek,
west from Boonville some twelve miles. Here the detachment sent
with Captain Carrey's supplies joined us. Leaving it and pursuing a
southwest course, with the C/alculation of passing the camp where Jor-
dan was killed some forty or fifty miles to the west, and expecting to
strike the Owyhee Biver 100 miles above the mouth of Jordan Creek
and 176 or 200 from its mouth, then to turn east if I failed to discover
the Indians or their sign, and search the waters of Middle River (Bra-
nean) ; thence north to Ruby City or Boonville. Previous to dispatch-
ing the force from the post I had requested, through the citizens who
made the representations upon which I acted in outfitting the expedi-
tion, that they would not make any demonstrations against the Indian
camp until a force sufQcient to destroy them could be concentrated;
that to get them to fight in considerable force was very desirable; that
a premature movement might render the eflforts of the military, as well
as citizens, valueless; that I would take force and material sufficient, I
thought, to beat any party of Indians that could possibly be in that
part of the country, however strong their position might be naturally.
We continued the march at the rate of ten to fifteen miles per day,
examining particularly with scouts the canons of the streams that flow
to the west (our right), and the mountains that divide the waters that
run directly to Snake River and the Owyhee (our left). The cavalry
performing this duty traveled daily from twenty-five to thirty miles,
the country being generally well watered and grass abundant, thongh
terribly rocky and cut up with immense canons. These running across
our course generally, and frequently at the points first touched, impass-
able for footmen even, gave us much trouble. No Indian trails, old or
new, being discovered, showed that the country ahead was rough, if
not impracticable; but thinking that when they did move from fear
they could not find a more suitable country for defense, I preserved
the course first determined upon as closely as possible, keeping up the
examination of the country on either side. After making some sev-
enty-five miles old signs became quite common, and on the evening of
the 30th a scouting party discovered fresh signs on a mountain thickly
covered with cedar. ^The Owyhee here bends east almost to the foot
of the mountains, the toot- hills and narrow strip of tableland bordering
the river being cut every mile or two by caBons, some of which we found
utterly impassable.) The party proved to be small, and were camped
nearly on the summit of the mountain. The camp was deserted with
their meals on the fire, leaving also behind the usual appendages of
Indian camps — dogs and skins.
The next morning the scouting party to the right discovered the same
Indians, six men and — women, in their flight from the party on the left.
Pursuit was made immediately, necessarily on foot, but the Indians suc-
ceeded in outfooting the party from one to another of the many canons
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CBip.LXn.) EXPEDITION TO BOONVILLE, IDAHO TER. 383
that enter the main Owyhee here. Thorough search was made of all,
bat we failed to discover them. Not having any animals with them
made it more difScult to trace them. The effort being abandoned, and
feeling satisfied that they were not (on account of the absence of ani*
mals and evidences of the sign in the vicinity) any portion of the main
party of which we hoped to discover a sign, we continued our course,
though to keep it we were compelled to make a detour north of east
some fifteen miles in order to pass these caitons. On again obtxiiniug
our course we struck in the evening the return trail of the citizens.
Two or three miles to the east we found also their outward trail. From
indications in this vicinity I concluded that they had overtaken the
Indians and dispersed them. Heavy showers of rain having fallen
since their attack prevented any discovery of signs indicating the route
by which the Indians escaped, though I concluded on reasonable grounds
that they had gone to the Humboldt or Queen's Eiver Mountains, and
having reachedapointas far south as I expected to go, and from thenatnre
of the force with me, mostly infantry, and from all the attendant cir-
cumstances, that it would require several weeks with a force capable of
moving more rapidly than that with me to discover their hiding place, I
determined, with much disappointment, to move east to determine if
possible whether any part of the original band had gone to the waters
that flow directly to Snake Eiver, thence north to Boonville, thinking
perhaps some might yet be concealed in the mountains. From this camp,
distant about 100 miles south of the mouth of Jordan Creek, the Snow
Mountains (Steen's) were plainly visible to the northwest, the Queen's
Eiver to the west, the Humboldt to the southwest, and the Goose Creek
to the south. To the east the- mountains break into high table-land,
covered with volcanic rock and sage brush, with good grass in frequent
places. Our camp was near, I think, the forty-second parallel of lati-
tude, the country in every direction presenting the same general char-
acter. Here was the only crossing of the Owyhee accessible to animals
that we had found, and in one instance only besides that, a foot-trail to
the river, the bed of which, when seen fi-om the tops of the immense
walls that inclose it, looks like a small brook. We reached this camp
August 2, and recounoitered sufficiently to determine the condition of
afltairs. I marched east on the 3d, crossing, asusual, many terrific caiions.
A great many old Indian trails and camps were seen, but none presented
any evidence of use for the last ten or twelve months. Most of the
trails — all, in fact, that were well defined — coming from the south and
east and centering toward the crossing of the Owyhee referred to. In
all the camps were evidences of much stock having been butchered.
On this day (the 3d) we marched some eighteen miles, keeping up, as
usual, vigilant scouting, without any discoveries more than those referred
to above.
On the 4th scouting parties reported the discovery of the camp
where Jordan was killed. I moved to it and camped for the day with
a view to determine the probable number who had occupied it, as well
as to ascertain if possible whether the band had separated and pur-
sued different routes. Scouting parties of the cavalry under Lieuten-
ants White and Hobart were kept busy the balance of the day, while
the camp and its vicinity were minutely examined by the infantry, from
all of which I concluded that no separation had taken place; that there
were in the band from 300 to 400 men, women, and children, the latter
undoubtedly largely predominating, with not to exceed twenty-five head
of horses and mules. Evidences, however, of the butchery of many of
recent dates were found in this as well as the camp occupied previ-
ously. The flight from the camp was evidently precipitated, and took
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384 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. (Chap. LXIL
I)lace some four or five days after the killiTig of Jordan. From this
camp we marched uortheast through the mountains and struck the
head of Jordan (Jreek above Silver City on the 8th. Went into camp
near Boonville; determined on account of reports from Camas Prairie
and Salmon Falls that I could not, as previously expected, establish a
camp iu Jordan Creek Valley, the limited number of men under my
control not permitting attention to both at the same time, while the
settlements on the prairie and the travel by Salmon Falls, on account
of their proximity and general disposition of the force of the district,
were more directly under my charge. Rested one day in camp near
Boonville and resumed the march, intending to go on the Lower
Owyhee in the vicinity of the fisheries, thinking that the operations of
Captain Currey might have driven some from the Malheur to them. On
inspection of the infantry I found them all quite or nearly barefooted,
having worn out two pairs of shoes each in twenty-days' march. With
the exception of the camp at Boonville, the command did not sleep two
nights in any one camp. I directed the infantry to proceed to Fort
Boise under command of Lieutenant Funk, and proceeded with Lieuten-
ants White and llobart and twenty-four men of the cavalry to the
fisheries, which we reached on the night of the 12th, making a night
march to them with the hope of surprising any party that might be
there. Beached their old camps quietly, but found that they had not
only not been occupied since last February or March, when they left on
account of the approach of Major Einearson with troops, but that not
an Indian had visited that part of the river since. We examined the
country for several miles up and down the river without the discovery
of any sign except that of the last winter. Found a mide which was
abandoned by Major Kinearson's party and two Indian ponies and the
fresh sign of two head of cattle. The latter no doubt were abandoned
by the Indians in their ilight last spring. They were wilder, if possible,
than deer, and after spending the best part of a day in ineffectual
efforts to capture them returned to camp and left next morning, August
14, for Fort Boise, which we reached at daylight on morning of 17th,
making a night march of thirty-five miles across the desert between
Snake Biver and the Bois^ on account of the heat and scarcity of
water. We were absent twenty-eight days. No casualties or untoward
events of any nature occurred during the trip. The spirit and endur-
ance of officers and men were highly satisAictory and commendable. I
have been thus particular, at the risk of being tedious on account of
uninteresting details, in order that the general may understand why
the expedition failed to accomplish the wished-for results — the destruc-
tion of the band of Indians, as well as our efforts to deserve better
success.
Although as I learned after my return to Boonville that the party of
citizens returned the evening of the morning upon which I left Jordan
Creek, I was not apprised of the information they had acquired or their
conclusion as to where the Indians had gone. Members of the party
informed me that previous to their overtaking the party which they
attacked the band had separated, the one which they followed taking
all the stock so far as they could determine, the other party going south-
east, traces of which we failed to discover on account of the heavy
showers of rain before alluded to. The party killed and scalped accord-
ing to their own account thirty-five. The scalps were brought in.
The number of men killed is stated by different parties from 2 to 7,
remainder women and children. Some lew men were seen to escape at
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Chap. Lxn.] SCOUT TO BALD MOUNTAIN, CAL. 385
the first attack which took place abont 5 p. ni. I coald not learn that
there was any large number of men. After dark the citizens retired,
having lost 2 men killed. The next morning the entire party had
disappeared, and pursuit was not attempted. Infants were thrown
against rocks and killed. The circumstances of oar difficulties with
these savages are no doubt very aggravating, but their conduct is no
palliation for brutalizing our own race. I conclude that if the general
belief as to the number of men belonging to the band, say 125, is cor-
rect, which I think is very near correct, and that if the band divided,
that the party attacked was composed of the women and children, with
only a very few men ; also that these Indians are the same which Major
Biiiearson disturbed last March at the fisheries of the Lower Owyhee;
that there was not, except the small party referred to before, any other
Indians on the east side of the Owyhee from its mouth to the most
sonthem point reached by us, and that these crossed to the west side,
leaving the vicinity of the river. I shall keep the cavalry here busy.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
R. F. MAURY,
Colonel First Oregon Cavalry, Commanding.
Acting Assistant Adjutant-General,
Headquarters District of Oregon, Fort Vancouver, Wash, Ter,
AVOTTST 8-12, 1864. — Scent from Camp Anderson to Bald Mountain, CaL
Beport of Sergt. William C. Hillis, Company B, First Battalion Cali-
fornia Mountaineers.
Camp Anderson, Cal., August 13, 1864.
Sib : In compliance with order, Ko. 24, 1 marched at 6 a. m. the 8th
with niue men and four days' rations ; made my way to Bald Mountain
and camped at 4 p. m. Tuesday, 9th, went to Angel's ranch and saw
Indian signs. Camped between Angel's ranch and Mrs. Bremer's, in a
point of timber, and scouted around until dark and found a beef that
had been killed .ibout three days by Indians. Wednesday, 10th, left
camp 5 a. m. ; made my way to Mad Itiver down through a gulch bear-
ing north-northwest; arrived at the river at 9 a. m. Left four men in
camp, and with the rest reconnoitered up and down the river about five
miles and saw no signs. At 4 p. m. proceeded to Bark Shanty Prairie,
about four miles, and saw the remains of a beef killed by Indians and
where they had been picking hazelnnts; signs about three days old.
Then proceeded to Barney's ranch, about six miles, and camped at 7
p. m. Thursday, 11th, left camp at 5.30 a. m. Went round by Hart
Prairie; from there to Bald Mountain; saw about seventy- five head of
cattle in a band ; then took the old Redwood trail and marched down
the mountain for Redwood; heard a gunshot down on the river. When
within 200 yards of the river halted and hid our rations and blankets;
then reconnoitered up and down the river and saw tracks going in
every direction ; then took up the east side of the mountain about a
mile and back down to the river. Went down the river a mile and
camped back of the river on a small creek at 7.30 p. m. Friday, 12th,
at 4 a. m. left four men in camp ; with the other five scouted around
until 11 a. m.; saw signs leading down the river; followed them to
25 B B — VOL L, PT I
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386 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Chap. LXIL
within two miles of Camp Anderson, when they turned off into the
timber in the direction of Hoopa Valley. Arrived at Oamp Anderson
at 3 p. m.
Very respectfnlly, your obedient servant
W. 0. HILLIS,
Sergt., Company B, First Batt. Mountaineers, California Vols.,
Commanding Detachment.
Maj. W. 8. E. Tatlob,
Commai^ing Camp Anderson.
AVOTTST 27-OCTOBEB 5, 1864.— Expedition from Port Boia^ to Salmon Falls,
Idaho Ter., with skirmishes.
RBJPORTS.
No. 1. — Col. Renben F. Maury, First Oregon Cavalry.
No. 2. — Lient. Charles Hobart, First Oregon Cavalry, commanding expedition.
No. 3.— Lient. Charles F. West, First Washington Territory Infantry.
No. 1.
Reports of Col. Reuben F. Maury, First Oregon Cavalry.
Headquarters,
Fort BoisS, Idaho Ter., September 17, 1864.
Sib : Letters to the 14th have been received from Lieutenant Hobart.
He was then with the cavalry of his command at Three Islands, about
thirty miles below Salmon Falls, and was hastening by night marches
to the Upper Bruneau, where he had been informed, through a prisoner
captured on the 13th, of a camp of fifteen or twenty lodges with consid-
erable stock. On the 13th the lieutenant found and attacked a consid-
erable camp above the Three Islands, killing five men and wounding
others. They were a party that had lately stolen some flour, &c, at
the crossing of the Malade Biver. The flour was found in their camp.
I have heretofore neglected to mention that Lieutenant Hobart white
en ronte to Salmon Falls met Mr. Z. Van Orman, the uncle of the
Van Orman children, with one of the children — supposed to be — (he
obtained it, I think, through the Indian agent, Salt Lake, last winter),
and employed him as guide and interpreter. His familiarity with their
language, as well as personal knowledge of many Indians, makes him
of great service. The Indian killed was from the Owyhee. I hope to
hear in a few days the result of Lieutenant Hobart's visit to the Bru-
neau. The activity and zeal of Lieutenant Hobart and command
deserve credit and commendation. Lieutenant West with most of the
infantry had gone ap Snake Biver expecting to reach the Great Falls
and Bock Creek, where some small thefts have been reported.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
E. F. MAUBT,
Colonel First Oregon Cavalry, Commanding.
First Lient. John W. Hopkins,
First Oregon Cavalry, Actg. Asst. Adjt. Oen.,
Fort Vancouver^ Wash, Ter.
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chap.uai.] expedition to salmon falls, idaho tek. 387
Headquabtebs,
Fort Bois6, Idaho Ter., September 23, 1864.
Sm : Letters to the 16th instant have been received from Lieutenant
Hobart. He was then a few miles above the month of Bruneau Elver,
where he had found a camp of thirty or forty Indians on an island.
By nighc marching he had surprised it, and throwing a shell in its
midst at daylight succeeded in driving them from the island, where
eight of the party were killed. Their camp and considerable plunder
were destroyed. From Lieutenant Hobart's dispatches I am confirmed
in the opinion that the Indians who have usually resorted to the Upper
Owyhee at his season to hunt and fish, have sought the Snake Biver to
avoid the movements of Captain Currey's command. The river was
searched equally as closely in 1862 and 1863 as now, but there are evi-
dently many more Indians on it now than then. The lieutenant
expected to move rapidly to the head of Bruneau Valley, but it is
feared that the escape of some during the last skirmish may alarm the
camp supposed to be there in time to enable them to make their escape.
Tbe overland escort has been heard from this side of Salmon Falls.
AU well, and will probably reach this place in a few days.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
R. F. MAUET,
Colonel First Oregon Cavalry, Commanding.
First Lieut. J. W. Hopkins,
Acting Assistant Adjutant- General, Fort Vancouver, Wash. Ter.
Headqttabteks,
Fort Bois6, Idaho Ter., September 28, 1864.
SiB: Nothing direct has been received from Lieutenant Hobart's
command since my advices of the 23d instant. Eeports have, how-
ever, reached me that the lieutenant himself with his mounted men was
in the vicinity of a camp of about seventy-five Indians who had offered
him battle. This is supposed to be in the valley of the Bruneau.
Other reports say that in the conflict which ensued twenty or twenty-
five Indians were killed. Lieutenant West had returned to Eock Creek
near the Great Falls in consequence of information that more stock had
been stolen, probably by the lower party that took the cattle of the
Overland Mail Company. The information is that he had discovered
their camp and was preparing to attack it. These are only reports,
but in the absence of direct information, and knowing the anxiety that
will be felt for these small parties, I have thought it best to mention
them. Directions have been forwarded to Lieutenant Hobart in obedi-
ence to Special Orders, No. 117, current series, from district headquar-
ters. Previous to the reception of this it was in contemplation to keep
the command out till 1st November or after. Depredations were exten-
sive and serious last winter by Indians from the west of Snake River.
I think they vill be equally as bad, if not worse, the coming winter.
The means of preventing or punishing for such depredations are totally
inadequate.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
R. F. MAUEY,
Colonel First Oregon Cavalry, Commanding.
Lieut. John W. Hopkins,
First Oregon Cavalry, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General,
District of Oregon, Fort Vancouver, Wash. Ter.
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388 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Chap.LXIL
Headquabtees,
Fort BoUsi, Idaho Ter,, October 12, 1864.
Sib : I have the honor to forward herewith the reports of Lieutenant
Hobart's operations in the vicinity of Salmon Falls, on the west side
of Snake Kiver. The conduct of officers (Lieutenants Hobart and
West) and men is satisfactory and commendable. The expedition was
not so completely effective as was in the first place anticipated, on
account of the necessity for their return to this post in accordance with
orders to join Captain Ourrey's command. Lieutenant Hobart's views
in regard to the Indians west of Snake River accord fully with my own,
and I ask the serious attention of the general to them. The force here
is less, certainly not more, than the most ordinary prudence would con-
sider essential for the care and protection of the property at the post.
Already reports have reached me of depredations on the Malheur
liiver, near the emigrant road, in the loss of some sixteen head of horses
stolen by Indians, and also the loss of several men on the west side
of the Owyhee River, on the Humboldt road, a few days after the evac-
uation of Camp Alvord. Governor Lyon has made a treaty with those
who have been living during the summer, through my permission and
protection, on the Upper Bois6, and I hope to be able to collect the 200
or 300 who have been in the vicinity of Camas Prairie in time to meet
him when he visits that section. These treaties, as removing many
difficulties in settling a new country, are very desirable, but without
reservations and a small appropriation for their support and means of
cultivating the soil they cannot have any very great effect upon the
preservation of peace. However, except by misunderstanding, I do
not anticipate any difficulty with either of these bands.
Very respectftilly, your obedient servant,
R. F. MAURY,
Colonel First Oregon Cavalry, Commanding.
Acting Assistant Adjutant-General,
Headquarters District of Oregon, Fort Vancouver, Wash. Ter.
No. 2.
Report of Lieut. Charles Hobart, First Oregon Cavalry, commanding
expedition.
FoET Bois6, Idaho Ter., October 8, 1864.
Sir: I have the honor to report that in conformity with orders
received from the commanding officer of Fort Bois6, Idaho Ter., I
started on an expedition against the Snake Indians. The expedition
consisted of twenty-one cavalry and twenty-eight infantry, the latter
under command of Second Lieut. Charles F. West, First Washington
Territory Infantry, We left Fort Bois6 on the 27th of August and
arrived at Salmon Falls Creek, on the south side of Snake River, dis-
tant 123 miles from Fort Bois^, on the 7th day of September. Soon
after arriving I learned that parties of Indians had been stealing stock
from near the ferry above Salmon Falls, and that on the night before
I arrived fifteen head of mules bad been stolen from a man named
McFarland, thirteen of which had been recovered. I started a party
of men under command of Sergeant Wood, of Company A, First Ore-
gon Cavalry. He followed on the trail of the missing stock and came
upon the Indians on the north side of the river about twenty-five miles
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C»tf.LXn.) EXPEDITION TO SALMON PALLS, IDAHO TER. 389
above Salmon Falls, and succeeded in killing three warriors, one of
whom I have since learned was named Ebigon, a medicine man among
the Owyhee tribes, and in recapturing 1 mule, 1 horse, and a work
ox. On the return of Sergeant Wood I sent the surplus stores and
supplies to a place on the north side of Snake Kiver nearly opposite
Salmon Falls, leaving in charge a party of eight of the infantry, reserv-
ing twenty days' rations for eighteen cavalry and four infantry, which
were mounted on mules, and reserving fifteen days' rations for fifteen
infantry who were to start with Lieutenant West. Lieutenant West
was instructed to proceed up Snake Kiver to the Shoshone Falls; from
there to the head of Rock Creek and the adjoining country. Lieutenant
West's report is herewith respectfully transmitted. 1 left the Salmon
Falls Creek and camped at Salmon Falls. Started next morning at 2
o'clock, and about daylight came upon the remainder of the Indians of
Ebigon's band, and in a running fight killed six and wounded some
who escaped across Snake Biver, and who I learn have since died.
After being sixteen hours in the saddle we camped at Mountain Camp.
The next day we had one or two slight skirmishes with the Indians
and succeeded in killing one and wounding another. We camped that
night at the Three Islands, and early next morning sent parties up on
both sides of Snake Kiver to capture parties of Indians who had fired
at us from the opposite side of the river. After the return of these
parties, without being able to accomplish their object, having received
information that a party of Indians were on an island in the river ten
miles below us, I started at 1 in the morning, and succeeded in kilUng
eight of them. I had them surrounded, and had it not been for the
haste and excitement of the men sent on the east side of the river
would have killed the whole party. After returning to Three Islands
I started for the Brunean, having learned from the statements of pris-
oners that a large party of Indians was there. I marched at night and
reached the Bruneau at daylight, but found that the Indians had left.
Returning to Salmon Falls from the Bruneau, I had intended to make
a trip to the Goose Creek Mountains, but receiving orders to return to
Fort Bois^, I arrived there on the 5th of October. In conclusion, I
would state that it is my opinion and firm belief that most of the
Indians have established their winter quarters in the Goose Creek
Mountains, and that from that point they will totally deprive the coun-
try of stock from Fort Hall to Old's Ferry, unless measures are promptly
taken to prevent their movements.
I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
CHARLES HOBART,
First Lieutenant, First Oregon Cavalry.
First Lieut. F. B. White,
Adjutant First Oregon Cavalry, Fort BoisS, Idaho Ter.
No. 3.
Beport of Lieut. Charles F. West, First Washington Territory Infantry.
Fort Bois6, Idaho Teb., October 1, 1864.
8m : I have the honor to submit the following report of my action
whilst in command of a detachment from your command :
On the 13th September after leaving Salmon Falls Creek I went with
a detachment of fifteen men of my company and camped that night on
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390 OPEBATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Chip. Lxn.
a creek abont nine miles distant. !Next day continued traveling np
Snake Eiver, camping at the point where the emigrant road runs down
to the river; distance, twelve miles. [On the] 15th marched about six-
teen miles tip Snake Eiver, where I found it impracticable to get any
farther, as the river runs into a deep canon, where neither men nor ani-
malscould get a foothold. At this place I found four lodges quite recently
vacated. On the 16th retraced my steps and endeavored to go up a
creek called Eock Creek, but found it impossible to get the animals
through on account of the roughness of the place. I therefore bad to
return to my camp of the 14th instant, as no chance to get out of the
caflon presented itself before. On the 17th got out of the cation and
went to the station known as Canyon Station, on Bock Creek ; distance,
about fourteen miles. On the 18th continued traveling up Eock Creek,
and at night camped above the next station ; distance, nineteen mileb.
On the 19th left the animals at camp, but sent a party up Dry Creek to
see if any signs of Indians could be discovered about that place. The
party returned about 9 p. m. without success. On the 20th sent a party
out to some prominent points of the road to the right, whilst I went to
the left toward Snake Eiver. Both parties returned to camp on the
next day equally unsuccessfal. As my rations were giving out I com-
menced retracing my steps. On the 21st camped on the crossing of
Eock Creek, and on the 22d on Snake Eiver. Wliilst cami)ed at the
crossing of Eock Creek I went with a detachment of men over to the
falls, situate about six miles due north from the crossing of the creek.
Found them to be three falls, the first of twenty feet, the second about
twenty-five feet, and the third ninety-six feet, making a total fall of 141
feet. On the 23d returned to Salmon Falls. Whilst there I received
information that on the day after my departure a lot of stock had been
run off firom the upper station on Eock Creek. I made my arrange-
ments to start back that night, but on examination I found nearly all
my mules barefooted, and as Captain Crawford kindly offered me the
services of his blacksmith, I laid over until next day at noon. I arrived
at Eock Creek with nine men on same day at noon ; distance, forty -five
miles. About 9 a. m. next day started up Eock Creek and traveled
about twenty miles above the station, but found nothing to induce me
to believe that the cattle had been run in that direction. I returned
about six miles and turned up a creek running into Eock Creek, but
found no signs whatever. I camped there that night, and on the 26th
made over the hills in the direction of a fire that had been started that
morning. I found, however, that it had been made by a couple of men
who had started out the night before in quest of the cattle. These men
found the cattle about eight miles from camp and returned with them
to the station at Eock Creek. I therefore retraced my steps to the sta-
tion, and thence to Salmon Falls, arriving at the latter place on the
28th instant. I am under many obligations to Capt. Le Eoy Crawford,
assistant quartermaster, commanding emigrant escort, for his kindness
in furnishing me with saddles, &c., and for shoeing my mules on my
return to Eock Creek.
I have the honor, sir, to remain, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
CHAS. F. WEST,
Second Lieut, First Waghington Ter. In/ty., Comdg. Detachment.
First Lieut. Ohables Hobaet,
Commanding Expedition Against the 8ndke Indians.
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Ciup. Lxn.l SCOUT TO NORTH POBK OP EEL RIVEB, CAL. 391
SEPTEMBEK 1-88, 1864.— Scout from Camp Ghnuat to the Vortb Fork of
the Eel SiTei, Otl.
Report of Capt. John P. SUmpaon, First Battalion CfUi/omia Moun-
taineers.
Camp Gbant, October i, 1864.
Sib : I bare the honor to submit the following report of scout after
Indians on headwaters of Eel Biver, being a continuation of scout by
detachment of twenty-one men of Company E, First Battalion Moun-
taineers (infantry), California Volunteers, which left Camp Grant July
19, 1864, under my command, report of operations having been for-
warded to 31st August:
September 1, moved camp ten miles and camped at Three Lakes, near
Middle Fork of Eel Biver, Camp No. 13. Laid over in camp three days;
sent out scout accompanied by Indian interpreters, who brought in five
Indians, which increased the number to seventy-three. September 4,
moved camp eight miles, No. 14. Laid over in camp two days; no
Indians to bie found by scout. September 7, moved camp ten miles and
camped on a tributary of North Fork of Eel Biver, No. 15. September
8, moved ten miles and camped on North Fork of Eel Biver, No. 16.
September 9, remained in camp; started pack train to Bound Yalley
for supplies for Indian prisoners. September 10, moved camp eight
miles to Coyote Yalley, No. 17. September 11, 12, and 13, remained in
camp and sent out scouts to hunt Indians, but found none. Pack train
arrived from Bound Valley with provisions for Indian prisoners. Sep-
tember 14, moved camp eight miles to Lake Mountain, No. 18. Septem-
ber 15, remained in camp; sent out Indian scouts to find Indians. They
returned about 10 o'clock at night and reported having found a ranch-
eria on main Eel Biver near the month of the North Fork. Immediately
started with twelve men of my command and one citizen ; also a num-
ber of Indians, and after traveling about twelve miles came to the
rancheria at daylight in the morning, when, after making a careful
examination of their location, I found the rancheria to extend some 300
or 400 yards up and down the river, the place being surrounded by
high and rocky banks and very difficult to approach. I immediately
divided my men in squads and surrounded them to the best advantage.
I then told them through Indian interpreters to surrender and they
would not be killed. They did not appear satisfied to surrender, but
after a few ineffectual attempts to escape they gave up. They were
disarmed and counted, numbering eighty-eight in all. They had slaugh-
tered a considerable number of cattle, hogs, and sheep, and had a large
quantity of dried beef in camp, nnmerons sheepskins, and offal of
slaughtered cattle were lying about camp, and one live sheep picketed
in camp. After explaining to the Indians that they were to be taken
to the reservation they appeared well satisfied and willing to go. I
then started for my camp on the mountain, where we arrived alK>ut 3
o'clock on the 16th. September 17, 18, and 19, laid over in camp wait-
ing for pack train from Camp Grant with rations for company. Sep-
tember 20, pack train arrived with company's rations. September 21,
started for the Bound Valley Beservation, where I arrived on Septem-
ber 24, and turned over to Austin Wiley, superintendent of Indian
affairs for California, 161 Indians, taking his receipt for the same. Sep-
tember 27, left Bound Valley and returned to camp at Lake Mountain,
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392 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. (Chap. LXH,
wbere I arrived on September 28. September 29, broke up camp and
started for Camp Grant, where I arrived on tlie 30th of September, 1864,
having been absent two months and twelve days.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
J. P. SIMPSON,
Captain, First Battalion Mountaineers (Infantry),
California Volunteers, Commanding Camp.
First Lieut. A. W. Hanna,
Adjutant First Battalion Mountaineers (Infantry),
California VoU., Actg. Asst. Adjt. Gen., Fort Mumboldt.
SEPTEMBEE l-DECEKBEB 3, 1864.— Operations in the Trinity Biver
Valley, CaL
REPORTS.
No. 1. — Capt. Abraham Miller, First Battalion California Monntaineers.
No. 2. — ^Lieut. Thomaa Hiddleton, First Battalion California Moontaineers.
No. 1.
Reports of Capt. Abraham Miller, First Battalion California Moun-
taineers.
Camp near Btjent Eanch, Teinity County, Cal.,
September 15, 1864.
Sib : I have the honor to submit the following report of the oper-
ations of Company C, First Battalion Mountaineers, California Volun-
teers, from the Ist to the 15th of September, 1864 :
On the evening of the 1st instant I received information from the
mail rider that hostile Indians had made a raid into Hyampom Valley.
On the 2d instant I sent Sergeant Alexander with fourteen men to that
place, with orders to find out, if possible, the amount of damage done,
what Indians were concerned in the robbery, and their number. The
sergeant with his detachment returned to this camp the 5th instant and
reported that all the men living in the valley were absent at the time
of the raid, and that the Indians were seen by only one squaw living in
t^at place, who says they were not Hoopa Indians ; that they came from
the direction of Hay Fork and went in that direction ; that they num-
bered about thirty, but men who saw the trail shortly after they left think
there were no more than eighteen. The Indians took from McKay's
house a double-barreled shotgun and some blankets. They entered
other houses, but took nothing of consequence, the whole amount of
damage done not exceeding $40 or $50. Lieutenant Middleton and Ser-
geant Wilson, who had been absent since the 28th of August in search
of deserters, arrived at this camp on the morning of the 5th instant,
bringing with them as prisoners Privates Kelley and Powers, who
deserted from this company last June, t inclose report of Lieutenant
Middleton. On the 6th instant I sent Sergeant Alexander and Private
Leece to Fort Gaston, having in charge the deserters brought to this
camp on the 5th, with orders to deliver them to the commander of that
post. On the 9th instant I ordered Sergeant Leonard with sixteen
men to proceed to Hjsrampom, the detachment, with the exception of
two men who returnetl on the 12th with pack train, to remain encamped
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CH4P.LXI1.) OPERATIONS IN THE TBINITY BIYER VALLEY, CAL. 393
at that place antil further orders. On the 14th Lieutenant Middleton
left this camp for Weaverville and vicinity to find ont the position of
several Indian ranches near that place, preparatory to an attempt to
bring the Indians under military control.
Eespectfully, your obedient servant,
ABRAHAM MILLEB,
Gapt., First Batt. Mountaineers, California Vols., Comdg. Co. C.
Camp Neak Bubnt Eanoh, Tkinity Countt, Oal,,
October 16, 1864.
Sis : I have the honor to submit the following report of an expedition
under my command, undertaken for the purjiose of bringing the Indians
living in Hay Fork Valley and on Trinity lliver under military control:
September 17, I sent Sergeant Eastman with ten men to Hyampom
to join a detachment of fifteen men under Sergeant Leonard, stationed
at that place since the 9th instant. On the 18th I left Burnt Banch
with thirty men from Fort Gaston under Lieutenant Herrick, of Com-
pany D, First Battalion of Mountaineers, California Volunteers. I
arrived at Hay Fork with this detachment the 20th instant. On the
22d Lieutenant Middleton (who had left Burnt Banch on the 14th
instant for Weaverville and Hay Fork to find out the position of several
Indian ranches in that vicinity) reported in person to me. On the 23d
I sent Lieutenant Middleton to Hyampom to take command of detach-
ment at that place, with which he was to undertake the capture of the
Indians living in Hay Fork Valley, and with Lieutenant Ilerrick's com-
mand I proceeded to mouth of Bush Creek on Trinity Biver, capturing
all Indians found at this place, also those living in the neighborhood of
Douglas City. On the 24th instant Sergeant Leonard (who bad been
sent by Lieutenant Middleton who had been sent with a small detach-
ment to Arkansas Dam, on Trinity Biver) reported to me on Brown's
Creek, fourteen miles from Hay Fork, with eight prisoners. On the
25th I returned to Hay Fork with Lieutenant Herrick's detachment and
thirty-eight prisoners, including those taken by Sergeant Leonard.
Lieutenant Middleton reported forty-one prisoners taken by his com-
mand in the valley, seven of whom, from sickness and otlier causes, it
was necessary to leave behind. On the 26th instant with the different
detachments and prisoners left Hay Fork. On the 27th arrived at
Hyampom. On the 28th Lieutenants Herrick and Middleton with the
detachment from Fort Gaston, having in charge the Indian prisoners, left
Hyampom en route to Fort Humboldt. Same date I sent Sergeant
Leonard and nine men with pack train to Burnt Banch for supplies.
October 2, Corporal Hathaway and five privates, having in charge
train with supplies, arrived at my camp. On the 4th instant left
Hyampom with my command. On the fith camped on Plummer Creek
about twenty miles in a southerly direction from ITyampom. On the
7th and 8tli, with aportionof my command I proceeded through the South
Fork Canon; found no Indians. On the evening of the 8th instant
Lieutenant Middleton reported to me with orders from district head-
quarters. On the 9th instant, leaving ten men with Lieutenant Mid-
dleton, I proceeded to Burnt Banch, arriving on the 10th. On the 11th
instant I dispatehed Sergeant Alexander and two privates with train,
&c., to Fort Gaston for supplies. The train with rations returned on the
13th. On the 14th I sent Sergeant Eastman with nine privates, with
pack train carrying thirty days' rations for twenty men, to Lieutenant
Middleton's camp at Hay Fork. A part of my command was paid oflf
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394 OPEBATION8 ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Chip.LXH.
October 2. First Lieut. John A. Watson left this camp October 8 to
relieve First Lieut. William H. Pratt in the duties of acting assistant
quartermaster and acting commissary of subsistence at Fort Gaston
(extract from Special Orders, "So. 49, headquarters District Humboldt^
Octobers, 1864).
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
ABRAHAM MILLBE,
Capt., First Batt. of Mountaineers, California Vols., Comdg. Go. C.
First Lieut. A. W. Hanna,
Adjutant First Battalion Mountaineers, California Vols.,
Acting Assistant Adjutant- General, Fort Humboldt, Gal,
No. 2.
Reports of Lieut. Thomas Middleton, First Battalion California Moun-
taineers.
' FoET Humboldt, Oal., November 5, 1864.
Sib : I have the honor to report in accordance with Special Orders, No:
48, 1 left Fort Humboldt on the 5th day of October and arrived at Cap-
tain Miller's camp on the 8th day of October, on the ridge between Hay
Fork and the South Fork of Trinity Kiver, four miles south of Indian
Valley. Ou the 9th I left Captain Miller's camp with ten men and four
mules; arrived at Hay Fork 3 o'clock same day. Camped at Hay Fork
on 10th and 11th, to gain information in regard to Indians. On the
12th I left Hay Fork with seven men and three mules ; camped on Red-
ding Creek; traveled about twenty miles. On the 13th I camped on
the headwaters of Brown's Creek; traveled that day about sixteen
miles. On the morning of the 14th I captured twenty-one prisoners,
and started for Hay Fork; camped on Brown's Creek; traveled about
twelve miles. On the 15th camped on Redding Creek, capturing three
prisoners; traveled about six miles. On the 16th arrived at Hay Fork
with twenty -four prisoners; traveled about twenty miles; found Ser-
geant Eastman and nine men, with rations to the 15th day of Novem-
ber; also nine mules. On the 17th I sent two men up Salt Creek and
captured one prisoner. On the 18th I left Hay Fork with ten men and
five mules; camped on Brown's Creek; traveled about sixteen miles.
On the 19th I left Brown's Creek and camped on Rush Creek; traveled
eighteen miles; captured one prisoner. On the 20th I left Rush Creek ;
foUowed Indian sign and overtook two Indians on the divide between
Trinity River and French Gulch; followed the sign into French Gulch
and lost it; camped on French Gulch after traveling about twenty-five
miles. On the 21st left French Gulch; camped at Eastman's diggings,
on Trinity River, capturing two prisoners; distance traveled, about
twenty mUes. On the night of the 21st I took five men and one Indian
up Papoose Creek and captured six prisoners; arrived at camp at
Eastman's diggings on the evening of the 22d; traveled about eighteen
miles. On the 22d left Eastman's diggings; camped at Ferry Bar;
captured three prisoners; traveled fourteen miles. On the 24th left
Ferry Bar and camped at Summit Creek ; traveled about twelve miles.
On the 25th I left Summit Creek; arrived at Hay Fork same day with
fourteen prisoners ; traveled about twelve miles. On the 26th camped
at Hay Fork on account of rain. On the 27th detained on account of
drying blankets. On the 28th left Hay Fork for Fort Humboldt with
thirty-nine prisoners, twenty men, and thirteen mules; camped on the
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Cnxr.vm.] OPERATIONS IN THE TBINITT RIVER VALLEY, CAL. 395
monntain between Hay Fork and Soath Fork ; distance traveled, nine
miles. On the 29th cami>ed at Hyampom ; traveled eleven mUes. On
the 30th camped at Pilot Creek; traveled ten miles. On the Slst
camped at Alder Springs; traveled eleven roUes.
November 1, camped at Three-Mile Creek ; traveled twelve miles. On
the 2d camped at Booth's Bun ; traveled ten miles. On the 3d camped
at Jim Brown's ranch; traveled nine miles. On the 4th arrived at
.Fort Hnmboldt at 2 p. m., and delivered the thirty-nine prisoners to
the commanding officer of that i>08t; distance traveled, fifteen miles.
By the information I could gather, there are abont fifteen Indians in
the vicinity of Trinity Center that were ran off by some white men to
avoid being taken; also about forty-five sqnaws kept by white men
in the county.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
THOMAS MroDLETON,
Second Lieut. Co. (7, First Batt. of Mountaineers, California Vols.
Ident A. W. Hanna,
Adjutant First Battalion of Mountaineers,
California Volunteers, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General.
Hay Fork, Tbinity County, Cal., December 4, 1864.
Sib : I left Fort Hnmboldt on the 8th day of November at 11 a. m.
on the second trip ; arrived at Hay Fork on the 14th at 1 p. m. Found
four Government animals at B. M. George's that were lost by Captain
Miller's party. On the 15th left Sergeant Eastman in command and
started for Trinity Center for information in regard to Indians; arrived
there on the evening of the 17th. On the 16th Corporal Downer and
nine men left Hay Fork with twelve days' rations and four mules
and reported to me on the 19th instant. On the 20th sent Corporal
Downer and two privates to New York House, fourteen miles north of
Trinity Center; they took 3 prisoners; they arrived the same day at
camp. On the night of the 21st traveled southeast ten miles, capturing
16 prisoners; arrived at camp at 4 p. m. on the 22d. On the 23d left
TWnity Center with eighteen prisoners; arrived at Minersville at 4
o'clock, traveling fifteen miles through the storm. On the 24th left
Minersville at 8 a. m. ; camped at Bush Greek at 4 p. m., capturing 1
prisoner. Traveled about fourteen miles. On the 25th laid by at Bush
Creek on account of storm and captured 2 prisoners. On the 26th I
left Bush Creek at 10 a. m. and traveled through the storm all day;
arrived at Douglas City at 4 p. m. On the 27th camped at Douglas
City on account of the storm. On the night of the 27th lost 2 prisoners
about 1 o'clock. On account of the darkness of the night and the
storm it was impossible to capture them again. On the 28th I left
Douglas City at 6 a. m. ; arrived at Hay Fork at 3 p. m. with nineteen
prisoners. Arriving at camp I found that Sergeant Eastman had cap-
tured 1 prisoner on the 18th instant. From the 29th of November to
the 3d of December stormed every day, and is still storming. I found
it impossible to bring the prisoners to Fort Hnmboldt on account of the
snow and high water.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
THOMAS MIDDLETON,
Second Lieut. Co. C, First Batt. of Mountaineers, California Vols.
First Lieut. A. W. Hanna,
Adjutant First Batt. of Mountaineers, California Vols.,
Acting Assistant Adjutant-Oeneral, Fort Humboldt, Cal.
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396 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. (Chap. Lxn.
JAVTTART l-irOVEHBEB 30, 1865.— Operations on the Canyon City Boad,
Oreg., with skirmiahea.
No. 1. — Capt. Henry C. Small, First Oregon Cavalry.
No. 2. — Lient. William M. Hand, First Oregon Cavalry.
No. 1.
Reports of Capt. Henry C. Small, First Oregon Cavalry,
Headquabtees Canyon City Eoad Expedition,
Camp Watson, Oreg,, January 17, 1865.
General : I have the honor to inform yoa of a scout made to Cot-
tonwood Creek, on Canyon City road. On the morning of the 11th
instant, at 2 a. m., an express was sent for me to hasten with all possi-
ble speed to the stage station on Cottonwood, as the Indians had shown
themselves the previous evening, and, from representations, would
doubtless attack the settlers before I could reach there. I started
immediately with Lieutenant Hand and ten men, leaving ten behind
with the pack train. I arrived at Cottonwood at 8 a. m. and found
that a party of six Indians, armed with four rifles and two bows and
arrows, had shown signs of attacking a couple of travelers, who
encountered them two miles this side of the station, but had escaped
unhurt to the house. The Indians then came down in sight of the
house, and seemed to be in no hurry about leaving. My impression
was, when I left here, that they could be easily tracked, but, to my
surprise, I found that the snow had entirely disappeared and the ground
frozen very hard, which rendered pursuit impossible. I went as far as
the South Fork, crossing at the foot of the timbered ridge, and return-
ing down to the mouth on the east side, having been out three days
and two nights, traveling a distance of fifty-five miles. Lieutenant
Hand, with a detachment of ten men, leaves in the morning for the
South Fork with t«n days' rations.
I am, with much respect, your obedient servant,
H. C. SMALL,
Captain, First Oregon Cavalry, Commanding,
Acting Assistant Adjutant-General,
Headquarters District of Oregon, Fort Vancouver, Wash. Ter.
Headquarters Canyon City Boad Expedition,
Cottonwood, Oreg., April 21, 1865,
Sir : I have the honor to report to the colonel commanding the Dis-
trict of Oregon that on the morning of the 18th instant I sent a detach-
ment of ten men down the river after Lieutenant Hand's detachment,
with instructions for him to proceed at once to this place. Leaving nine-
teen men in charge of the horses, I proceeded with the acting assistant
surgeon, D. Walker, and the wounded men to camp, having previously
sent to the post for a team. After having the wounded comfortably
cared for, the acting assistant surgeon and myself started from camp on
the 20th at 2 p. m. for this place, intending if Lieutenant Hand had
returned to proceed up the South Fork to where we had the engagement
of the Kith instant. WJien within about three miles and a half of this
place, it being near sundown, I saw an Indian on horseback to the right
of the road riding in this direction. I told the surgeon that our only
chance of escape was to put our horses under full speed and run past.
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CHAP.LXU.) OPEEATION8 ON THE CANTON CITY ROAD, OREG. 397
which we attempted, bat after proceeding a short distance we suddenly
came within forty yards of twelve or fourteen who were within twenty
yards of the roaid holding their horses, who had not discovered us.
Thinkingit too hazardous an undertaking, we retreated about fifty yards,
when they raised the war whoop, and three or four came after us at full
speed, and we only escai>ed by a precipitous flight, they following us
some three miles. We returned to camp, and at 1 p. m. with an escort
of three we started for Cottonwood again. When a little beyond where
we saw the Indians the previous evening we found three citizens who
had been killed, two of them scalped and horribly mutilated. The
names of the unfortunate men, as far as I can learn, are a man by the
name of John W. Potter, and an old man who had been staying with
him at the Mountain House, name at present unknown. The other,
name nnknown.
Arriving at the station at sunrise, I sent out a team, had the mur-
dered men brought in, and have just buried them. I immediately sent
a detachment in pursuit, fearing the Indians had come down the South
Fork, and were the same encountered by us on the 16th instant. The
detachment remained out all day, having gone as far south as the foot
of the timbered ridge, which is still cover&i with snow, and found that
the Indians had come from the North and not ftom the South Fork.
As far as could be ascertained the Indians had gone down the road in
a northwest direction. I suppose them to be the same band the citizens
found down the river a short time since, and that they number fifteen
or twenty warriors. The detachment sent for Lieutenant Hand has
just returned and found nothing of him. They report traveling down
the main John Day's Eiver, through a very rough mountainous country
a distance of sixty-five mUes, and returning by way of .Alkali, having
traveled 170 miles in four days. They report finding fresh Indian sign
along the route, but saw none. In the morning I sent a detachment of
ten men to Bock Creek to escort the Canyon City stage to this place,
and citizens who are waiting there. From what I now know respecting
the Indians, I fear the forces under my command will prove insufiBcient
to afford the necessary protection to travelers and settlers, as they are
known to be scattered along the road for sixty miles, and while after
one party another follows in my rear. I respectfully suggest that the
forces may be increased on this road, at least for the present. I could
easily manage them with the number of troops I have if they would
remain together, but they scatter in all directions, rendering it impos-
sible to trail them with any degree of certainty. Both men and horses
are much fatigued, having been almost constantly in the saddle for the
past eight days. I will write again if Lieutenant Hand should arrive
before I can send this ofl', as the stage will not go down until the 24:th.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
H. C. SMALL,
Captain, First Oregon Cavalry, Commanding.
AcTiNO Assistant Adjutant-General,
Headquarters JDiatrict of Oregon, Fort Vancouver, Wash. Ter.
Headquabtees Canton Citt Road Expedition,
Camp Watson, Oreg., November 20, 1865.
Sir: I have the honor to inform the colonel commanding the depart-
ment that on the morning of the 13th instant I ordered a detachment
of twenty-two enlisted men of Company G, First Oregon Cavalry,
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398 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Chajp. LXn.
under commaud of First Sergt. George Garber, of same company and
regiment, on scout after Snake Indians, who had recently been commit-
ting depredations in the vicinity of Cottonwood, on the Canyon City
tosA. On the 15th instant they found fresh sign of Indians on the
head of Cottonwood Creek, at the foot of timbered ridge, and sent the
pack train back after more rations. They followed upon their trail,
and abont 11 a. m., the 17th instant, came upon a ranch of about twenty-
five or thirty Indians camped upon the west side of the South Fork of
John Day's Biver, near the upper crossing on the road leading from
Treka, Cal., to Canyon City, Oreg. Sergeant Garber being in advance
of the train with eight men, attacked them and fell mortsdly wounded
on the first fire. Corpl. William Starkey, who was behind in charge
of the train, then went forward with the remainder of the detachment
and joined in the fight, which resulted in the killing of four or five
Indians and wounding eight or nine, capturing three horses, two guns,
a large amount of ammunition, blankets, skins, trinkets, and burned
their camp containing 5,000 or 6,000 pounds of dried meats, &c., com-
pletely destroying everything they had. Late in the evening of same
day an express reached camp for the surgeon. I started immediately
with a detachment of eight cavalrymen for the scene of action with a
view of following them. After traveling all night through a fearful
storm I reached Cottonwood and sent a party to meet them, who arrived
at 4 p. m. with the wounded sergeant. Finding the jaded condition of
my animals and the awful state of the weather would not permit of my
going out again, I returned to camp, arriving at 12 p. m. The next
morning Sergeant Garber died of his wounds; an honest, upright,
brave, and good soldier. I have ordered his remains sent to The Dalles
for interment. They will arrive there about the 29th or 30th instant
with instructions to the acting assistant quartermaster of that post to
forward to Fort Vancouver, Wash. Ter., if possible.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
H. C. SMALL,
Captain, First Oregon Cavalry, Commanding.
Assistant ADJtTTANT-GENEBAi,
Fort Vancouver, Wash. Ter.
No. 2.
Reports of Lieut. William M. Hand, First Oregon Cwvalry.
Canyon City Boab Expedition,
Camp Watson, Oreg., January 28, 1865,
Sm: Pursuant to Orders, No. 4, 1 left this camp on the morning of
the 18th instant with eight men of Company G, First Oregon Cavalry,
mounted on mules, and proceeded up John Day's Biver, a distance or
sixty miles. Since the six Indians were seen near the Cottonwood
House on the 10th instant, thirteen head of horses that had been running
all winter on John Day's Biver, six or eight miles above the Cotton-
wood House, have disappeared, and are supposed to have been stolen
by these same Indians. The settlers along the road apprehend con-
siderable trouble this spring. Owing to the severity of the present
winter they think the Indians will be compelled to commence depreda-
tions early. I should have returned by some other route, but it was
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Chap. Lxn.] OPERATIONS ABOUT PORT BOIS^, IDAHO TER. 399
impracticable on account of the snow. I returned to Gamp Watson on
the 27th instant, having traveled 120 miles.
Very re8i)ectfa]ly, your obedient servant,
WM. M. HAim,
First Lieutenant, First Oregon Cavalry.
Oapt. H. C. Small,
Commanding Canyon City Road Fa^dition.
OoTTONWooB House, March 17, 1865.
Sm : I have the honor to report that on the 7th instant a party of
twenty-four citizens left here in search of a band of Indians who have
been engaged in stealing stock from this neighborhood for some time
past. They continued down to John Day's River, driving the Indians
before them. On the 12th they induced several of the Indians to come
into their camp, and through them on the 14th nineteen warriors, five
squaws, and four children came into their camp. The citizens intended
to bring in the whole band, the chief agreeing to the arrangement and
apparently perfectly satisfied, but instead of doing as he promised, at
the first opportunity he gave a signal when they all broke and ran.
The citizens then commenced firing on them, killing 12 and wounding
nearly all the rest. Two squaws were accidentally killed besides. The
citizens captured 23 horses and mules, 3 guns, and about 50 pounds
of ammunition. Kone of the whites were injured. I believe it would
be well to leave this detachment here for the present, for should the
Indians be able to gather a sufficient force to attack the road, this
would very likely be the first point.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
WM. M. HAND,
First Lieutenant, First Oregon Cavalry.
Oapt. H. G. Shall,
Commanding Canyon City Road Expedition.
FEBSITABT 1-20, 1865.— Operations about Port Boia^, Idaho Ter., with
skirmish (16th) in the Bnmean Valley.
Reports of Capt. Frederick Seidenstriker, First Washington Territory
Infantry.
Headquaetees,
Fort Bois6, Idaho Ter., Febrtiary 13, 1865.
Sir : I have the honor to report for the information of the command-
ing general that advices fi-om the expedition in the field under Gaptain
O'Regan were received yesterday under date of the 11th instant. The
news is very gratifying, as he reports that a detachment of his men
encountered a party of thieving Indians, and succeeded in killing 5
warriors and in capturing 4 head stolen cattle, and some women and
children, which they took to camp. On a previous scout they killed 3
Indians. The captein sent in requesting subsistence for the support
of his prisoners, but owing to the large demands now made upon Gov-
ernment for subsistence for destitute emigrants and Indians in this
vicinity I directed the release of the Indians. The command is now
encamped on Oatherine Creek awaiting supplies. These were dis-
patched firom the poet to-day. I sent subsistence to the 20th proximo,
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400 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Chap. Lxn.
and iustracted Captain O'Regan to return to the post by that time. 1
also sent four pack animals for the use of his command. The demand
for subsistence by destitute emigrants still continues. Numbers of
them visit the post every day, many of them in a starving condition.
The winter in this vicinity has been so long and so severe that the
most of the cattle in the neighborhood are dying for want of fodder,
except the Government animals, which are well provided. Yesterday
we had another severe snow-storm, which covered the ground with abont
four inches of snow, and it is generally believed that if the season does
not break up shortly the citizens in this vaUey will lose all their stock.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
F. SEIDENSTEIKEB,
Captain, First Washington Territory Infantry, Gomdg. Post.
Adjutant-General, District of Oregon,
Fort Vancouver, Wash. Ter.
Headquabtebs,
Fort Bois6, Idaho Ter., February 20, 1865.
Sib : I have the honor to report for the information of the command-
ing general the receipt of a letter from Captain O'Regan bearing date
February 17, 1865. On the 13th instant information was received that
eight head of cattle had been stolen from the vicinity of his camp.
Acting on this information a detachment of six soldiers and four citi-
zens was sent out under command of First Sergt. John Storan, Com-
pany I, Washington Territory Infantry, to track and if possible catch
the Indians. The party followed the tracks and came upon a camp on
the evening of the 15th instant in a caiion about eight miles from
Bruneau Valley. Thelndians numbered about eighty, and were engaged
in dressing and curing the carciisses of the eight steers. The little
party immediately attacked the Indians, who resisted most strenoosly,
and after a sharp light of about an hour and a half gained the field.
The casualties present a favorable aspect, as there were thirty warriors
killed and none of our men even wounded. Nothing but the judicious
management of the noncommissioned officer in charge could have
caused such a signal success, as eighty-three shots were fired, and the
indications, such as bloody tracks, &c., were numerous. The captain
is of opinion that at least thirty were wounded besides. The fight
was discontinued only when it was too dark to pursue and a heavy
rain set in. The men were tired out, and the rations were all consumed,
they having only three days' provisions at the start. The sergeant
in his report awards considerable praise to the men of his detachment,
and is himself highly commended by Captain O'Regan. The captain
was expecting to do some good service, and was very anxious to get
some more animals. These, as already reported to the commanding
general, had been started from this poston the 12th instant. It appears
from a former report that quite a number of animals are in their vicinity,
but totally unserviceable, as they were unshod. To obviate this diffi-
culty I sent a supply of shoes and nails, and also a blacksmith, so that
the command is now well equipped for any emergency. As the cap-
tain represents the danger which might arise from releasing the Indians
captured (as they are now fully aware of our strength, projects, &c.),
I have so far modified my orders as to allow them to be sent to this
I)ost with the return wagons. I purpose sending an express to that
effect to-morrow morning. On their arrival here I will keep the
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C]M».tXtt.] SKiRMIStt AT S-ORT fiUOBAMAK, ARIZ. TER. 401
Indians in confinement until tbe retiiru of the expedition. The weather
here is still very nnfavorable, snow falling almost every night, but
where the command is now encamped they do not appear to have the
mild weather we are enjoying in this valley. This is, however, much to
our advantage, as the Indians are more readily tracked. I have also
to report that yesterday I discharged three of my men on expiration of
term of service. I will have to discharge two more on the 24th, and
four on the 4th proximo. The weather is such as yet as to preclude
the possibility of sending them below. In conclusion, I would express
my satisfaction at the results so far obtained irom tbe expedition, and
am very anxious to see its oi)eration8 terminate as favorably as they
have commenced.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
F. SEIDENSTEIKER,
Captain, First Washington Territory Infantry, Commanding.
Lieut. W. I. Sanborn,
Acting Assistant Adjutant- General, Fort Vancouver, Wash. Ter.
FEBRXTAST 17. 1865.— Sldrmish at Fort Buchanan, Ariz. Ver.
REPORTS.
No. 1. — Lient. Col. Clarence E. Bennett, First California Cavalry.
No. 2. — Capt. John L. Merriam, FirHt California Cavalry.
No. 1.
Report of Lieut. Col, Clarence E. Bennett, First California Cavalry.
Headquarters,
Fort Bowie, Ariz. Ter., February 35, 1865.
Colonel: On the 17th instant the Apache Indians, to the number
of about 100, attacked Fort Buchanan. They shot one soldier through
the leg. The soldiers, after the Indians fired the roof, made their
escape. The Indians got about 200 rations, suits of clothing of six men,
250 cartridges, six cavalry horses and equipments, and some arms from
the cavalry detachment near the post. They murdered Mr. Wrightson
and Mr. Hopkins. Missing, 1 soldier stationed at Buchanan, supposed
to be killed, and the Mexican boy with Mr. Wrightson. Of course
everything they had fell into the hands of the Indians. I suppose Cap-
tain Merriam will make to department headquarters a detailed report of
all this. Mr. Hughes, of Tucson, recently found at the cienega a man
recently murdered, horribly mutilated, and he reports seeing fresh
Indian tracks at the road near Dragoon Springs, where Indians had
apparently been waiting. At Sulphur Simngs fresh tracks of Indians
with a large number of horses and mules. The men at San Pedro
report seeing Indians frequently. The mail is not considered safe the
way it is now carried by one man. Mr. Davis, tbe quartermaster's clerk,
just informed me that be was afraid neither of these expressmen would
make another trip. The service is a very hard one. They are all goo<l
men and if they quit there is no way to carry tbe mail except by cav-
alry until they can be replaced. I think it will be difficult to replace
them. Lieutenant Norton, First Cavalry California Volunteers, says
the cavalry horses captured at Fort Buchanan were good ones. The
26 R R — ^VOL L, PT I
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402 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. (Cba*. Lxn.
expressman would not go by Bachanan ; he said tbe other route was
more open and a better road, and not much difference in the distance.
There is another consideration — I am informed Jones is paid $125 a
month, and these men $75, and I would employ either of these men
before Jones. I should be sorry to have these men leave; they are
good men, sober, trustworthy, and take good care of their animals. In
any event, I will have the express carried in some way. Killing these
murderous Apaches will have to be systematically and energetically
carried on before there will be security for life or property in this Ter-
ritory.
I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
CLARENCE E, BENNETT,
Lieutenant- Colonel First Cavalry California Vols., Commanding.
Col. J. C. McPebran, U. S. Army,
Chief Quartermaster, Department of Neic Mexico.
No. 2.
Report of Capt. John L. Merriam, First California Cavalry. .
TUBAO, ABIZ. Tee., February 22, 1865.
Capt. B. 0. Cutler,
Asst. Adjt. Qen., Dept. of New Mexico, Santa FS, N. Mex. :
Sir : I have the honor to inclose report of an attack made on the
vedette station at Fort Buchanan, Ariz. Ter., on the 17th instant.
Very respectfully, &c.,
JOHN L. MERRLA.M,
Captain, First California Cavalry, Commanding Post,
Tubao, Abiz. Tee.
February 18, at 9.45 a. m., received information from Doctor Lock, of
Santa Kita, that Indians had attacked the vedette station of six men, at
Fort Bachanan, on yesterday (one of the men from Fort Buchanan
having reached Santa Eita), and that Mr. Wrightson, superintendent
of the Santa Eita mines, Mr. Hopkin^and a Mexican boy had left Santa
Bita on the morning of the 17th for Fort Buchanan. I started with a
detachment of twenty-foar men of my company for Fort Buchanan at
10 a. m., arrived at Santa Eita at 11.25 a. m., rested half an hour, and
arrived at Fort Bnchanan at 2.40 p. m. While at Santa Eita received
information from my men who had escaped that the Indians had cap-
ture<l the station, and probably killed three of the men. No account
of Messrs. Wrightson and Hopkins. A short distance from the fort
found their bodies ; they had evidently been attacked from behind and
no opportunity of making any resistance. Found the house had been
fired before the men left. The Indians had captured 6 horses and
horse equipments, 2 carbines and equipments, all the subsistence, &c.,
except a portion of the corn, the pork, coffee, soap, and candles, also
all the clothing belonging to the men. Ordered one sergeant and five
men to proceed to the vedette station at San Pedro Crossing, and remain
there, judging that station too weak (six men) if attacked by a large
force of Indians. Ordered the abandonment of Fort Buchanan station.
There is no use trying to follow the Indians. Their tracks show that
they have scattered in small parties i u every direction. They numbered
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CHAP. I.XU.] EXPEDITIOHS TO PYKAMID AND WALKER's LAKES. 403
aboat seventy or eighty men. February 19, returned via Santa Eita to
Tnbac, fonnd that the corporal iu charge of Fort Buchanan and one
man had reached there. The corporal is shot through the thigh. One
private and the Mexican boy stQl missing. Corporal Buckley, who was
in charge, makes the following statement:
No signs of Indians for some time back. On the morning of nttaok one man went
hnnting (he is still missing), and in the afternoon two men went, as osnal, to out
hay for the horses. I was sitting at the door of the house when an Indian shot me
through the thigh. This was toe first knowledge we had that the Indians 'were
around. I drew my pistol and shot the Indian, at the same time Private Berry shot
another. The Indians now closed in large numbers (seventy or eighty) round the
house, and soon had it on fire. We kept them off until the roof began to fall in,
(cannot tell whether any more Indians were killed or not, for the smoke), when I
saw that the only chance for saving onr lives was to force our way through the
Indians. We broke from the house amidst a shower of arrows, and by showing front
to them whenever they got too near, kept them off till we got to the hills, when they
gave up the chase, and we made onr way safely to Santa Kita. The two men who
were cutting hay, hearing the firing at the fort, hastened there, bnt found it sur-
rounded by Indians and on tire; they then went to Santa Rita. None of us knew
anytbiag of Mr. Wrigbtson being near.
JOHN L. MERRIAM,
Oaptainy First Oali/omia Cavalry, Commanding Post.
MASCH 12-19, 1866.— Expeditioni from Fort Churchill to Pyramid ai.d
Walker's Lakes, Nev., with ikirmish (14th) at Mud Lake and affiur (16th)
near Walker** Lake, Hev.
RBIPOBTS.
No. 1.— Capt. Almond B. Wells, First Nevada Cavalry.
No. 2.— Capt. William Wallace, First Nevada Infantry.
No. 1.
Report of Capt. Almond B. WeUs, First Nevada Cavalry.
Bbigajde Headquabtbks, District op California,
Sacramento, March 30, 1865.
Col. E. 0. Drum,
Asst. Adjt. Gen., Hdqrs. Dept. of the Pacific, San Francisco :
COLANEL : Inclosed herewith you will receive copies of the reports
of Captains Wells and Wallace of their expeditions to Pyramid Lake
and Walker Lake, with details of the affair at Mud Lake between the
command of Capt4»in Wells and a body of thirty Indians, and the cap-
ture at Walker Lake, by the command of Captain Wallace, of the two
Indians who murdered Stewart and Babe. The murderers have been
turned over to the civil authorities for trial.
7ery respectfully, your obedient servant,
G. WRIGHT,
Briga^ier-Oeneral of Volunteers.
Camp Ntb, Nbv., March 19, 1865.
Sib: In obedience to instructions ftom headquarters Military Sub-
District of Nevada, Fort Churchill, Special Orders, No. 15, dated March
11, 1865, 1 have the honor to report that on the 12th of March, with
fifty men, I traveled a distance of ten miles in a northeasterly direction
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404 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Chap. LXn.
and camped for the night. At 6 o'clock the next moruiug broke camp
and marched a distance of forty-eight miles in a westerly direction,
arriving at Pyramid Lake at 6 p. m. I immediately ascertained firom
good authority that there was a baud of Smoke Creek Indians encamped
about eleven miles below; that they were continually stealing cattle
from the ranchmen and herders. I placed a guard over the Indians
encamped around me and gave orders not to let one escape. The next
morning (the 14th instant) at 3 o'clock I left camp with twenty-nine of
my men and two citizens, Messrs. T. W. March and W. H. Wilson, who
volunteered their services as guides, for the purpose of arresting the
guilty Indians. We came within sight of their encampment about 5.30
a. m. I divided my command into three squads under Sergeants Wad-
leigh and Besat, ten men remaining with me. I then approached their
encampment intending to arrest them, but when within about 150 yards
they commenced firing upon me. The first shot took effect iu Corporal
Dolan's shoulder, wounding him slightly; the second passed through
the cap© of my overcoat. I then ordered a charge with sabers. The
Indians fell back to the bushes on both sides of the slough. By this
time the men under Sergeants Wadleigh and Besat came up and a gen-
eral engagement ensued. The Indians fought like veterans. I killed
twenty-nine in all ; but one escaped. I destroyed several guns, a quan-
tity of powder, fresh beef, &c. I pursued and fought them for about
ten miles up into the mountains. Some of my men had hand-to-hand
conflicts with them. Several were beaten on the arms with the Indians'
guns. I also captured nine horses, but as they were very poor I did
not deem it necessary to bring them in. Throughout the battle my men
behaved with a valor and fortitude rarely equaled. Without an excep-
tion they were as cool and collected as though on an ordinary skirmish
drill. My acknowledgments are due Messrs. Murch and Wilson for the
benefit of their experience as guides and for the aid they afforded
throughout the conflict. After the battle, Winnemucca, chief of the
Pi-Utes, called on me and expressed himself as highly pleased with the
result. He told me through the interpreter that he had been talking
to them all winter, telling them Bot to steal the white men's cattle, and
be thought that the punishment they had received would teach them a
lesson.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
A. B. WELLS,
Captain Company D, First Battalion Cavalry Nevada Volunteers.
Maj. Ohables McDebmit,
Commanding Sub-Military District of Nevada.
No. 2.
Beport of Capt. William Wallace, First Nevada Infantry.
Special Obdebs, ) Headquarters,
No. 16. ) Fort Churchill, Nev., March 11, 1865.
I. Oapt. William Wallace, Company A, First Battalion Nevada Infan-
try, with thirty-five men of his company, is hereby detailed on detached
service. He will provide himself with fifteen days' rations, and will
proceed at 6 a. m. to-morrow to Walker Biver [and] Lake and arrest
the Indians that recently murdered the two white men in that vicinity
and bring them to this post.
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OBiP. LXn.J EXPEDITIONS TO 1»YRAMID AND WALKEB'S LAKES. 405
II. Lieat. William H. Clark, GompaDy E, First Battalion Nevada
Volunteer Cavalry, with fifty mounted men of h\& company, will report
to and accompany Captain Wallace.
• ••••••
IV. Captains Wallace and Wells will report to the commanding ofB-
cer for instructions.
By order of Maj. C. McDermit, Second Cavalry California Volunteers,
commanding post:
DANIEL VANDERHOOF,
First Lieut. Company C, First Nevada Vol. Infty., Post Adjutant.
FoBT Chtjbchill, Nev., March 20, 1865.
I have the honor to report that in accordance with the above order I
took np the line of march at 5 o'clock on the morning of the 12th instant.
I had along with my command twelve friendly Indians and a white
man to act as guides. My wliole force was thirty-seven infantry of my
own company and fifty cavalry Company E, Nevada Volunteers, under
Lieut. William H. Clark. I arrived the first day at Mason's ranch, on
Walker Biver, distant firom Fort Churchill eighteen miles. I was there
joined by about twenty friendly Indians who wished to go along with
the expedition. I informed them that 1 had no use for them and no
supplies, and they then tarned back. I started from Mason's ranch at
6 a. m. on the 13th, and traveled up the Walker Eiver fourteen miles to
the junction of the East and West Walker; thence up the West Fork
four miles to the crossing; crossed the river and camped on the east
side at Wilson's ranch, a distance of eighteen miles from Mason's
ranch. Left Wilson's at 5 a. m. of the 14th ; traveled fifteen miles and
camped on Wheeler's ranch on the west side of the East Fork of
Walker River. The settlers here said that the murderers of Stewart
and Rabe and their friends, about 300 strong, were camped at the foot
of Walker Lake, but knew nothing of my coming, having thus far mis-
led them by saying that I was on my way to Aurora. To get to where
the Indians were at the foot of the lake I had to cross a range of moun-
tains where it was impossible to get teams over and the trail was very
little traveled. The Indians' camp was distant from this point (Wheel-
er's ranch) thirty miles, twenty miles to the lake and ten miles down
to the camp, and no food for our animals on the way. I had no pack-
saddles with me, and on the morning of the 15th I sent out men and bor-
rowed five saddles of the settlers. I then ordered the men to provide
themselves with two days' cooked rations, as I did not wish to build
any fires after leaving camp yntil the Indians could be surrounded. I
was getting everything ready for an early start in the morning when
about 11 o'clock an Indian courier arrived with the news that he was
sent by Josephus (a friendly chief), who was watching out for the mur-
derers at the head of the lake, to let me know that they had come up
there the night before. Placing fall reliance upon this information, I
immediately a«ted upon it, and left Wheeler's ranch at 12 m. Went one
mile down the East Fork of Walker River and crossed. From here I
sent the infantry, under command of Lieut. G. J. Lansing, across by a
trail with a guide, and I took the cavalry and went around by the road
a distance of twenty-five miles. The infantry made it in fifteen miles
to a tollhouse on the Welliugton road, which had been uninhabited for
some months. It was situated iu a very deep canon two miles from the
mouth and eight from the head of the lake. I arrived at the tollhouse
about 8 in the evening, and the infantry came in about fifteen minutes
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406 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. (Chap. Lxn.
afterward. I halted here until 2 a. m. of the 16th. I had attained a
correct idea of the loc^ition of the Indian camp and made my arrange-
ments accordingly. I moved out the cavalry and infantry together to
the mouth of the canon. In coming out of the canon one of my wagons
U]>set. I left a guard with it with orders to right it up and follow on.
I had ordered the cavalry, under the command of Lieut. William H.
Clark, to go up the lake road three miles, then to take a trail to the
left and cross the river about two miles and a half above the lake,
and then as the land was level and sandy to go half a mile from the
river, and then down close to the lake, so that when they had formed
in line and deployed the right would rest on the river and the left on
the lake or close to it. The country was all open to the left and rear,
and it was impossible for the Indians to have made their escape in
that direction. Lieutenant Clark had orders to wait in that position
until I gave the signal with my bugle for him to advance, which was
to be about daylight. He was then to march his command up to
within fifty yards of the Indian camp, and if not fired upon to await
further orders. If firing was commenced by the Indians not to let
one of them escape him. The Indian camp was on both sides of the
river where it emptied into the lake. Along the river for three miles
from its mouth is a thick growth of underbrush, willows, and cotton-
wood, and at the camp the river is thirty or forty yards wide and about
two or three feet deep. The cavalry arrived on the ground about thirty
minutes before daylight. I took the infantry up the lake within about
half a mile of the mouth of the river, then deployed and covered the
ground from there to the river, my right resting on the lake and my
left on the river, and the whole camp of Indians on the south side of
the river within easy range of my rifles. I took this ground about fifteen
minutes before daylight. Just at the break of day the Indian Josephua,
I had down at the Indian camp, came out to me and told me that one
of the men was in camp on the other side of the river and the other
fifteen miles down on the east side of the lake. I sent Josephus back
across the river and told him to stay with the Indians and send back a
guide. In about ten minutes an Indian came back, and (I had an
Indian interpreter with me so that I could converse with him) he said
that Josephus was with the murderer. I had kept five mounted men
(cavalry) with me to use in case of necessity. I had sent one to the rear
to stop the wagons, the others I took with me, and we started for camp
on the other side of the river with the Indian guide, who had first come
out to me to cross the river. We had to go through the camp on the
south side next to the infantry, but our guide, myself, and the four men
being well mounted, we went through the camp on a run. We could
see the Indians running in every direction and making a great deal of
noise, but there was not a shot fired. At this time it had just got to be
fairly light. We crossed the river, and I found that the camp on the
north side was about 100 yards below and more on the lake. 1 ordered
my bugler to sound the call for the cavalry, and sent one of the men to
have Lieutenant Clark bring his force down in order. By this time the
guide had got half way to camp : the Indians commenced to yell. After
I crossed the river I saw the Iimians who acted as guides to Lieutenant
Clark leave his lines and start for the camp, hallooing to the Indians
to lay down their arms or they would all be killed; that we had them
surrounded, and they could not get out. I now saw Josephus about
the center of the camp. I rode up to him and asked him which was
the man we were after. Just then and before he had time to answer
an Indian jumped out of the campoode (Indian hut) with a gun in his
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OHAP.LXn.) EXPEDITIONS TO PYRAMID AND walker's LAKES. 407
hand, when Gampbell, the sab-Indian agent, who had jost come in
with the Indians from Lieatenant Clark's lines, leveled his revolver and
told him to lay down his gnu or he would shoot him. Josephns told
me that he was not the one we were after. His gun was taken away
from him, and the Indian that we were after pointed to me. I dis-
luoauted and tied and placed him in charge of twenty-five of the cav-
alry, with orders to move up to the bridge two miles above. The
infantry, under Lieutenant Lansing, was ordered to the same point. I
then took the remaining twenty-five cavalrymen and started around
the east side of the lake, with Josephns as a guide and a brother of the
man we were after in custody. When I had arrived within about one
mile of the camp I sent ten men around to the head of the ravine in
which the Indians were camped, and halted the command in order to
give them time to get into position. From where we had halted we
could not be seen by the Indians in camp. After I had given the ten
men sufficient time to take their position to guard the head of the
ravine, I ordered a forward movement on the camp. We had not pro-
ceeded more than 200 yards before I saw an Indian running up a small
ravine some half a mile ahead. I deployed the cavalry and pursued him.
His brother and Josephns hallooed to him not to run or he would be
shot. Before we got within shooting distance of him he stopped. When
we came up with him I took his gun away from him and tied him. I
then had the recall sounded, and started back for the head of the lake
at 7.30 a. m., and arrived at the bridge at 10 a. m. I found about 300
warriors assembled here, but without arms, and they all appeared to
be friendly except the relatives of the two men we had taken. I found
my teams here all right and moved op the river about three miles to
Camp Josephns, where the grass was good, there being none at the
bridge where the infantry halted. We all got into camp at 12 m. I
now informed the Indians that I must have the saddles and pistols that
belonged to the murdered men, and that if they did not bring them in
I would go after them. They said that the things were at the foot of
the lake. I sent the brothers of the prisoners for them and told them
to bring them to this post. They arrived here to-day. I left Camp
Josephns at 6 o'clock on the morning of the 17th; crossed over to the
north side of the river, and traveled ui) fifteen miles to the Eeservation
house, on the main Walker Eiver. I hero found about 100 warriors of
the same tribe as those on the lake (Pi-Utes), but all friendly. It was
this part of the tribe that rendered me so much assistance as guides
and interpreters. A large number of them spoke English, and kept me
posted of the whereabouts of the Indians. I left the lieservation house
at 6 a. m. of the 18th. Went fifteen miles up the river. Camped with
the infantry at Smith's ranch. As there was no grain or hay to be had
at this point, I sent the cavalry on five miles to Mason's ranch. Left
Smith's ranch at 5 o'clock on the morning of the 19th, and arrived at
Fort Churchill, distance twenty miles, at 11 a. m. The cavalry left
Mason's at 8 o'clock and arrived here at the same time. On arriving at
this post I placed the two Indian prisoners in the guardhouse, under
charge of the sergeant of the guard.
Before closing this report I desire to say that Lieut. William H.
Clark, Company E, cavalry, and Lieut. G. J. Lansing, of my own com-
pany, deserve great credit for the promi)t manner in which they ful-
filled all orders. The men, both cavalry and infantry, at the critical
moment when the advance was made by the cavalry on the Indian
camp were perfectly steady and behaved like veterans. If at this time
there had been a shot fired on either side we would have had a desper-
ate fight, as the Indians were ready for a fight, and had sent us wore'
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408 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Chap. LXn.
that they would not give up the marderers, aud it was only by taking
them by surprise 'and having them completely surrounded that we suc-
ceeded in taking the crimin^s without great loss on both sides.
All of which is most respectfully submitted.
WM. WALLACE,
Capt. Company A, First Nevada Vol. Infty., Comdg. Expedition.
Maj. Charles McDermit,
Commanding Sub-District of Nevada.
APKH 5-18, 1865.— Expedition from Camp Bidwell to Antelope Creek, CaL
Report of Capt. James C. Doughty^ Second California Cavalry.
Camp Bidwell, Cal., April 34, 1865.
SiB: I have the honor to report to the general commanding the Dis-
trict of California that on the 5th instant I left this camp with thirty-
five men of Company I, Second Cavalry California Volunteers, en route
for Pine, Deer, Mill, and Antelope Creeks for the purpose of arresting
the Indians that have been committing depredations in the vicinity of
those creeks. After arriving at Deer Creek I sent a detachment of fif-
teen men under the command of a sergeant to scout in the neighbor-
hood of Deer and Mill Creeks, employing Mr. Hi Good (a citizen) as a
guide to accompany them. At the same time I continued on to Ante-
lope Creek with ten men, leaving ten meu on Deer Creek to be sent to
either party if required, and to guard the horses for the first-named
party at Antelope Creek. I employed Mr. William Morgan (a citizen)
as a guide to go with me on the mouutains near Antelope and Dry
Creeks and north of Mill Creek, some thirty-five miles north of this
post. After remaining in that section, scouting the country over night
and day up to the 15th instant, when I received notice of the assas-
sination of Lieutenant Levergood, at this post, I returned to this camp,
leaving the men as I had distributed them, with a sergeant in command
of each detachment, until the 18th instant, when I called them in.
While I was out 1 found a great many signs of Indians, which con-
vinced me that the Indians were in that section gathering food of dif-
ferent kinds; but the country being very mountainous and covered
with underbrush I was not able to see them; at the same time they
could observe every move that I made from their hiding places. I
traveled several nights trying to find them by their fires without suc-
cess, except once they were discovered about 8 o'clock at night by the
guide aud one man, who immediately returned to the detachment and
gave the information, but before they got the Indians surrounded they
had evacuated their position. On the 15th one of the detachment
secured a horse that the Indians had left in the hurried flight and
brought the same to camp, which was turned over to the quartermaster.
1 have no doubt but the animal was stolen from some of the settlers in
that neighborhood. Becoming convinced that the Indians had scat-
tered in different directions, I deemed it necessary to order the men to
camp until the Indians would collect together, when I would send a
detachment out after them again.
I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
J. C. DOUGHTY,
Captain, Second California Cavalry, Commanding Post.
Lieut. E, D. Waite,
Actg. Asst. Adjt. Qen., District of California, Sacramento, Gal.
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Chap.LXU.] expeditions FEOM fort CHURCHILL, NEV. 409
MAT 3-JUIE 15, 1866.— Exp«ditioBi from Fort Oiiirohill to Cuwm L«k«
and Tmekee and Humboldt Biven, Her.
BeporU of Lieut. Col. Charles MeDermit, /Second Cedi/omia Cavalry,
commanding Sub- District of Nevada.
Headquarters Sub-Distriot of Nevada,
Fort Churchill, May 9, 1865.
LiEUTENAKT : I have the honor to report for the information of the
general commanding that settlers at Carson Lake and also on Tmekee
Biver requested me to send troops to those localities, informing me
that they anticipated trouble with the Indians. On the morning of the
3d of May I left this post for Carson Lake, taking with me First Lieut.
D. Vanderhoof, Company C, Nevada Infantry, Second Lieut. D. H. Pine,
Nevada Infantry, and detachment Company E, Nevada Cavalry, con-
sisting of fifteen men, with six days' supplies; arrived in camp at Cot-
tonw<K)d Station, on the overland road, at 3 p. m., having marched
twenty-six miles. 4th, left camp at 4.40 a. m.; arrived at Taylor's
ranch, on the Carson Kiver, near the lake, at 9.30 a. m., that being the
place previously designated by me to meet the whites and Indians.
5th, a large number of Indians and some twenty settlers met me at Mr.
Taylor's house. In conversation with the Indians I soon learned that
the excitement was caused by the peaceable Indians from the Hum-
boldt coming to the Carson Lake to avoid trouble, and the Indians liv-
ing in the vicinity, not knowing the cause of so many coming in, sup-
posed that a general war of extermination was about to commence, and
to confirm them in this belief some reckless white men had told them
that I was coming with soldiers to kill them all. They had commenced
sending away their squaws and children and burning their wigwams.
The white settlers seeing these movements on the part of the Indians
in turn became alarmed, and dispatched a messenger to me in great
haste; but through my interpreter, Eichard A. Washington, I soon
learned the facts in the case, and they assured me of their great desire
for peace with the whites.. I talked with the whites and Indians about
three hours, assuring them that I would protect the good and at the
same time punish the bad of either party. At 5 p. m. I left with the
command for Saint Clair Station ; arrived there at 6.15 p. m., where we
camped during the night, having marched five miles. 6th, took up line of
march direct tor Truckee Kiver at 5 a. m. Having procured an affidavit
that a citizen named Cook had been exulting over the death of Presi-
dent Lincoln, I dispatched Lieutenant Pine with one enlisted man to
arrest Cook and deliver him over io the commanding officer at Fort
Churchill, which was done. Arrived at Reservation house, on Truckee
River, at 1.15 p. m.; distance, twenty-eight miles« 7th, had talk with
the Indians, who informed me that the agent had told them lies and
otherwise treated them badly, having hired the reserve to white men to
keep their stock on it, receiving the money for the same and appro-
priating it to their [his] own use; and when the Indians would ask the
agent for something to help them procure subsistence or clothing, he
would tell them that all the money he received had to be turned over to
the Indian Department, and if they gave any trouble he would send
to Fort Churchill for troops and clean them out. Upon an investiga-
tion of the treatment of the Indians by the agent I am really surprised
to know that they have borne all these impositions so patiently. Last
year $25,000 was appropriated for the purpose of cultivating the
Tmekee and Walker Eiver reserves. The money has disappeared, and
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410 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. (Cbai.LXIl'
not one pound of anything; is being raised on either reserve for the
Indians, and the agents are determined to continue their impositions
further by herding stock on the reserves and consuming the grass, the
seed of which, if permitted to mature, would afford them a great part
of their subsistence. I told the Indians to remain peaceable and injure
no white man, and now since the war is over our Great Father at
Washington would do something for them ; and in the meantime if any
of the whites abused them not to resent it, but come to me and make
their complaints, and I would investigate the matter and punish the
guilty party. I also requested the whites to take all their stock off the
reserve. I talked to the Indians about four hours, and they appeared
much pleased with all I told them. 8th, I left camp on Truckee Eiver
at 4.30 a. m. ; arrived at Fort Churchill at 12.45 p. m., having traveled
thirty miles.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
C. McDERMIT,
Lieut. Col. Second California Cavalry, Comdg. Sub-Dist. of Nevada.
Lieut. E. D. "Waite,
Acting Assistant Adjutant-Oeneral, Sacramento, Col.
[Indoraement.]
Bbioade Headquarters,
Sacramento, May 17, 1865.
Eespectftilly forwarded to department headquarters, with recommen-
dation that copy be furnished to the Congressional Committee appointed
to inquire into Indian affairs on this coast.
G. WRIGHT,
Brigadier- General, Commanding.
Headqtjartbes Sitb-Disteiot of Nevada,
Camp No. 10, June 9, 1865.
SiB: I have the honor to report for the information of the general
commanding that on the 30th of May I left Fort Churchill in com-
pany with Governor H. G. Blasdel, Surg. A. F. Mechem, Lieut. C. C.
Warner, and an escort of thirteen cavalry from Company E, First"
Battalion Nevada Volunteers. On the 2d of the present month we
arrived at Austin, Leander County, and on the (ifternoon of the 3d
instant the Governor and myself had a talk with about 100 Indians
(all we could collect on so short notice), telling them to come into the
settlements and separate from the hostiles, be peaceable, and they would
be protected. They appeared quiet and peaceably inclined. On the
morning of the 4th, leaving the Governor at Austin, we started for the
Humboldt Biver, traveling mostly due north through a mountainous
country with a number of small ranches and dwellings, but mostly
deserted on account of the hostile Indians. On the evening of the 4th
instant Lieutenant Seamands, of Company B, First Nevada Infantry,
with twenty mounted men, an interpreter, nine friendly Indians, and a
12-pounder howitzer from Fort Ruby, joined my escort. On the even-
ing of the 8th instant I struck the river at a point seventy miles north
of UnionviUe. On the morning of the 9th instant I undertook to cross
the river, but failed on account of its swollen banks, and deemed it
best to move down the river to a bridge eighteen miles distant, where
I found Capt. William Wallace, Company A, First Nevada Infantry,
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Ciup.LXn.] EXPEDITIONS PROM FORT CHDRCHILL, NEV. .411
•with his company of seventy-three men and a 12-poander howitzer.
Most of the ranches along the river are deserted. 1 propose moving
to-morrow morning to a suitable camp up the north side of the main
Humboldt Eiver to await the arrival of Captain Doughty, Second Cali-
fornia Volunteers. In the meantime I will be joined by Captain Wells,
Company D, First Nevada Cavalry, eighty-two men, and Captain
Payne, Company E, same battalion, fifty men, when I propose moving
upon the Indians, who are reported to be in the vicinity of Gravelly
Ford, in strength and hostile. If we can catch them we propose to give
them a whipping which they will remember. Since leaving the fort we
' have traveled a distance of nearly 330 miles in eight days.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
CHAS. McDERMIT,
Lieutenant- Colonel, Commanding.
Lieut. E. p. Waitb,
Acting Assistant Adjutant-Oeneral, Sacramento, Cal.
Headquarters Sub-District op Nevada,
Camp No. 15, June 15, 1865.
Lieutenant: For the information of the general commanding I
would respectfully report to district headquarters' that I left Camp No.
10, where I made my last report, at 5 a. m. on June 10, 1865; crossed
the main Humboldt River and arrived at the Little Humboldt Eiver at
7 a. m. Crossed the stream on a ferry-boat procured by Capt. W.
Wallace, Nevada Infantry, at Dun Glen; succeeded in crossing all
property, &c., without accident, and camped on the opposite side of the
stream. Remained at this camp during Sunday awaiting the arrival
of Captain Wells' command, consisting of his company and detachment
Company E, forty-two men. Captain Wells having joined us, we left
this camp the morning of June 12; traveled east fourteen miles, camp-
ing in Littlefield Valley, where we found good grass and water. Left
the latter place (Camp No. 12) with fifty cavalry. Captains Wells and
Payne, Asst. Surg. A. F. Mechem, and Lieutenants Littlefield (Nevada
Cavalry) Seamauds, Warner, and McGowan (Nevada Infantry), Inter-
preter Butterfield, with four Indian scouts, taking six days' rations in
our haversacks, and leaving the balance of the command with all the
teams at Camp No. 12; traveled to Camp No. 13, where we arrived at
1.10 p. m., course northeast; traveled tbrough a level sage-brush coun-
try without road. Distance to Camp No. 13, twenty-five miles. My
object in this expedition was for a reconnoitering tour and to visit the
battle-fields of Lieutenant Littlefield and Captain Wells. Left this camp
at 10 a. m. and arrived at Camp No. 14, in Valley Wells, having trav-
eled fourteen miles, which camp is situated opposite Fort Bedskiu,
where Lieut«nant Littlefield's fight took place May 7, 1865. I visited
the cafion and mountain where the Indians were posted, and their rifle-
pits among the rocks which were ingeniously constructed, and capable
of containing about 200 Indians. Here we found most excellent graz-
ing ground. Left Camp No. 14 at 8.30 a. m. June 15; traveled north-
east ; saw njyon the route many Indian signs ; also where they had grazed
their stock about five weeks ago; country level and fine grass all the
way. Arrived at the camp (No. 15. twenty-five miles distance) at 3.30
p. m., it being at the foot of the Table Mountain, where Captain Wells
had his fight of May 20, 1865. This camp is within twenty-five miles of
the headwaters of the Owyhee River, and near the boundary line of th**
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412 OPERATIONS ON THE PAC?IFIC COAST. [Ciup. Lxn.
States. I shall reconuoiter this vicinity for the ensning three days to
find the position and strength of the Indians, at the end of which time
our supplies and the remainder of the command will be up to this camp.
I am determined to pursue them until I catch them or run them out of
the State. Have traveled 108 miles without seeing a stick of timber
wluch would measure six inches, and no place suitable to establish a
military post. Have also traveled sixty-five miles without a road, but
have seen nothing to delay our train of supplies.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
CHARLES MoDEBMIT,
Lieutenant- Colonel Second California Cavalry, Commanding,
Lieut. E. D. Waite,
Acting Assistant Adjutant- Oeneral, Sacramento, Cal.
MAT 25-JUNE 15, 1865.— Expedition from Fort Bnby to the Humboldt
Valley, Hot., with ikirmish (May 29) near Aiutin, Vev.
Report of Limit. John U. Tolles, First Nevada Infantry.
Fort Extby, Nev., June 32, 1865. '
Sib : I have the honor to report that pursuant to Post Special Order,
No. 16, we took up our line of march on the 20th of May, 1865, the com-
mand consisting of myself, forty non-commissioned officers and privates,
and ten friendly Indians, with one piece of artillery, the whole ander
the command of Lieut. W. G. Seamands. After marching the distance
of about 135 miles by the usual Overland Mail road, we arrived at
Camp No. 7, sixteen miles north of Austin, this being the point at
which the most of the recent Indian depredations were committed.
While here the men purchased sixteen hea!d riding animals, and there
being four with the command, made twenty in Sw. Lieutenant Sea-
mands here divided the command, himself taking the twenty mounted
men, the Indians, and the artillery, and marching with Lieutenant-
Colonel McDermit, Second California Cavalry, to the recent battle-field
of Captain Wells against the Pi-Ute and Bannock Indians. On the 29th
ultimo while at this camp a citizen came rnnniug down to the camp,
informing me that the Indians were up at the foot of the mountains,
about two miles distant, running off some of the cattle that were being
herded at this place by Mr. Worthington. Lieutenant Seamands being
absent at Austin, I immediately started in pursuit with some fifteen
men. Upon the summit of a small rise, some 300 yards from camp, I
discovered there were three Indians (two of them mounted) with some
eight or ten head of cattle, driving them toward a large ravine in the
mountains. The Indians being upon the elevated lands, it was imjws-
sible to approach them without being discovered, which was the case,
and started on the run up the ravine into the mountains toward Grass
Valley. It being a very rough place for the Indians to get their horses
through, some of the men succeeded in getting near enough to fire a
few shots verjr close to them, as one of them stated afterward, so I was
very credibly informed by Mr. Klemp, a citizen of Austin, who told me
that he was in Grass Yalley when the Indians came into that place,
and said the soldiers had shot at them. Mr. Worthington, the owner
of the cattle, found where they had just killed two a short time before
our arrival. - From these facts and other information I believe it is the
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CHAP. LXn.) EXPEDITION TO THE HUMBOLDT YALLET, NEV. 413
Indians about Austin, Grass Valley, and the immediate vicinity that
have committed the recent depredations in the Beese Hiver Valley. We
broke camp on the morning of the 6th of June and marched in a itorth-
erly direction down Eeese River Valley to Mr. Tenant's ranch, a distance
of sixteen miles; camped for the night; grass and water good, this being
the sink of the Reese River. Jnne 7, marched from Tenant's ranch ia
a northerly direction to Warm Springs, passing through Reese River
Cailou, which opens out upon a large sage-brush and alkali plain, which
continues down to the Humboldt River. Camped at the springs; grass
and water good. Distance, twenty-eight miles. June 8, continn^ the
direction, marching from Warm Springs to Hay Ranch, eight miles from
Humboldt, and camped; grass and water good. Distance traveled,
twenty-eight miles. June 9, marched from Hay Ranch down to the old
emigrant road on the south side of the river, ten miles; thence east up
the river to Klemp's ranch, six miles, and camped. Water warm and
riled. Grass not very good on account of the river being so high ; the
best of it was covered with water. Distance traveled, sixteen miles.
While on the route we were overtaken by the previously mentioned
citizen, Klemp, who went with us down to his ranch for puri>08e of
looking after his property and one of his hired men, whom he supposed
the Indians had killed about one month previously. As he (Klemp)
was at the ranch about that time, and was shot at some seven or eight
times, and not seeing anything of his hired man, be concluded the
Indians had killed him. After arriving at the ranch and looking
around, we found the missing man's pants, boots, and hat a short dis-
tance from the house, the pants being stiff with blood and having two
ball holes in them, one evidently having passed into the left hip and
the other in the small of the back near the buckle on the pants, no
doubt causing almost instant death. The body was not to be found,
no doubt having been cast into the river.
June 10, marched from Klemp's ranch about southeast up the valley
of the Humboldt and camped on the river. Distance traveled, sixteen
miles. Grass and water same as at last camp. Jnne 11, at this point,'
which is some four or five miles below Gravelly Ford, we left the river,
taking a blind road that leads in a southeasterly direction to Ruby
Valley, passing to-day over two ranges of mountains, the first being a
wide range of rolling hills, the second a very high, steep mountain, the
road leading up a long, steep canon. After passing over this second
summit about three miles found a spring to the right of the road;
camped; grass and water good. Distance traveled, eighteen miles.
June 12, marched about five miles and came into what is called Pine
Valley; traveled up the valley abont eight miles; crossed it and passed
over another range of mountains. After passing this summit about
on6 mile came to a spring to the left of the road; camped; grass good,
water scarce and not very good. Distance traveled, twenty miles.
June 13, marched about four miles and came into Diamond Mountain
Valley. Crossed the valley and passed through Diamond Mountain by
what is known as Railroad Canon, and came into Mound Valley.
Camped on a small stream that runs through the same; grass and
water good. Distance traveled, fourteen miles. Jnne 14, the team
mules (of which I had six) not being shod, and some of them having
become foot-sore, remained here one day for rest. June 15, resumed
the march; traveled five miles and came to Overland Mail Route, five
miles east of Jacob's Wells Station; thence ten miles to this post.
Total distance traveled, 168 miles. I will state that we saw no Indians
on the route, nor any signs of them, except at the point where the
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414 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Chap. LXn.
murder was committed. The country traveled over is a barren, deso-
late waste of sagebrush and alkali plains, producing no vegetation
whatever, except in Beese River Valley there are some few good hay
ranches, and on the Humboldt Biver, the vaUey of which is trom five
to ten miles wide, the greater portion of it very rich and fertile, and
will eventually be of very great value to this State. But very little
water on the route except at the points mentioned. No timber what-
ever but a little scrubby pine on the mountains surrounding Pine
Valley.
The above report is most respectfully submitted.
JOHN U. T0LLE8,
Second Lieut. Go. B, First Nevada Infty. Vols,, Comdg. Expedition.
Capt. GEOBas A. Thxtbston,
Commanding Post, Fort Ruby.
JVHE 18-26, 1865.— Expedition from Dun Olen to Fairbanks Station, Her.
Report of Lieut. Richard A. Osmer, Second California Cavalry.
Paibbanks Station, Humboldt [Coxtntt], Nbv.,
July 7, 1865.
Colonel : In obedience with your instructions contained in letters
of June 13 and 26, 1 have the honor to make the following report of my
movements since my departure from Dun Glen : I left that place on the
morning of the 3d instant, and proceeded to this station without delay.
Arrived here on the 4th instant. I had learned that the gentleman
who keeps this station (Mr. Fairbanks) could both inform and, if neces-
sary, guide me to a camp where some fifty or more hostile Indians, who
had stolen much cattle from this vicinity, were camped. I made it my
. business to Inquire from Mr. Fairbanks the particulars regarding this
band of Indians, and he informed me of their many hostilities and dep-
redations. Whereupon, on the night of the 5th instant, I took with
me Second Lieut. W. G. Overend and sixty-five enlisted men, together
with Mr. Fairbanks as the guide, and proceeded to the range of moan-
tains lying east, called the Second East Bange, where I understood from
the guide he had seen this band and the stolen cattle. Having traveled
a distance of over twenty-five miles of a very rough and barren section,
I arrived at daybreak to where the camp stood. I took all the neces-
sary measures and precautions to surprise them and make the attack
while they were unprepared, and after searching the camp I found,
much to my disappointment, that I could find none in it, notwithstand-
ing the place was well fortified and much time and labor must have
been given by the Indians to make it so formidable. I then made a
thorough scout for them on foot for miles around in the different cliffs
and rocky mountains which abound in this section, but with as little
success; however, the place bore their tracks in some parts, and I fol-
lowed them until hidden from view. While returning to this place I
dispatohed squads of my men in different directions to scout, and on
their arrival in camp reported that no Indians could be seen. It is my
intention to start from here to-morrow for Summit Spring, situated in
Golconda Bange, and scout for several days in that section, and give
my particular attention to the surrounding country until, in obedience
to your orders, I will bring my company to Dun Glen for inspection on
the 20th instant. At the earnest solicitation of Mr. Fairbanks and
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CBAP.Lxn.l EXPEDITION TO THE GILA KIVER, AKI2. TER. 415
other settlers, I will leave a sqaad of ten men at this place to protect
them against an invasion, which they expect daily.
Hoping, colonel, that my movements will meet your approval, I have
the honor to remain, your obedient servant,
E. A. OSMER,
First Lieutenant, Second Car. Cal. ToU., Comdg. Company B.
Lieut. Col. CnABLES McDebmit,
Second Cavalry California Volunteers,
Commanding Humboldt Expedition, Camp No. 16.
XDHE 26-JULT 6, 1865.— Expedition firom Fort Bowie to the Gila Biver,
Ariz. Ter., with ikiniushes (July 3) at Cottouwood Creek and (4th) at
Cavalry CaSon, Ariz. Ter.
Report of Lieut. Col. Clarence E. Bennett, First California Cavalry.
Hbadquabtebs,
Fort Bowie, Apache Pass, Ariz. Ter., July 6, 1865.
Captain : I have the honor to report that on the 26th of Jnne at 7
p. m. I left this post with a command consisting of thirty enlisted men
of Company L, First Cavalry California Volunteers, ten men of Com-
pany M, and three of Company F, same regiment. Mr. George Cox,
Charles Kenyon, and Mr. Dysart, citizens, volunteered to accompany
me. I ha<l as guides Lojiulo, the Apache boy, who so successfully
guided Colonel Davis and Captain Tidball against the Apaches, and
Merehildo, the guide at Fort Bowie, both good guides. I started west
on the road leading out of the pass. Near the moulh of the pass I
turned to the right on An old Indian trail, and followed along the west
of the Chiricahua Kange of mountains in the direction of Dos Cabezas.
The trail runs over very rough ground, passing through canons nearly
the whole way. Beyond the Dos Cabezas north about three miles 1
turned northeast through the mountains, through a kind of pass over
broken hills. About five miles in the pass reached a deep canon with
wood, water, and grass in good quantities. Camped at 4 a. m. on the
27th. Lay over at this camp during the day, which was exceedingly
hot. Just before dark I moved down the cauon, which was narrow and
very rocky, bad trail for horses, for about two miles. Two horses fell,
considerably [injuring] their riders. About six miles from first camp I
found a little cafion in which there was cold, clear water of excellent
quality, as are all those mountain springs and streams. Uere I camped.
Called it Camp No. 2. Distance from Fort Bowie twenty-five miles.
Waited here for darkness, so that emerging into the more open country
my command would not be discovered by Indians. As soon as it was
snificieutly dark I resumed the march, trail leading in a northerly direc-
tion. Continued until about 3 a. m. Halted a short distance from
water to go iu at dawn of day in case it should be used by Indians.
Upon halting I found one maa absent. Last seen he had dismounted
to fasten his saddle on more securely. I sent back, but failed to find
him. At dawn I camped in a deep canon. Water obtained by digging
in the sand; not in great quantity; wood and grass. Day excessively
hot. It was impossible for man or beast to procure rest. Lay over at
Camp No. 3 the 28th. Distance from Camp No. 2 twenty-five miles.
Now on the east side of the Chiricahua Bange in broken hills, and a
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41 6 OPEEATION« ON THfi I»A6lfie COAST. {(^Bir.TLO.
very rongb country. As soon as dark on the 28th started on the trail.
Kight rainy with drifting clouds of fog, rendering it very dark, and the
trail difficult to find. The guides proved their excellence on this and
similar occasions.
At 3 a. m. 29th stopped about one mile and a half from cienega.
Moved on it at dawn hoping to surprise a rancheria, but there had not
been a track there for more than a week. Distance, thirty miles.
Large cienega, running water. Remains of brush shanties used by the
troops from New Mexico last year duriug the campaign against the
Apaches. A jwrtion or all the beef-cattle were grazed near this cienega.
Encamped in the mesquite brush during the day, and as soon as dark
resumed the march. The trail was discoverable with great difficulty.
If I had not had the very best of guides it would have been impossible
for me to have found and followed the trail that night. It led into and
up one of the worst canons I have ever taken horses through. Perse-
vered until 3 a. m., when I encamped. Sent the guides and a detach-
ment to hunt for the rancheria. They, after making a thorough
reconnaissance, found a large rancheria capable of containing between
200 and 300 Indians. It had [been deserted] for a week; had no fresh
tracks about it. Moved down the canon at dawn about three miles
and stopped for breakfast. Cold mountain stream in a deep caflon.
Sides nearly perpendicular rendered us secure from observation. The
distance made duriug the preceding night I estimated at six miles,
and I am inclined t« believe this is rather over than underestimated,
but the guides had repeatedly to follow the trail on their hands and
knees. As I was now within thirty miles of Fort Goodwin in a direct
line, my horses and mules requiring shoes, some of my men being
nearly barefoot, and likely to need provisions before reaching Fort
Bowie, I determined to march directly for Fort Goodwin, cutting across
the canons near the month of each and give a thorough reconnaissance
as I went. At 9.30 I found a long mark in the sand across one of the
Indian trails. The guides said that was to indicate the Indians had
gone to the other side of the mountains, and, as on the west side, the
mountains were perpendicular walls of rock on the east side, 1 deter-
mined to strike northeast for the river. I would then cross all trails
going toward the mountains that I would pass going to Goodwin, and
my animals would suffer greatly for water, a« the day was excessively
hot, and they were tired from traveling nearly the wholeof the previous
niglit. At 12 m. I reached the Gila liiver about twenty miles above
Fort Goodwin. I rested two hours, then moved to the post that night.
My command arrived about 10 p. m. Estimated distance by the trails
I followed, 120 miles from Fort Bowie to Fort Goodwin, but I had been
around mountains and into caQons considerably out of a direct line
between the two i)08ts. Upon my arrival at Goodwin I made applica-
tion to the commanding officer to have my horses shod. He informed
me he had by orders from department headquarters discharged his
blacksmiths and could not have my horses shod. Fortunately Mr.
Dysart, who had accompanied this command as a volunteer, was an
excellent blacksmith, and I hired him to shoe the horses and mules of
my command, and ordered the acting assistant quartermaster at Fort
Bowie to pay the account. I remained at Goodwin until the night of
the 2d of July. I set out with four days' subsistence and instructions
from General Mason, commanding, to push on to Fort Bowie with all
practicable dispatch. I left Fort Goodwin about 7 p. m. ; reached
Cottonwood Creek, distant twenty-one miles, at 3 a. m. Found very
little water in holes in the lock; good grass and wood. Want of water
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Chap.LXII.) expedition to the GILA river, ARIZ. tee. 417
compelled me to move ou. Aboat 10 a. m. on the 3d found a fresh foot-
print of an Apache hunting. 1 kept in to the left along the base of the
moantains as much out of sight as practicable. In about half an hour
found another track, also hunting, indicating the proximity of rancheria.
I sent the guides to the top of a mountain to our left. They discovered
seven bucks going slowly west. I moved on to a deep arroyo, dis-
mounted, unpacked, secured the horses well, posted the guard over the
animals, and crept over the side with the remainder of the command
into a oaSon that ran north and south. Moved south until we got
below the Indians; then moved parallel to them. About six miles
from where I left the horses I discovered the rancheria. I got my
command within about 200 yards of it behind a high ridge. The
rancheria was surrounded by a thick growth of scrub oaks, and just
at the mouth of three cafions. I charged from the top of the ridge.
The rattling of stones probably alarmed the Indians. They fled, leav-
ing everything in the rancheria. Every time an Indian was seen in
the openings in the oaks he was fired on. None were killed that I
know of, though it was believed that some of the shots took effect. In
the rancheria 1 found a McGlellan saddle, broken, bridle bits of Gov-
ernment pattern cut down, a hatchet, tin cup, and an awl taken from
Fort Buchanan at the time of the murder of Mr. Wrightson, Mr. Hop-
kins, and the soldier in February last. Found soldier stockings,
blouse, large quantity of mescal prepared for food, a brass kettle (now
in possession of Company L, cavalry), hides of all kinds, a great many;
large number of old saddles, panniers, &c. I burned the rancheria and
everything it contained, first putting sand and ashes into the cakes of
mescal, then pat them into the bon&e. As there was a fine stream of
clear cold water at this place I sent for horses and pack animals and
made dinner in this caflou, which was about forty miles from Fort
Goodwin, nearly due south from Eureka Springs, and a number of
miles from it. This attaek could have been, if mtMde at dawn of day, a
perfect success, but it was impossible for me to delay that long, for the
two Apaches hunting would cross my trail on their return before night
The squaws and children were out gathering acorns and we would be
discovered before the next morning. As it proved, the hunters dis-
covered the horses just as I charged the rancheria and gave the alarm.
That the Indians escaped with their lives nobody regrets more than I
do. After grazing the animals until near sundown I made a thorough
examination to see that everything was destroyed, then started in the
direction of Fort Goodwin and continued until after dark. A cold
drizzly rain set in accompanied by a thick fog. I then turned about
and followed the base of the mountain around to the left, first west,
then south in the direction of Apache Pass. Marched hard all night
on Indian trails. At dawn of day approached a large canon, cotton-
wood trees extending from it far into Sulphur Spring Valley. Eained
furionsly at times. Beached the mouth of canon, and upon crossing it
tfonndj that horses running had within ten minutes gone up the canon,
charged on after them. About three miles up the canon charged
another rancheria, but the Indians had been alarmed and were seen in
every direction, from 500 to 1,000 yards, ascending the mountains. A
brisk fire was opened, and I thought two shots that I particularly
noticed took efiect. This was the notorious Francisco's baud. He
made his appearance on the mountain and abused everybody; declared
he never would make peace with the whites, and said the Apaches did
not intend to. I then moved down the cafiou, which 1 called Cavalry
27 E B — VOIi L, PT I
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418 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. (Ciup.LXn.
Canon, into the plain. About six miles below the canon I found twenty-
seven liead of cattle. The Indians herding had discovered me and run
up on the opposite side of the cotton woods and gave the alarm. It was
nearly dark by the time the cattle had been got together. . I moved out
into the plain, killed one of the cattle for my command, grazed the
animals, and got supper. This canon is a rendezvous for the Indians,
heavy trails leading to it. A great deal of stock has been kept there,
and those mountains 'in that vicinity are the permanent home for a
number of hundred warriors.
At dark on the 4th of July I started with the cattle nearly direct for
the Dos Cabezas. Distance ])receding night, twenty-live miles. I trav-
eled until 3.30 a. m. July />; rested until 5 a. m.; then continued
on, and at 2.30 p. m. arrived at Camp No. 2, crossing this time from
the west to the east, going southeast. My object was to show the
mountains to ray men so they would know them, particularly as Com-
pany L was to be stationed at Fort Bowie, and also to see which sideot
the mountains was i)referable in going from Fort Bowie to the Dos
Cabezas. At dark I resumed the march, having marched thirty-five
miles to Camp No. 2. Traveled until 12 o'clock. My men and horses
were exhausted. I stopped until daylight. Moved into the fort in the
morning. Distance from Camp No. 2, twenty- five miles. Turned over
twenty-six head of cattle to Lieut. Tliomas Coghlan, First Infantry
New Mexico Volunteers, acting commissary of subsistence at Fort
Bowie. It was rainy during my trip, and the ground being soft I made
a deep, veil-defined trail. The men learned the mountains, as I made
a thorough reconnaissance of the Chiricahna Range between Apache
Pass and Goodwin. The men performed their duty cheerfully and well,
and were enthusiastic to be kepton this service of hunting and punishing
these long-time murderers. The numerous trails well beaten, lately used,
leading through the passes and into the many canons, indicate a large
number of Indians. The cartridges, made of envelope paper, issued to
the men of my command would break, and finally it became necessary
at each halt to replace broken cartridges. The average loss from this
cause was from one to four i)er man a day. The large cartridge boxes
hit oil the cantle of the 8a<ldle and break both cartridges and boxes.
The cloth cartridges do not break in carrying; none have thus far. The
McClellan saddles in the heavy rainstorms [were damaged]. The raw-
hide soaked and became slack, the wood swelled, and many of the sad-
dles spread and hurt the backs of horses. The hot sun drying the
rawhide rapidly over the 8welle«l wood cracked the rawhide. The
saddles are old and well worn, and will many of them have to be replaced
by new ones. On such a trip the wear and tear on clothing is very
great. On my return the distance from Fort Goodwin to Fort Bowie
[was] 126 miles, but not a few miles of this was out of the direct line of
march. The trail from Fort Bowie to Dos Cabezas is far preferable on
the east side of the mountains. In my opinion, vigorous efforts should
be made to annihilate the bands of Cochise and Francisco and the other
Indians infesting those mountains west of Fort Goodwin. On (his scout
I took every possible precaution to insure success, and under the cir
cumstances I think I did as well as possibly could have been done. I
do not expect much success in killing these Indians until the severity
of winter is upon them. Uoused in the canons with their winter
stores, then they cannot escape so easily. The deep snows and bitter
cold on the mountains will be far different from this pleasant sammer
breeze. The trails that I followed as a general thing were excellent.
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Chap. LXII.] EXPEDITION TO THE MALHEUR EIVEB, OREG. 419
I trust the resnlts will be satisfactory to the general commanding the
district.
1 have the honor to be, captain, very respectfully, your obedient
servant,
CLARENCE E. BENNETT,
Lieut. Col. First Cavalry Cali/ortiia Volunteers, Commanding.
Capt. John Gbeen,
Asst. Adjt. 6en., U, S. Vols., Hdiirs. District of Arizona.
JULY 2-13, 1865. — Expedition from Camp Lyon, Idaho Ten, to the Kalhenr
Biver, Oreg., with skirmish (9th).
KEPORTS. -
No. 1. — Lient. Col. John M. Drake, Fiist Oreson Infantry, commanding Sub-District
of Bois^.
No. 2. — Lieut. Charles liobart. First Oregon Cavalry.
No. 1.
Report of Lieut. Col, John M. Drake, First Oregon Infantry, com-
manding Sub-District of Boise.
IIeadquaetees Sub-Disteict of Boise,
Fort Boise, Idaho Ter., July 18, 1805.
Sib: I have the honor to inclose herewith, for the information of the
colonel commanding the district, a copy of Lieutenant Hobart's report
of an action with the Snake Indians near the headwaters of the Malheur
River on the morning of the 9th instant. The Indians received a pretty
severe punishment, and will not be apt to attack that command again.
The wounded man. Private Phillips, of Company B, First Oregon Cav-
alry, has been brought to this post and is doing well. From the locality
of this affair I judge the band of Indians to be the same that have been
depredating on the Hois^ road, along Burnt River, and in the vicinity of
Auburn. From inquiry made along Burnt River while en route to this
]K)8t, Ilearned that the rumors current along the Columbia Hiver a
few days ago, to the effect that an extensive Indian raid had been
made ou Auburn and the adjacent settlements, was without any other
ibundation than the capture of a pack train near Shaw ranch ou the
night of the 7th instant. I believe the rumor to have been circu-
lated designedly for some sinister purpose. A portion of Lieutenant
Hobart's command, twenty-flve men, under command of Lieutenant
Gates, were dispatched by Lieutenant Hobart July 1 to Surpri.-e Val-
ley, or to such point on the California road where a detachment of
troops from Fort Bidwell could be met, the object being to patrol
the road in conjunction with the troops stationed at Fort Bidwell, as
directed iii General Orders, No. 36, current series, department head-
quarters. The number of troops at Camp Lyon is insufticient for the
duties prescribed — the i)rotection of the mining settlement and patrol-
ling two California roads. The road to Paradise Valley will have to
be left to the care of the troops stationed there, unless the garrison at
Camp Lyon is increased.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JNO. M. DRAKE,
Lieutenant-Colonel First Oregon Infantry, Commanding.
Acting Assistant Adjutant-Genebal,
Headquarters District of Oregon, Fort Vancouwr, lV<w/». Ter.
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420 OPEBATION8 ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [CBtf.LZn.
No. 2.
Report of Lieut. Charles Hobart, First Oregon Cavalry.
Headquabtkbs,
Camp Lyon, Idaho Ter., July 13, 1865,
SiB: I have the honor to report that the expedition consisting of
forty-four enlisted men of Companies A, B, and D, First Oregon Cav-
alry, nuder my command, left this post on the morning of July 2, 1865.
About 11 a. m. \re came upon the trail of the stock stolen from Jordan
and Beynolds Creeks and followed it to the Malheur Eiver, arriving
there on the 7th. The trail was very hard to follow and we experienced
greac diflSculty in following it. It went in a very circuitous direction
and every method had been used by the Indians to blind it On the day
of arriving at the Malheur the scouts in advance incautioasly exposed
themselves and were seen by a party of three Indians who were gatiier-
ing berries. They fled to the brush, leaving their horses. On tiie
arrival of the command every effort was made to find them, so that
they would be unable to transmit intelligence of our presence to the
main body of the Indians, but they concealed themselves so effectually
that it was impossible to do so. The train was camped and the com-
mand, with the exception of the camp guard, was pushed rapidly for-
ward on the Indian trail, hoping to reach the camp of the Indians and
surprise them. On our way up the river three mounted Indians were
seen and chased by the advance and their horses captured, the Indians
escaping to the brush. We kept on the trail till late in the afternoon,
riding most of the time at a trot or a gallop, passing several recent
camps, until the trail became blind, the stock appearing to have been
scattered in all directions. The command was then divided into several
parties and the country within a circuit of several miles thoroughly
scouted, but without attaining our object. We returned to camp after
dark. The next day small parties went out, but could find no traces of
the Indian camp. Our camp was on a little flat situated where a small
creek joins the Malheur, bounded by the Malheur on the front and left,
the creek on the right, and a high precipitous mountain in the rear. On
the opposite side the mountains rose in broken ridges directly from the
river. This was the only camp in several miles, there being no water
in the mountains and the bunch grass being high up on the divides.
About an hour and a half before daylight the picket guard reported
Indians near camp. The stock was driven in, the men called to arms,
the horses ordered saddled, and the howitzer got into position. While
this was being done the Indians, finding themselves detected, opened
a heavy fire on the camp from all sides, but heaviest from a bench on
the mountain in rear of the camp. A charge of canister was immedi-
ately thrown among them and they fell back. It was then reported that
ten horses and a number of mules had broken from the men and ran in
the direction of the mountain in the rear. A party under Sergeant
Wallace and Corporal Walker, of Company B, were instantly sent to
charge the hill and recover the stock, the Indians in the rear having
fell back, shouting as they did so to the party opposite us. In front
they commenced a rapid fire, by which Private Jones of Company D,
First Oregon Cavalry, was wounded in the arm, and prepared to make
an attack on the camp, but a few discharges of spherical case and can-
ister caused them to retreat over the mountain. The stock having by
this time returned to camp, re- enforcements were pushed forward to the
party of Sergeant Wallace, which was still in pursuit of the Indians.
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CHAP. LXn.] EXPEDITION TO MARICOPA WELLS, AEIZ. TER. 421
The Indians were pursued fiye or 8ix miles, a running fight being kept
up all the time till they managed to escape down a steep, rocky canon,
leaving in our hands the body of one Indian whom they were unable to
take off, his arms and ammunition, and nine horses. Three other dead
Indians were carried off by them, together with their wounded; how
many in number I could not say, the country being so cut up with canons
breaking off from the main ridge that an Indian could elude pursuit by
going into them. The horses captured were covered with blood, and I
think quite a number of Indians must have been wounded, as the fire of
our men was quick and well directed. During the pursuit Corporal
Walker and Private Phillips, of Company B, separated from the main
body in chase and, the Indians coming out the cauon behind, turned
and fought their way back through the Indians. Private Phillips was
seriously wounded. Corporal Walker turned back and killed an Indian
that was just going to knock Phillips off his horse. The Indians did
not pursue them farther. By this time others had come up and contin-
ued the pursuit till the Indians separated and escaped into the caQons.
The number of Indians cannot be correctly estimated. The mounted
Indians numbered about seventy. The Indians on foot kept on the
high points and in the heads of the rocky canons aud must have been
in large numbers. I think white men must have been among them, for
they told us in good English to "come on, you sons of bitches, we can
whip you anywhere." They had considerable soldiers' clothing among
them and appear to have plenty of arms and ammunition. I am of the
opinion that some of the Bois^ Indians were with them, as the gun
captured is one of those that were stored in the quartermaster's store-
house at Fort Bois6. The place where we had the engagement is about
twenty-five miles in a southeast line from Pilot Rock, a high mountain
forty miles south of Canyon City, near which the roads from Canyon City
to Bois6 and California separate. I think that there is a large body of
Indians in that section of country and that they have made that part
their base of operations. Returning from the Malheur River, we arrived
at this post to-day. In conclusion, I would speak in the highest terms
of the bravery and judgment shown by Sergeant Wallace and Corporal
Walker, which aided greatly in the successful issue of the day. Our
loss is 2 horses and 1 mule. The horses got away during the engage-
ment and we were unable to find them afterward. The mule was
severely wounded and unable to travel and was shot by my order.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
CHARLES HOBART,
Second Lieut., Oregon Cavalry, Comdg, Gamp Lyon, Idaho Ter.
Lieut. Col. J. M. Drake,
First Oregon Infantry, Commanding Sub-District of Bdsi.
JULT \0-2l, 1865.— Expedition from Fort Bowie to Maricopa Wells,
Ariz. Ter.
Report of Lieut, Col. Clarence U. Bennett, First California Cavalry.
Maricopa Wells, Ariz. Ter., July 21, 1865.
CAPTAIN: I have the honor to report that in compliance with the
orders of General J. S. Mason, commanding District of Arizona, I left
Fort Bowie, Ariz. Ter., to examine, measure, and report upon the wagon
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422 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Chap. LXn.
route via Croton Spring, Fort Breckinridge to Maricopa Wells. I left
Fort Bowie, Apache Pass, Ariz. Ter., at 4 a. m. on the 10th of July,
1805. Followed the old overland road to Ewell'a Station. Koad is over
rolling hills nearly the whole distance. Camped near the station. Dis-
tance 13 miles 887 feet. Sent the animals in the direction of Dos Cab-
ezas for water, three miles distant, and but little of it. At 6 p. m.
resnmed the march nearly west, across an alkali plain. At 12 o'clock
found miry ground and had to await daylight before going to Croton
Spring. At daylight on 11th moved up to Sulphur Spring, or Croton,
as it is better known. Distance from Ewell's Station 11 miles 3,540
feet. At 3 p. m. left Croton Spring. Went nearly south three-quarters
of a mile, then west about two miles and a half. Koads fork. Took
right-hand fork. At 7 p. m. had to stop and wedge on wagon tire.
Distance from Croton Spring 10 miles 4,039§ feet. Besumed the march
at 9.45 p. m. Tire broke. Distance 4 miles IS-^^ feet. Immediately
sent an express back to Fort Bowie for another wagon, two days' for-
age, and rations. Camped in a little arroyo. Bad place for Indians.
Itoad good up to this point. July 12, lay over awaiting wagon. Bained
hard, famishing water in rocks for men and animals. Fresh tracks of
Indians found of twelve or thirteen bucks on one trail. July 13, laid
over until 3 p. m. Wagon arrived with an escort of Comjiany L, First
California Cavalry Volunteers. The escort started ba«k, having brought
an extra wheel, and I immediately moved on toward the San Pedro.
Every possible precaution was taken to guard against being surprised
by Indians. The road runs over rolling bills and then descends to the
San Pedro, a steady descent of between four and five miles — a hard pull
for teams laden going east. Beached the San Pedro Valley at evening.
Lost all traces of the road. Worked my way about one mile and a half
down the river and camped for the night. Distance from broken- wagon-
wheel camp 9 miles 5,188 feet. Quails in great numbers near this
camp. July 14, marched at 6 a. m. Nooned at 12 m. Second camp 10
miles 859J feet. At 1.30 p. m. moved on. Worked on. Sun terribly
hot. Filled up gullies and arroyos and cut through brush. Made 4
miles 3,160 feet. Then had to cut eighty yards to the river through
driftwood and brush. Third camp, and a bad one, surrounded by brush.
July 15, marched at 5 a. m. Had to cut four miles through thick brush.
Day very hot. Camped at 12. Mules neai'ly tired out. Fourth camp 8
miles 5,209 feet. At 1 p. m. moved on ; road had to be worked in places.
Fifth camp on San Pedro, 9 miles 105 feet. Found a trail of nearly
100 Indians. Lojinio says it is a war party, and they have killed some
one, and an open question whether they will attack us. Trail going in
the direction of Arivaypa CaQon. Left camp on 16th at 6 a. m. Boad
generally good. Worked at times. Fine bottom land along the San
Pedro. Bained hard. Kept on. Arrived at Fort Breckinridge at 3
p. m. Distance 24 miles 4,163 feet. Boad good. Saw plenty of Indian
tracks. Had rather seen their bones. The valley of the San Pedro,
like the Santa Cruz, opens out in a series of fine valleys; rich farming
land ; some of the richest laud I ever saw. One of the cavalry horses
snagged.
July 17, Monday, crossed the San Pedro at this post at 6 a. m.
Work commenced. Ban up a canon southwest. Very heavy sand.
Narrow canon; sides jocky and nearly perpendicular. Two miles
and a half came to a large walnut tree on the right side of the canon.
Here leave this canon, turn to the right and follow up a canon west.
Deep sand and the heat in these canons can be properly appreciated
only by traversing them in midsummer. Distance to top of divide, 10
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CHAP. LXn.] EXPEDITION TO MARICOPA WELLS, AEIZ, TEE. 423
miles and 80 feet. Boad gradually descends over gravelly ground.
About three miles from top of ridge water to the left of road about
one mile distant. Large bowlders. At the water is oue large cotton-
wood tree. Dug in the sand about 100 feet below this tree and got
water. Distance from Breckinridge, 13 miles 3,005 feet. Good grama
grass. Boiling hills around. Few Indian tracks. July 18, Tuesday,
left lone cottonwood 5 a. in. Entered a oauon and traveled down it.
Heavy sand for the last thirteen miles. At its mouth came out into a
small flat and about as uninviting a section of country as can be found.
Here turn to the right and go down a canon toward the Gila for water.
Distance to the middle of this flat, 23 miles 3,611 feet. Started down
to water on the old wagon road. Broke the odometer. About three
miles and a half came to the water, after going down a caiion all the
way of the very heaviest sand, and to make it worse it was terribly
hot. Found the water stagnant, green, strong of alkali, and unfit for
man or beast. Cleaned out the water holes and waited from 1 to 5
p. m. for water to drizzle in. Got three-fourths of a bucket of water
for each of the mules, none for the horses, and started up this caiion
to the turning-off point. Continued in a westerly direction. Boad
fine, gravelly. Halted at 3 a. m. until daylight, then moved to the
Gila. Estimated distance twenty-five miles. Camped at White's ranch
at 7 a. m. 19th. Fed the animals cornstalks. Watered them three
times in six hours. At 5 p. m. left camp. Boad good down tlie Gila.
Beached Sacaton Station at 11.30 p. m. Found Captain Ledyard
encamped there. Bested until 1 a. m. Moved forward to the Pimas.
Estimated distance from White's ranch, thirty miles. Laid over July 20,
Thursday, at White's Mill. Drew grain for horses and mules for 20th
and 2l8t and hay for one day. July 21, Friday, started the command
at 6 a. m. for Maricopa. Arrived at 10 a. m. and encamped. Distance
twelve miles. Distance from Fort Bowie to Maricopa Wells via Fort
Breckinridge and Oroton Spring, 211 miles 2,220 feet. Distance from
Croton Spring to Maricopa Wells via Breckinridge, 186 miles 3,173 feet.
Distance from Breckinridge to Maricopa Wells, 104 miles 1,3 J8 feet.
The alkali plain east of Croton Spring I think will be found impassa-
ble in wet weather, as well as portions of the San Pedro Valley above
Breckinridge. I had twelve cavalry, and considering the Indian trails
I passed, the numerous Indian tracks, indicating the close proximity
of large numbers of Indians, in getting through safe I consider I did
very well. The road should be cut out and a good one made up the
San Pedro Valley as soon as circumstances will permit. My men were
on guard every night. Worked hard during the day, and this cheer-
fully. Every precaution was taken against Indians. This forced me
to camp early enough to get through cooking to have the fires all out
before dark. Carbines, pistols, and ammunition were put every night
in readiness for a fight before the morning. No fires were lighted until
it was fairly day and it had been determined no Indians were in ambush.
The same complaint I have to make on this trip in reference to the
cartridges. They will break up in the boxes when carried on horse-
back. New saddles are needed. One cavalry horse died the night of
the 16th at Fort Breckinridge. The road via Tucson I consider pref-
erable for freighting to Forts Bowie and Goodwin.
I have the honorto be, captain, very respectfully, your obedientservant,
CLAEENCE E. BENNETT,
Lieut; Col. First Cavalry California Volunteers, {Jommanding.
Oapt. John Gbeen, U. S. Volunteers,
Assistant Adjutant- General, Headquarters District of Arizona.
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424 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Ohap.LXII.
JXTLT 17, 1865.— Skirmish on the Owyhee Biver, Idaho Ter.
Report of Lieut. Charles Hobart, First Oregon Cavalry.
Headquabtebs Sob-Distbiot of Bois£,
Fort Bois6, August 11, 1865.
Acting Assistant Adjtjtant-Geneeax,
Headquarters District of Oregon, Fort Vancouver, Wash. Ter. :
Sib : I have the honor to inclose herewith a copy of a report by
Lieutenant Hobart of an affair with Indians on the Owyhee that
occurred on the 17th of July. This report is dated July 18. It was
not received until the 8th instant, having been delayed by being sent
through some channel at Buby Oi^ other than the one usually adopted.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JISO. M. DEAKE,
lAeutenant-GoUmel First Oregon Infantry, Commanding. ■
Heasquabtebs,
Camp Lyon, Idaho Ter., July 18, 1865.
SiE: I have the honor to report that Sergeant Wallace with his com-
mand returned today. They followed on the trail of the stock stolen
from Jordan Creek, and yesterday found the Indians in a cafion of the
Owyhee, about forty five miles south of this camp. The sides of the
canon were about 800 feet high, and was only passable for stock by a
narrow trail by which the Indians had driven the stolen stock down.
The horses of the command were left under guard on the table-laud,
and the remainder of the command divided into two parties, one enter-
ing the canon below and the other above the Indians. There were
twelve or fifteen warriors in camp. The party led by Sergeant Phillips
was enabled to get to their station before the party led by Sergeant
Wallace (on account of having the longest and roughest road to follow)
could get to theirs. The intention was for Sergeant Phillips not to
commence firing until he heard the guns of the other party, but being
discovered by two Indians who were washing in the river, he was
obliged to commence the attack. The other party soon came up, and
the results were 4 Indians left dead on the field, some others who
managed to get across the river, but were seen to be severely wounded,
1 ox (the only one left alive of the band stolen), 2 horses, a number
of bows and arrows, ammunition, several hundred pounds of dried meat,
a large amount of dried berries, trinkets, &c., robes, furs, blankets, and
all the stuff in their camp, 2 revolvers, parts of a Henry rifle, and
empty shells for it, so that there is no doubt that this was the party
who killed McCummins and McGregor last winter. I think that but
very few of the party — ^not more than two or three — got away unhurt.
The camp and everything it contained was burned, and the command
returned to Jordan Creek last night, and arrived at Camp Lyon about
2 p. m. to-day.
Great credit is due Sergeant Wallace for the energy and bravery
shown by him in surprising and destroying this band of thieves. The
sergeant speaks in the highest terms of the conduct of the men.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
CHARLES HOBART,
First Lieutenant, First Oregon Cavalry, Commanding Post.
Lieut. Col. J. M. Dbake,
First Oregon Infantry, Commanding Sub-District of Boisi,
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Cbap. LXU.I SKIBMISH in THE TIABNET LAKE VALLEY, OREO. 425
SEFTIMIEB S3, 1865.— Skimiih in the Harney Lake Valley, Ong.
Reports of Capt. Loren, L. Williams, First Oregon Infantry.
Headqijabtbrs Selvte's River Expedition,
Camp Wright, Oreg., September 24, 1865.
Col. George B. Ourrey,
First Regiment Oregon Infantry,
Comdg. Dept. of the Columbia, Fort Vancouver, Wash. Ter. :
Sir: Inclosed find official report of engagement of yesterday; also
list of casualties in the engagement. Tlie sconts consisted of ten men
of Company H, and two men of Company F, First Begiment Oregon
Infantry.
All of which is respectfully submitted.
I am, very respectfally, your obedient servant,
L. L. WILLIAMS,
Captain, First Oregon Infty., Comdg. Selvie's River Expedition.
Headquarters Selvie's River Expedition,
Camp Wright, Oreg., September 24, 1865.
SiB: I have the honor to make the following report of an engage-
ment between twelve men under my command and 75 or 100 Indians of
Harney Lake Valley, which action commenced at 12 m. on September
23, and ended at 7 p. m., same day.
On September 23, 1865, I set out with twelve men from camp on
Selvie's River to scout a few miles down the valley to locate a perma-
nent camp, and search for a place to cut hay. Proceeded down the
valley seven miles, when we discovered the fresh trail of two Indians
on foot going in the direction of Harney Lake. Following the trail a
short distance, the Indians were discovered about one mile distant
entering an extensive sage plain. We immediately gave chase, not
expecting to overtake them, but soon discovered one of them to be a
boy of about nine or ten years old, which impeded their progress, so
that we soon found ourselves gaining upon them. After a pursuit of
about seven miles, and when within long range of our guns, they were
met by two mounted Indians from the opposite side of the sage plain,
and were taken up and made good their escape. We had been march-
ing at double quick over the sage plain for seven miles, and conse-
quently the men were very tired. I therefore ordered a rest, placing
two sentinels in a conspicuous place. We rested for an hour, and that
hour's delay came near proving fatal to the scouting party. We were
now sixteen miles from our camp. A solitary Indian mounted on a fine
iron-gray horse now appeared in sight, and riding about at fall speed
circling around us, then rode off to a distance of half a mile and fired
his gan, and sounded the war whoop. Directly we discovered thirteen
mounted Indians approaching, and as that was just oar number, we
had no fears for our own safety. As they came up they encircled us
on every side, and firing was at once opened by them and promptly
returnea. We now turned toward camp and steered straight for ahigh
mountain point which lay direct between ua and our camp, which would
make the distance much nearer than to go round. The Indians kept up
their firing and howling, and were very soon re-enforced by twenty or
thirty horsemen and twenty- five or thirty footmen, who joined in thecon-
flict. Their forces were place<l on every side of us, horse and foot mixed
up promiscuously, and now firing became very brisk from front, flank,
and rear, but the Indians were kept at a distance of from 250 to 600
yards by our long-range gnns. We were still moving direct for the
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426 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Chap. LXIL
moantaiu, believing that we would be perfectly safe if we could gain
the moniitaiu ; at least, if it gave us uo other advantage, it would be the
most direct rout<) to our camp, where we could obtain relief. The tiring
was brisk on both sides. The bullets were whizzing among us. We
were not sufficient in numbers to protect all sides at one time. When
within half a mile of the mountain some twenty or twenty-five horse
men fell in ahead of us and ascended the mountain at the very place
fof which we were striving, and we had the mortification of seeing them
take position in the rocks to cut us down if we advanced. At this
time I could see but one alternative, and that was to turn direct to the
right and travel parallel to the mountain, and make for Selvie's River,
some five miles off. The men were tired, nearly exhausted, their lips
parched with thirst, and the whole distance to the river was one level
sandy sage plain. As wo turned, nearly all tlio footmen and two-thirds
the horsemen pursued along the foot of the mountain to our left. I now
placed OorporalJohnson to guard the left Hank and Private McPherson
to guard the rear, the places from which the most danger came, and tlie
men were then ordered in single file, fifteen paces apart and parallel to
the mountain. In this manner we marched to Selvie's Kiver with acon-
stant shower of bullets falling among us or whistling over our heads.
The sage-brush in many places, being of heavy growth, gave the Indians
fikvorable opportunities, and many shots were fired at us from a dis-
tance of from 75 to 100 yards, the Indians generally dodging down and
avoiding our shots. Onapproachingtheriver,PrivateAlexanderGriffin,
of Company H, First Oregon Infantry, was severely wounded in the
left hip, but not disabled, As we reached the willows on the river the
Indians struck the river above and below us. My men were so tired
they could scarcely travel, and nearly choked with thirst. My mouth
was Ko parched that I could scarcely give command. I at once ordered
three men through the stream without a moment's pause to protect our
front. Three others were faced about to guard the rear, while the remain-
der took a hasty drink of water and relieved them. Our delay at the
stream was not over one and one-half minutes, and at the command
"fall in on the east side," every man was instantly at his post, and
we marched at double-quick for aboutSOO yards from the willows along
stream to an open level plain. A few horsemen were in front but the
bulk of the Indians had halted along the stream. We now turned up
the valley northward in the direction of our camp, firing still kept up
briskly by the Indians from the river on our left. Private Smith, of
Company F, First Oregon Infantry, was at this time slightly wounded
in the left foot. It was now about sundown, and our camp still four
miles off — so far that we could not hope for them (the men in camp) to
hear our guns. After sundown a mounted Indian with a blazing torch
struck out from the river and fired the grass on a line for two miles in
length, and crossing at right angles through the prairie before us, and
betwixt us and our camp. We still pushed on (heavy firing all the time
kept up on both sides), passing through the fire line, and aimed to
strike the river three miles or two and a half below camp. The ground
was level; no very high grass, and but little sage-brush. We were
soon expecting a re-enforcement from camp. We thought we were
safe unless some random shot from the willows should strike us, and
there was much danger, for whole volleys were occasionally fired at
one time, and would strike in the grass or whistle past us. At this
time I was stunned by a volley of five or six rifles from a dry gully four
or five feet deep directly ahead of us. I looked around expecting to
see one-half of my men fall dead, but none were injured. The men were
at once ordered into a sink at our left of sufficient depth to hide them.
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< iiAP. LXII.] SKIRMISH IN THE HABNET LAKE VALLET, OBEG. 427
i<'rom this position we had three or four good shots, not over sixty yards
distant, at those who had fired the last volley. This was the last firing
on either side. I rested the men a half-hoar, and it now being dark
(except light from fire which now extended up and down the river for
some distance), so that it was impossible for us to move in the direction
of camp without placing us directly between the ludiaus (in the willows
along the river), and the blazing fires on the iJrairies. I could see no
other avenue of escape than to double up on our track, which was
accordingly done, and we double-quicked it out of our position and
soon placed the fires betwixt us and the mass of Indians along the
stream. We traveled four or five miles in a course directly opposite
from camp and made a large circle to the northward and gained our
camp at 2 o'clock on the morning of the 24th, having travele<l forty-five
miles without food or rest, seven hours of which being under a heavy
fire li-om the Indians, who outnumbered us at least six to one. From
the place where the fight began to its termination was about fifteen
miles, three-fourths of which was a sandy sage plain. The attack upon as
was made at about 12 m., and was kept up without any cessation until
about 7 p. m., during which time it is certain that fifteen Indians were
killed and several horses crippled. Our two wounded men were safely
brought in. The men all acquitted themselves creditably. Not an
order or command was given but what was instantly obeyed. Corporal
Johnson and Private McPherson are entitled to great credit for their
valuable services, without which the whole detachment might have
been cut off. Our long-range guns and superior marksmen gave us
advantages that rendered their superior numbers far less formidable
than if we had been armed with common rifles.
I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
L. L. WILLIAMS,
Captain, First Oregon Infantry, Comdg. Selvii^a River ^Expedition.
Col. Geobge B. Cubbey,
First Regiment Oregon Infantry,
Comdg. Dept. of the Columbia, Fort Vancouver, Wash. Ter.
Camp Wbight,
On Selvie's River, Oreg., September 26, 1865.
Sib : On September 18, 1 arrived at Selvie's River with twenty-four
men of my command, and on 23d, while scouting with twelve men, I
scared up a hornet's nest of 75 or 100 Indians, who surrounded us, and
for seven long and weary hours we fought in the center of a living cir
cle, and finally dodged the Indians after dark and reivched camp at 2
o'clock next morning, having traveled forty-five miles without food or
rest, fifteen miles of which was under as heavy a fire from Indians as
men ever withstood and came out of alive. I had one man severely
wounded in the hip and one slightly wounded iu the foot. It is certain
that fifteen Indians were killed and several horses crippled. I will give
you the' ofQcial report in detail soon. I have no blanks for post returns.
Orders, No. 7, as far as I am concerned, I think will be carried out, the
opposition of a large band of Indians to the contrary notwithstanding.
In great haste, yoar obedient servant,
L. L. WILLIAMS.
Col. G. B. CUBEET,
Fort Vancouver, Wash. Ter.
P. S. — I can get good hay and have named my camp after General
Wright.
L. L. W.
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428
OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST.
[Cbap. Lxn.
[Inoloiraro.]
Return of the eaiualtie$ of the Selvitfa River Expedition at an engagement inth the Indian»
in Harney Lake Valley, Oreg., on the 23d day of September, 186S.
Company.
Rank.
s
Wonnded.
Nunes.
c^
f
1
f
Griffin, Alex, a
H, First Oregon Infantry
F, First Oregon Infantry
Private...
1
Smith, Tho». F.»
Private...
1
Total
I
1
a Ball lodged in left hip; small buUeti
6 Ball passed through shoo, grazing left foot.
I certity that the above is a correct retom of the casaalties of the
detachment of Companies H and F, of the First Oregon Infantry Regi-
ment, at an engagement with the Indians in Harney Lake Valley,
Oreg., on the 23d September, 1865.
L. L. WILLIAMS,
Captain., First Oregon Infantry, Comdg. Selvie^a River Expedition.
COREESPONDEKOE, ORDERS, AND RETURN^S RELATING
TO OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST, JANUARY 1,
1861, TO JUNE 30, 1862.»
TJlSnOlSr ANT> CONTrKr>ERA.TE.
Abetract from returns of the Department* of Caiyomia and Oregon, commanded retpee-
tively by Lieut. Col. Benjamin L. Beall and Col. Oeorge Wright, for the month of
December, 1860.
Present for
duty.
<1
*»
Cominiuid.
1
1
73
71
1,050
I.IW
1,687
1,742
1,711
1,937
Total
143
2.245
3,27»
3,048
Organization of troops in the Department of California, commanded by
Lieut. Col. Benjamin L. BeaU, First U. 8. Dragoons, December 31,
1860.
FORT CROOK, CAL.
Capt. John Adams.
Ist U. S. Dragoons, Company P.
6th U. 8. Infantry, Company E.
FORT UMPQUA, OREG.
Lient. Lorenzo Lorain.
3d U. 8. Artillery, Company L.
FORT TKR-WAW, CAL.
Lient. Oborob Crook.
4th U. S. Infantry, Company D.
fort huhboidt, CAL.
Capt. Chares S. Lovkll.
6th U. S. Infantry, Company B.
' For Correspondence, etc., J nly 1 , 1862-Jiine 30, 1866, see Part II.
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CRAP. T.TTT.]
COBKE8PONDENCE — UNION AND CONPEDEKATE.
429
Organization of iroopi in the Department
PORT GASTON, CAL.
Capt. Edmund Unoekwood.
4th U. S. Infantry, Company B.
FOBT BRAGG, CAL.
Lieut. Edward Billon.
6th IT. S. Infantry, Company D.
BBNICIA BARRACKS, CAL.
Lieut. Col. Gborgb Andrews.
6th U. S. Infantry, Companies G and K.
BENICIA ARSENAL, CAL.
Lieut. JuuAN McAllister.
Detachment of Ordnance.
presidio of SAN FRANCISCO, CAL,
Lieat. Col. Cbarles S. Merchant.
3d U. S. Artillery, Company I.
ALCATRAZ ISLAND, CAL.
IstU. S. Dragoons (Detachment of Rt^-
crnits), Lieut. Eugene M. Baker.
3d U. S. Artillery, Company U, Capt.
Joseph Stewart.
iBt
6th
4th
6th
4th
6th
Ut
6th
of California, etc. — Continued.
FORT TBJON, CAL.
Mi^. Ororob a. H. Blakb.
U. S. Dragoons, Companies B and K.*
NBW SAN DIEGO, CAL.
Brt. Maj. Lbwis A. Armistead.
U. S. Infantry, Company F.
FORT YUMA, CAL.
Haj. Albemarle Cady.
U. S. Infantry, Company E.
U. S. Infantry, Company C.
FORT MOJAVR, N. MBX.
Capt. Oranvillb O. Hallbr.
U. S. Infantry, Company I.
U. S. Infantry, Company I.
FORT CHURCHILL, NEV. TBR.
Capt. Thomas Hbndrickson.
U. S. Dragoons, Company A.
U. S. Infantry, Companies A and H.
Organization of troops in the Department of Oregon, commanded by
Col. Oeorge Wright, Ninth U. 8. Infantry, December 31, 1860,
FOBT VANCOUVER, WASH. TEB.
Miy. WiLLLAM S. Ketchum.
3d U. S. Artillery, Companies A, B, C, I>,
G, and M.
VANCOUVER DEPOT, WASH. TBR.
Lieut. WnxLAM T. Welcker.
Detachment of Ordnance, U. S. Army.
FORT COLVILLB, WASH. TBR.
B\-t. M%j. PlNKNBY LUGEMBBEL.
9th U. 8. Infantry, Companies A, C, I,
and K.
CAMP PICKETT, SAN JUAN ISLAND, WASH.
TBR.
Capt. George E. Pickett.
0th U. S. Infantry, Company D.
rORT STEILACOOM, WASH. TBR.
Lieut. Qol. Silas Casey.
9th U. S. Infantry, Companies F and H.
FORT walla walla, WA.S1I. TBR.
M%j. Enoch Stebn.
Ist U. S. Dragoons, Companies C, E, and I.
9th U. S. Infantry, Companies U and E.
FORT DALLES, ORRO.
Capt. JosBFH H. Whittlesey.
Ist U. 8. Dragoons, Company H.
9th U. 8. Infantry,Company G.
FORT YAMHILL, OREG.
Capt. David A. Russell.
4tb U. S. Infantry, Company K.
FORT HOSKINS, OREO.
Capt. Christopher C. Augur.
4th U. S. Infantry, Companies F and G.
fort CASCADES, WASIL TER.
Capt. Henby D. Wallen.
4th U. 8. Infantry, Company H.
CAMP CHBHAJJS, WASH. TER.
Capt. Maurice Maloney.
4th IT. S. Infantry, Company A.
FORT TOWNSBND, WASH. TER.
Capt. Lewis C. Hunt.
4th U. S. Infantry, Company C.
"Companies D and G ut Kort Breckinridge, N. Mex.
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430 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Chap.LXII.
IIeadquabtbes Department of Obegok,
Fort Vancouver, Wa^h. Ter., January 3, 1861. ,
His Excellency John Whiteakee,
Governor of Oregon, tSalem, Oreg.:
Sib: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your commoni-
catiou of December 2H, with respect to Mr. Thompson's proposed expe-
dition into the Snake country and the rescue of the four children said
to be in the hands of the Snakes. The subject of the investigation of
the truth of the reiwrt with regard to these children and of their res-
cue, if they be in captivity, had from the first moment of the receipt of
the intelligence attracted my warmest interest. Messengers dispatched
by Major Steen, commanding the troops at Fort Walla Walla, and Mr.
Cain, the Indian agent in that neighborhood, have been sent into the
Snake country to ascertain if there be any children captives there.
These messengers being Nez Perc<S Indians, known to the Snakes, will
not excite their suspicion, tind being a small party and acquainted with
the country, and not likely to encounter the hostility of the Snakes,
they will probably be able to penetrate to the remote locations of the
Snakes at this time, notwithstanding the rigor of the season. If the chil-
dren be alive, they ai-e, if i)0S8ibIe, to obtain them by negotiation forth-
with. At all events, they are to return and report the information
acquired without delay. I have received no report of the I'eturnof this
party, but hope to hear in a few days. Major Steen, an oflBcer of high
reputation for bis knowledge of Indians and Indian warfare, and who has
spent many years on the frontier and in campaigns in the Indian coun-
try, may be safely relied upon to acliieve all that can be accomplished
at this time. Besides the confidence 1 have felt in this, on the 18th of
December I sent instructions to Major Steen to persevere in the search
for the children, and to use all the means in his power for their rescue.
I shall not fail to take any other steps that may seem necessary to
secure this end. That the troops at Fort Walla Walla are to be relied
on for any service that duty and sympathy for suffering call for is suf-
ficiently evinced by their late successful expedition immediately after
the receipt of the news of the massacre, the result of which was the
rescue from death of twelve human beings. The necessity of bringing
these helpless sutTerers as soon as possible into the settlements pre-
vented Captain Dent from prosecuting at the time further search and
punishing the Snakes as far as practicable, although when he started
on his return to Walla Walla he was amid the snows. An energetic
campaign against the Snakes, to be commenced early and continued
late, has been, as you have been informed, determined upon. The
matter has been made the subject of correspondence with the authori-
ties at the East. It is hoped that the necessary a])propriations lor the
object and for the post at Bois4 will be made early. It is not seen that
any useful result can be obtained by the proposed expedition of Mr.
Thompson with twenty-five men. You may rest assured that whatever
can be done for the rescue of the children will be done by Major Steen.
What he proves himself unable to achieve I doubt if others will be
better able to accomplish as the circumstances now ace.
I am, sir, very re8i>ectfully, your obedient servant,
G. WKIGUT,
Colonel Ninth Infantry, Commanding.
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Chap. LXII.] COERESPOFDENCE UNION AND CONFEDERATE. 431
Special Orders, ) Adjutant General's Office,
No. 5. ) Washington, January 5, 1861.
I. Bvt. Maj. D. C. Bnell, assistant adjatant-geueral, will proceed to
Sail Francisco, Oal., and relieve Maj. W. W. Mackall, of the same
department of tlie staflF at the headquarters of the Department of the
Pacific, when the latter will repair to this place.
• «•••••
By coniniaiid of Lieutenant-Generjil Scott:
S. COOPER,
Adjutant- Oeneral.
Fort Walla Walla, Wash. Ter., January 5, isai.
General Joseph E. Johnston,
Quartermaster- General V. S. Army, Washington, D, C:
General: I take the liberty and feel it my duty to call your atten-
tion to the Fort Benton wagon road, as I believe from experience in
the service, and crossing the plains frequently for the last thirty years,
that the cost of sending recruits or horses to this coast by that route
will be ten times as much as by the route from Fort Leavenworth via
Forts Kearny, Laramie, Uall, and Boise to this post; for by the boat
to Benton each soldier will cost $100 and each wagon the same; then
tA> get mules or oxen for the wagons would be double the cost that it
would be at Leavenworth. Purchase your horses, wagons, and oxen or
mules to transport your supplies at Leavenworth, and if tlie transpor-
tation is not needed here on its arrival, it can be sold at public auction
for its full value in the States. By this means each soldier will hardly
cost $10, whereas by the Fort Benton route each one would cost $300
by his arrival here. One more suggestion. Could not the $100,000
already appropriated, and not yet expended, be transferred to the old
road I speak of ! It is much the shortest and best route, and emigrants
come through eveiy season, arriving here by the end of September,
their animals in very good condition. A post is to be established at
Bois^ in tha spring, and there wilt always be troops at Fort Hall to
protect emigration, and all that is needed are ferries at these ])osts, and
very little work on the road. There will then be grass, water, and all
that is requisite for a military or emigrant road. I do believe that if
the $100,000 is expended and tlie Benton road finished, that not ten
emigrants will travel it for twenty years to come. But suppose yon
make the road from Saint Paul to Benton; then you must establish a
line of posts through the Sioux and Blackfoot country requiring at
least 1,500 soldiers at a cost of half a million annually, and there
would be a war at a cost of $300,000,000 or $400,000,000 more. In a
conversation with Major Blake, of the Army, who came by the Benton
route with 300 recruits last sunnuer, he spoke favorably of the route,
and said he would apply to bring over horses from Saint Paul via
Benton to this department. Now, I am satisfied that the cost by that
route will be ten times as much as by the route from Leavenworth, via
Laramie, Hall, and Bois4, and in addition the major's route is much
the longest, and in the months of May and June, from Saint Paul west,
say 1,000 miles, yon have much wet and marshy prairie, which I con-
sider impassable. Starting in July, then, you could not come through
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432 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Chap. LXIi.
the same seasou, and wiutering iu the moantains uortheast of us would
cause much expense, the loss of many animals and much sufi'ering
among the men.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
E. 8TEEN,
Major, First Dragoom, Commanding.
San Feanoisco, Gal., January 8, 1861.
M£y. W. W. Mackall,
Asst. Adjt. Oen., Department of California, 8am, Fra^tcisoo:
Major : In reply to your letter of yesterday I have the honor to
state, for the information of the colonel commanding, that I have on
hand for disbursement on subsistence account $11,^1.04. The Oom-
missary-G^eneral has regularly and promptly answered my requisitions
upon him for funds, but these requisitions have not yet been filled by the
Treasury Department. The following posts in the Department of Cali-
fornia are supplied with subsistence as follows: Forts Yuma, Churchill,
Crook, Ter- Waw, Gaston, and detachment at Honey Lake to about July
1, 1861 ; Fort Mojave to about May 1, 1861 ; Fort Umpqna to about March
31, 1861; Forts Tejon, Bragg, and Benicia Barracks to about March 1,
1861 ; New San Diego, Forts Humboldt and Alcatraz, and Presidio to
about February 1, 1861. The amount of subsistence stores on hand in
this city, with the exception of pork, is very small. All requisitions
upon mo for the Department of California have been filled.
Very respectfully, major, your obedient servant,
M. D. L. SIMPSON,
Captain and Commistary of Subsistence.
Headquabtebs Depaetmen'J' op Oregon,
Fort Vancouver, Wash. Ter., January 11, 1861.
Capt. M. Malonbt,
Fourth Infty., Oomdg. Camp Chehalis, Cray's Harbor, W<i*h. Ter.:
Sib : Tour report of the 2l8t ultimo has been received. The colonel
commanding finds it qnito satisfactory. The petition is subscribed
thus: " J. L. McKee and seventy-two others." The statement of Mat-
thew McGee, Quineault County, who was ordered to leave the Quineaolt
country by the Indians, taken captive, &c. ; Absalom Armstrong, north
side of Gray's Harbor, whose house had been three times broken open,
&c. ; Mr. J. L. Payn, north side of Gray's Harbor, who has lost his prop-
erty by theft, threatened by Indians, &c. ; also of David Helser. David
Helser and G. A. Wood accompany the petition. A certificate as to the
respectable character of the last-mentioned afiiants is signed thus:
" Lyman Shaffer and thirty-six others." The statements all speak of the
general hostility of the Indians in your region. Your letter of the 26th
has also been received. Your request that your post may be called Fort
Chehalis and be constituted a double-ration post has been forwarded to
the War Department approved. Colonel Wright had thought of dis-
continuing the post at Chehalis in the spring, but in view of the fears of
the settlers he judged it expedient that a post be maintained there for
some time yet, and has so recommended. The force, however, will not
be increased.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JAS. A. HAEDIE,
Captain, TJdrd Artillery, and Acting Assistant Adjutant- General.
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Chaf. LXU.] COEKESPONDENCE UNION AND CONFEDERATE. 433
Orders, \ Hdqrs. Department op the Pacific,
No. 1. ) San Francisco, January 15, 1861,
The arrival of Bvt. Brig. Gen. Albert S. Jobnaton completes the
arraugements contemplated in General Orders, No. 10, of November 22,
1860, headquarters of the Army. The Departments of California and
Oregon are merged into one department. The general assumes com-
mand of the Department of the Pacific.
By command of Brigadier-General Johnston :
W. W. MACKALL,
Assistant Adjutant- Oeneral.
Headquarters Department of the Pacific,
/S'an Francisco, January l5, 1861,
Col. G. Wright,
Ninth Infantry, U, S. Army,
Oomdg, Dist. of Oregon, Fort Vancouver, Wash. Ter, :
Colonel : By direction of Brigadier- General Johnston I transmit
the order* by which he assumes command of the Depaitment of the
Pacific, and requests you to furnish him with a report of the condition
and station of the troops in the l>istrict of Oregon and the state of the
ludiau relations and of all movements in contemplation; also the state
of the funds in the hands of disbursing officers.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
W. W. MACKALL,
Assistant Adjutant- Oeneral.
Headquarters Department of the Pacific,
ISan Francisco, January 17, 1861,
Col. S. Cooper,
Adjutant- General, Washington, I), C:
Colonel : I have the honor to report my arrival at this place on the
14th instant, and that, in accordance with the orders of the General-in-
Chief, I assumed command of the department on the 15th. I beg leave
to ask the atteiitii)n of the General-in-Chief to the fact that the differ-
ent staft" departments of this department are without funds. The
quartermaster's department is destitute, and the other departments
nearly so, having on hand only very small amounts of money. It is
indispensable to the public interest that they should be promptly fur-
nished with funds. If it be true tlmt there is a large amount of public
money in the mint at this place, which I have heard, I would respect-
fully suggest that a sufficient portion of it to meet the wants of the
Government for the military service be placed to the credit of the dis-
bursing officers of the department. The requisitions of the chiefs of
the staff departments not having been filled — it is to be presumed from
a scarcity in the sub-treasuries of the East — it is therefore that I tsike
the liberty to suggest that there probably exists the ability to comply
with them at this place.
I am, with great respect, your obedient servant,
A. S. JOHNSTON,
Colonel Second Cavalry and Brevet Brigadier-General,
' See next, ante,
28 R R — VOL L, PT I
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434 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. (Chap. LXn.
Steamer Pacific,
Baker^s Bay, Wash. Ter., January 18, 1861.
Capt. James A. Habdie,
Actg. Asst. Adjt. Oen., Headquarters Department of Oregon:
Sib: I would respectfully state that aa the field operations of the
military road from Fort Walla Walla to Fort Benton will be resumed
by the 1st of April that an escort of not less than eighty men and two
officers be granted me, under the instructions from the War Depart-
ment, to protect my work and its operations, and that they may be
provided with subsistence and clothing for fifteen months. I desire to
leave Walla Walla by the 1st of April.
I am, sir, truly and respectfully, your obedient servant,
JOHN MULLAN,
First Lieut,, Second Artillery, in Charge of Mil. Road Expedition.
Heauquabtebs op the Abmy,
Washington, January 19, 1861.
Brig. Gen. A. S. Johnston,
Commanding Department of Hie Pawftc:
Genebal: The General-in-Chief desires that you will order down
from Fort Vancouver two companies of artillery to the posts near San
Francisco, and that the fort at the entrance of the harbor be occupied
by one company with as little delay as practicable.
I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
L. THOMAS,
Assistant Adjutant-Oeneral.
Heb Bbitannic Majesty's Ship Topazb,
Esquimault, January 24, 1801.
Col. G. Wright,
Headquarters Department of Oregon, Fort Vancouver :
Sib : I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt on the 22d instant
of your letter of the 20th of December, with iuclosures, on the subject
of the military reserves on San Juan Island. I perfectly concur with
you that an arrangement respecting the extent of each reserve would
be advisable, and also that as little land should be closed to settlers as
may be compatible with the maintenance of discipline and the other
requirements of each camp. I therefore beg to propose that the two
officers in command of the detachments of U. S. troops and of Her
Majesty's be instructed to meet, and keeping in mind the foregoing con-
siderations, should conjointly settle and arrange the extent of the
respective reserves, a plan of which, when agreed upon, should be
exchanged. With regard to that paragraph of your letter wherein you
propose "that whatever amount of land Captain Pickett shall now or
hereafter include within his special military jurisdiction. Captain Bazal-
gette shall be at liberty to include an equal amount within his camp
limits, and no more." I cannot refrain from observing that such an
arrangement would seem to be at variance with the terms of the joint
occupancy, which provide for perfect equality of rights in all respects,
not that the officer commanding the troops of Her Majesty is to be
guided in every particular by the actions of the officer in command of
the troops of the United States. It is with this view that I propose a
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Cbjj.. LXII.; CORRESPONDENCE UNION AND CONFEDERATE. 435
mataal agreeineut between these two officers, aud I beg to assure you
that whatever they may conjointly agree upon in this matter I shall be
prepared to confirm.
I must, sir, in conclusion, take this opportunity to express what pleas-
ure I have derived from the very cordial and friendly feeling which had
existed between the troops of the two Governments during the time of
the joint occupation, and I have on all occasions received from Captain
Bazalgette the assurance of having always exi)erienced the utmost
courtesy and friendliness on the part of Cai>tain Pickett.
1 have the honor to be, sir, your obedient servant,
JOHN D. S. SPENCER,
Captain and Senior Officer.
Headquarters,
Fort Steilacooniy Wash. Ter., January 25, IHUl.
Capt. Jahes a. Hardie,
3d Arty., Actg. Asst. Adjt. Gen., Fort Vancouver, Wash. Ter.:
Captain: The copies of communications from Acting Governor
McGill and others relating to Indian affairs on the Sound have been
received. I have the honor to report as follows : Early in December
last a man by the name of Ferguson^ living near the mouth of the
Skokomish, reported to me that a white man had been killed by an
Indian. He informed me that the Indian agent, Mr. Simmons, was then
at the reservation, near the mouth of that river. I told him that it was
the duty of the agent to make an official report to me of an occurrence
that would require military aid, but that I would attend to it. The
Massachusetts being about to proceed to San Juan Island with Lieu-
tenant Casey, of the engineers, and a surveying party, I directed that
she should go by the way of the Skokomish River. I directed Lieu-
tenant Casey to confer with the agent and investigate the matter so far
as he was able. It appears that a white man by the name of Carter
living near the mouth of the Skokomish was killed by an Indian by
the name of Paemps, with the assistance of one of his sous, who was
known by the name of Charley. The agent informed Lieutenant Casey
that he did not think that any of the other Indians had anything to do
with it, and that 100 or more of them were hunting up the murderers,
and furthermore that he thought it not best for the troops to interfere^
as it would tend to fright«n the Indians. Paemps and his son have
frecjueutly been at this post, and I know them ; he is half Klickitat and
half Skokomish, the latter one of the tribes on the Sound. He has
been a priest and jireacher among the Indians for some time, but of late
has taken to drink and lost much of his influence among them. It is
the general opinion that his desire not to be considered a kultus fellow
has induced him to commit this murder. I endeavor to impress ui>on
the Indians with whom I come in contact the necessity of taking the
murderers, and I am confident they will do so if possible. I inclose
the copy of a communication which I received from Mr. Simmons,
late agent. I received Tiot long ago a petition signed by twenty-four
citizens of White River, setting forth that they feared an outbreak of
the Indians. I dispatched Lieutenant Alexander, of the engineers, with
two men to visit the settlements on the Puyallup and White River,
and to inquire into the foundation of the report. Lieutenant Alexander
rejjorted that so far as he could learn there was no good cause for the
alarm, and that the settlers appeared to be satisfied; also that most of
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436 OPEEATIOKS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. (Chap. LXn.
their fears were not well founded. A report taken by the mail rider
from Steilacoom to Seattle was the principal cause of the alarm. I
have information from the Indian agents at Nisquallyj Bellingham Bay,
and Puyallup, and the agent for Muckleshoot, which is a short distance
above the White River settlement, called upon me in person. Their
united testimony is that there Is no cause to fear an outbreak among
the Indians. I concur in that opinion. These Indian rumors on the
Sound have not escaped my attention, and had I considered them of
sufiScieut importance to trouble the headquarters of the department it
would have been reported before.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
SILAS CASEY,
Lieutenant- Colonel Ninth Infantry, Commanding Post.
P. S. — The interest of the service, in my opinion, requires that the
two companies at this post should be filled up. I have no troops to
spare for any detached service, should they be required, as for several
months past there have been hardly sufficient men here to perform
properly the duties of the post.
S. 0.
Hbadquabtbbs District of Oregon,
Fort Vancouver, Wash. Ter., Jantuiry 26, 1861.
Maj. W. W. Mackall,
Aiist. Adjt. Oen., Hdqra. Dept. of the Pacific, San Francisco :
Sat : Your letter of the 15th instant, inclosing Orders, No. 1, from
the headquarters Department of the Pacific, reached me on the 23d
instant. The order has been distributed within the district. For a view
of the condition of the troopSj the state of tbe Indian relations, and of
the movements in contemplation in the late Department of Oregon, I
reqnest that reference may be had to my letters and reports to Army
headquarters, copied in the department letter book from page 132 for-
ward. The letter and order books are sent by express by the steamer
which conveys this. The condition of the pay, quartermaster, and
subsistence departments is exhibited by the accompanying reports of
Majors Alvord and Babbitt. The papers likewise for the quartermaster
and subsistence departments for the last quarter of 1860, required by
paragraph 950, Regulations 1857, are forwarded to the chiefs of those
bureaus at Washington through the headquarters of the department,
in order to afibrd the department commander an opportunity to obtain
ft'oui them such information as they may afford. A copy of the depart-
ment return for November and an unfinished return for December, on
which are consolidated all the posts heard from for December, are
inclosed. The department return due from the Department of Oregon
for December it is proposed to complete here when Fort Oolville and
Camp Pickett shall have been heard from. Paymaster Winston's
abstracts for November and December, 1860, are likewise transmitted.
Two packages of papers for action of department commander are sent
herewith, with explanatory memoranda indorsed. A letter from Lieu-
tenant Casey and map * (the latter put in the letter book for safe carriage)
accompany this. Captain Pickett was promised a copy of the map. I
ought to state that a letter to Captain Spencer, Royal Navy, of Decem-
ber 20 (see letter book, page 222), remains unanswered. It is believed
•On file in office of the Chief of Engineers.
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Chap, lxii.] CORRESPONDENCE — UNION AND CONFEDERATE. 437
that tbe arrangement will be satisfactory. I have to mention before
closing that I had applied to tbe Secretary of War for a leave of absence
of twelve months before the receipt of Orders, ifo. 1, from the head-
quarters Department of the Pacific.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
G. WEIGHT,
Colonel Ninth Infantry, Commanding.
Vicinity of Fort Te.ton, Cal., February — , 1801.
General A. S. Johnston, U. S. Army:
We, the subscribers, having heard the removal of Fort Tejon is in
contemplation, desire to enter our earnest protest against this intention,
representing for your consideration the following facts: The position of
Fort Tejon is such as entirely to command three populous and rapidly
increasing districts, which by its abandonment would sufiFer the most
disastrous consequences from the incursionsand inroads of the Indians
from which it now protects us. These people are as yet without the
means of self-defense, and relying upon the permanence of the fort and
the protection of the Government, have passed thus far into the inte-
rior, settling and developing the resources of a new country, with the
implied assurance, from the location of Fort Tejon, of protection for
their lives and property. If this protection is to be withdrawn, those
who have under its promises made their homes in the wilderness will be
left to the mercy of ruthless savages, and a beautiful district about to
be reclaimetl by civilization again abandoned to its original condition.
These resources are agricultural and grazing, and it would bo useless to
remind you of the vast mining interest stretching from Mono Lake to
the Colora<lo, over an immense extent of country rich in every mineral,
and now being examined by thousands of our citizens, which the aban-
donment of Fort Tejon would leave entirely without protection, and in
consequence of which all the anticipated wealth of that region be utterly
lost to the country. Under these circumstances we feel justified in
remonstrating in the strongest manner against the removal of Fort
Tejon. The value of our property and our personal security all render
im])erative the protection it afibrds.
We have the honor to be, very respectfully, vour obedient servants,
SAMUEL A. BISHOP,
E. F. BEALE,
P. E. KEELIN,
[and 85 others].
Office Secretary of Territory,
Olympia, February 3, 18(11.
Commander of the Department of the Pacific,
San Francisco, Cal.:
Sir: I have the honor to transmit herewith a certified copy of a
memorial of the legislative assembly of this Temtory passed at its ses-
sion just closed, and respectfully to call your attention to the same,
i have the honor to be, your obedient servant,
HENEY M. McGlLL,
Secretary of WaMngton Tcrrifori/.
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438 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. (Chap. LXII.
[IncloBure.]
To the Commander of the Department op the Paoipio :
We your memoralists, the legislative assembly of the Territory of
Washington, would respectfully represent that since Fort Bellingham
has been abandoned by the military the numerous tribes of Indians
residing in the vicinity have shown unmistakable evidence of hostility
to the whites, growing out of the non-fulfillment of treaty stipulations
on the part of our Government. The settlement on Bellingham Bay is
also liable to be surprised at any time by the Northern, or British,
Indians, who periodically visit the sound for plunder, and situated near
the forty-ninth parallel, it is of the utmost importance that Fort Bel-
lingham should be reoccupied by at least one company of U. S. troops
for the protection of said settlement of Bellingham Bay.
Passed the House January 17, 1861.
LYMAN SHAFFER,
Speaker House of Representatives.
Passed the council January 18, 1861.
PAUL K. HUBB9,
President of the Council.
Secretary's Office,
Olympiu, Wash. Ter., February 1, 1861.
I hereby certify the foregoing to be a true and perfect copy of the
original memorial on file in this ofBce.
HENRY M. MoGILL,
Secretary of Territory.
Orders, ) Headquarters,
No. 5. ] Fort Walla Walla, Wash. Ter., February 4, 1861.
Bvt. Maj. William N. Grier, First Dragoons, with forty men of his
company, will proceed to-morrow morning to the Umatilla to confer
with the agent, Mr. Abbott, concerning certain recent depredations by
a party of Indians on the Columbia, and, if necessary, to proceed to
tbe Indian camp, secure and punish the offenders, and remove the
remainder to the reservation. He will take ten days' forage and rations.
The assistant quartermaster will furnish the necessary transportation.
By order of Major Steen :
JAMES WHEELER, Jr.,
Second Lieutenant, First Dragoons, Post Adjutant.
Headquarters Department of the Pacific,
San Francisco, February 6, 1861.
First Lieut. J. McAllister,
Commanding Benicia Arsenal, CaJ. :
Sir: The commanding general wishes a list of the arms in the
arsenal, the amoiint of powder and ammunition. He directs you to
send 100 rounds of ball cartridges and twenty rounds of blank car
tridges to Alcatraz Island for the carbines lately issued to the dragoon
recruits. But if you have already furnished any ammunition for those
arms you will reduce the present amount by the then supply.
Respectfully, your obedient servant,
VV. W. MACKALL,
Assistatit Adjutant- General.
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cbaf. lxu.] correspondence union and confederate. 439
Adjutant-General's Office,
Washhigton, D. C, February 7, 1801. '
Bvt. Brig. Gen. Albert S. JonNSTON, U. S. Army,
Cojnmandifig Department of the Pacijie, San Francisco, Gal. :
General : Herewitli I Lave the honor to transmit a copy of a project
for the continuation of the work on the Fort Benton and Walla Walla
military road, submitted to the Secretary of War by Capt. Andrew A.
Humphreys, Corps of Topographical Engineers. The Secretary
approves of the same, and directs that you give the necessary instruc-
tions for carrying out its j)rovision8. A detail of an assistant surgeon
to accompany the expedition will be made from your command, whom
you will instruct to attend the citizens employed by Lieutenant Mullan.
I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
S. COOPER,
Adjutant- Oeneral.
llucloaiire.l
War Department,
Office op Exploration and Surveys,
^Yashington, January 2i, ISGl.
Hon. J. Holt,
/Secretary of War:
Sir : In the latter part of December I submitted to the Department,
with a recommendation, the project of Lieutenant MuUan, U. S. Army,
in charge of the military road from Fort Benton to Fort Walla Walla,
for continuing the operations during the ensuing season through the
next winter and the following spring and summer (in all about fifteen
months from 1st April next), together with an estimate of the expense
of executing the work. The amount available for this oi^eratiou, includ-
ing the probable amount of sales of animals and other property at the
conclusion of the fleld-work, was estimated by Lieutenant MuUan to be
on Ist April next $85,000. Tiiis sum was i)robabIy in excess about
$2,500. Having understood that the above-mentioned j)aper has been
mislaid, and that it is desired I should submit a substitute for it, I beg
leave to say that it is not in my power to state the exact number of
assistants and employes and extent of outfit and the monthly cost of
maintaining the party proposed by Lieutenant MuUan, nor should I
wish to make out a project in detail to govern that officer, as it might
cramp him and impair the efficiency of his party. After a careful
examination of his project I propose that the number of his assist-
ants should be one less than he asked for, and that instead of employ-
ing a physician an assistant surgeon should be detailed to accompany
his escort (100 strong), and be directed bythe Surgeon-General to attend
the civil employes of the party. Much of the work to be done upon
the road consists in building bridges, and Lieutenant Mullan proposed
that the party should winter on the route, and be em])loyed during that
season upon those constructions, and resuming the other labors upon it
in the spring, reach Fort Benton in time to descend the Missouri in the
latter part of the summer. Whether more time would be lost by this
plan of operations, or by returning to Walla Walla toward the end of
the fall and discharging the party and reorganizing it again and taking
the field in the following spring, it is difficult to decide. I propose,
therefore, that discretionary authority should be given to Lieutenant
MuUau to send back to Walla Walla and discharge a portion or the
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440 OPEEATIONS ON TJIE PACIFIC COAST. (Chap. LXir.
whole of his party toward the approach of winter, and to eii.joiu apon
him the strictest economy in his expenditures consistent witli efficiency.
Tlie estimated expense of Lieutenant Mullan's party was about or near
$4,G00 per month. The amount of the appropriation for the road now
in the Treasury subject to requisition is $68,000. Lieutenant Mullan
requested tliat tbe sum of $;}(»,(tOO should be placed to his credit in New
York. He will probably require:
Saflsistauts (civil engineers ami clerk), at $125 per month (375
1 guide and interpreter, at $125 per month 125
1 wagon-ma«ter, at $100 por mouth 100
2 blacksmiths, at $80 per month 160
4 carpenters, at $75 per month 800
30 laboTers and teamsters, at $50 per month 1,500
4 herders, at $.30 per month 120
2 cooks, at $30 per month 60
50 enlisted men on extra dnty, at 35 cents per day 525
Snbsistence of party, 47 hands, at 50 cents per day 705
Contingencies at 10 per cent 397
Total monthly expense of party 4,367
Expense of party for 16 months 70,000
Estimated cost of oatflt 12,500
Aggregate 82,500
I beg leave to suggest that Lieutenant Mullan be instructed that the
project submitted by him is approved, excepting the number of assist-
ants, which should be one less than he proposes, and excepting the
employment of a physician, if an assistant surgeon accompanies the
escort; that the strictest economy be exercised by him in his expendi-
tures, and that in no event should the amount of the appropriation be
exceeded, and that he will in his discretion winter with the whole
party on the route, or reduce it upon the approach of winter or return
and disband it at Walla Walla.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
A. A. HUMPHREYS,
Captain, Topographical Engineert, in Charge.
Orders, ) Headquarters,
No. 5. ) Fort Dalles, Oreg., February 9, 1861.
I. Captain Whittlesey, First Diiigoons, with twenty-nine men of his
company, mounted and equipped for the field, will cross the Columbia
River at Dalles City and proceed without delay to Big Island and
actjacent country, for the purpose of finding and chastising the Indians
who have recently stolen horses, mules, and other property from the
whites on the Umatilla River, Willow and Butter Creeks. Should any
property be recovered from the Indians, it will be restored to owners,
as far as practicable, or brought to this post. Captain Whittlesey will
take with him twelve days' rations for his command, and not less than
sixty rounds of ammunition per man.
II. The quartermaster's department will furnish twelve mules,
equipped for packing, and employ one guide and five packers to
accompany Captain Whittlesey.
W. SCOTT KETCH UM,
Major Fourth Infantry, Commanding Post.
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Chap. LXH.] CORRESPONDENCE UNION AND CONFEDERATE. 441
Headquarters,
Fort Dalles, Ore<j., February 9, 1801.
Gapt. Joseph IT. Whittlesey,
Fimt Dragoons:
Sir : In addition to the requirements of the order herewith,* yon
will co-operate with any troops sent from Fort Walla Walla on the same
service, and if necessary commiinit^ato with the commanding officer at
Fort W^alla Walla and these headquarters by means of exi)resses.
You will take every precaution to guard against surprise or the loss of
the property in your charge, and endeavor to accomplish the object for
which you are dispatched, thoroughly and as speedily as practicable.
The accompanying letter from Mr. 0. M. Grover will make known to
you where the depredations were committed and the probable location
of the Indian depredators, t After completing your search for the hos-
tile Indians on the north side of the Columbia Kiver, it will be well to
cross the river and scout in the vicinity of the settlements on Willow
and Butter Creeks before returning to this post. I understand that
tlie Indian agent has applied to the commanding officer at Fort Walla
Walla to send troops to the Umatilla country. The depredators are
said to be renegades from the Snake, Yakima, Cayuse, Columbia Kiver,
and Walla Walla Indians, who acknowledge no chief and claim the
entire country as their own.
V Respectfully, your obedient servant,
W, SCOTT KETCnUM,
Major Fourth Infantry, Commanding Pont,
Statement of Caleb ^f. Orover, in relation to Indian depredations.
On Friday morning, the 1st February, 1861, a party of about twenty
hxlians, well armed, made their appearance on Butter Creek and
attempted to enter the house of a settler by the name of lleeder, which
was then occupied by Mrs. Keedor and her children, four or five in num-
ber. Mrs. Keeder barrica<led the door, and in spite of their threats
and efforts prevented their entrance. The Indians then drove oft" the
horses and mules of Reeder and Boggs, which were in the range near
by. They then proceeded to the house of French and Barnes. The
Indians had divided their party. One party commenced driving off
their horses. While French and Boggs went out to prevent this the
other party entered the house and rol)bed it of two guns, one revolver,
blankets, provisions, &c., taking with them these articles, their horses,
and at times threatening the settlers. Tlie Indians tiien appeared to
have passed near the mountains to the head of Willow Creek, and made
their appearance at a settlement on the wagon road from The Dalles to
Walla Walla, on the second day following, the 3d instant, and broke
into the house of the undersigned and robbed it of onedoublel)arreled
gun, one rifle, one revolver, blankets, clothing, i)rovisions, and about
$300 in gold coin. This party was discovered a short time after this
by Mr. Thomas Richmond and a friendly Indian in his employ. Mr.
]{ichmond attempted to approach them, but was prevented by their
threats and j)resentation of guns to him. The friendly Indian did
ap]>roach them, and ascertained tliey had many American horses, some
mules, and much stolen property. He further says they are Indians
* See next, ante. t See next, pott.
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442 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. (Chap. LXIL
that live on the Cohimbia River, near the foot of "Big Island." The
next day Kichmond and another man tracked them to the Colombia
Biver and fonnd they had crossed to the north side. The nndersigned
has been informed that the house of Mr. Jobe, ou Umatilla, was robbed
about this time. The undersigned says the robbing of his house is of
his own knowledge, and that the other statements made above are from
reliable information, and he believes them to be true.
C. M. GBOVBB,
Samuel Johnson says he has just arrived from "Walla Walla, and
has heard the above statements from various persons along the route,
and has seen and conversed with Mr. French, one of the parties above
named, and that the statements of Mr. Grover are corroborated by
them, and he believes them to be true.
SAMUEL JOHNSON,
ByO. HUMASON.
FoBT Dalles, Oreo., February 9, 1861.
Headquarters District op Oregon,
Fort Vancouver, Wash. Ter., February 10, 1861.
Maj. E. Steen, U. S. Army,
First Begt. Dragoons, Gomdg. Fort Walla Walla, W<ish, Ter. :
Major: A rumor has reached here that Indians have been commit-
ting depredations on and in the neighborhood of Willow Creek. Col-
onel Wright desires you to send a party of dragoons at once to the
region of Willow Creek, as well aa to the Umatilla Reservation, and if
there be truth in the rumor to cause a thorough scout to be made
to apprehend the marauders, if possible. The colonel further directs
that should any of the guilty be captured, instant and summary pun-
ishment is to be had upon them, that their fate may be a warning to
others.
I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JAS. A. HARDIE,
Captain, Third Artillery, Acting Assistant AtljutantGetieral.
Warm Springs Indian Reservation, Oregon,
February 12, 1861
Maj. W. W. Magkall,
Asst. Adjt. Qen., Dept. of the Pacific, San Francisco, Cal. :
Major : I have the honor to report for the information of the general
commanding that the forage furnished by the acting assistant quarter-
master at Fort Dalles for the public animals under my charge at this
reservation will have been consumed on or about the 20th of March,
and tlie supplies furnished by the subsistence department on the 1st of
November lastj and for five months, will subsist my detachment until
the 1st of April. Since the arrival of my command at this reservation
on the 15th of October last no aggressions have been committed by
Snake Indians, nor have I any certain knowledge that individuals or
parties of SnaKes have passed the limits of the reservation at all. The
Indians of the reservation liave been free to hunt at great distances
from the agency, without any sufficient cause for alarm. The difficulties
attending the keeping of dragoons at this place are great. Its distance
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Chap. LXII.) CORRESPONDENCE UNION AND CONFEDERATE. 443
firom Fort Dalles is seventy miles, and the road is altogether impracti-
cable for wagons. All short forage consumed here mast be supplied
from the vicinity of The Dalles and at a cost of 7 cents per pound.
Long forage cannot be had at all as it cannot be transported. There
has been no grass at all in the vicinity of the agency during the winter,
and consequently the dragoons' horses have subsisted solely on the
ration of barley. At the most favorable season the grass in this viciuity
is very sparse, and this is at once eaten ofl' by the large herds of Indian
horses. Owing to the fact that the Indians assembled on this reserva
tion are of several tribes, between which there exist jealousies and
enmities, they have not been able to protect themselves against repeated
aggressions on the part of the Snakes. Especially has this been the case
when a considerable portion of the young men have been absent at the
Columbia River taking fish for their winter provision. I cannot believe
but that the permanent absence of the Indian agent contributes much
to make the Indians incapable of self defense; that if, instead of resid-
ing at The Dalles, he were here in the proper discharge of his duty, the
Indians might be so disciplined as to be able to protect themselves.
The withdrawal of troops from the reservation would, I fear, produce
unpleasant results. A detachment of twenty men is sufficient for the
only purposes that can be accomplished by troops at all, to wit, to pre-
vent the possibility of the Snakes attacking the agency and to inspire
the Indians with sufficient courage to pursue their ordinary avocations.
These purposes could as well be performed by a detachment of troops
of another arm as by dragoons. In the event of my command being
withdrawn without being replaced by other troops, I would respectfully
recommend that the several buildings erected by me be placed iu charge
of the Indian Department, to be kept (unoccupied by Indians) for the
use of such troops as may hereafter be sent to the reservation.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
D. McM. GREGG,
Second Lieutenant, First Dragoons, Commanding Detachment.
Headquarters Department of the Pacific,
San Francisco, February 15, 1861.
Lieut. Col. L. Thomas,
Assistant Adjutant-General, Army Headquarters, New York:
Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of
instructions of January 19, and in answer thereto transmit my order of
this date, showing that the post at the entrance will be occupied to-day.
The companies from the north will be ordered by the first steamer.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
A. 8. JOHNSTON,
Colonel Second Cavalry and Brevet Brigadier- Oeneral.
[Inolosiire.]
Special Orders, ) Hdqrs. Department of the Pacific,
No. 18. ) San Francisco, February 15, 1861.
1. In obedience to instructions from the General-in-Chief, Company
I, Third Artillery, will take post at the fort at the entrance of this har-
bior. The commanding officer of the Third Artillery will see this order
executed to-day.
2. Companies A and B, Third Regiment of Artillery, will be embarked
on the steamer Oregon, at Fort Vsmcouver or Portland, and proceed to
the harbor of San Francisco.
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444 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. (Chap. LXII.
3. Tbe depot qnartermaster, Major Babbitt, will notify the command-
ing oflBcer of Fort Vanconver the arraiigemeuts made by him for trans-
portation, and tbe troops must be got in readiness to embark on the
return trip of the steamer to this port.
By command of Brigadier-Geueral Johnston:
W. W. MAOKALL,
Assistant Adjutant- General.
nBADQXJABTEBS DEPARTMENT OF THE PACIFIC,
San Francisco, February 15, 1861.
Capt. J. F. Gilmer,
Engineer- in Charge of Fortifications, Fort Point, Cal. :
Captain: The general commanding has examined your instructions
from the Secretary of War of January 14, viz : " That all operations of
constructions upon the works under your charge be at once discontinued
and that no further liabilities bo contracted," &c. He has, however,
orders • of a subsequent date from the General-in-Chief to ocxjupy Fort
Point with troops, and as this order confers of necessity the authority
to do all such acts as are necessary to render the occupation secure and
the place inhabitable, he relieves you from the obligation of obeying
the order of the Secretary to that extent and directs you, so far as you
may be able, to execute tbe works he bii« pointed out,
1 am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
W. W. MACKALL,
Assistant Adjutant- General.
Headquarters Department op the Pacific,
San Francisco, February 17, 1861.
First Lieut. J. McAllister,
Ordnance Corps, Commanding Benicia Arsenal:
Sir : Brigadier-General Johnston directs you to invoice to Capt. J.
Stewart, Third Artillery, commanding at Alcatraz Island, and turn
over to the qnartermaster without delay, 10,000 rifled muskets, model
l.s.")5, 10,000 sets of accouterments, 150,000 cartridges with elongated
balls for the muskets sent under this order.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
W. W. MACKALL,
Assistant Adjutant- General.
N, B. — A supply of percussion caps proportioned to the supply of
cartridges will also be sent.
Headquarters Department of the Pacific,
San Francisco, February 17, 1861.
Lieut. Col. Thomas Swords,
Deputy Quarter master-General,
Department of the Pacific, San Francisco, Cal. :
Sir: Ten thousand stands of muskets and as many sets of acconter-
ments have been ordered, with 150,000 cartridges, by the general from
Benicia to Alcatraz Island. He wishes them transported without delay.
* See Thomas to Johnston, January 19, p. 434.
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Chap. LXII.J CORRESPONDENCE UNION AND CONFEDERATE. 445
He does not wish them kept at the wharf in this city during the night.
If the Government brig can bring them down at once it appears to him
the better plan. Please report the course taken, that I may order a
suitable guard for the arms in transitu.
I am, sir, very resi)ectfully, your obedient servant,
W. W. MAOKALL,
Assistant Adjutant- Oeneral.
Headquarters Department of the Pacific,
San Francisco, February 18, 1861.
Lieut Ool. L. Thomas,
Asst. Adjt. Oen., U. S. Army, Hdqrs. of the Army, New York :
Sir: I Inclose a copy of a letter • from Captain Spencer, senior oflBcer
of Her Britannic Majesty's forces iu the Sound, and of my answer. I am
unwilling to permit any questions to arise now for discussion, and in
my answer I have tried to close the correspondence begun by Oolonel
Wright.
I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
A. S. JOHNSTON,
Colonel Second Cavalry and Brevet Brigadier- General.
[Indonement.]
Headquarters of the Army,
New York, March 18, 1861.
Respectfully submitted to the Qeneral-in-Chief. The reply of Gen-
eral Johnston to Captain Spencer has not been received at Army
headquarters.t
H. L. SCOTT,
Lieutenant-Colonel and Aide-de-Camp.
Headquarters Department of the Pac:ific,
San Francisco, February 18, 1861.
Gapt. J. D. S. Spencer,
Senior Officer, Comdg. Her Britannic Majesty's Ship Topaze,
Esquimault, Vancouver Island:
^ Sir : Your letter of the 24th ultimo addressed to Col. George Wright,
headquarters Departmeut of Oregon, iu relation to the occupation of
land as reserves for militai-y purposes by the officers in command,
respectively, of Her Britannic Majesty's troops and those of the United
States on San Juan Island, has been submitted to me by Colonel
Wright, whose late comnuiud has been merged into mine. To this I
now have the honor to reply. 1 find all the pleasure you have derived
and BO kindly expressed from the very cordial and friendly feeling
which has existed between the troops of the two Governments during
the joint occupation. I am most desirous that this cordial and friendly
feeling may continue to the end, and seeing no reason to suppose that
either officer has, or is disposed to occupy, more ground than, in his
judgment, is required for the comfort and discipline of his command, or
to close more to settlers than is required by these interests, I think it
better that, as lieretofore, each be left to consult the wants of his own
" beo Spencer to Wright, January 34, p. 434.
t Bat see Johnstou to Spencer, next, po»t.
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446 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. (Chap. I.XU.
service. Nevertheless, the proposition made by you in the third para-
graph of your letter is so clearly equitable that I cannot hesitate to
accept it, if more agreeable to you. I h ave therefore communicated it to
Captain Pickett, and instructed him to enter into it, if called ou by the
officer commanding Her Britannic Majesty's troops.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
A. S. JOHNSTON,
Colonel Second Cavalry and Brevet Brigadier- General.
Headquaetbrs Depaetment of the Pacific,
San Framdaco, February 18, 18(11.
Lient. Col. C. S. Merchant,
Third Artilleryj Commanding Presidio of San Francisco, Cal. :
Sis : Brigadier-General Johnston directs me to say that he wishes
yoa to exercise a general supervision over the fort at Fort Point, com-
manded by Captain Lendrum, Third Artillery. The following instruc-
tions will be given to that officer, and enforced, viz: First. There must
be, night and day, at least two sentinels, one on the barbette battery,
and one at the gate. Second. When the gates are closed and openeid
it must be done under the supervision of the officer of the day, in whose
charge the keys must always remain. Third. The postern gate must
never be opened in the morning nntil the sentinel on the barbette bat-
tery has examined the circuit of the work, nor main gate be openetl
until the grounds within musket range of the work has been examined
by a patrol. Fourth. During the absence of the patrol the guard must
remain iinder arms. Fifth. The fastenings of the lower shatters to be
examined by the officer of the day at retreat. Sixth. During the time
employed by a part of the garrison in removing powder and stores
from the outer store-houses the remainder of the garrison must be
under arms and properly stationed. Seventh. No smoking will be
allowed on the parade ground. Eighth. The men will not be per-
mitted to go on the barbette battery except on duty. Ninth. Proper
orders will be given and supervision had to prevent the destruction of
public property of the engineers. Tenth. Supply of cartridges to be
prepared for the flank guns on land face and placed in service magazine.
Eleventh. The main magazine must n«>vei- be opened or entered except
nnder the supervision of a commissioned officer, and with all the pre-
cautions usual in such cases. Twelfth. Until all the guns are mounted
for the defense of the ditch, loaded shells must be kept on the land
face of the barbeiteover the main gate. Thirteenth. The quartermaster
must immediately prepare rough gun-racks. Fourteenth. He furtlier
directs that the regimental ijuartermaster be placed on duty at the
fort until the place is put in order and reported for his orders.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
W. W. MACKALL,
Assistant Adjutant- Oeneral.
Headquarters,
Fort Walla Walla, Wash. Ter., February 18, 1861.
Capt. James A. Hardie,
3d Arty., Actg. Asst. Adjt. Oen.,Fort Vancouver, Wash. Ter. :
Captain: I have the honor to acknowle<lgo the receipt of your com-
munication of February 10, directing me to send a party of dragoons
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Chip. LXII.] correspondence — UNION AND CONFEDERATE. 447
to Willow Creek, and also to forward tbe accompanying rei)ortH for tlie
information of the district commander. I had anticipated the colonel's
order by detaching Major Grier upon receiving the first reliable informa-
tion of tbe depredations, and sent Lieutenant Reno to the old fort in
time to intercept a portion of those Indians driven up the river by
Major Grier. Lientenant Keno executed his orders with an energy and
zeal which gives me the greatest satisfaction. I am sorry the major
did not persevere a little longer, as be might have secured them all.
The miners are flocking into the Nez Perc^ country daily. From the best
information I can gain a large number of Galifornia miners are expected
this spring. Trouble will be the result unless something is done to
purchase the mineral land immediately from tbe Indians. They are
very much dissatisfied, and their only confidence now is in tbe troops,
who they say have promised to protect them.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your most obedient servant,
E. 8TEEN,
Major, First Dragoons, Commanding.
Headquaetees Depaetment of the Pacific,
San Francisco, February 'JO, lt<(>l.
Lieut. GoL L. Thomas,
Asst. Adjt. Gen., Army Headquarters, Washington, D. 0. :
Colonel : In obedience to the orders of tbe General-in-Chief received
here on the 15th instant, Fort Point was occupied by Captain Len-
drum's company, Third Artillery, on the same day, and an order was
immediately transmitted to tbe commander of Fort Vancouver to send
Companies A and B, Third Artillery, from that post on the steamer
Oregon to this place. These companies will constitute the regular
garrison of Fort Point on their arrival. A few days before the receipt
of your order Captain Gilmer, of tbe Engineer Corps, had instructions
from the War Department to suspend operations at tbe fort, and bad
discharged tbe mechanics and laborers, leaving tbe quarters for tbe
ofBcers and soldiers in an unfinished state and a small portion of the
defenses. To make tbe quarters habitable and to complete other
unfinished work, involving but a small expenditure, I have found it nec-
essary, for these objects only, to suspend the Secretary of War's orders
to Captain Gilmer, and have (see orders herewith*) instructed him to
go on and complete the quarters, &c. I invoke the interest of tbe
General-in-Chief to have a remittance made to Captain Gilmer. The
^appropriation for the fort is not exhausted, and, as heretofore reported,
funds are in the sub treasury in this city. The workmen now employed
on credit wUl. if this is not done, soon suffer. The island of Alcatraz
is garrisoned by Captain Stewart's company, Third Artillery, and fifty-
two recruits, making a force of 120 men. They are providetl with sub-
sistence for ninety days, and everything necessary for defense. I have
ordered 10,000 rifled muskets, aecouterments and ammunition to be
placed in store on Alcatraz, and some heavy guns to be sent to Fort
Point. The guns for the complete armament of Fort Point are insufti-
cient, but all that have been furnished will be mounted as fast as it can
be done. In ordering a small number of tbe arms from the arsenal at
Benicia, I have not been influenced by any appearance of a necessity
for it, but because there is in doing it a manifest military i)ropriety. I
beg leave to say that Colonel Casey, commanding at Fort Steilacoom,
"tiue Mackiill to Oilnier, February 15, p. 444.
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448 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Chap. LXU.
reports a great deficiency of men in the two companies under his com-
mand. Hia return for January shows the number to be eighty. It is
earnestly desired that the companies in this department should be
kept filled to the number allowed by law, and that the deficiencies be
supplied as early in the spriug for that purpose as practicable, to be ready
for active operations should they become necessary. If authorized,
great expense might be saved to the Government and our ranks kept
full by opening a recruiting rendezvous in this city.
I have the honor to be, sir, very resi>ectfully, your obedient servant,
A. 8. JOHNSTON,
Colonel Second Cavalry and Brevet Brigadier-Oeneral.
IlEADQUARTEES DEPAETMENT OP THE PACIFIC,
San Francisco, February 20, 1861.
Capt. J. Stewart,
Third Artillery, Commanding Alcatraz Island, Cal.:
Sir : Brigadier-General Johnston directs me to say that he expects
and orders yon to maintain your post and defend Alcatraz Island
against all efforts to seize it, from whatever direction such efforts may
be made. No interruption will be given to the commerce of the harbor
by hailing boats passing in any direction, or at any distance, or even
coming to the islaud, unless, in this last case, from the numbers and
appearance of the persons on board an attack from them may be feared,
and then, be the answer what it may, no gun must be fired; the senti-
nel or guard must report without delay. The only conditious ou which
you will be justifiable in using your arms will arise when an organized
attack is made on your post, aud of this fact you must be the sole
judge, and are forbidden to delegate the authority to fire, or to order
any party to be fired on, to any ofiQcer, non-commissioned officer, or
sentinel.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
W. W. MAOKALL,
Assistant Adjutant- General.
Headqitarters Department of the Pacificj
San Francisco, February 20, 1861.
Capt. J. S. Ellis,
Commanding California Ouard, San Francisco, Cal.:
Dear Sir: The fort at Fort Point having lately been turned over to
the troops of the engineers, and many preparations being required on
the part of the troops to put it in proper order, the general is com[>elIed
to suspend the permission given by the Secretary of War to you to
exercise your company therein until a more convenient season.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
W. W. MACKALL,
Assistant Adjutant- General.
Headquarters Department of the Pacific,
San Francisco, February 20, 1861.
H. M. McGiLL, Esq.,
Secretary of Washington Territory, Olympia, Wash. Ter.:
Sir : I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your communi-
cation of the 3d instant, transmitting the memorial of the legislative
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CHAP. LXn.] CORRESPONDENCE — UNION AND CONFEDERATE. 449
assembly of Washington Territory, reqaesting that a company of U. S.
troops may be stationed at Bellingliam Bay. I have a report from
Colonel Casey of January 24 [25], in which he gives me the opinion of the
three agents at Nisqnally, Bellingham Bay, and Pnyallap that an out-
break of the Indians in those districts is not apprehended, but as the
inhabitants, and the assembly thinks, feel insecure, and the presence of
a military force will no doubt reassare, I will, as soon as practicable,
send a small force to that place.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
A. S. JOHNSTON,
Colonel Second Cavalry and Brevet Brigadier- General.
Hkadquabtgrs Dbpaktment op the Pacipic,
San FraneiscOf February 22, 1861.
Capt. G. E. Pickett,
Ninth Infantry, U. 8. Army,
Commanding on the Island of San Juan, Wash. Ter. :
Captain: The inclosed extracts* from a correspondence between the
general commanding and Captain Spencer are for your information, and
if called on by the officer commanding the English troops on the island
of San Juan to enter into the arrangement proposed by Captain Spen-
cer, the general directs you to do so. He is pleased to learn from Cap-
tain Spencer that between the forces occupying the island harmony
prevails. He is anxious that this continue and, if possible to be avoided,
no questions for discussion may be raised.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
W. W. MACKALL,
Assistant Adjutant Qeneral.
Headquarters Department of the Pacific,
San Francisco, February 26, 1861.
Lieut. Col. C. S. Merchant,
Commanding Third Artillery and Fort at Fort Point, Col.:
Colonel: Brigadier-General Johnston directs me to say that as
soon as you have within the fort a sufficient supply of shot and shell
tor all contingencies, such as then remains may be left outside, pro-
vided the piles are under the fire of the fort.
1 ain, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
W, W. MACKALL,
Assistant Adjutunt- General.
TREAStTRY Department, February 28, 1861.
Hon. J. Holt,
Secretary of War:
Sir : I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of the letter of
A. S. Johnston, brevet brigadier-general, at San Francisco, and referred
by your department to me.f In reply I have to state that on all the
* Not fonnd as inclosnrea, but see Spencer to Wright, January 24, and Johnston to
8pencer, February 18, pp. 434, 445.
t See Johnston to Cooper, January 17, p. 433.
29 B R — ^VOL L, PT I
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450 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. (Chap. LXIL
requisitions for the military service on the Pacific the warrants have
been issued and the remittances will be forwarded as soon as the U. S.
Treasurer can issue the numerous drafts therefor.
I remain, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JOHN A. DIX,
Secretary of the Treasury.
Headquarters Department op the Pacipio,
San Francisco, March 2, 1861.
Edward R, Geary, Esq.,
Superintendent of Indian Affairs, Portland, Oreg. :
Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter
addressed to Colonel Wright, commanding the Military District of
Oregon, requesting that thirty or forty rifles may be placed at your
disposal for the use of the employes at the Fort Simcoe Agency. I
have no" authority under the law or regulations to make any disiMsition
of the public arms other than for the use of the troops, and I could not
do so unless the exigency of the occasion was such aa to fiirnish a full
justification for acting without the sanction of either. In the case pre-
sented there seems to be no urgency for immediate action, as you pro-
pose to provide the arms now as a precautionary measure. For these
reasons I do not conceive it to be in my power to comply witli yonr
request. By the act of the 3d of March, 1825, the President, under
certain restrictions, is authorized to have arms uusuitablefrir the mi litary
servi».e sold. There may be rifles at Fort Vancouver of that descri])tion,
in which case I do not doubt you would, on application to the War
Department, be authorized to purchase for your department whatever
number may be needed.
1 am, Fir, witli great respect, your obedient servant,
A, S. JOHNSTON,
Colonel Second Cavalry and Brevet BrigadierOeneral.
Special Orders, \ Hdqrs. Department of the Pacific,
No. 25. ) San Francisco, March 4, 1861.
Companies A and B, Third Artillery, will take post at the fort at
Fort Point. On their arrival Company I, Third Artillery, will resume
its station at the Presidio.
By command of Brigadier-General Johnston :
W. W. MACKALL,
Assistant Adjutant-Oeneral,
Headquarters District of Oregon,
Fort Vancouver, Wash. Ter., March 5, 1861.
Mjy. William 8. Ketchum,
Fourth Infantry, Commanding Fort Dalles, Oreg.:
MA.TOR: The superintendent of Indian affairs fears an attack by
the Snake Indians on the Warm Springs Reservation, should Lieu-
tenant Gregg's detachment be withdrawn. The colonel commanding
the district directs that Lieutenant Gregg remain there until further
orders, and that yon supply him with subsistence to enable him to
remain without delay.
I am, major, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JAS. A. HARDIE,
Captain, Third Artillery, Acting Assistant Adjutant-Oeneral.
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CeAP.LXII.) COBBESPONDENCE UNION AND CONFEDEBATE. 451
H£AX>QUAJtXKB» UePABTHENT OP THE PACIFIC,
8an Francisco, March 6, 1861.
Capt. C. S. LovELL,
Sixth Infantry, Cwnmanding Fort Humboldt, Gal.:
Sir : The commandiug geiieral directs yoa to send Lieatenant Col-
lins witb a pai'ty of thirty men to the Eel River, or to the settlements
on its tributaries, to give protection to the inhabitants and their prop-
erty, both of which, it is reported to the general, have been attacked
and in some instances destroyed by the Indians. Direct him to chas-
tise any party of Indians who may commit depredations and to report
to yon fully on the character of the country, the numbers and location
of the inhabitants and their stock, the numbers and character of the
Indians, and the best position for a post in that district, and the bene-
fits to be expected from one; the roads and the facilities for building,
&C. This detachment will remain in the field until this report has been
submitted to the general and bis orders received.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
W. W. MACKALL,
Assistant Adjutant- General.
Hbadquartebs,
Fort Crook, Gal., March 7, 1861.
Maj. W. W. Mackall,
Ansistant Adjutant- General, U. S. Army:
Major : Having received some rather indefinite rumors that the Hot
Greek (that is the band generally dreaded by the people) Indians were
collecting in numbers from 100 to 200 about McEIroy's Bridge, which is
on one of the roads to Ked Bluff, I sent a detachment of men there
with orders merely to show themselves, and also to ask the two men
who live at the bridge if the Indians were there. These men said the
Indians were doing no harm, nor were they apprehensive of any. I
have received other reports that these Indians are on Pitt Kiver, some
twenty miles from this post, and have cattle in their camp. But as no
one hereabouts has lost any cattle, nor is there any direct complaint
made against these Indians, I would hesitate to commence hostilities.
The white inhabitants of this section are more than anxious to be at
war with these Indians. For this reason the Indians are afraid to go
into the valleys for roots and berries, so that I cannot imagine how they
live, and must think they merit some consideration for not stealing.
At present there is from 300 to 400 Indians in the immediate neighbor-
hood of this post. No complaints are made against them. I think the
route which will be generally traveled between Yreka and Red Rluff
this season will be by what is called the Oak Run road, some ten or
twelve miles distant, and diverging from the old or Lockhart road. As
my company is very small, it will hardly be practicable to keep detach-
ments on both these routes or on the emigrant trail. None of these
roads will be open for teams before the Ist or 15th of May. I would
respectfully ask for instructions whether to give the protection of this
garrison to the road most traveled, or to that one which will be taken
by some of the teams, and which is probably the most dangerous. This
latter is the Lockhart road. I suppose of course the emigrant road
via Honey Lake, Fort Churchill, and so on, must be protected, but the
emigration will not arrive to within seventy-five miles of this post
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452 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. (Chap. f-XIl.
before July. It is very probable that the Indians — that is, the Hot
Creek — will be troublesome.
I am, m^jor, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JOHN ADAMS,
Captain, First Dragoons, Commanding Post.
State of California, Executive Dbpabtment,
Sacramento, March 11, 1861.
Brig. Gen. Albert S. Johnston, U. S. Army,
Commanding Pacific tHvision:
Sir : I have received numerous petitions from citizens of tlie coanties
of Humboldt and Mendocino representing that the Coast Kange from
Mendocino to Humboldt and Trinity has been rendered valueless from
the continued outrages of the Indians to the stock-growers of that
region, and asking that they may have protection for their property.
I have heretofore had occasion to make representations to the late
General Clarke of depredations committed upon the property of citizens
of California by hostile Indians, and it afibrds me pleasure to state that
prompt measures were taken by that officer to redress the grievances
complained of. It would seem that fhe citizens inhabiting the Coast
Range from Mendocino to Humboldt and Trinity Counties feel justified
in asking that a corps of volunteers should be called out by the State
to effectually redress the great outrages committed by the Indians, and
as I conceive it to be my plain duty to first ask if you can send a force
sutticient to afford protection to the lives and property of our citizens
in that region, and would be justified in calling for volunteers only in
the event that you were unable to render the protection demanded, I
trust that you will at your earliest couvenieuce so inform me.
Kespectfully, &c.,
JOHN G. DOWNElf.
Headquarters Departbibnt of the Pacific,
San Francisco, March 12, 1861.
His Excellency John G. Downey,
Governor of California, Sacramento, Cal. :
Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Excel-
lency's letter of the 11th instant on the subject of the depredations of
the Indians in the Coast Range, from Mendocino to Humboldt and
Trinity, and asking if a sufficient force can be sent to afford protection
to the lives and ]>roperty of the citizens of that region. I beg leave to
observe that three companies have been i)ermanently station^ in that
region for the i)rotcction of the population, viz, one at Humboldt, one
at Camp Bragg, and another at Fort Gaston. Since the peri)etration
of the outrages complained of detachments have been sent out from
Humboldt, embracing the whole company, to range as far as the scat-
tered condition of the people will admit in front of the settlements for
their j)rotection and the chastisement of predatory Indians. A detach-
ment of the company stationed at Camp Bragg has been some time at
the Round Valley Reservation, and I will to-day order the remainder
of the company in two parties into the field, and also the company at
Fort Gaston, divided in parties of suitable strength, to commence rang-
ing with the same object and with like instructions. This force of about
200 men Avill be kept actively cmjtloycd as long as the circumstances may
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CHAP. LXII.] CORRESPONDENCE ^DNION AND CONFEDERATE. 453
make it necessary, and as it is not likely tbat these detachments will
not be RuflBciently strong to cope with any Indians tbey may meet with,
it is hoped by me that the force will prove sufficient for the object. At
this time there is no other force available, without withdrawing it from
positions whose security at present would seem to demand its presence.
In a short time, if the circumstances should then demand it, I hope to
be able to send additional force.
With great respect, vour obedient servant,
A. S. JOHNSTON,
Colonel Second Cavalry and Brevet Brigadier- General.
Hbadqtiartkes Department op the Pacifio,
San FraneiacOy March 12, 1861.
Second Lient. Edward Dillon,
Sixth Infantry, U. S. Army, Commanding Fort Bragg, Cal. :
Sir: The commanding general directs you to take the field with yoar
detachment and proceed to tlie region of country between the Coast
Bange and the coast watered by the Eel liiver and tributaries. You
will keep your command in motion and visit tlie settlement's in that
region, giving protection to the settlers and their stock, pnrsning and
attacking any parties of Indians who may commit depredations. A
detachment from Humboldt has been ordered to the same district. On
reaching the neighborhood put yourself in communication with the
commanding officer, and you will then be able to concert your move-
ments and thus better attain the object had in view. If at any time
you find that a force greater than your own is required you must unite
your forces.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
W. W. MAOKALL,
Assistant Adjutant- General.
Headqitarters Department op the Pacific,
San Francisco, March 16, 1861.
Capt. John Adams,
First Dragoons, U. S.Anny, Commanding Fort Crook, Cal.:
Sir : Tour letter of March 7 has been submitted to Brigadier-General
Johnston. He replies, your company will be re-enforced in the early
spring, and you must employ all the force at your command in giving
such protection to the roads as may be practicable. The mode of doing
this must be decided by yourself.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
W. W. MACKALL,
Assistant Adjutant- General.
Special Orders, ) Hdqrs. Department op the Pacific,
No. 34. ) San Francisco, March 20, 1861.
1. The detachment of Sappers and Miners nnder Lieutenants Casey
and Alexander will proceed to West Point, N. Y.
• • • • • . • •
By command of Brigadier-General Johnston :
W. W. MACKALL,
Assistant Adjutant-General.
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454 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. (Chap. LXIL
Wae Depaktmbnt,
March 21, 1861.
Hon. Milton S. Latham,
8enate:
Sib: In accordance with your request of the 19th instant, instruc-
tions have been issued this morning to the commanders of the military
posts along the Overland Mail Eoute from Saint Louis to San Fran-
cisco, via Fort Smith and El Paso, to furnish suitable escorts to the
mail coaches from post to post throngh the Indian country.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
SIMON CAMERON,
Secretary of War.
Adjittant-Geneeal's Oppioe,
Washington, March 21, 1861.
Bvt. Brig. Gen. A. S. Johnston,
Col. 2d Cav., Comdg. Dept. of the Pacific, San Francisco, Gal. :
General : I have the honor to inform you that a copy of the inclosed
circular order bearing directions to the commanding officers of posts to
comply with its requirements on presentation has been furnished for
the use of the Overland Mail Company.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
L, THOMAS,
Adjutant- Oeneral.
[Incloanre.]
CiRCULAR.1 _ Adjutant-General's Office,
Washington, March 21, 1861.
The commanding officers of military posts on that part of the pres-
ent southern Overland Mail Route to California, which lies between
Fort Bliss, Tex., and Fort Yuma, Cal., will give to the Butterfleld mail
contractors, or their agents, suitable military escorts from post to post
through the Indian country while the company is moving its stock,
&c., from the present southern mail route to the central route from
Saint Joseph, Mo., to Placerville, Cal.
By order of Lieut. Gen. Win field Scott:
L. THOMAS,
A djutant- Oeneral.
New San Diego, Cal,, March 21, 1861.
Maj. W. W. Maokall,
Asst. Adjt. Oen., Department of the Pacific, San Francisco, Cal. :
Sir: I have the honor to state that having heard on the morning of
the 17th instant that Senor Esparza liad been superseded as Governor
of Lower California by Mathias Moreno, with an armed body of men,
acting under orders from the Government of Mexico, which force sailed
from La Paz and landed at a place called Descanso, which Seiior
Esparza had fortified, which they took by surprise, I proceeded imme-
diately to a ranch called Oti, about fifteen miles from here and about
three miles from the line, as near as I could get to the line with wood,
water, and grass, and from thence sent word to the Indians that they
must take no part in the matter eitlier on one side or the other. I do
not thiuk they will. Frequent occurrences of the foregoing nature
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Ctur. LXn.1 CORRESPONDENCE UNION AND CONFEDERATE. 455
have produced and continne to cause great disqaiet on this frontier.
I beg leave to 8ay that the four men against whom charges were for-
warded by the last mail should be tried. This is the second time one
of the men has di-serted (Stapleton). There is uo artillery at this post.
If the general would have two 6-poander8 sent here I could teach my
men the artillery drill, and they might otherwise be useful.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
L. A. ARMI8TEAI),
Brevet Major Sixth Infantry.
HEADyUARTEES DEPARTMENT OF THE PACIFIC,
8an JPranoisco, March 21, 1861.
Col. Gborob Wright,
Mnth Infantry, Commanding District of Oregon,
Headquarters Fort Vancouver, Wash. Ter.:
Colonel: The general commanding has received the letter of
Edward R. (ieary, esq., superintendent of Indian affairs for Oregon, in
relation to the necessity of troops on the Warm Springs Reservation.
In answer to this letter, by you transmitted, he directs me to inclose a
copy of bis letter on the removal of the detachment of Lieutenant
Ciregg, and to say that he assumed that the detachment platted there by
you was sufficient, and was necessary, and should therefore be un-
changed; but if you now think it ought to be re-enforced you are
authorized so to do.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
W. W. MAOKALL,
Assistant Adjutant-Oeneral.
[iDoloaon.]
Headquarters Department of the Pacific,
8an Francisco, March 1, 1861.
Second Lieut. D. MoM. Gregg,
First Dragoons, Comdg. at Warm Springs Reservation, Oreg. :
Sir : Your letter of February 12 has been submitted to the com-
manding general. No change will be made for the present and he
directs yon to estimate for your supplies on The Dalles from time to
time as you may need them.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
W. W. MACKALL,
Assistant Adjutant-Oeneral.
March 22, 1861.
Brig. Cten. E. V. Sumner:
Dear General : Prepare to sail from New York the first of the next
month to relieve Brevet Brigadier-General Johnston, in the command
of the Pacific Department, say for a tour of some years. The order to
sail, &c., will reach you by the next mail, but remain unpublished till
you are on the Pacific Ocean, for confidential reasons.
In haste, yours, truly,
WINFIELD SCOTT.
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466 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Chap. LXn.
Special Obdebs, > Hdqbs. Depabtment of the Pacifio,
Ho. 37, I San Francisco, March 23, 1861.
Lieat. Ool. Robert G. Bacbauan will join the headquarters of his regi-
ment at Fort Dalles and take command.
By order of Brigadier-General Johnston :
W. W. MACKALL,
Asiigta/nt Adjutant- General.
Special, Obdebs, ) Wab Dept., Adjt. General's Office,
No. 86. 5 Washington, March 23, 1861.
Brigadier-General Samner will, without delay, repair to San Fran-
cisco and relieve Brevet Brigadier-General Johnston in the commaud of
the Department of the Pacific, whereupon the latter will return to
Washiugtou to receive ftirther orders.
By order :
L. THOMAS,
Adjutant- Oeneral.
SacbaMENTO, March 33, 1861.
Brig. Gen. A. S. Johnston,
Commanding U. 8. Troops in California:
Sib: At the request of several gentlemen from Humboldt County,
in this State, I write you in relation to the Indian troubles at present
existing in that country. A residence in that part of the State for some
years made me familiar with the people, the Indians, and the condition
of affairs there generally. From the first settlement of the whites the
Indians have been constantly in the habit of killing stock, robbing
houses, committing depredations generally, and quite a large number
of our citizens have been murdered by them. It has been nothing
unusual for them to deprive one of our people of all of his property in
a single night. Under such circumstances it is not strange that the
whites should become exasperated and take redress into their own
hands. That region of country in which is found the sources of Russian
River, Eel River, South Fork of Trinity, Mad River, and Cottonwood
is exceedingly mountainous, and very difficult of access, affording
shelter for a larger number of Indians than can be found in any other
portion of this State, and next to the Pitt River Indians they have been
the most warlike and troublesome. Indeed, in the early days of the
country they bad frequent intercourse with each other, and it is not at
all improbable that many of the Pitt River Indians have escaped from
their own country and are now to be found in Humboldt County. Your
knowledge of frontier life and of Indians will at once suggest to your
mind the difficulties to be encountered in subduing them, and restoring
peace to the settlers. Yolnnteers have generally been found to be the
most efficient for such service, and I cannot too strongly urge on you
the necessity of calling on the Governor for a small force of that descri])-
tion, say thirty men, to act in conjunction with the regulars. Mr. R. M.
Williams, who will hand you this, is a gentleman who can be relied
on implicitly, and he can give you such particular information as you
may desire. Prom])t action ought to be taken, for if not, I fear we
shall soon hear of a genei al turning out of the whites and massacre of
the Indians.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
J. W. DENVER.
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(Map. LXU.) COBRKSPONDENCE UNION AND CONFEDERATE. 467
Saobambhto, March 23, 1861.
Geueral A. S. Johnston, U. S. Army,
Commanding Facijio Divisuyu:
The undersigned resjiectfully represent that they have reliable infor-
mation that for some considerable time past the Indians in the south-
ern portion of Humboldt C!oauty have been engaged in hostilities
against the whites, and have killed many citizens of the State and
destroyed property of immense value ; that hostilities still exist, and
the lives and property of our neighbors aud friends are in continual
jeopardy ; that the whites in that section must be protected or they
will be compelled to sacrifice their homes and property and leave one
of the best portions of the State and yield it again to the possession of
the savages. We would further represent that in our opinion a small
force of volunteers, acting in conjunction with what regular troops you
may be able to place in the iield, would aid materially the success of a
hostile expedition into that country. We would therefore request, if
compatible with your duty as an officer, aud if in your power, that you
would use the influence of your recommendation for the purpose of call-
ing out a small volunteer force to act in conjunction with such force as
you may deem fit to send to the hostile country. Ample evidence will
bo given you of the necessity of taking immediate action in this matter.
KespectfuUy, &c.,
JAS. T. EYAN,
J. P. HAYNES,
J. LOGAN,
[AND 10 OTHERS.]
Headquabtbes Dbpabtuent of the Pacific,
San Francisco, March 35, 1861.
Lieut. Col. L. Thomas,
Assistant Adjutant- General, Army Headquarters, New York:
Colonel : In consequence of the frequent depredations by the
Indians upon the property of the inhabitants of the Coast Range in
Mendocino, Humboldt, and Trinity Counties, not unfrequently accom-
panied by loss of life, 1 have concluded, for the purpose of better pro-
tection and to chastise the depredators, to distribute the companies
stationed at Forts Gaston and Humboldt, aud Camp Bragg, in detach-
ments, to range along the frontier aud keep as much of it as practicable
under constant observation, and for the purpose of giving the most
effect to their operations 1 have thought it expedient and proper to ask
Governor Downey to authorize the enrollment of thirty volunteers for
three months, viz, two sergeants, two corporals, and twenty-six men,
ac(inainted with that mountainous country, and who I think can be
attached to the ditterent detachments as guides with decided advantage.
With great respect, your obedient servant,
A. S. JOHNSTON,
Colonel Second Cavalry and Brevet Brigadier- General.
Headqttartebs Department of the Pacific,
San Francisco, March 25, 1861.
John G. Downet,
Governor of the State of California:
Sir : I have already acquainted you with my intention to post the
companies at Forts Humboldt, Gaston, and Camp Bragg in detachments
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458 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Cbap. LOT.
along the frontier for the protection of the settlements, interposing them
as far as practicable between the settlers and predatory Indians. The
force so arranged I do not doubt will be sa£Qcient for the purpose, if
by the aid of guides it can be applie<1 in the most efi'ective manner. I
have therefore to request that yon will authorize the enrollment for
three mouths of thirty volunteers in Humboldt or Mendocino, men who
are well acquainted with the mountainous parts of the country, whom I
will cause to be distributed among the several detachments to be
employed as i iidicated above. I will accept the service of two sergeants,
two corporals, and twenty-six privates, who will be mustered into serv-
ice at Fort Humboldt as soon as they are enrolled and reach the ren-
dezvous. They will, whilst in service, receive the pay and allowances
provided by law for infantry soldiers.
With great respect, your obedient servant,
A. 8. JOHNSTON,
Colonel Second Cavalry and Brevet Brigadier- General.
Headquabtebs Depabtmbnt op the Pacific,
San Francisco, March 35, 1861.
Capt. Edmund Undebwood,
Fourth Infantry, U. 8. Army, Commanding Fort Gaston, Gal. :
SiB: Brigadier-General Johnston directs you to send two detach-
ments, under non commissioned officers, of eighteen men, to the region
of the country between the Coast Bange and the coast watered by the
Eel liiver and tributaries and South Fork of the Trinity. Direct these
non-commissioned officers to keep their detachments in motion and give
all the protection in their i)ower to the inhabitants, their stock, and
proi)erty against the predatory Indians. Should they find that any
depredations have been committed, or should any be committed while
they are in the country, they will endeavor to ascertain the party or
parties, and then pursue them with the greatest activity, and when
found, punish them with the utmost severity. These detachments will
remain in the field until further orders, and should never remain in the
same camp more than two or three days at a time. Should they come
in the vicinity of the officers now in command of detachments in that
region, they will report to them and combine their operations under
their orders.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
W. W. MAOKALL,
Assistant Adjutant- General.
Special Obdeks, ) Hdqes. Depabtmemt of the Pacific,
No. 41. ) San Francisco, March 28, 1861.
The headquarters of the First Regiment of Dragoons will be re-estab-
lished at Fort Tejon. On the requisition of Lieutenant-Colonel Beall,
coniraauding, the quartermaster's department will furnish transporta-
tion for the non commissioned staft' of the regiment.
By command of Brigadier-General Johnston :
W. W. MACKALL,
Assistant Adjutant- General.
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Cbap. LXn.] CORRESPONDENCE ^UNION AND CONFEDERATE. 459
Headquabtbbs Defabtubnt of the Pacific,
San Francisco, March 28, 1861.
Oapt. C. 8. LovBLL,
Sixth Infantry, U. 8, Army, Gomdg. Fort Humboldt, Gal,:
Captain: Tlie commanding general directs me to inform you that in
addition to tbe detachments sent from your company in the region of
country watered by the Eel and Trinity Rivers, he has ordered to the
same district two detachments of a sergeant and eighteen men each,
from Fort Gaston, and one of a subaltern and fifty-nine men from Fort
Bragg. He directs you to exercise a general supervision over the
movements of all these parties, and see that they are kept actively
engaged in moving over the country requiring protection, and that yon
charge yourself with supplying them from time to time with provisions.
Send an extract from this letter to each, that your authority may at
once be recognized and such reports as are needed sent to you. He
further informs you that at his request the Governor of this State will
cause to be enrolled at Humboldt two sergeants, two corporals, and
twenty-six men. This party you will muster into service as infantry,
and assign them as guides in equal numbers to the detachments above
mention^, taking care to assign the guide-sergeants to detachments
commanded by commissioned officers. The employment of these volun-
teers is an experiment, from which the general hopes to derive an
advantage to the Government more than commensurate with the
expense, and he relies on your exertions to take such measures as will
render their service most eftfective. If depredations are now committed
on the settlements by Indians, with guides thoroughly acquainte<l with
the country and the Indians, and a sufficient force to chastise the par-
ties when fonud, he thinks security should be given to the frontier.
I am, sir, very respectfully, y»ur obedient servant,
W. W. MACKALL,
Assistant Adjutant- General.
Dragoon Bridob, Honey Lake Valley, Cal.,
April 1, 1861.
Maj. W. W. MACKALL, U. S. Army,
Assistant Adjutant- General, San Francisco, Gal.:
Major : I have the honor to report that a band of Indians, supposed
to be under the control of one known as Smoke Creek Sam, has driven
stock from this valley at three differen t times within the past si x we«ks —
in alt, supposed to be about fifteen head. The fact of the depredations
was reported by some prospectors recently returned from the H nmboldt.
All stock has been driven from the mountains where tlio cattle were
taken, so that no opportunity or inducement is now presented for simi-
lar thefts. The war chief of the Pah-Utes, Winnemucca, was here about
two months ago. He said that he could not control Sam ; disclaims all
responsibility for his thefts, and that he will punish him. Sam is partly
a Pitt Eiver Indian, his mother being a Pitt. His band is composed of
renegade Indians from both tribes. With the citizens Sam is rejmted
a very bad Indian, and accused as the originator of hostilities between
them and the Pah-Utes last spring. Recent valuable discoveries of
gold and silver on the Humboldt will cause a large amount of travel
between this valley and that river.
Very respectfully, yonr obedient servant,
E. R. WARNER,
Second Lieutenant, Third Artillery, Commanding.
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460 OPEBATION8 ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Chap. LXIL
War Department,
Washington, D. C, April 4, 1861.
Oapt. Hbnby E. Maynadieb,
Tenth Regiment of Infantry :
Sib : By the third section of the act making appropriations for the snp-
poi t of the Army, approved March 2, 18(51, $50,000 were appropriated " for
the protection of emigrants ou the overland routes between the Atlantic
Slope and theCalifornia and Oregon and Washington frontier," • • •
"to be expended under the direction of" this Department. It is contem-
plated to organize and equip from 50 to 100 men as a protettive corps
to be used as guards and sentries, scouting parties, and in sach otlier
ways as the best means of affording protection to emigrants may require.
The Department understands that the protection contemplated in the
act is protection not only against hostile Indians, but against all dangers,
including starvation, losses, accidents, and the like, so far as the means
provided will suffice. You are hereby detailed as the superintendent of
the emigration, and will proceed without delay to organize a party of not
less than fifty young, able-bodied men who are desirons of emigrating to
the Pacific Slope. You will procure the arms, equipments, and horses
necessary to make an eflQcient corps of this party, and will distribute
them to the men, charging them the cost price of each article, which will
be deducted from their pay in case of loss or damage through want of
proper care. You will purchase a supply of provisions of the kind and
quality provided by the Subsistence Departnient of the Army sufficient
to last five months, by which time you will meet a supply forwarded
from the Pacific Coast and ordered to be deposited at some point on the
road. You will purchase a sufficient number of wagons and animals to
transport the baggage and ]>rovision8 of your party, with such tools,
implements, and material aa may be rcquireid tofitontatrain in the most
complete manner. You will procure your employes' eqni]>ment, sup-
plies, and transportation at those points which appear to insure the
most economical and effective organization for your party, being careful
to establish such arrangements that the expenditures for the completion
of the work and the closing op of the exi)edition may not exceed the
amount which will be furnished you from the appropriation. The fol-
lowing assistants are authorized to be hired at the rates of compensa
tion herein specified: 1 principal assistant at $200 per month; 3 assist-
ants at $150 per month; 1 physician at $150 per month; 1 guide (if
necessary) at $125 per month ; 1 clerk at $75 per month ; 1 wagon-master
at $75 per month; 15 teamsters, herders, cooks, &c., at a rate not
exceeding $30 per month. You are authorized to pay the actual travel-
ing fare of your employes from the places at which they are engaged
to the place from which the expedition will leave the Missouri liiver,
and to furnish them with subsistence while on duty with the expedition
in the field. You will be allowed the sum of $35 per month in lien of
quarters and fuel, and the usual mileage of 10 cents when traveling on
duty connected with the expedition. In view of the great advantages
which em]iloyment in the Protective Corps will afford to yonng men
desirons of emigrating, it is expected that a sufficient number can be
obtained for a sum not exceeding $15 per month in addition to their
outfit and subsistence. Immediately after the receipt of these instruc-
tions yon will commence to procure the necessary supplies for the expe-
dition, and will direct your assistants to enlist the required number for
the Protective Corps; you will appoint a rendezvous at some jioint on
the ^Missouri Biver, and specify a time at which all shall be at that point.
You will then, by publication in the newspapers and by hand-bills
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CHAP. LXIl.] CORRESPONDENCE UNION AND CONFEDERATE. 461
^'idcly circulated, uotify persons iiitendiug to emigrate of the arrange-
ments to be made, and invite them to avail themselves of the means of
protection the Government ofi'ers them. You will take care to start
early enough to insure a timely arrival on the Pacific Slope, and will
endeavor to concentrate the emigrants by the time they reach the
mountains, so that they can travel within easy reach of each other. If,
after passing the South Pass sufficiently far, the emigrants desire to
divide and take different routes, you are authorized to divide the Pro-
tective Oori)8, and jdace detachments under your assistants to accom-
pany the parties, giving them such instructions as may be required. If
the number of emigrants should require, and the funds allow, you may
increase the number of the Protective Corps, employing, if possible, the
emigrants themselves. You are also authorized to obtain a supply of
goods for presents to Indians and compensation for their services in case
you should find it necessary to employ them, but you will not exi)end a
greater sum than $300 for this pnri)08e. Having thus indicated gen-
erally the views of the Department, the execution and the arrangement
of many of the details are left to your judgment, admonishing you that
this is an exercise of the liberality and protection of the Government,
which will be materially enhanced by an economical use of the means
it has provided. After the emigrants have reached the settled parts of
the Pacific Coast you will disband the Protective Corps, and disjwse
of the property and material on the best terms you can obtain. Tou
will then proceed to San Francisco, Cal., and thence by the Panama
steamer to New York and this city, where you will close your accounts
and repoit to this Department the material incidents and results of the
expedition. The sum of $35,000 will be placed to your credit with the
assistant treasurers of the United States, as follows:
Assistniit treasurer at New York $5,000
AssiHtaiit treasurer .it Saint Louis 20,000
Assistaut treasurer at Sau Francisco 10,000
35,000
You are hereby authorized to obtain from the quartermaster, com-
missary, ordnance officer, or surgeon at any military jwst such public
stores, including medicines, as they may be able to furnish, paying
for them the cost price and transportation to the place where you
receive them. You will report direct to the Adjutant-General and keej)
fhim] infonned by every opportunity of the progress of the expedition.
You will render your accounts quarterly to the Adjutant-General accord-
ing to the forms specified in the General Regulations of the Army.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
SIMON CAMERON,
Secretary of War.
Special Obdees, ) Hdqrs. Department op the Pacific,
No. 50. ) San Francisco, April 8, 1861.
1. A detachment of two subalterns, two sergeants, two corporals,
and ninety-six picked men will be selected from Companies A, C, I,
and K, Ninth Infantry, at Fort Colville, and E and B, Ninth Infantry,
at Fort Walla Walla, proportioned as follows, viz: From Colville, two
subalterns. Second Lieut. Nathaniel Wickliffe, and Bvt. Second Lieut.
Salem 8. Marsh, three non-commissioned officers, and seventy-six men;
and from Walla Walla, one sergeant and twenty men.
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462 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. IChap. LXU.
2. This detachment will form the gaard to the Walla Walla aud Fort
Beutou road party, aud be uuder the command of First Lieut. J. Mul-
lan, Second Artillery.
3. The command will be furnished with provisions and clothing, and
medical stores, for sixteen months, and 30U rounds of ammunition.
4. The meat ration will consist of one-third pork and two-thirds cat-
tle on the hoof; a reasonable supply of desiccated vegetables will be
taken.
5. Eight months' provisions will be taken from Fort Walla Walla,
and the remainder under arrangements to be made by the chief com-
missary of the department.
6. The detachment from Colville will move to Coeur d'Alene Lake
at such time aud by such route as may be notified to the commanding
officer at Fort Colville; the detachment fh>m Walla Walla will move
under the immediate orders of Lieutenant Mullan.
7. The detachment from Colville will be supplied with no more pro-
visions than may be necessary to reach the Cceur d'Alene Lake and
wait tlie arrival of Lieutenant Mullan.
8. Captain Kirkham, assistant quartermaster, will furnish transpor-
tation for the detachment and its supplies, adopting, on consultation
with Lieutenant Mullan, the most economical measures compatible
with efficiency.
9. If boots are on hand at Fort Vancouver or Walla Walla, two pairs
per man will be supplied iu the place of shoes.
10. The ordnance officer at Vancouver Arsenal will furnish the
ammunition callea for by this order on the requisition of Lieutenant
Mullan.
11. Asst. Surg. Lewis Taylor will accompany the detachment.
• ••••••
By command of Brigadier-General Johnston :
W. W. MACKALL,
Assistant Adjutant-General.
San Francisco, Cal., April 8, 1861.
Maj. W. W. Mackall,
Asst. Adjt. Oen., Hdqrs. Dept. of the Pacific, San Francisco:
Sib : I have the honor to report that in obedience to instructions
from the War Department I am about to resume work upon the Fort
Walla Walla and Fort Benton military road, and anticipate taking the
field from Fort Walla "Walla at a date not later than the 5th proximo,
aud in conformity to a notification from the department that an escort
of 100 men, 3 officers and a physician would be furnished me by the
general commanding the Department of the Pacific, I would respect-
fully make requisition for said escort to join me at Fort Walla Walla,
or such other point as the interests of the service may permit. By the
plan of operations submitted to and approved by the War Department,
our field work will occupy a period of not less than fifteen continuous
montlis, but to provide against contingencies I shall take in the field
supplies for sixteen months, which will take the expedition to Fort
Benton, enabling us to winter in the Bitter Boot Valley, or some other
equally suitable point. Having reached the Missouri River, a period
of two months will be necessary for a return to Walla Walla, and the
supplies needed for these two months could be economically and judi-
ciously shipped from Saint Louis iu the spring of 1862, and for which
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CHIP. LXn.l CORRESPONDENCE UNION AND CONFEDERATE. 463
a special requiaitioD could be hereafter made. With a view to ecouoiuy
and a regard to the movements of the expedition into the Bitter Itoot
Mountains, I have thoaght it best to start from Fort Walla Walla with a
wagon train with supplies for one-half of the period, eight months, thas
establishing a depot at the Coear d'Alene Mission, from which point
the train coald return to the mouth of the Palouse for the remaining
eight months, to be there shipped at a date de})ending upon the freshet
of the Snake River, which last supplies would be thrown forward to
the Bitter Root Valley to cover our winter's want*. The train thus
empty would be then occupied in moving the party leisurely toward
our winter camp as the work progressed. I would therefore respect-
fully make requisition for commissary supplies for the escort for a
period of sixteen months with wagon transportation for eight months.
The allowance of pork or bacon should not exceed one-third the meat
ration, the remainder to be beef on the hoof. A judicious supply of
antiscorbutics should be ftirnished. I would make requisition for
clothing for twelve months, and would ask that two pairs of boots be
allowed each man, in lieu of the same number of pairs of shoes, the
snows of the mountains rendering this necessary, looking toward the
comfort of the men, &c. Twelve months' supply of medicines would be
ample for the entire period of field work. A supply of ammunition
sufficient to cover the ordinary allowance for target practice and the
contingencies of the march through the Indian country should be had.
I know not liow we shall find the mood of the Indians, but 1 am confi-
dent that the elements of disturbance still exist to a certain extent
with the Goenr d'Alenes, but I trust our wants for ammunition may be
limited to target practice alone. It would be well, provided it be not
inconsistent with the interests of the department, could one of the
officers who accompany the expedition be detailed from Fort Vancouver
or Fort Walla Walla who could act as commissary and quartermaster
to the escort, and with whom I could confer in arranging and directing
such details as the wants of our movements suggest before we move
into the field. Walla Walla is quite a good outfitting point, but to
provide against contingencies 1 shall mostly provide my civil party
with its equipment from Portland, Oreg. I have not entered into the
minutia' as regards the special wants of the escort in each particular
department, they being snch, however, as are needed with a body of
troops moving into the Indian country with wagon-train traiisi>ortation
for a period of eight months. I would state that I leave for Oregon
to morrow, and shall without delay proceed to Fort Walla Walla, to
there organize an expedition for the prosecution of the work on the
road.
I am, sir, truly and respectfully, your obedient servant,
JOHN MULL AN,
First Lieut., Second Arty., in charge of Military Road Expedition.
Headquabtees Department of the Pacific,
San Francisco, April 9, ISdl.
CoL Lorenzo Thomas,
Adjutant- Oeneral XT. S. Army, Washington, D. C:
Colonel : I have the honor to tender the resignation of my commis-
sion in the Army of the United States, and to request that it may be
submitted to the President for his action ; and I have also resi^ectfully
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464 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. (Chap. Lxn.
to ask that my successor may be appointed and ordered to relieve me
ti8 soon as practicable.
With great respect, your obedient servant,
A. S. JOHNSTON,
Colonel Second Cavalry, Brevet Brigadier-Oeneral.
(First indorsement.]
ADJTTTANT-GENEBAi.'S OFFICE,
May 3, 1861.
Respectfully submitted to the Secretary of War.
L. TnOMAS,
Adjutant- General.
[Setond indoraement.]
May 3, 1861.
Accepted.
SIMON CAMERON,
Secretary of War.
HEADQUAETEES DEPABTMBNT of THE PACIFIC,
San Francisco, April 13, 1801.
Capt. C. S. Lovell,
Sixth Infantry, Commanding Fort Humboklt, Cal.:
SiE: Your letter of March 24 (23*] has been submitted to the general
commanding. He is pleased to near that the reported depredations by
the Indians have been greatly exaggerated, and therefore that there is
better prospect of complete protection from the guides and troops now
at your disposal. Your orders to Lieutenant Lynn are approved — the
duty imposed on you by the general in the prompt pursuit of the actual
depredators in ea<;h case and their punishment, but no indiscriminate
slaughter of the guilty with the innocent. Knowing that killing women
and children by the troops in retaliation for injuries inflictetl by the
Indian bands would not be resorted to by the officers or soldiers of the
Army he gave no orders in the case. It may be frequently the case that
two, three, or four men will form a sufficient party, if led by competent
guide, and it was on this account that he gave four or five to each
detachment.
I am, sir, very respectftilly, your obedient servant,
W. W. MAOKALL,
Assistant Adjutant-General.
FOET Beagg, Cal., April 15, 1861.
Maj. W. W. Mackaxl,
Assistant Adjutant- General, U. 8. Army, San Francisco, Cal.:
SiE : I have the honor to report that, in consequence of complaints
made by the citizens of Long Valley against Indians in that ucighbor-
hood, I have ordered the detiichment now in Round Valley to take a
position on Eel River and equidistant from Round, Long, and Eden
Valleys. The sergeant in command has been directed to dislodge the
Indians in that vicinity, giving protection generally to the citizens and
their property. This arrangement enables me to supply the detach-
ment more readily, sis it brings it nearer to this post and on the left
bank of Eel River, thus avoiding the almost insui)erable difficulty of
• See p. C.
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CHAP. LXII.] CORRESPONDENCE UNION AND CONFEDERATE. 465
crossing that river (which will be high till the middle of May) with
pack animals. This detachment being rationed only to the Ist of
May, 1 have sent provisions to the camp above indicated, and upon the
return of my pack train I shall proceed to execute the order contained
in your letter of March 12. All the streams throughout the country in
which I am directed to operate are still high, owing to the unusual
quantity of snow now covering the mountains, and it will be imprac-
ticable to operate to advantage before the Ist of May.
Very respectFnlly, your most obedient,
EDWAED DILLON,
Second Lieutenant, Sixth Infantry, Commanding.
Headquaktebb,
Fort Walla WaUa, Wa»h. Ter., April 16, 1861.
Ma.j. W. W. Mackall,
Asst. Adjt. Oen., Hdqrs. Dept. of the Pacific, San Francisco, Cal.:
MA.IOB : Superintendent Geary lias just returned from the Nez Perc6
Reservation, where ho has succeeded in making a very satisfactory
arrangement with the Indians in reference to the mining region. The
Noz I'erc^s agree to yield to the miners the country north of Clear
Water, and allow them the right of travel on the trail to the ferry near
Ked Wolf's Crossing of Snake River, the only stipulation of the Indians
being that the remainder of their country shall be protected from the
encroachments of the whites. This is but fair, seeing that they have
been promised no compensation, atul therefore, upon the request of Mr.
Geary, who urges the necessity of the movement, X shall send Captain
Smith's company to the reservation probably by the 22d of the month.
The distance is not greater than 100 miles, and the company can be
recalkd in a few days if their services are needed elsewhere. The
horses will thrive on the rich bunch grass which abounds in that
region, and, moreover, the presence of troops will give confidence to
the Indians, who have always placed great reliance upon the military.
I think that if Company H, First Dragoons, now at Fort Dalles,
could be sent to re-enforce Captain Smith, that the presence of the
squadron in that country during the summer would effectually prevent
any disturbance. The Nez Percys have always been, and are now,
disposed to yield a great deal and remain friendly, provided the Gov-
ernment shows a disposition to uphold them in their rights; but if
this is not done I fear there will be trouble. I would beg leave to
offer a suggestion with regard to the summer's oi)erations on the emi-
grant roa^. The subjugation of the Snakes, so effectually as to bring
them to sue for peace, would require a large and expensive force,
perhaps ten or twelve companies, necessarily requiring a large num-
ber of citizen employes as packers, herders, guides, «&c., and the
result wonld not be certain, as their country affords great facilities for
concealment and escape. The remaining sqnadron of dragoons, with a
company of infantry trom this post, would keep the Indians from their
fisheries all summer and afford ample protection to whatever emigrants
may come across ; besides, the expense would be almost nothing. For
a force of that size nearly all tlie packing and work could be done by
soldiers.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
E. STEEN,
Major, First Dragoons, Commanding.
30 B B — VOL L, PT I
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46G OPERATIONS ON THK PACIFIC COAST. (Cbap. LXII.
Special Oedkrs. ) Hdqbs. Department op the Pacific,
No. 60. J San Francisco, April 18, 1861.
• ••••••
3. M^. William S. Ketchum, Fonrth Infantry, is assigned to the com-
mand of Fort Townsend, Wash. Ter. Tranajjortation for his horses will
be fumisbed by the quartermaster's department.
4. Maj. George A. H. Blake, First Dragoons, is assigned to the com-
mand of Fort Crook, Gal. Transportation for his horses will be fnr-
nished by the quartermaster's department;
By command of Brigadier- General Johnston:
W. W. MACKALL,
Assistant Adjutant- Oeneral.
Special Obdebs, ) Hdqbs. Department of the Pacific,
No. 61. ) San Francisco, April 20, 1861.
The x>on toons will be stored at Fort Point, and turned over to the
chief engineer. The quartermaster will furnish the transportation.
By command of Brigadier-Oeneral Johnston :
W. W. MAGKALL,
Assistant Adjutant- Oeneral.
FoET Gaston, Cal., April 20, 1861.
Maj. W. W. Mackall,
Asst. Adjt. Gen., Hdqrs. Dept. of the Pacific, San Francisco, Cal.:
MA.TOB: I have the honor to report, for the information of the
general commanding the department, that in consequence of Indian
troubles existing in the valley, on the 8th instant I sent for the. head
Indian chiefs of all the ranches in this valley and informed them that
they must deliver up to me all the fire-arms in their possession, and I
gave them four days to bring them to this post. On the day appointed
several of the chiefs came to the i^ost bringing a few rifles. Learning
from an Indian who had had some considerable difiicalty with some
others of Ms race that there [were! more among the tribes, I dismissed
the chiefs, informing them that I was aware they had more arms in
their possession, and if they were not brought in at once I would send
the men of my command over and take them. For several days the
Indians came in, one or two at a time, bringing their arms, until I think
I have thcni nearly all collected from these Indians that live in this
valley. Tlie excitement among the Indians has been great, and they
seemed disposed not to surrender their gnus without a struggle, inas-
much as these arms are their greatest wealth. Although 1 did not
apprehend an attack from the Indians, I took the necessary precaution
by issuing ammunition to my men and doubling my guards. I think
that so long as a considerable force remains here there will be no trouble
with the Hoopas for some time; but should the troops (or a large ])or-
tion of them) be withdrawn from here I am apprehensive that the
Indians may commit depredations upon the property of the whites.
The white inhabitants of this valley are much excited, and from their
long acquaintance with the Hoopa Indians apprehend trouble. The
citizens of the valley are at present engaged building a block-house, and
I know if these troops be withdrawn the faimilies will leave the valley
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CBAP. LXII.) COERE8PONDENCE UNION AND CONFEDERATE. 467
for the bay. A.fter delivering np their arma the Indians living in two
of the principal ranches on the Trinity Biver left the valley, taking with
them most of their arms, a supply of provisions, and all their movable
goods. The whites feel insecure without the presence of a large mili-
tary force, and many families speak of moving should the troops, or any
considerable number of them, be ordered out of the valley. From all
the information I can gain, thece are at least 1,C00 Indians living within
a circle of ten miles from this valley, whilst the white population amounts
only to about thirty men, of whom three have families. The principal
chief is disposed to friendship. The last lot of arms brought in to me
numbered some seven or eight. Some thirty Indians were with the old
Mowhema at the time. The old man said he did not wish to fight, he
was too old. He wanted to be buried where all his tribe were buried.
He tries to control the younger bucks, but I am sorry to say with but
little success. I would communicate more fully upon the state of Indian
affairs in this valley, but owing to my bad health I am hardly able to
attend to the duties either of the bureau or field. For several days
past I have hardly been able to leave my room. I am the only commis-
sioned officer with this command, and there is no physician, either civil
or military, residing nearer this post than Areata, Humboldt i3ay, about
forty miles distant.
I am, major, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
EDMUND UNDERWOOD,
Captain, Fourth Infantry, Commanding Post,
Office Superintendent of Indian Affairs,
Portland, Oreg., April 20, 1861.
Col. George Wright, U. S. Army,
Commanding District of Oregon, Fort Vancouver, Wash. Ter, :
Dear Sir: I inclose you herewith a copy of an agreement made
with the Nez Perc6 Indians in regard to the occupation of a part of
their reservation by the whites for mining purposes. The existence of
extensive deposits of gold in the Nez Perc6 country is now plated
beyond conjecture. Hundreds of white men are already in their coun-
try, and daily accessions will soon swell the number to thousands.
This is inevitable, and the agreement entered into with these Indians
was the only measure left me for preserving the peace of the country
and protecting this tribe, which has ever been so faithful to our Govern-
ment, from the fearful evils arising from the presence among them of a
mining population. Many of the chiefs seemed fully aware of the
evils arising from the presence of the miners, and their strenuous oppo-
sition to their presence was only overcome by assuring them that mili-
tary force would be provided for the preservation of order to aid the
agent in executing the intercourse laws, and prevent the aggression of
the miners on the inhabited portion of their reservation. I have
therefore earnestly to press the importance of having a proper military
force without delay placed so as to protect the whole reservation from
the intrusion of whisky traders, and from the beginning to aid the
agent in enforcing the laws regulating trade and intercouse in the
Indian country. I would regard dragoons as the most efficient class of
troops for the service required, and am satisfied that a squadron could
be maintained in the vicinity of these mines at an expense to the Gov-
ernment little greater than that required should they remain in gar-
rison. There will be little difficulty in obtaining abundant supplies of
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468 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. (Chap. LXIL
ftiel, grass, and water. I trast, sir, the views I bave hastily expressed
will meet yonr concurrence, and that you will present to General John-
ston, commanding this department, the argent necessity of carrying
the stipnlatious of the agreement into effect, and of ordering the mili-
tary force stipulated for into the Nez Perc6 country at the earliest prac-
ticable moment. Permit me to say that severe illness, confining me to
my room for several days, has prevented me &om laying this subject
before you at an earlier day.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
EDWABD R, GEARY,
Superintendent of IncUan Affairs.
[IndonemeDt.]
Headquabtebs Disxbiot of Obegon,
Fort Vancouver, Wash. Ter,, April 24, 1861.
Respectftilly forwarded to the headquarters of the Department of the
Pacific. It is recommended that the request of the superintendent of
Indian affairs be complied with.
G. WRIGHT,
Colonel Ninth Infantry, Commanding.
[IndMure.]
Articles of agreement made this 10th day of April, 1861, between
Edward R. Geary^ superintendent of Indian affairs for Oregon and
Wasliiugton Temtory, and A. J. Cain, agent for the Nez Percys in
behalf of the United States, and the chiefs and head men of the Nez
Percys in behalf of the said nation, said parties acting in accordance
with authority vested in them by the second article of the treaty
between the United States and the Nez P6rces nation, of the 11th of
June, 1855.
1. That portion of the H"ez Perc6 Reservation lying north of the Snake
and Clear Water Rivers, the South Fork of Clear Water, and the trail
from said South Fork by the Weipe Root Ground, across the Bitter Root
Mountains, is hereby opened to the whites in common with the Indians
for mining purposes; provided, however, that the root grounds and
agricultural tracts in said districts shall in no case be taken or occu-
pied by the whites, but shall remain for the exclusive use and benefit
of the Indians.
2. No white person other than those in the service of the United
States shall be permitted to reside upon or occupy any portion of the
Nez Perc^ Reservation south of the line above described without the
consent of the superintendent, agent, and tribe, except that the right
of way to the mining district north of the said described line may
cross Snake River at any eligible point below the mouth of Clear Water.
3. The entire portion of the Nez Perc^ Reservation thus hereby opened
to the whites for mining purposes shall in all resi>ects be subject to the
laws of the United States regulating trade and intercourse in the Indian
country, and no person shall be permitted to trade therein without
obtaining license and giving bond as provided by law.
4. It is furthermore agreed on the part of the United States that a
sufBcient military force shall be placed on the reservation to preserve
the quiet of the country and protect the Kez Percys in the rights
secured to them by treaty and these articles of agreement.
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CHAF. LXn.) CORRESPONDENCE UNION AND CONFEDERATE. 469
In testimony whereof we faavd hereunto set our hands this day and
year aforesaid at Lapwai, Nez Perc6 Reservation, the Territory of
Washington,
EDWARD R. GEARY,
Superintertdent Indian Affairs, Oregon and Washington.
A, J. CAIN,
U. 8. Indian Agent, Washington Territory.
[Signed on the part of the Indians by Lawyer, heMl chief of the
Nez Perc^ nation, and forty-nine chiefs and head men.]
Orders, ) Headquarters Department of the Paoifto,
No. 5. ) San Francisco, April 25, 1861.
In compliance with Special Orders, No. 86, dated War Department,
Adjutant-General's Office, Washington, March 23, 1861, 1 hereby as-
sume command of this department.
All conewned will govern themselves accordingly.
E. V. SUMNER,
Brigadier- General, U. 8. Army.
Headquarters Department op the Pacific,
San Francisco, April 25, 180],
Gol. Georoe Wright,
Ninth Infantry, Oomdg. District of Oregon, Fort Vancouver:
Brigadier-General Sumner, commanding the department, directs you
to send the light battery of tbe Third Artillery, guns, horses, and men,
by the first steamer to this place. Lieatenaut-Oolonel Swords will pre-
pare transportation.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
W. W. MAGKLA.LL,
Assistant Adjutant- General.
Orders, ) Headquarters,
No. 21. J Fort Walla Walla, Wash. Ter., April 25, 1861.
Gapt. A. J. Smith, with his company (0), First Dragoons, will leave
this x>o8t on Monday, the 29th instant, and proceed to establish himself
on the Nez Perc<! Reservation at the most suitable point for carrying
out the arrangement recently made by the Indians and Superintendent
Geary, and also for enforcing the intercourse law. The company will
be supplied with thirty days' rations and an ample supply of ammuni-
tion. The assistant quartermaster will fhrnish the necessary transpor-
tation.
By order of Mjyor Steen :
JAMES WHEELER, Jr.,
Second Lieutenant, First Dragoons, Post Adjutant.
Special Orders, ) Hdqrs. Department op the Paoipic,
No. 64. ) San Francisco, April 26, 1861.
The detachment of Sapiiers and Miners, uuder Lieutenant Casey, will
proceed to Aloatrivz Island to-day and be reported to the commanding
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470 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Chap. LXII.
officer for daty. Mi^jor Allen, assintant qaartermaster, will filmish
transportation.
By command of Brigadier-General Sumner:
W. W. MAOKALL,
AKsistant Adjutant- GeneraL
Special Orders, ) Hdqrs. Depa.rtment op the Pacific,
No. 66. ] San Francisco, April 26, 1861.
Companies G and M, Third Artillery, will be sent by the commander
of the District of Oregon to this place
By command of Brigadier-General Sumner :
W. W. MACKALL,
Assigtant Adjutant- General,
Headquarters First California Reoikent,
■ New York, April 27, 1861.
Hon. Simon Ca.meron,
Secretary of War:
Sir : Acting on the inclosed, I have organized an infantry regiment
substantially on the basis of the New York laws. I respectfully ask
the Department to accept their services. Nothing can be more just to
the sentiments of California and Oregon or do more to keep them loyal
and patriotic. I have taken the liberty to inclose what I suppose to be
such instructions and authority as the case requires.
Be pleased, sir, to remember that we have no executive officers
through whom we can act, and 1 shall therefore require such authority
as I suggest.
The men are pressing me every hour, and I shall soon make them
efficient. I trust I need not say that I will use every precaution to
limit the expense of equipment within reasonable military bounds. I
hope yon will see the importance of this measure in a political as well
as military view.
Will you be pleaded also to communicate a Yes or No by telegraph
to my address, Astor House!
With great respect, your obedient servant,
E. D. BAKER.
[Indorsement.]
I most cordially concur in raising the regiment suggested by Senator
Baker, and I hope this patriotic movement will be authorized.
JOHN E. WOOL,
Major- General.
[Indoanre.]
New York City, April 27, 1861.
Hon. E. D. Baker,
New York:
Sir: A meeting of citizens of California and others, former residents
of that State, was held in this city on the 2l8t instant. There were
present between 200 and 300 persons, who comprised a large majority
of those Calitbrniaus now in New York and those who have lately been
at Washington. The object of the meeting was to give expression to
the feeling of confidence in our Administration, which animates us
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CMAP. LXII.) CORKESPONDENCE — UNION AND CONFEDERATE. 471
equally with oar brothers in the Atlaatic States, and to devise a method
in which we can most effectually strengtheu the bauds of Government
and aid in crashing oat the rebellion in our midst. We desired to a\so
claim for California her proper share of the duty as well as honor of
upholding and preserving the American flag and the integrity of the
union of the States. It was' there resolved to raise and offer to the
Government a California regiment, to be composed as far as possible of
persons at some time residents of California. It was also unanimously
resolved that you be requested to accept the colonelcy of the regiment
Up to this time the organization has been vigorously pusheil, and
about 600 men have been enrolled and are now under drill by compe-
tent instructors, and we hope within the next forty-eight hours to be
able to apprise you that the full complement of men is enrolled and
ready to be mustered into service. As the chairman of our meeting,
and instructed to acquaint yon with their wishes, in their name, I beg
you to accept the position named, and add yoar name and weight of
character to our offering.
1 have the honor to subscribe myself, your most obedient servant,
J. C. BIKDSEYB.
Special Orders, ) Hdqrs. Department op the Pacipic,
No. 67. ) San Frandaoo, April 27, 1861.
1. Lieut. Thomas L. Casey, engineers, is relieved from duty with the
Sappers and Miners, and will proceed to West Point, N. Y.
• ••••••
By command of firigadier-Geueral Sumner:
W. W. MAOKALL,
Assistant Adjutant- General.
Headquarters Department op the Pacific,
8an Francisco, April 27, 1661.
Capt. J. B. Moore,
Commanding National O'uard, California State Militia:
Captain: General Sumner acknowledges the receipt of the patriotic
offer of the National Guard, California State Militia, to serve as a gar-
rison at Fort Point. For this offer he begs you to accept for yourself
and present to your company his thanks. Fortunately, the national
troops are now sufficient to guard all the property of the tlnited States
on this coast, and he therefore respectfully declines the offer.
1 have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
W. W. MACKALL,
Assistant Adjutant-General.
Headquarters Department op the Pacipic,
San Francisco, April 28, 1861.
Lieut. Col. E. D. TowNSEND,
Assistant Adjutant- General, Seadquarters Army:
Colonel : I have the honor to report that I arrived here on the 24th
instant, and on the 25th relieved General Johnston in the command of
thi.s department. My departure from New York was not known here
till the night before my arrival. It gives me pleasure to state that the
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472 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. {Chap. Lxn.
command was tarned over to me in good order. General Johnston had
forwarded his resignation before I arrived, but he continued to hold the
command, and was carrying out the orders of the Government. I have
determined to re-enforce immediately and strongly the forts in this
harbor, and have ordered down three companies of artillery (including
the battery) from Fort Vancouver. I have also taken the liberty to
detain the detachment of twenty-nine Sappers and Miners. I trust the
General-in-Chief will not disapprove of this. My intention is to put
4UU men on Alcatraz Island, 150 at Fort Point, and place the battery
at the depot at Beuicia, in iulditioii to the two infantry companies now
there. These troops will all he supplied with six months' provisions,
and additional arrangements will he made for water where it is neces-
sary, so that they will be independent and secure for six months, and
will hold the entire control of the entrance to the harbor. 1 think this
disposition of the troops will not only secure the Government property,
but will have the effect to foreclose at once all hopes on the part of the
disafi'ected of their ever being able to precipitate matters here by seiz-
ing forts and arsenals.
There is a strong Union feeling with the majority of the people of
this State, but the secessionists are much the most active and zealous
party, which gives them more influence than they ought to have from
their numbers. I have no doubt but there is some deep scheming to
draw California into the secession movement; in the first place as the
"Kepublic of the Pacific," expecting afterward to induce her to join the
Southern Confederacy. The troops now here will hold their positions
and all the Government property, but if there should bo a general
uprising of the people, they could not, of course, put it down. I think
the course of events at the East will ooutrol events here. So long as
tlie General Government is sustained and holds the capital the seces-
sionists can not carry tills State out of the Union. I would respectfully
say to the General-in-Chief that after my arrangements are completed —
and they will be in two weeks — if he should think proper to authorize
me to i)lace Colonel Wright here iu command of the department every-
thing will be secure; and, if my services should be wanted elsewhere,
I could be withdrawn from this department without detriment to the
public service.
Very i-espectfully, your obedient servant,
E. V. SUMNBB,
Brigadier-Oeneral, U. 8. Army, Commanding.
Fort Gaston, Cal., April 28, 1861.
Maj. W. W. Mackall, U. S. Army,
Anst. Adjt. Oen., Udqrs. Dept. of the Pacific, San Francisco, Cal. :
Major : I have the honor to report that iu compliance with instruc-
tions received from your office, dated March 25, 1861^ I have this day
ordered a detachment, consisting of two non-commissioned officers and
'twenty-seven privates of Company B, Fourth Infantry, and eight volun-
teer guides, to proceed from this post to Pardee's old ranch via the South
Fork of the Tiiiiity lliver. From that place the sergeant commanding
the detiichment has instructions to march in any direction (keeping the
general's letter of instructions in view) his guides may suggest. I have
also given him instructions that in case depredations are committed in
the section of country through which he marches with his command to
take prompt measures to pursue and capture the depredators; and if
the fact of their guilt can be clearly aacertaiued to punish the whole
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CHAP. LXn.) COBRESPONDENCE UNION AND CONFEDERATE. 473
tribe, without the guilty ones are surrendered. The volunteer guides,
one corporal and seven privates, did not reach this post until the 26th
instant. Many of them were destitute of clothing, and in order to
equip them for duty in the Held I have been compelled to issue to them
a small quantity of clothing. In consideration of the great excitement
amongst Indians which has existed consequent upon the surrender of
their arms (the fact was folly reported to deparlmmt headquartera in
my letter dated April 20, 1861), I did not consider myself justified in
sending a larger force from this post at present, and 1 have now but
thirty-tour enlisted men left at this post. Considering the numerical
strength of the Indians in this valley, to press any desirable result in
case of an outbreak I would require my whole command.
I am, m^jor, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
ED. UNDEKWOOD,
Captain, Fourth Infantry, Commanding Post.
P. S. — On the same day that the detachment left this post I forwarded
a report of the same to Captain Lovell, Sixth Infantry, commanding
Fort Humboldt, informing him that they had left. I also fomished the
captain a copy of my letter of instructions to the sergeant iu command
of the detachment.
E. U.
Special Obdebs, ^ Hdqbs. Department op the Pacific,
No. C8. i Han Francuteo, April 29, 1801,
1 . Fort Mojave will be abandoned and the garrison and public prop-
erty removed to Los Angeles.
• ••«•••
By command of Brigadier-General Sumner:
W. W. MACKALL,
Assistant Adjutant- Oeneral.
Headquarters Department of the Pacific,
San Francisco, April 29, 1801.
Oapt. W. S. Hancock,
Assistant Quartermaster, U. 8. Army, Los Angeles, OaL:
Sib: I inclose you an order* for the abandonment of Fort Mojave,
and now give the following directions from the general commanding,
viz:
Send yonr train ont as early as possible; send safiBoiently in advance notification
to the commanding officer, by express, of the time he may expect the train. Send
also the inclosed copy of this order. Select an eligible encampment for the troops
as near Los Angeles as possible. Make its relations to your present depot such
as to secure perfect protection. If this be not possible in the present position of the
depot then select another having such relation to the encampment of the troops.
The commanding officer of the troops will be ordered to furnish you
with such guards and escorts as you may require for your depot and
train. If you are at any time of opinion that the train going to Tejon
needs an escort, you will call on the commanding officer of Tejon, who
will be instructed to furnish them.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
W. W. MACKALL,
Assistant AdjutantdeneraL
' See next, ante.
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474 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [CuAr.hXU.
Pacipjo Mail Steamship Company,
Ifew York, April 29, 1861.
Hon. Simon Oamebon,
Secretary of War, Washington:
Dbab Sib: Owing to apprehentiions which have been expressed that
steamers of this company may be captared, with their mails, treasure,
and freight, by privateersmen shipping as passengers, I respectfully
request that you will direct the commanding officer in the Pacific to
detail a guard of ten or fifteen men with an officer, either soldiers or
marines, to each steamer sailing let, 11th, and 21st of each month from
San Francisco, to aid in their protection. Such guard and officer will
be carried and maintained on board said steamers at the expense of
this company, and in case it is required by the Government, the pay of
men and officer will also be disbursed at the company's expense at
Government rates. The importance and value of the Government
mails carried by these steamers, as well as of the treasure, it is hoped,
will lead to an early and favorable response to this application.
1 am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
ALLAiT McLANB,
President.
Headquarters Department of the Pacific,
8an Francisco, Cal., April 30, 1861.
Lieut. Col. E. D. Townsend,
Assistant Adjutant-General, Headquarters Army:
Sib: I have the honor to report that I have found it necessary to
withdraw the troops from Fort Mojave and place them at Los Angeles.
There is more danger of disaffection at this place than any other in the
State. There are a number of influential men there who are decided
secessionists, and if we should have any difficulty it will commence
there. Fort Mojave is represented as an entirely useless post. There
are no hostile Indians near it, and there is no traveling whatever on the
road it was intended to protect.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
E. V. SUMNER,
Brigadier- Oeneral, U. S. Army, Commanding.
New York, April 30, 1861.
Secretary of War:
Will yon please send instructions to California per pony express for
the steamers of this company to be furnished with a small guard of
soldiers or marines to go on them between San Francisco and Panama?
It will help to prevent their seizure from [)artie8 who may ship or travel
for that purpose, and at the same time enable the captain to organize
his crew properly for the repulsion of any enemy from outside.
ALLAN McLANE,
President.
Port Bragg, Cal., April 30, 1861.
Maj. W. W. Maokall,
Assistant Adjutant-Oeneral, U. S. Army, San Francisco, Cal.:
Sib: I have the honor to report that, having supplied the detach-
ment now on Eel River with two mouths' provisions, I shall tomorrow
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Chap. LXII] COKRE8PONDENCE UNION AND CONFEDERATE. 475
leave this post with twenty-five men and proceed to execute the order
contained in yonr letter of March 12, 1861.
Very respectfully, your most obedient,
EDWARD DILLON,
Second Lieutenant, Sixth Infantry. Commanding.
Orders, ) Headquarters Distrtot of Oregon,
No. 1. ) Fort Vancouver, Wash. Ter., May 2, 1861.
Oapt. James A. Hardie, Third Artillery, is relieved as acting assist-
ant adjutant-general temporarily by First Lieut. John S. Mason, Third
Artillery.
By order of Colonel Wright:
JAS. A. HAEDIE,
Captain, Third Artillery, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.
Santa Barbara, Cal., May 3, 1861.
Hon. William H. Seward,
Secretary of State :
Sir : I have within a few days received information that I know to
be entirely reliable, that it is the intention of the secessionists to take
possession of the peninsula of Lower California, Mexico, as one of the
preparatory steps to the acquiring of a portion or the whole of Mexico.
Having jwssession of the peninsula of Lower California, their intention
is to cut off our commerce with Mexico, seize the Panama steamers,
and with the aid of the treasure so acquired to be able to extend their
conquest to Sonora and Chibuahna at least. The possession of tlie
peninsula of Lower California is absolutely and indispensably neces-
sary to the proper advancement and protection of the Pacific interest
of the Unit«d States. The native-born population of this State, with
out one solitary exception, will join the secessionists. The most of the
Mexicans and French will do tlie same. Bather than the filibustering
secessionists should get i^ssossion of the peninsula of Lower California
I think our Government quite warranted (in case no arrangement
can be made with the Mexican Government for its purchase) in taking
possession of it for our own protection ; at least to hold it as against
the designs of the secessionists. For information in relation to tlie
peninsula of Lower California, I refer you to my last report to Secretary
Cass.
With high respect, I remain, your obedient sei-vant,
THOMAS SPKAGtJE,
Late U. S. Commercial Agent at La Paz, JjOtoer Cal., Mexico.
Special Orders, ) Hdqes. Department of the Pacific,
No. 71. ) San Francisco, May 3, 1861.
Company K, First Dragoons (Carleton's), will be detached from Fort
Tejon, and will proceed to and take x)Ost at Los Angeles.
By command of Brigadier-General Snmner:
W. W. MACKALL,
Assistant Adjutant-Geiierah
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476 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Chap-LXII.
Headquabtees Depabtment of the Pacific,
San Frandsco, May 3, 1861.
Bvt. M^. J. H. Cableton,
Captain, First Dragoons, Fort Tejon, Cal. :
Sib: The commanding general directs you to establish a camp at the
most eligible position in the immediate vicinity of Los Angeles, capable
of fulfilling the conditions called for in the inclosed letter of instruc-
tions to Captain Hancock, assistant quartermaster.* The two com-
])anies from Fort Mojave will be included in your encampment and in
your command.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
W. W. MACKALL,
Assistant Adjutant- General,
Wab Depabtment,
May 4, 1861.
Hon. MONTGWMEBT BLAIB,
Postmaster- General :
SiB: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of
the 2d instant respecting the application made to this Department by
the Pacific Mail Steamship Company for an order to detail a military
guard to each of the mail steamships conveying the mails between San
Francisco and Panama; and I beg leave to inform yon, in reply, that
believing it to be more convenient for the Navy Department to furnish
marines for the purpose, and that they would be best adapted for the
service, 1 have referred the application of the company to the Secretary
of that Department, inviting his attention to the subject.
I am, sir, very respectfully,
SIMON CAMERON,
Secretary of War.
San Fbanoisoo, March [May] 4, 1861.
Hon. Simon Cameeon,
Secretary of War :
Sib : I have the honor to inclose a communication to the President
of the United States tendering my services to raise, organize, and com-
mand a brigade or regiment of volunteers in California to aid in garri-
soning the posts and harbor of Sau Francisco and other assailable
points on the coast of California, and 1 respectfully request that you
will forward it with the accompanying letters.!
I have the honor to be, most respectfully, your obedient servant,
J. D. STEVENSON,
Late Colonel Comdg. First Regiment New York Volunteers.
[Incloanre.]
San Fbancisco, May 4, 1861.
Pbesident op the United States:
Sib: During the war with Mexico I had the honor, under the author-
ity of James K. Polk, at that time President of the United States, to
raise, organize, and conduct to California the First Regiment of New
• See Mocksll to Hancock, April 29, p. 473.
t Not found as inclosures.
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CHAP. LXn.] CORRESPONDENCE UNION AND CONFEDERATE. 477
York Voluuteers, who took possession of and garrisoned tb« interior
posts and the coast of California from Sutter's Fort in the north to La
Paz, Lower California, in the south. How faithfully I discharged the
duties of that important trust the archives of the War Departmeht
will prove. I have been a permanent resident of California ever since
the disbanding of iny regiment in October, A. D. 1848, and now beg
leave to say that the same love of country which impelled me to leave
my native home (New York) for distant service at that time under the
flag of my country prompts me now most respectfully to tender my
services to the President, to raise, organize, and command a brigade
or regiment of volunteers to aid in garrisoning the harbor of San
Francisco and the other assailable points on the coast or elsewhere.
I have the honor to be, most respectfully, your obedient servant,
J. D. STEVENSON,
Late Cohnel Gomdg. First Regiment New York Volunteers.
Assistant Quartermaster's Office,
Loa Angeles, CaL, May J, 1861.
M{«. W. W. Maokall,
Asst. Adjt. Gen., Hdqrs. Dept. of the Pacific, San Francisco, Gal. :
Major: I have ihe honor to acknowledge the receipt of Special
Orders, No. 68, from headquarters Department of the Pacific, of April
29, 1861, and letter of instructions of same date, from same source. I
shall attend to the matters referred to therein as promptly as possible.
I will be able to send thirty wagons, and that number will, I think, be
sufScient to bring in everything valuable. One of the trains is return-
ing from Fort Mojave (it will be here in a few days) ; another is on the
route to Fort Tejon, and will be here in about the same time. The half
train will be here to-morrow. I will advise you in a few days as to the
date the train may be expected to reach Fort Mojave, and as to other
matters. No time shall be lost in bringing in the troops. In the mean-
time I believe if there is trouble here I will be able to defend the public
property with the supporters of the Federal Government to bo had on
my call from among the citizens of Los Angeles. If there should be a
difficulty in California it is likely that it will first show its head here,
but I do not think the matter is ripe yet for any serious movement. It
will, I think, be deferred until adeuiand is made for direct taxes to support
the Government, or for troops to actively assist in putting down insur-
rections, or possibly not until after they have mustered their forces at
the next general election — say for Congressmen. There are people here
anxious for a difficulty and there may be (I believe there are, although
not yet formidable) organizations to that end. The people generally
are scarcely prepared for strife, and there is a strong loyal element
among them. On the other hand, there is quite a number of reckless
people who have nothing to lose, who are ready for any change, and who
are active iu encouraging acts tending to hostilities, and I regret to say
that it is unfortunate that, as a general rule, those persons who have
heretofore been influential and active leaders m politics, and have exer-
cised great control over the people, are encouraging difficulties here by
open avowals of their opinions. It may as well be said iu this connec-
tion that there is here belonging to the State a new bronze field piece
and carriage (I think a 6-pounder gun), which in case of difficulty is not
likely at first to be in the bands of persons supporting the Federal Gov-
ernment. 1 would respectfully suggest, therefore, that it might be wise
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478 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. IChap.LXII.
to send here a gun of equal or greater caliber. The moral effect would
not be trifling iu case of a difficulty, and the adverse party iu possession
of the other gnu. A 12pouuder howitzer, it seems to me, would be the
best (two might be better). The harness should be sent here also. I
could ftucnish suitable mules. It wight be manned by a detachment of
iutautry or by a detachment of dragoons. The lattor would be the
best, for these people will be mounted.
1 am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
WINFD S. HANCOCK,
Captain and Asaiatant Quartermaster.
San Francisco, May 4, 1861.
Maj. G. A. IT. Blake,
First Dragoons, Fort Tejon, Cal.:
Sir: Beport at this place in person instantly for special duty.
Answer.
W. W. MACKALL,
Assistant Adjutant- General.
Headquabtebs District of Oregon,
Fort Vancouver, Wash. Ter., May 6", 1861.
Assistant Adjutant-General,
Headquarters Department of the Pacific, San Francisco, Cal.:
Sir: Your communication of the 25th ultimo reci«hed me on the2i)th,
and your telegraphic dispatch was received on the 2d instant, being
dated on the 26th ultimo, 2 p. in. The light battery and Companies G
and M, Third Artillery, are now embarking on the steamer Cortez.
The troops are under the command of Oapt. E. 0. 0. Ord, Third Artillery.
I beg to call the attention of the general to the fact that but one small
company is left at this post, numbering about fifty men all told. It will
be recollected that this is a very important position at this moment, being
the main depot from which all the troops iu the district, excepting the
small force on the waters of Puget Sound, are supplied. One company,
even were it full, could not properly guard the public property, store-
houses, and other buildings of this large post. We should have at least
three companies. It is believed that companies can be drawn from the
[wsts east of the Cascades without detriment to the service. As I have
no authority to move troops, or, in fact, to give any orders in the dis-
trict, with a single exception^ a remote contingency, I trust this subject
may receive the early attention of the general commanding the depart-
ment. I beg leave to ask the attention of the commanding general to
Orders, No. 2, from the headquarters of the Department of the Pacific,
dated January 17, 1801, which, taken in connection with the communi-
cation addressed to me from the same headquarters on the 1.3th of
February, 1861, which will show that the special powers delegated to
the commander of this district, under the provisions of General Orders,
No. 10, of November 22, 1860, ft-om the headquarters of the Army, are
very limited — in fact, practically the district commander is powerless.
The letter of February 13, above referred to, places even Major Bab-
bitt, the depot staff officer at my headquarters, beyond my control.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
G. WRIGHT,
Colonel Ninth Infantry, Commanding.
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chap.lxn.) correspondence — union and confederate. 479
Special Orders, ) Hdqrs. Department of the Pacific,
No. 76. ) San Franeiaeo, May 7, 1801.
1. The garrison of Port XJmpqna, Company L, Third Artillery, with
the exception of one subaltern and twelve men, will be brought to the
Presidio of San Francisco by the Government transport brig Floyd.
2. Capt. Henry B. Judd, Third Artillery, will proceed to Fort Ump-
qna, embark, and accompany the command.
3. The assistant surgeon will accom])any the troops.
By command of Brigadier-General Snmner:
W. W. MACKALL,
Astittant Adjutant General.
Special Orders, ) Hdqrs. Department of the Pacific,
No. 77. ) San Francisco, May 7, 1861.
Special Orders, No. 76, is so far modified as not to prescribe the mode
of transportation of the troops from Fort Umpqaa.
By command of Brigadier-General Sumner :
W. W. MACKALL,
Asgiatant Adjutant- General.
Assistant Quartermaster's Office,
Lo» Angeles, CaL, May 7, 1861.
Maj. W. W. MACKALL,
A»st. Adjt. Oen., Hdqrs. J)ept. of the Pacific, San Francisco, CaL :
Major: I have the honor to report that a site tor an encampment for
the troops has been selected, which will be assigned to them unless it
is not approved by the general commanding. It is outside of the town,
beyond all buildings some distance, and directly in front of my corral,
and in full view of it. I am putting up store-tents in the corral and
will remove all the public property from the present store-house, so
that there will be but one point to guard. The troops will be half a
mile distant therefrom or less and on the side of the town toward San
Pedro. Water will be hauled to the troops by water carts, for which
facilities are at hand, as the town is supplied in tliat manner. The
horses will have to be ridden about half a mile to water. But the
advantage is that yon do not have to pass through the town to get to
the point to be protected, which would be the case were they encaiui>ed
along the river above the town. With the troops placed as proposed
there would probably be no necessity of having more than a picket
guard of three men in my corral, and they only at night. Possibly
they would not be required at any time, as the troops would have
entire command of the corral.from that ])oint. I do not think that
there will be serious trouble here soon. Still a command of troops
under good discipline stationed near the town would be well enough,
judging &om recent developments. No good citizen would be inter-
fered with, and their presence is desired by many of the population.
The <<bear flag" was paraded through the streets of El Monte (twelve
miles eastward) on the 4th instant, and was esc^orte^l by a number of
horsemen, varying (according to tiie reports) from forty to seventy,
most probably the former. It was understood that it would be paraded
here the next day. It was not. Then it was said that it would be on
the subsequent day (yesterday, the day of the municipal election). I
was prepared for it. It was not attempted, however. The " bear flag"
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480 OPERATIONS ON THK PACIFIC COAST. [Chap. txn.
is beiDg painted here, and I tbink ifc will be paraded soon, possibly
next Sonday, or some other day when the company, known here as the
secession company, drills. I have taken all the precaations possible and
that I think necessary, and I believe I can get all the assistance I
require, until the troops arrive, from among the citizens to resist any
open attack upon the public property (but I do not tbink they are
ready for such an attempt). The leaders in politics among those who
have sympathies antagonistic to the Government, and the principal
citizens, do not wish to see force used (they are men of property), and
oppose carrying matters to extremities; yet the open expression of
their opinions has helped to inaugurate disafl'ection. Since it Inis
been thought wise to send troops here, a sufficient number to have a
strong moral effect should be sent, and it would be better that a show
should be made at once, since it is known that it is to be made at all.
It would be better, I think, even were it to be but a temporary matter,
that the «Iragoons (with at least a piece of artillery) should be at band.
When once a revolution commences the masses of the native popula-
tion will act, and they are worthy of a good deal of consideration. If
they act it will be most likely against the Qovernment.
I am, sir, very respectfully your obedient servant,
WINF'D 8. HANCOCK,
Captain and Assistant Quartermaster.
Los Angeles, May 7, 1861.
Maj. W. W. Maokaxl :
Tiie "bear flag" was raised at El Monto, twelve miles distant, on the
4th instant. The escort was, say, forty horsemen. I have, I believe,
reliable evidence that it will be raised here on Sunday, the 12th
instant — that is, that flag will be paraded through our streets under
a strong escort. I do not then anticipate an assault; yet, to avoid
insult to onr flag, it might be well to have all the efficient dragoons
from Fort Tejon at this point by Saturday next. Major Carleton is to
leave to morrow, and if his presence here be desired a dispatch can
reach him.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
WINF'D S. HANCOCK.
Wae Department,
Washington, May S, 1861.
Col. E. D. Baker,
U. 8. Senate, &c., Washington, J). C. :
Sir : Ton are authorized to raise for the service of the United States
a regiment of troops (infantry), with yourself as colonel, to be taken
as a ))ortion of any troops that may be called from the State of Califor-
nia by the United States, and to be known as the California Eegiment.
Orders will be issued to the mustering officer in New York to muster
the same into the service as soon as presented. In case the-proi>er
Government officers are not prepared to furnish clothing for the men of
your regiment at the time you find it necessary, you are authorized to
purchase for each man an outfit of clothing, provided the same is
properly charged on the muster-rolls of your command.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
SIMON CAMERON,
Secretary of War.
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ohaf. lxn.) coreespondence — union and confederate. 481
Headquastbbb Dbpabiscent of the Paoipio,
San Francisco, May 9, 1861.
Ool. W. Seawell,
Sixth Infly., U. 8. Army, Oomdg. Benicia Barracks, Benioia, Gal. :
OOLONEL : The commanding general directs yoa to doable the guard
at the magazine, and directs me to say that the whole public property
at Benicia — barracks, arsenal, and depot — is under your protection, and
he calls on yoa for untiring vigilance, and reminds you that this prop-
erty must be preserved at all hazards.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
W. W. MAOKALL,
Assistant Adjutant- Oeneral,
Headquarters Department of the Pacific,
San Francisco, May 9, 1861.
Oapt. D. McDouGAL,
Commanding Navy- Yard, Mare Island, Cal. :
Captain : Brigadier-General Sumner directs me to say that he learns
that you have reason to doubt the security of the navy-yard under your
command at Mare Island, and that yon have not the means of increas-
ing your force so as to put it beyond danger, or to move the temptation
presented by its apparent defenseless condition. He therefore informs
you that if such is the case, at your request he will send a battery of
light artillery for its better security.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
W. W. MACKALL,
Assistant Adjutant-General.
Headquarters Department of the Pacific,
San Francisco, Cal., May 10, 1861.
Lieut. Col. E. D. Townsend,
Assistant A djutant- Oeneral, U. S. Army^
Headquarters Army, Washtngton, D. C.
Sir: I have the honor to report that I have found it necessary to
withdraw Brevet M^jor Carleton's company of dragoons from Fort
Tejon and to place it at Los Angeles. This will give a command at the
latter place of one company of horse and two of infantry. The detach-
ment will be commanded by Major Carleton. I have also to report the
arrival of three companies of artillery from Oregon. The battery will
take jKNSt at the depot at Benicia, and the two foot companies at Fort
Alcatxaz. I have informed Captain McDougal, the commander of the
navy-yard, that, if he does not feel perfectly secure and wishes any fur-
ther protection, I will place a company of artillery there. Captain Bar-
ton has been assigned to the command at Fort Alcatraz.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
E. V. SUMNER,
Brigadier- Oeneral, U. S. Army, Commanding.
Commandant's Office, U, S. Navy-Yard,
Mare Island, May 10, 1861.
Maj. W. W. Mackall,
Assistant Adjutant Oeneral, San Francisco, Cat. :
Major: I am in receipt of your communication of yesterday's date.
I am under many obligations to General Snmner for his prooipt tender
31 R R — vol l, pt I
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482 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. (Chap. LXlt.
of assistance in the protection of the navy-yard in case of necessity. I
have too mnch faith in the strong Union feeling now existing in Cali-
fornia to believe for one moment that an efibrt of the kind would be
even attempted, though, should I have the least reason to suspect such
an attempt, I shall avail myself promptly of his offer. I have for-
warded your letter to the Honorable the Secretary of the Navy, and
have directed Lieut. Comdg. F. Stanly to hand you this and confer with
the general.
I am, very respectfully, your most obedient servant,
D. McDOUGAL,
Commandant,
Headquarters Department of the Pacific,
8an Franeiaeo, May 10, 1861.
Capt. D. McDoTTOAL, U. 8. Navy,
Commanding Mare Island Navy- Yard, Cal. :
Captain : I am directed by Brigadier-General Sumner to say that,
since my letter to yon of yesterday, further reflection on the offer
therein brings him to the conclusion that a company of foot artillery
will form a better force for the yard than the light battery, and he will,
if the guard is wished by you, send the foot.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
W. W. MACKALL,
Assistant Adjutant- Oeneral.
San Francisco, May 10, 1861.
Lieut. Col. B. L. Beall,
First Dragoons, Commanding Fort Tejon, Cal. :
Colonel : Carleton's company was ordered to Los Angeles. Has it
gonet
W. W. MACKALL.
Navy- Yard, Mare Island, May 11, 1861.
Maj. W. W. Mackall,
Asst. Adjt. Gen., Bept. of the Pacific, San Francisco, Cal. :
Major : Tourletterof yesterday's date has been received. Lieutenant
Commanding Stanly wa.s the bearer of my reply to General Sumner's
tender of the Uth instant. Nothing has transpired to alter my opinion
expressed yesterday as to the necessity of a guard at the navy-yard.
But as the general lias nni)erior means of gaining information in rela-
tion to the movements of tlie day, I would be under many obligations
to him if lie would communicate anything which would, in his opinion,
affect us at the island.
With many thanks for his offer of yesterday, I remain, very respect-
fully, your most obedient servant,
D. McDOCTGAL,
Commandant.
Assistant Quartermaster's Office,
Los Angeles, Cal., May 11, 1861.
Maj. W. "W. Mackall,
Asst. Adjt. Oen., Hdqrs. Dept. of the Pacific, San Francisco, Gal.:
Major: On the 7th instant I wrote a dispatch to. yon, which was
telegraphed on the 8th at 10 a. ra. I transcribe it here. • I supposed
'See IlaDcock to Mackall, May 7, p. 480.
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CHAF. LXUL] CORRESPONDENCE UNION AND CONFEDERATE. 4«3
tbe preseuce of the dragoons might alone preveut such a scene; still,
on the first occasion of sliowing this flag I do not anticipate difficulty.
The violent party is not yet strong. Success will make it stronger.
The native C^iforniaus will take the strong side. Those of them who
have taken sides are with the violent party. The Union men, irre-
spective of party, are organizing here, and 1 think will soon be formi-
dable enough to control matters — certainly until there is a great change
in political matters on the Atlantic side, or until direct toxes for the
suppoit of the war be levied, probably then also.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
WINF'D 8. HANCOCK,
Captain and Assistant Quartermaster.
Assistant Quaetbrmaster's Office,
Los Angeles, Cal., May 12, 1861 — 8 p. m.
Maj. W. W. Mackall,
Asst. Adjt. Gen., Sdqrs. Dept. of the Pacific, San Francisco, Gal. :
Major : There was no trouble here whatever to-day. Having failed
to do what they had promised to do, I have no auxiety for the future.
Those intending to parade here to-day thought better of it. The fact
is, their principal advisers, or those to whom the turbulent spirits looked
to for countenance, have found that they were being compromised in an
affair for which they were not prepared. The Union men have been
quite busy during the last few days in organizing for the purpose of
commanding order, and have found their numbers m formidable that,
together with the moral eflPect produced by the reported proximity of
troops, they have but little fear for the future.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
WINFD S. HANCOCK,
Captain and Assistant Quartermaster.
Camp at Warm Springs Reservation, Oreo.,
May 13, 1861.
Maj. W. W. Maokall,
Asst. Adjt. Qen., Dept. of the Pacific, San Francisco, Cal. :
Major: I have the honor to report, for the information of the gen-
eral commanding the department, that a few days ago a party of eighty
warriors from this reservation returned from the Snake country, where
they had been to recover horses stolen from them by the Snakes at
various times during the last year. The party had but small success,
only having recovered some twenty horses. They took prisoners Poli-ni,
a noted chief, and seven of his men, but unfortunately they were all
released on their promise to return on the morrow with all their people.
The captives were not seen again. From information obtained from
the Snakes themselves I am of opinion that no fears need be euter-
tiiined of an attack being made by the Snakes on the agency during
the summer. All the reservation Indians have removed with stock to
the fisheries on tbe Columbia Biver. The preseuce of even a smaller
force than that now here, and of any arm, would effectually prevent an
open attack. Petty thefts can only be prevented by the presence of so
large a force that occasional scouts could be made to the nearest Snake
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484 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Chap. LXIL
villages. This latter service could well be performed by the reserva-
tion Indians when the presence of a very small detachment of soldiers
assures them of the safety of their families.
I am, sir, very respectfally, your obedient servant,
D. McM. GEBGG,
Second Lieutenant, First Dragoont, Commanding Camp.
Special Obdebs, ) Hdqes. Depabtment of the Pacific,
No. 80. \ San Francisco, May 13, 1861.
1. The following movements will take place to day, viz : Company G,
Third Artillery, from Presidio to Fort Point; Company A, from Fort
Point, and M, Third Artillery, from Presidio, to Alcatraz Island. The
deputy quartermaster-general will make and notify to the command-
ing officers the necessary arrangements for transportation.
2. Bardie's company will proceed at once to Fort Point, and Andrews'
to the wharf at Fort Point and embark with Burton's.
• ••••••
By command of Brigadier-General Samner:
W. W. MAOKALL,
Assistamt Adjutant- Oeneral.
Headquabtebs Depabtment of the Pacific,
San Francisco, May 13, 1861.
Maj. Enoch Stben,
First Dragoons, Commanding Fort Walla Walla, Wash. Ter. :
Majob: Your communication of April 16 has been received, and the
general commanding the department directs me to say in reply that he
approves your compliance with the requisition of the superintendent of
Indian affairs in detaching Captain Smith's company. The general
also approves of your suggestions with reference to this summer's
operations on the emigrant road, taking care, however, that your post
is at all times properly garrisoned.
I am, major, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
K. C. DRUM,
Assistant Adjutant-Oeneral.
Headquabtebs Department of the Pacific,
San Francisco, May 13, 1861.
Capt. W. S. Hancock,
Assistant Quartermaster, Los Angeles, Cal. :
Captain : Tour letters of May 4 and 7 have been received, and I am
instructed by the general commanding the department to inform you
that the site selected by Major Oarleton and yourself in the vicinity of
Los Angeles, and the measures you have taken to facilitate the rapid
concentration of troops at that point, are highly approved by him. He
directs me to inform you that Colonel Beall has been this day tele-
graphed to turn over to M^or Carleton two mountain howitzers, with
the requisite amount of ammunition for the same.
I am, captain, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
R. C. DRUM,
Assistant Adjutant-Oeneral.
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Obap.LXII.] correspondence — ^DNION AND CONFEDERATE. 485
Headquabtbbh Dbpabthent of the Pacific,
8an FranoiaeOj May 13, 1861.
Col. G. Wbioht,
Ninth Infty., Comdg. Dist. of Oregon, Vancouver, Wash. Ter.:
Colonel: I am directed by the commanding general to inform yon,
in answer to yonr commanication of the 6th instant, that the subjects
discnssed therein will be taken into consideration by him as soon as it
is ascertained whether any change will take place in the command of
this department. In the meantime yon are requested to withdraw a
company from any post lying east of the Cascades for the pnpose of
re-enforcing Fort Vancouver. M^or Babbitt Las been informed from
these headquarters that he is subject to your orders.
I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
R. C. DRUM,
Assistant Adjutant- General,
San Francisco, Oal., May 14, 1861.
Pbesidbnt of the United States,
Washington:
Dear Sir : On the first arrival of news of the commencement of
hostilities, Col. John D. Stevenson, of this city, expressed his desire to
once more to offer his services in the maintenance of our cause and
flag. He made his opinions heard and felt here and his determined
loyalty, connected with his well-known and determined character, both
as a citizen and a soldier, has done much to establish the present sound
condition of our State. I know of no man, in this State or elsewhere,
with whom I would sooner trust the honor of our country for prudence
before or success in battle. He is an energetic, able, and brave man,
and every inch of him the stuff of which not only soldiers bnt leaders
are made. If any position the same or similar to that which he seeks
is to be conferred upon any of our citizens on this coast, I earnestly
recommend Colonel Stevenson for that place. He writes about service
hercj but he assures me that he is prepared to devote himself to the
service anywhere.
Respectfully, your obedient servant,
J. A. McDOUGALL.
Special Orders, ) Hdqrs. Department of the Pacific,
No. 82. ) San Francisco, May 14, 1861.
1. Company I, Fourth Infantry (Brevet Major Haller's), now en ronte
from Fort Mojave, will immediately proceed to and take jwst at San
Diego.
2. Upon the arrival of Major Haller's company, Company F, Sixth
Infantry (Brevet Major Armistead's), will proceed as soon as possible to
Los Angeles and report to Major Carleton.
3. Bvt. Second Lieut. James H. Wilson, Corps of Topographical
Engineers, will immediately report to Capt. George Thom for service
connected with the construction of military roads.
• ••••••
By command of Brigadier-General Sumner:
richd. c. drum,
Assistant Adjutant- General.
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486 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Chap. Lxn.
Assistant Quartermaster's Office,
Los Angeles, Cal., May 14, 1861.
Maj. W. W. Mackall,
Asst. Afljt, 6m., ffdqrs. Bept of the Pacific, San Francisco, Cal. :
Major: Major Bailer's command may be expected to arrive here on
tlie 1 3th of June. Major Carleton'a company (K) will be here to-morrow
morning. He is now at Cohnenga Pass (twelve miles distant). There
need be no anxiety concerning matters at this plac^, at least until
political affairs mat«rial]y change.
I have the honor to be, very respectftilly, your obedient servant,
WINP'D 8. HANCOCK,
Captain and Assistant Quartermaster.
Orders, ) Headquarters Department op the Pacific,
Nf). C. ] San Francisco, May 15, 1861.
I. Neither commanding officers of posts who avail themselves of
leaves of absence of seven days, nor officers to whom such leaves are
granted, will go to such distance from their posts that they cannot in
the usual mode of travel rejoin their posts by the expiration of the
leave. No leave will be extended at these headquarters, when this
order is in the slightest degree violated.
II. All officers charged with the care of public property will hold
themselves in readiness at all times to protect it at every hazard. No
public property will ever be surrendered in this department.
By command of Brigadier-General Samuer:
RICHD. C. DRUM,
Assistant Adjutant- General.
Orders, ) Headquarters Department op the Pacific,
No. 7. ) San Francisco, May 18, 1861,
Any citizen in the employment of the Army in this department who
is opposed to the Union will be instantly discharged.
E. V. SUMNEB,
Brigadier-Qeneral, V. S. Army, Commanding.
Headquarters Department op the Pacific,
San Francisco, May 18, 1861.
Capt. John Adams,
First Dragoons, Commanding Fort Crook, Cal.:
Captain: Send Company E, Sixth Infantry, to Benicia Barracks
immediately.
By order of Brigadier-General Sumner:
W. W. MACKALL,
Assistant Adjutant- General.
Headquarters Department of the Pacific,
San Francisco, Cal., May 20, 1861,
Lieut. Col. E. D. TOWNSEND,
Assistant Adjutant- General, U. S. Army,
Headquarters of the Army, Washington, D. G. :
Sir: I have the honor to report that I have found it necessary to
withdraw the greater part of the garrison from Fort Umpqna and one
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CBAP.LXU.) CORRESPONDENCE UNION AND CONFEDERATE. 487
company of iufantry Arom Fort Crook for the purpose of re-euforciug.
the commands at Benicia and the Presidio.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
B. V. SUMNEE,
Brigadier-Oeneral, U. 8. Army, Commanding.
Orders, ) Hsadquabtebs Department of the Pacific,
No. 8. ) San Francisco, May 20, 1861.
I. Maj. D. 0. Buell, assistant adjutant general, and Capt. Bichard
C. Drum, assistant adjutant general, having reported at these head-
quarters in pursuance of General Orders, No. 7, from the A^utaut-
General's OfSce, are announced on the department staff. M^or Buell
will accordingly relieve Major Mackall, assistant adjutant-general, and
the latter will be governed by the orders which he has received from
the Adjutant-General's OfSce.
II. First Lieut. Armistead L. Long, Second Artillery, is announced
as aide- de-cam]) to the general commanding.
By order of Brigadier-General Sumner:
D. 0. BUELL,
Assistant Adjutant-General.
Los Angeles, May 22, 1861 — 11.20 a. m.
General Sumnsr,
Commanding Department of the Pacifio:
The citizens here are to raise with ceremony the national flag over
the court house next Saturday. My command is invited to assist.
Should U. S. forces, as such, take part in a civic celebration of this
character!
JAMES H. CARLETON,
U. i8. Army,
Headquarters Department op the Pacific,
San Francisco, May 22, 1801.
Maj. J. H. Oarleton,
Firxt Dragoons, Commanding, Los Angeles, Cal. :
Major : The general answers yes to your di8])atch of to-day.
D. 0. BUELL,
Assistant Adjutant- General.
riEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE PACIFIC,
San Francisco, May 22, 1861.
Gapt. O. S. LovELL,
Sixth Infantry, U. 8. Army, Comdg, Fort Rumboldt, Cal. :
Sir: If in your opinion the further services of the detachment of
volunteers under your command can be dispensed with the department
commander directs that you discharge them. They will be paid as
soon as the necessary fnnds are provided. In the event of your deem-
ing it unadvisable to discharge them you are desired to report the
reasons for that determination. I am also directed by the department
commander to call your attention to the subject of the treatment of the
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488 OPEKATION8 ON THE PACIFIC COAST. (Chap. LXIL
.Indians witbin the limits of your snpervision. The protection of the
lives and property of the citizens is a duty which under no circam-
stances is to be relaxed, but wheu punishment of the Indians becomes
necessary a discrimination must, as far as possible, be made between
the innocent and guilty, and especially, under no circumstances, are the
lives of women and children to be wantonly sacrificed. On the con-
trary, they are, as far as possible, to be screened from such treatment.
Further than that he desires that you will endeavor to prevent collisions
between the Indians and whites. Judicious precautions to prevent dep-
redations by vigilance and inflnence over the Indians, prompt and just
punishment wheu depredations are committed, so as to leave no ground
for retaliation by the whites, together with the pacifying influence u|M)n
the latter, which by the j udicious treatment you may frequently be able
to exert, will go far to accomplishing the object in view.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
D. C. BUELL,
Assistant Adjutant- General.
General Orders, ) Hdqrs. Department of the Pacipio,
No. 9. J San Francisco, May 23, 1861.
Tiie name of the quartermaster's brig Floyd is changed to the Gen-
eral .Tesup.
By order of Brigadier-General Sumner:
D. 0. BUELL,
Assistant Adjutant-General.
Special Orders, ) Hdqrs. Department op the Pacific,
No. 88. y San Francisco, May 23, 1861.
1. The several stations in this harbor, viz. Fort Point, Alcatraz
Island, and the Presidio will in future be independent of eacli other.
• ••••••
By command of Brigadier-General Somuer:
D. C. BUELL,
Assistant Adjutant-General.
Territory op Washington, Executive Office,
Olympia, May 23, 1861.
Brig. Gen. E. V. Sumner, U. S. Army,
Commanding Department of the Pacific, San Francisco, Cal. :
Sir: I have the honor to transmit to you herewith a copy of a proc-
lamation issued on the 10th instant for the enrollment and organiza-
tion of the militia of this TeiTitory. The number of public arms now
on hand here is very small, and to meet any emergency I have respect-
fully and earnestly to request that you will direct as many of the arms
at the various military posts within this Territory as can be spared,
with a supply of ordinary musket, rifled musket, and howitzer ammu-
nition, to be placed at one of the militaiy posts, subject to the requisi-
tion of the governor.
I am, sir, respectfully, your obedient servant,
HENEY M. McGILL,
Acting Governor.
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CHAP.LXn.] CORRESPONDENCE — UNION AND CONFEDERATE. 489
[Isolosure.]
PROCLAMATIOK.
By the Governor of Washington Territory.
Whereas, tlie President of the United States has issned his procla-
mation stating that the laws of the United States have been, and now
are, opposed in several States by combinations too powerful to be sup-
])ressed in the ordinary way, and therefore calling for the militia of the
several States :
Kow, therefore, deeming it expedient that the militia of the Territory
of Wivshington should be placed in readiness to meet any requisition
from the President of the United States or the Governor of this Terri-
tory to aid in '' maintaining the laws and integrity of the National
Union," I do hereby call u])on all the citizens of this Territory capable
of bearing arms and liable to militia dnty, to report immediately to the
adjutant-general of the Territory, and proceed at once to organize
themselves into companies and elect their own officers in the manner
prescribed by the act of January 26, 1855, and the amendatory act of
February 4, 1858, to organize the militia.
The organization of each company will be immediately reported to
Adjt. Gen. Frank Matthias, at Seattle, Wash. Ter., and through him
to the Governor, when the commissions will issue to the officers elected.
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal"
of the Territory to be affixed at Olympia, this 10th day of May, 1861,
and of the Independence of the United States the eighty-fifth.
[L. 8.] HENRY M. McGILL,
Acting Oovemor Washington Territory.
Special Orders, ) Hdqrs. Department op the PAfUPio,
No. 89. ) San Francisco, May 34, 1861,
1. Capt. Edward O. 0. Ord's battery, now at Benicia, will take post
at the Presidio, San Francisco, The horses under the charge of a suf-
ficient number of men, commanded by an officer, will proceed by land,
and the remainder of the company and i)roperty will be embarked on
board the Government transport General Jesup on Tuesday.
2. On the arrival of the General Jesup with Captain Ord's battery,
she will first be used to transfer Captain Lendrum's company (I), Third
Artillery, from the Presidio to Alcatraz Island, where it will take iwst.
She will then convey Captain Judd's company (L), Third Artillery, from
the Presidio to Benicia to take the place of Captain Ord's company.
3. Capt. Tredwell Moore, assistant quartermaster, will return to his
station at Fort Churchill.
By order of Brigadier-General Sumner:
D. C. BUBLL,
Assistant Adjutant-General.
Headquarters,
Fort Churchill, May 26, 1861—0 p. m.
Capt. R. C. Drum,
Asst. Adjt. Qen., Hdqrs. Dept. of the Pacific, San Francisco, Cal.:
Captain: I have the honor to inclose herewith, for the information
of the commanding general of the department, a telegraphic dispatch
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490 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. (Chap. LXIt
received by me a few minutes siuce from Virginia City, a town in this
Territory, twenty-five miles west from this post. What reliance can be
X)laced upon it I cannot say. The persons whose names are subscribed
to it are Raid to be reliable men. They ask for arms for their own
defense, I suppose, but we have none to spare to send them. Whether
the parties mentioned have any such designs upon this post as is sur-
mised in the dispatch it is impossible to say. 1 shall take every neces-
sary precaution to circumvent such design should a party have the
temerity to make a hostile attack upon this post. Should any addi-
tional information reach me upon this subject I will advise you by
telegraph.
I have the honor to be, sir, with much respect, your most obedient
servant,
T. HBNDRIOKSON,
Captain, ISixth Infantry, Commanding the Fost.
[iDoloaore.]
ViBOiNiA City, May 26, 1861.
Oapt. T. HEaDBIOKSON,
Fort Churchill:
Dear Sib: We are confidently assured that the secessionists have
completed an organization of over 100, under Dr. McMeans, but for
what purpose we are not positively advised. The general impression
is to seize the fort and ^et jrassession of the Territory. Judge Terry
is expected soon. It is important that our people should be secretly
organized and equipped, but we are destitute of arms. Can you fur-
nish us any from the fort, and if so, how many and when, and how
shall we obtain them T We shall write you by express. Please answer
immediately.
hj order of Committee of Safety :
JNO. A. COLLINS,
A. W. PBAY,
Committee.
Confidential.] Vibginia City, Nev. Teb.,
May 26, 1861.
Brigadier-General Sumneb:
Deab Sib: I am instructed by the Committee of Safety of Nevada
Territory to inform you that the secessionists have organized in this
place under Dr. McMeans, ex-State treasurer of California. It is
claimed by him that he has 125 men. In other parts of the Territory
great activity prevails among that class. Terry is expected soon. I
am not able to speak positively of their designs. It is sfrongly believed
by many from evidences which have come to their knowledge that they
intend to seize Fort Churchill and take possession of the Territory.
Two-thirds of our population are loyal and devotedly attached to the
Federal Government, but they are mostly destitute of arms, and com-
paratively powerless to protect themselves against a well-armed and
disciplined foe, though vastly superior in i)oiut of numbers. Captain
neudrickson, of Fort Churchill, telegraphs us that he has not a surplus
of arms. It is the desire of the committee of safety to organize and
equip our citizens, that we may be prepared to meet any emergency
that may arise. Can you furnish the committee with 300 or 400 stand
of arms or a smaller number even t The committee will bind itself to
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CHir.Lxn.) CORRESPONDENCE TINION AND CONFEDERiVTE. 491
return tbem when this cload shall have passed away. Captain Moore,
or Mr. Frink, of the Tehama Hotel, will inform you who I am. If you
shall conclude to favor the committee with any number of arms, be so
kind as to have them so boxed as to resemble merchandise — long handle
shovels, for instance — and direct them to "Taylor & Oo,, merchants,
Virginia City, Nev. Ter." Mr. Taylor is partner of John C. FjUI, of
Marysville, and is a member of the committee of safety.
Doping to hear favorably from you at an early day, I am, dear sir,
your obedient servant,
JNO. A. COLLINS,
Corresponding Secretary.
Special Orders, ) Hdqrs. Departmbnt of the Pacific,
No. 90. i " ifan Francisco, May S7, ]fi61.
1. Six ordnance men will be sent from the arsenal at Benicia to Fort
Point for temporary service to assist in mounting guns.
2. The strictOvSt precautions will be taken by the officer in command
of the troops at Benicia to guard against the communication of tire,
through the use of lights, matches, or other means, to the ordnance
buildings which they occupy and the stores in their vicinity.
• ••••••
By order of Brigadier-General Sumner:
D. C. BUELL,
Assistant Adjutant- General.
Headquarters Department op the Pacific,
iian Francisco, May 27, 1S61.
Maj. G. A. H. Blaee,
First Dragoons, Commanding Fort Churchill, Kei\ Ter. :
Sir: The colonel commanding the department desires you, if you
deem it necessary, to keep a company of dragoons movingon the Over-
land Mail Route, for a considerable distance in advance of your jwat, for
the protection of life and property against Indian depredations.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
D. C. BUELL,
Assistant Adjutant- General.
Special Orders, ) Hdqrs. Department op the Pacific,
No. 91. ) Han Francisco, May 28, 1861.
1. The detachment now at Honey Lake, fi-om Captain Lendrnm's
company (I), Third Artillery, will be withdrawn and will join the com-
pany at Alcatrais Island, bringing with it the movable public property.
• ••••••
By order of Brigadier-General Sumner :
D. 0. BUELL,
Assistant Adjutant-General.
Special Orders, ) Headquarters District op Oregon,
No. 6. ] Port Vancouver, Wash. Ter., May 28, 1861.
1. Company E, Ninth Infantry, is transferred from Fort Walla Walla
to Fort Dalles, and Company G, Ninth Infantry, is transferred from
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492 OPEKATION8 ON THE PACIFIC COAST. (Chap. LXU.
Fort Dalles to Fort Vancouver. These movements to be made withoat
delay, the qnartermaster's department foruishing the necessary trans-
portation.
• ••••••
By order of Colonel Wright:
JKO. S. MASON,
First Lieut., 3d Eegiment of Artillery, and Actg. Asst. Adjt, Oen,
Headqtjabtebs Department of the Pacific,
San FraTidsco, May 29, 1861.
Hon. Pablo de la Guekra,
James L. Obd, Esq., and others,
Santa Barbara, Cal.:
Gentlembn: The general commanding the department has received
yonr commanication of the 22d instant. He directs me to reply that
the more pressing necessity for the presence of troops at other points
will render the establishment of a post at Santa Barbara at this time
impracticable.
Very respectfully, yonr obedient servant,
D. C. BUELL,
Assistant Adjutant- General.
Headquarters Fourth Infantry,
Fort Dalles, Oreg., May 29, I8f>l.
Assistant Adjutant-General,
Department of the Pacific, San Francisco, Cal.:
Sir : The presentwonld seem to be not an inappropriate time to invite
the att«ntion of the commanding general of the department to the very
scattered positions of the Foarth Infantry and to respectfully request
him, if not incompatible with the general interests of the service, to
make such changes therein as will bring them more immediately under
the supervision of the regimental commander. The regiment now occu-
pies almost the entire length and no inconsiderable portion of the
breadth of the Department of the Pacific, the companies being garri-
soned at ten different posts and the commander with his headquarters
at a i)ost without even one of those companies with him. This post is
the proper station of Mty.B.S.Garnett, Ninth Infantry, who is reported
on the monthly return as " absent withoutleave," and who was assigned
to it in August, 1859, and is supposed to be on bis return to it at this
time. Oould the companies of the Fourth Infantry now serving in
Oregon and at the Cascades be transferred to Puget Sound and those of
the Ninth on the Sound be transferred to Oregon, I think it would be
beneficial to the interests of the service and would give each regiment
a more direct interest in the section in which it would be serving.
Should it not be deemed advisable, however, to make this arrangement,
it would gratify me to have my headquarters cluinged to a more central
position with regard to the stations of the regiment, or to have one of
the detached companies ordered to this post.
I am, sir, respectfully, your obedient servant,
BOBT. C. BUCHANAN,
Brevet Lieutenant-Colonel and Major Fourth Infantry, Commanding.
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Ctur. LXU.] CORRESPONDENCE UNION AND CONFEDERATE. 493
HliADQUABTEBS DBPABTHENT OF THE PACIFIC,
San Francisco, May 30, 1S61.
Bvt. M*j, G. O. Halleb,
Captain, Fourth Infantry, Commanding San Diego, Cal.:
Sib: Orders have been given for sending to you two 24-poundergans,
and the department commander directs that you place them judiciously
in battery so as to control as much as possible the harbor at Sau Diego
and at the same time strengthen yoor position. They vrill reach you
probably on the 3d proximo.
Very respectfully, yoor obedient servant,
D. 0. BUELL,
Assistant Adjutant- Oeneral.
Headquaetbbs Depabtment of the Pacific,
San Francisco, May 30, 1861,
Maj. G. A. H. Blake,
First Dragoons, Commanding Fort Churchill, Nev. Ter. :
Sib: The general commanding the department has had intimation
from Captain Hendrickson and other definite sources, as well as from
general rumor, of designs on the part of certain persons in the district
of country about you, especially at Virginia City, to disturb the peace
of this department by acts subversive of the authority of the General
Government. These intimations go to the extent ot anticipating an
attack upon your post, or at least the seizure of public property tSere
or elsewhere. The general does not much credit the existence of any
deliberate plan for the object stated, though there may be in certaiu
quarters such a disposition ; but he deems it proper, nevertheless, that
yoa shall be watchful of the proceedings about you, and fully prepared
for any emergency. He wishes also, if the opportunity offers, that you
shall, without ostentation or clamor, but in unequivocal terms, let it be
understood that the proclamation of the President against unlawful
combinations is as binding in this department as elsewhere, and that
any attempt to subvert the rights of the people and the just authority
of the General Government will be met in a very decided way. Tou
are expected to report with dispatch any important information you
may receive in reference to these matters. It is the intention of the
general to re-enforce your post without delay if you think it necessary.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
D. C. BUELL,
Assistant Adjutant- Oeiieral.
FoBT Dalles, Oeeg., May 30, 1861.
ACTG. A88T. AdJT. GEN., DISTBICT OP OBBGON,
Fort Vancouver, Wash. Ter.:
SiB: I have the honor to acknowledge the receij)! of Special Orders,
No. 6, of the District of Oregon, and to report that iu the present con-
dition of this command I shall feel compelled to detain Captain Black's
company until after the arrival of the other ftom Fort Walla Walla,
which will be about the middle of next week, I presume, unless Col-
onel Wright should forbid my doing so by the Monday's mail. The
dragoon company having a detachment of twenty men at Warm Springs
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494 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Chap. LXU.
is too weak to furnish the necessary guard for the protection of the
public property and post and attend also to the care of its horses.
1 am, sir, respectfully, your obedient servant,
EOBT. C. BUCHANAN,
Brevet Lieutenant- Golottel, Major Fourth Infantry, Comdg. Post.
Oknebax Orders, ) Hdqrs. Department op the Paoipic,
No. 11. ) San FrancMco, May 31, 1801.
Any vessel sailing under the secession flag, so called, which shall
enter or attempt to enter any of the waters of the Cnited States on
this ttoast will immediately be ca]>tared by the troops stationed there.
Any such vessel which shall fail to come to or surrender on being duly
warned, or which shall attempt to escape, will be fired into and sunk,
if necessary.
By order of Brigadier-Qeaeral Sumner :
D. 0. BUELL,
Assistant Adjutant- General.
Special Orders, ) Hdqrs. Department op the Pacific,
No. 93. ) iSan Francisco, May 31, 1861.
• ••••• •
2. Colonel Wright, commanding the District of Oregon, will send to
this city (if possible by the next steamer after the receipt of this order)
that company of infantry which he can best dispense with. He will
also send a second company, if in his opinion it can be spared from the
district. These troops will receive orders for their further destination
on their arrival here.
3. Fort Ter-Waw will be abandoned. Its garrison, with the movable
property, will come to this city by the next steamer after the receipt of
this order. The deputy quartermaster-geueral will give directions for
the disposition of such (luarteruiaster's property as it may be inexpedi-
ent to bring along.
By order of Brigadier-General Sumner:
D. 0. BUELL,
Assistant Adjutant- General.
Fort Braoo, Cal., May 31, 1861.
Maj. D. C. B0EIX,
Assistant Adjutant- General, U. S. Army, San Francisco, Gal.:
SiK: I have the honor to transmit, by direction of Captain Lovell, a
copy of a report made this day to him.
Very respectfully, your most obedient,
EDWARD DILLON,
Second Lieut., Sixth Infantry, Comdg. Detachment in the Field,
[Isolosiue.]
Fort Bragg, Cax., May 31, 1861.
Capt. 0. S. Lovell,
Sixth Infantry, U. S. Army, Comdg. Fort Humboldt, Cal.:
Captain : I have the honor to report that there are several parties of
citizens now engaged in stealing or taking by foi'ce Indian children from
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Chap. LXn.) COBBESPONDENCE UNION AND CONFEDERATE. 495
the tlistrict in whicb I have been ordered to ox>erate against the Indians.
I am reliably inforine<l tliat as many as forty or fifty Indian children
have been taken through Long Valley within the last few months and
Bold both in and oat of the county. The parties, I am told, at least
some of them, make no secret of it, but boldly assert that they will con-
tinue to do HO and that the law cannot reach them. It is pretended, I
believe, that the children are purchased from their parents, but all wlio
know these Indians can fully appreciate the value of this assertion. It
is needless to say that this brutal trade is calculated to produce retalia-
tory depredations on the part of the Indians and exasperate them to a
high degree, as well as to interfere materially with our efforts to find
and chastise those Indians that deserve punishment, for these men keep
the Indians constantly on the alert, attacking and chasing them before
us and following in our wake for the puriK>8e of obtaining children.
Very respectfully, your most obedient,
EDWARD DILLON,
Second Lieut., Sixth Infantry, Comdg. Detachment in the Field.
Headqttabtebs Department op the Pacific,
San Francisco, June 1, 1861.
3. A. Collins, Esq.,
Virginia City, Ner. Ter. :
Sib: The general commanding the department has received your
letter of the 2Cth ultimo, written by direction of the committee of
safety, and requesting a supply of arms for the purpose of resisting
any attempt to involve the Territory of Nevada in the cause of seces-
sion. He directs me to say that be cannot at this time issue arms in
the manner you projwse, but he will take precautions which will enable
him to arm promptly a sufficient force of loyal citizens if the supposed
danger should arise, or even become imminent. In the meantime a
thorough organization into companies and battalions or regiments is a
tiling entirely practicable, and very important as a precaution against
lawless acts, which the general still hopes will not be attempted. The
troops at Fort Churchill will be able to resist any attempt that may be
made on that jwst, and will be still further re-enforced.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
D. C. BUELL,
Assistant Adjutant- Oeneral.
Hbadqtiabters Distuict of Okegon,
Fort Vancouver, Wash. Ter., June 1, ISfil.
Commanding Officer,
Fort Dalles, Oreg.:
Sib : I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of
the 30th ultimo in relation to the detention of Captain Black's c-om-
pany. I am instructed by the colonel commanding the district to say
in reply that under the circumstances of the case you are authorized to
detain Captain Black at The Dalles not later than Monday, the 10th
instant.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JNO. S. MASON,
First Lieutenant, Third Artillery, Actg. Asst. Adjt. Oen.
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496 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Cbap. LXH.
Benioia, June 2, 1861—5.45 p. m.
Maj. D. O. BXJELI., U. S. Army,
Tehama Souse:
Sir: The Greneral Jesup left at 0 a. m. with the guns, carriages, and
ammunition for San Diego.
J. MCALLISTER,
Lieutenant of Ordnance.
Headquabtebs, June 3, 1861.
Col. H, L, Scott, U. S. Army,
New York:
Concert with Col. William B. Franklin, Brevoort House, and Colonel
Tompkins, quartermaster, to arrest General A. S. Johnston, on his
arrival in New York, perhaps by sending by means of the pilot-boat.
WINFIELD SCOTT.
Headquarters, June 3, 1861.
Commanding Oppicee Department op the West:
(Care Maj. S. Williams, Asst. Adjt. Gen., Saint Louis, Mo.)
The Secretary of War directs that you arrest General A. S. Johnston,
if he returns from California by overland route.
WINFIELD SCOTT.
Headquarters Department op the Pacipic,
Ban Francisco., June 3, 1861.
First Lieut. J. McAllister,
Ordnance Department, Commanding Benicia Arsenal, Cal.:
Sir : The guns for San Diego referred to in your letter of the 18th
instant [ultimo] are to be mounted on siege carriages, not as for a per-
manent battery.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
D. C. BUELL,
Assistant Adjutant- General.
San Bernardino, June 3, 1861.
General E. V. Sumner, U, S. Army,
Commander of tJie Pacific Division :
Dear Sir : I beg to be excused for my presumption in addressing a
letter to you when I am an utter stranger, yet feeling it to bo my duty
which I owe to my country, and believing that a fair, candid statement
concerning the true iMsition of all parties in this lower jwrtiou of the
State may be useful to you, I thus lay them before you. There exists
amongst us through all these southern counties a secret organization
of secessionists, and in a settlement near Los Angeles there is an
organized cavalry company which is ready at almost any moment to
break out, holding an inveterate hatred toward the citizens of this
place, and it is at this point they would make their first attack, and
there are some in our midst who would receive them cheerfully and
help them in their treacherous designs. I speak what I do know. I
have only been here about seven weeks, and commenced the publica-
tion of a paper called the Weekly l*atriot. I have received notice to
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Chap. LXn.) CORRESPONDENCE UNION AND CONFEDERATE. 497
stop the publication of strong Union sentiments, as it will be nnsofe
for me to oontinae them any longer, bat I am not to [be] frightened at
any intimidations or threats. I shall ccmtinue on in the way I have
commenced, and keep a sharp lookout for any disturbance which may
break out. We are, and have been, expecting a rising of the seces-
sionists, notwithstanding the late Union demonstration at Los Angeles,
and nothing but the presence of the U. S. troops prevents them firom
rising there. Secret meetings continne to be held all over this lower
conntry, and secession and disunion is boldly avowed in our streets.
Shooting continues to be the order of the day, and drunken despera-
does and Southern cutthroats damn the Stars and Stripes and endeavor
to create disturbances all of the time. We have a singular population,
composed of Mormons, Mormon apostates, who are even worse, gamblers,
English Jews, and the devil's own population to boot, while we only have
abontadozen good respectablefamiliesrightin town, whoareatthemercy
of these desperadoes; and the secessionists of the Monte are only wait-
ing the withdrawal of the troops from Los Angeles before they com-
mence operations. If a company of dragoons could be stationed here
it would give a feeling of security to every honest citizen and friend of
the Union in this vicinity. Provisions are cheaper here than in any
other part of the country, and it is the key to all the passes leading to
Arizona and Salt Lake, and if a rebellion should arise the troops sta-
tioned here would form a nucleus around which every patriot can rally.
For information as to who I am and my character I would refer you to
Hon. N. Greene Gurtis, grand master of the Grand Lodge of Masons,
J. L. English, Hon. John G. Downey, Governor of this State, and of
every prominent man in Sacramento, of which county I was formerly
surveyor, and for myself I can inform yon that I am a near relative of
Major Sherman, of the flying artillery, U. S. Army, and I have seen
service through the whole of the Mexican campaign.
With this information, hoping to receive an immediate reply, I
remain your obedient servant,
EDWIN A. SHERMAN,
Editor of the Weekly Patriot.
P. S. — I will inform you from time to time whatever news I am able
to gather, so that they may be of service to you.
Yours, truly,
E. A. S.
Department op State,
Washington, June 4, 1861.
Hon. StMON Cameron,
Secretary of War:
Sir : I have the honor to communicate a copy of a letter of the 3d
instant, addressed to this Department by Mr. Thomas Sprague, late
commercial agent of the United States, of La Paz, Lower (Jalifornia,
relative to the supposed designs of the insurgents in this country to
seize upon that province.* It is suggested that orders be given to the
commander of the military forces of the United States on the Pacific
with a view to prevent the execution of any such designs.
I am, sir, your obedient servant,
WILLIAM H. SEWARD.
* See May 3, p. 475.
32 B B — VOL L, PT r
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498 operations on the pacific coast. [ciup. lxil
General Orders, ) Hdqrs. Department of the Pacific,
No. 12. J San Francisco, June 4, lfi61.
Commanding officers of posts will promptly report to this office the
execution of General Orders, No. 13, of April 30, 1861, from the War
Department, requiring officers of the Army "to take and aubscribo
anew the oath of allegiance to the United States of America." Special
mention will be made of any failure to comply with the requireiiicut.s
of the orders.
By order of Brigadier-General Sumner:
D. C. BUELL,
Assistant Adjutant- General.
Headquarters District of Oregon,
Fort Vancouver, Wa«h. Ter., June 4, 1801.
Maj. D. C. Btteli,,
Asst. Adjt. Oen., Hdqrs. Dept. of the Pacific, San Francisco, Gal. :
Major : I deem it my duty to invite the early attention of the gen-
eral commanding the department to the defenseless condition of the
posts and settlements on the Columbia Biver, as well as on the waters
of Puget Sound. At this moment a single hostile steamer could enter
the Columbia Itiver and lay waste all the settlements to the Cascades,
160 miles, as well as the large and flourishing city of Portland, twelve
miles up the Willamette River. Even this post and the ordnance depot
are not prepared for defense against heavy guns. I am fully persuaded
that no time should be lost; that a strong battery should be con-
structed without delay at the mouth of the Columbia on Cape Disap-
pointment Such a battery it is believed would effectually prevent any
hostile ship from attempting to cross that dangerous bar. Point Defi-
ance, twelve or fifteen miles north from Steilacoom, is a good position
for a battery, and would guard the settlements on the sound above that
point. Should any sudden danger threaten this coast, the presence of
a naval force would be indispensably necessary for our protection. At
this moment we are destitute of heavy guns, suitable for sea-coast
defense. Some eight or nine months since I made a requisition on the
War Department for 15,000 stand of small-arms and equipments, as
well as an ample supply of guns of heavy caliber. But my requisitions
and warnings have remained unheeded. The sites which I have above
recommended for planting batteries I had surveyed by an engineer officer
last fall and reserved for fortifications. In an emergency it might be
expedient to dismantle the Massachusetts. I believe she has eight
heavy guns as her present armameiit. I would mostrespectfdlly invite
the general to peruse my communication to the headquarters of the
Army dated about the 20th of October last, in which was fully set forth
the present condition, wants, and future prospects of the Department
of Oregon.
Very respectfully, your most obedient servant,
G. WRIGHT,
Colonel Ninth Infantry, Commanding.
Headquarters op the Army,
Washington, June 5, 1861.
Brigadie^•C^eneral Sumner, U. S. Army,
Commanding the Department of the Pacific, San Francisco, Gal.:
Sir: The General-in-Chief directs that you act in concert with the
naval commander on the Pacific station in preventing, so far as your
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Chap. LXII.) CORRESPONDENCE UNION AND CONFEDERATE. 499
iiteaiis will permit, any plans the secessionists may attempt to execute
lor subjecting or aauexing Lower California to the so-called Southern
Coufederaey.
I am, sir, very respectfully, yonr obedient servant,
E, D, TOWNSEND,
Assistant Adjutant- Oeneral.
Special Orders, ) Hdqbs. Department op the Pacific,
No. OG. ) San Francisco, June 5, IStil.
The ordnance men recently ordered from the Benicia Arsenal for tern-
]>orary duty at Fort Point will be returned to the arsenal without
delay.
By order of Brigadier-General Sumner:
D. O. BUELL,
Assistant Adjutant-General.
Virginia City, June 5, 1861.
General Stthner:
My Dear Sir : The Union men of this portion of our beloved
country are very anxious to have aid from the United States repre-
sentative on the Pacific coast, around which we can rally and protect
this territory from the sympathizers of disunion. Cannot something
be done for ust We are eleven-twelfths Union men, but we are with-
out arms or organization, while the rebels have control of all thepnblic
or private arms here. Our hearts ache on beholding the vile secession
flag floating in our midst, and we unable to destroy it. A single tile of
soldiers with a <M>mmander is all wu want, provided they bring arms fur
us to use.
Tours, truly,
JOSEPH F. ATWILL.
Headquarters,
Fort Churchill, Nco. Ter., June 5, 1861 — 12 p. m.
Maj. Don Carlos Buell,
Assistant Adjutant-General, San Francisco, Gal.:
Major: A committee of gentlemen from Virginia City have just
arrived and given positive information that a body of men numbering
some 200 have organized themselves in favor of the Southern Confed-
eracy. To-day they raised the rebel flag in that place, and say that thoy
will put down any Uniou demonstration that the law-abiding citizens
may attempt to get up. This gang of men is well armed and is com-
posed of such men as have for some mouths bid defiance to the laws
of the Territory. One of their number, Doctor McMeans, late State
treasurer of California, avows openly that he is acting under authority.
It is also rumored that Judge Terry has the commission of Governor
of the Territory from JefF. Davis, and is only waiting the proper oppor-
tunity to act. What reliance may be placed in this rumor is hard to
determine, but the fact of their open organization and the raising of a
rebel flag would warrant us in believing that there must be some truth
in the statement. The Union men in Virginia and its vicinity are
mnch alarmed for fear of their lives and property. They are well
organized, but have no arms, and desire that at least 200 may be fur-
nished them for the preservation of the peace. There are now 200
enrolled and determined to carry out the laws of the United States if
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500 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. (Chap. LXU.
tbey can ouly obtain arms. As they are from the Northern States and
generally qniet citizens they are without even revolvers, which are
UKually carried by the rowdies of this country. At Carson City there
are some eighty odd stand of Minie muskets belonging to the State of
California. These arms are now in charge of a Mr. Blackburn, who is
looked upon with suspicion by Union men. They are also in such a
position that a few resolute men could easily take them. It is feared
that this may be done by persons in Carson who have kept themselves
well posted on the secession movements. I would respectfully request
that two companies be ordered here from California; also that 300
stand of arms with ammunition be sent as early as possible. I should
also add that there is a rumor that the secessionists will attempt to
surprise this post and secure the arms here. Inclosed you will find a
letU't Arom a man who seems to have some information. The writing
has been recognized by one of the gentlemen from Virginia City. He
also says that he is a true man. The wire is down, or a summiwy of
this would have been sent by telegraph.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
GEO. A. H. BLAKE,
Major, First Dragoont, Commanding Post.
[Inclosnre.]
May 25, 1861.
Briogs, Esq.:
As an American citizen I deem it my duty to warn my countrymen
and the lovers of this glorious Union and Constitution, that a company of
107 men have been formed here to help Jeff. Davis and crib, and to take
this Territory and declare it as seceded from the United States Govern-
ment. Those men are enrolled by McMeans. Terry is to join them
soon, and John Brown, the man-killer, is on his way here. Prompt
action is needed. If not, we are all lost. It is the intention of the
party to capture the fort, and take all the arms from it. They have
spoken of Jack Haist, but could not learn anything about it. I am
watching. They boast also of having eighty-three stand of arms in
the hands of Blackburn, sheriff. Now, sir, be cautious. I am ready
lor action — five pounds bullets and one and a half pounds powder to
fight for the Union, for the Constitution, and shoot any traitor I may
meet : So help me God. Keep this to yourself and act accordingly. I
will keep you posted.
[tDdonemoDt.]
The writer's name is Charles Duval, who was afraid to attach his
name. Mr. Duval is a truthful and very reliable man. He was
approached by the McMeans party because he was a Southern man, a
Creole of Louisiana.
JNO, A. COLLINS,
Corresponding Secretary Committee of Safety.
J. L. VAN BOKKELEN,
EPH. SMITH,
Committee.
Headquarters Department of the Pacific,
San Francisco, June 5, 1861.
Henry M. McGill, Esq.,
Aetg. Governor, Territory of Washington, Olympia, Wash. Ter. :
Sir: The general commanding the department has received your
communication of the 23d ultimo, requesting that a supply of arms may
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CHAP.LXII.) CORRESPONDENCE — UNION AND CONFEDERATE. 501
be placed at the disposal of tlie Governor for arming the militia of
Washington Territory. The general directs me to say that under exist-
ing circumstances he would not be authorized to act as you propose,
but that the arms are in readiness, and can be promptly famished when-
ever an emergency arises rendering the issue necessary.
Very respectfally, your obedient servant,
D. 0. BUELL,
Assistant Adjutant-General.
HSADQUABTEBS DEPARTMENT OF THE PACIFIC,
San FranciscOj June 6, 1861.
Ira p. Rankin, Esq.,
U. 8. Colleetor, San Francisco, Gal.:
Sir : In a conversation yesterday with Doctor Babe, U. S. marshal, he
said you were thinking about chartering a small steamer as a revenue
cutter until the revenue cutter belonging to the Government could be
repaired, I do not wish to have or exercise any influence in your
department, but I have no hesitation in saying that I think a cutter of
some kind for the use of the cnstom-house and the marshal is very
necessary at this particular time. I would respectfully suggest that if
you should determine to charter a vessel for the purpose, it would be
well to report the fact immediately to Washington for the sanction of
tbe proper authorities.
I am, sir, very resi)ectftilly, your obedient servant,
E. V. SUMNER,
Brigadier- General, U. S. Army, Commanding.
Headquarters Department of the Pacific,
San Francisco, June 6, 1861.
Maj. G. A, H. Blake,
First Dragoons, Commanding Fort Churchill, Nev. Ter. :
Sir : The general commanding the department proposes to increase
the garrison of your post by one or two companies of infantry, and he
directs that you at once make the necessary preparation for quartering
them. If buildings are to be erected they must be of the simplest
character that will answer the purpose of temporary shelter; probably
adobes will be the cheapest. Boards for flooring will be dispensed
with, and shingle roofing also, unless it will cost very much less than
heretofore at yonr jiost. The determination of this question must be
referred to headquarters. All the labor must be performed by the
troops.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
D. C. BUELL,
Assistant Adjutant- General.
Mesilla, Ariz. Teb., June 6, 1861.
Dr. E. N. Covet,
Late of the U. 8, Army:
Dear Sib: You will confer a great favor on the citizens of this Ter-
ritory by representing to the department at Montgomery our exposed
condition, with which you are perfectly familiar. We desire above all
things a Territorial organization by the Confederate States of America,
the subjugation of all the Indian tribes, and the administration of law
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502 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. (Chap. LXII.
and justice. Should tlie Confederate Congress not deem it prudent to'
give us these, please ask that means be sent to this Territory to arm
and equip one volunteer regiment to be kept iu active service against
the marauding savages. This would insure us peace with the Indians,
would strengthen and perpetuate that sympathy with the South which
now is unanimous. All this may be done without any conflict with the
U. S. troops now here, unless it should be desired by the government of
theC'onfederate States of America. You will also please represent that
most, if not all, the officers who are not Republicans or Abolitionists
in the U. S. Army will resign, and the vacancies will be filled by those
who are opposed to the South, leaving in our midst directly opposed to
the sentiments of the community, and between the marauding Indian
and an opposition army without protection and laws, it is fair to con-
clude that ere twelve months, abolitionism will be preached among as
without fear, and hence opposition and open contest for ^North and
South. Ton will be able to explain this more fully, and by so doing
will confer a lasting favor on thepeople of Arizona and render the Con-
federate States of America some service, too.
With best wishes and the hope that you may have an opportunity of
vindicating our country in redressing her wrongs, we are, your obedient
servants,
SAML. J. JONES.
R. P. KELLBY.
JAS. A, LUCAS.
L. S. OWINGS.
Headquabtees Department of the Pacific,
San Francisco, Cal., June 7, 1861.
His Excellency J. (t. Downey,
Governor of California, Sacramento, Cal.:
Sm: I have been informed of the organization and partial armament
of a body of men in Carson Valley for the purpose of overawing the
Union portion of the population there, and involving the Territory in
the cause of secession and opposition to the Federal authority. Appre-
hension has been expressed of the seizure by these persons of certain
arms at Carson City belonging to the State of California. I have there-
fore deemed it proper to take measures to secure them. The responsi-
ble agent will be furnished with the necessary receipts and the arms
held subject to your orders.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
B. V. SUMNER,
Brigadier- General, U. S. Army, Commanding
Special Obdebs. ) Hdqes. Depabtment of the Pacific,
No. 97. I San Francisco, June 7, 1861.
1. Company G, Sixth Infantry, after being filled up by details from
the other infantry companies at Benicia, will embark by steamer at 7
o'clock this afternoon for Sacramento, thence by railroad to Folsom,
thence it will march to Fort Churchill with all convenient dispatch, and
report to the commanding officer for duty. The company will go pre-
pared for temporary and active service. It will take ten days' rations,
fifty rounds of ammunition, and only the necessary camp baggage.
The deputy quartermaster-general will have iu readiness the necessary
transportation for this movement.
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CK*p. LXn.) COEEESPONDENCE ^UNION AND CONFEDEBATE. 503
2. Colonel Wright, cominaudiiig the District of Oregon, will send to
this place with the greatest possible dispatch seven of the infantry com-
panies which can l«8t be spared from his command. They will receive
orders for their farther destination on arriving here. The qnartermas-
ter's department will provide the necessary transportation by water for
these movements.
3. Fort Tejon will be abandoned withont delay, and the garrison (the
headquarters, and baud, and company First Dragoons) will take post at
Los Angeles. The movable public property will be transferred to the
same place, and until that is effected an ordnance sergeant, or, if nee-
esssary, a subaltern, with a few privates, will remain in charge.
• ••••••
By order of Brigadier-General Sumner:
D. C. BUELL,
Assistant Adjutant-General.
Benicia, June 7, 1861—2.10 p. m.
Maj. D. O. BuELL,
Assistant Adjutant- General:
Your dispatch this moment received. Company G, Sixth Infantry,
will move as directed this evening at 7 o'clock.
W. SEA WELL,
Colonel Sixth Infantry, Commanding.
San Francisco, June 7, 1861.
Commanding Officer,
Fort T^on, Cal.:
Fort Tejou will be abandoned and the garrison and property trans-
ferred to Los Angeles. Be prepared to move as soon as the order is
received by mail.
By order:
D. C. BUELL,
Assistant Adjutant- General.
San Fkancisoo, June 7, 1861.
Maj. George A. H. Blake,
Commanding Fort Churchill, Nev. Ter. :
Has Captain Moore accomplished the object of his mission and
returned! Do you require more re-enforcements besides the infantry
company which started on the 7th f
By order:
D. C. BUELL,
Assistant Adjutant- Gmeral.
Headquarters Department op the Pacific,
San Francisco, June 7, 1861.
Judge Gordon N. Mott,
Associate Justice of the Territory of Nevada, Marysville, Cal. :
Sir : The general commanding the department has received informa-
tion which leaves no doubt in his mind of the organization of an armed
body of men in Carson Valley, having for their object to involve the
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504 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. (Oha». Lxn.
people of that Territory in the cause of secession and opposition to the
anthority of the General Government. This information he deems suf-
ficient to justify proceedings for treason against certain leaders engaged
in the movement. As yet the government recently provided by act of
Oongress tbr the Territory of Nevada has not been organized, and there
is no anthority at hand tbr the issuance of a writ for the arrest of the
offenders. It has^ccurred to the general that having the appointment
of the President as one of the justices of the Territory, you may under
the circumstances feel yourself authorized to issne the writ. The gen-
eral would desire, if practicable, that the arrest of these treasonable
acts shall be eltiected through regular judicial proceedings, and if such
means do not exist, then others must be resorted to. He has directed
me, therefore, to bring the subject to your attention along with some
of the information on which the proceedings against the leading dis-
turbers of the peace would be based, and he requests that you will
give him at the earliest possible moment your views in regard to your
duty in the matter, and information as to the steps you may decide
upon, so that he may be prepared to second you, or else take, himself,
such steps as may seem necessary. The general directs me to suggest
to you, with deference whether in case you should consider your author-
ity adequate to such a ste]), and in view of the absence of all the civil
functionaries of the new Territorial government, it would not be well
for you to repair to the scene of threatened disturbance, where, under
the protection and support of the military commander, you" may be able
to act more advisedly and eflBcieutly.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
D. C. BUBLL,
Assistant Adjuta/nt-Otmeral.
Headquarters Dbpaetment op the Pacific,
San Francisco, June 7, 1861.
Col. George Weight,
Ninth Infty,, Comdg, Dist, of Oregon, Fort Vancouver, Wash. Ter. :
Sir: Under anticipated exigencies the general commanding the
department deems it necessary to withdraw a portion of the troops in
your district for the purpose of increasing the force in this portion of
the department. The proper orders are inclosed herewith.* The gen-
eral desires to leave entirely to your judgment the designation of the
points from which these troops can best be spared. It is considered
important, however, that they should be sent forward with the utmost
dispatch without waiting for each other. If this unavoidable with-
drawal of troops from your command should jeopardize its quiet, their
place must probably in that emergency be supplied by volunteers, and
on these points the general will be glad to have your views.
Very respectluUy, your obedient servant,
D. C. BUELL,
Assistant Adjutant- General.
War Department,
June 8, 1861.
Hon. W. H. Seward,
Secretary of State:
Sir : In accordance with yonr suggestion of the 4th instant the com-
mander of the forces on the Pacific Coast will be instructed to take
• See Special Orders, No. 97, p. 502.
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CK*p. Lxn.] CORRESPONDENCE — ^UNION AND CONFEDERATE. 505
roeasnres to preTent the execation of auy deHigii that may be enter-
taioed by tbe insnrgeuts of seizing Lower Califoruia.
Very re8i)ectfiilly, your obMlient Bervaiit,
S. CAMERON,
Secretary of War.
Special Orders, » Hdqrs. Department of the Pacific,
No. 98. } San FrancMco, June 8, 1861.
• ••••••
3. Captain Ord's battery, Third Artillery, prepared for temporary
and active service, will proceed at once by ste^uner to Sacramento, and
thence march to Fort Charchill and report to the commanding officer.
The deputy qnartermaster-general will have the necessary transportation
ready by Monday morning next. Captain Ord will send information
to M^or Blake of his approach in time to enable the latter to give him
instructions at Carson City, if necessary, concerning his further move
ments.
By order of Brigadier-General Sumner:
D. C. BUBLL,
Assistant Adjutant-General.
Virginia, June 8, 1861—10.30 a. m.
Maj. D. C. BuELL, U. S, Army,
Assistant Adjutant- General:
I have taken fifty stand of arms in Carson and Silver City. The
Union men of this place have formed two companies. Tlie oath is
strong. Will I turn over the arms to them t Tbe secession flag was
to have been raised again today. My arrival put a stop to the movt^
ment. Will I take as prisoners those who refttse to turn over public
armsf
T. MOORE,
Captain and Assistant Quartermaster.
San Francisco, June 8, 1861.
Oapt. T. Moore,
Assistant Quartermaster, Virginia City, 2fev. Ter. :
Issue the arms on receipt of responsible persons. Seize any public
arnus that are in store. Those who resist, disarm and make prisoners.
By order:
D. C. BUELL,
Assistant Adjutant- General.
Headquabters Department of the Pacific,
San iyaneispo, June 8, 1861.
Col. W. Sbaweix,
Siasth Infantry, Commanding Benieia Barracks, Cal.:
Sir: The general commanding the department has been advised that
the steamer Diana, now lying at Benieia, has recently been under con-
sideration by certain jjcrsons with a view to fit lier up with an arma-
ment to be employed, as is suspected, for unlawful purposes against the
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506 OPERA TT0N8 ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Chap. LXn.
Government or commerce of tlie country. He desires that you will
have this vessel nuder the special ubKcrvatiun of some officer uow at
hand, and instantly report »ny suspicious movements about her.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
D. 0. BUELL,
Assistant Adjutant-General.
San Francisco, June 8, 1861.
Maj. G. A. H. Blake,
First Dragoons, Commanding Fort Churchill, Nev. Ter. :
A full company of infantry left Benicia yesterday for your post*
More troops will follow.
By order:
D. O. BUELL,
Assistant Adjutant- General.
Marysville, June 8, 1861.
Maj. D. 0. BuBii,,
Assistant Adjutant- General :
Sir: Your letter of yesterday has just been received, and in reply I
have to say that lifter a very careful examination of the act of Congress
organizing the Territory of Nevada I have come to the conclusion that
I would not be authorized to act in the matter mentioned in your com-
munication. The Governor has not arrived, the Territory has not been
divided into judicial districts, and there is not a single territorial officer
there. Until steps are taken for the organization of the territorial
government I am of the opinion that I have no power to act in the
premises.
Very re8i)ectfully, your obedient servant,
GOEDON N. MOTT.
Headquarters Department op the Pacific,
San Francisco, June 10, 1861.
Col. Lorenzo Thomas, U. S. Army,
Assistant Adjutant- General, Washington, D. C:
Sir : I have the honor to report that I have found it necessary to
withdraw from Oregon a considerable part of the force stati<med there
to reeufbrce the troops in California and Nevada Territory. The troops
withdrawn are three companies of artillery, and will be nine of infantry.
There is no secession element in Oregon and nothing to apprehend
there but the possibility of some Indian disturbances, which seem to
me of little consequence in comparison to preserving the integrity of
the Union. As I reported on the 25th of April, I believe there is a
large majority of Union men in this State, but they are supine from
confidence, while there is an active and zealous party of secessionists
who will make all the mischief they can. I have checked them in the
southern part of this State by placing a strong command at Los
Angeles, and they are now trying to organize in Nevada Territory,
but I am moving re-enforcements rapidly to Fort Churchill, which will
put down this movement. The leaders of this party claim to be acting
by authority from the Montgomery government, which gives them
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CBAF. LXn.) CORRESPONDENCE UNION AND CONFEDERATE. 507
some weight in the country. In concentrating troops to meet tliese
contingencies I have been obliged to break np the posts of Ter-Waw
and Tejon, bat they bad ceased to be of any importance as military
posts. I would respectfnlly and earnestly represent the great impor-
tance of organizing the civil government in Nevada Territory imme-
diately. I believe if the Governor and other offlcials had been there
this difficnlty wonld not have arisen. There is no law or government
there at all, and the Territory is a place of refuge for disorganizers
and other unruly spirits. I wonld remind the (ieneral-inGhi4>f that if
ho needs my services at the East I can make such arrangements that
(everything will be secure here. I would not say this unless I knew I
could do it.
Very respectfully, yonr obedient servant,
E. V. SUMNER,
Brigadier- Oeneralj U, 8, Army, Commanding.
Special Orders, ) Hdqrs. Depabxubnt op the Pacific,
Ho. 99. i San Francisco, June 10, 1S61.
1. The order for the movement of Captain Ord's battery to Fort
Ghurchill is countermanded.
• ••••••
7. Company D, Fourth Infantry, will take post temporarily at the
Presidio.
• • • • • • • '
By order of Brigadier-General Sumner:
D. C. BITBLL,
A ssistan t A dju tatit- Genera 1.
Fort Churchill, June 10, iSGl—io a. m.
Maj. D. C. BUELL,
Assistant Adjutant-General:
Captain Moore has just returned, having accomplished his mission.
The force now en route is all that will be required here. Captain Moore
issued the arms taken by him to a company enrolled last night at Vir-
ginia. The arms called for in my order will be required. There are
now 4(10 men formed and sworn to support the Federal Government at
Virginia. Good security will be given for the arms and ammunition.
Letter will explain more fully to-morrow.
GEO. A. H. BLAKE,
Major, First Dragoons, Commanding.
(Received June 10, 1861.)
Brig. Gen. E. V. Sumner, U. S. Army,
Commanding the Department of California, dr. ;
The undersigned citizens of Siskiyou County, State of California,
residing east of Yreka City, on the Indian frontier, in Butte Creek
Valley and vicinity, would respectfully represent that we are exposed
to the depredations of the tribes of Indians located east of us; that
there is nothing to restrain these Indians fl-om hostile incursions since
the company of U. S. troops stationed near the Klamath Lakes last
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508 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. (Chap. LXJL
year was ordered to Oregon. They farther represent that these Indians,
composed principally of the Modoc and Klamath Lakes tribes, make
frequent inroads into our settlements and plunder oar cabins and drive
off onr stock, and keep as in constant apprehension and anxiety as to
the safety of oar lives. In consideration of these facts, and for the
purpose of protecting us from the raids and robberies of these Indians,
we earnestly and respectfully pray that you will have stationed at some
suitable point on this frontier a snfBcient military force (and respect-
fully suggest that one company of U. S. troops would be sufScient) to
protect as from the above-mentioned dangers until we become suffici-
ently numerous to protect ourselves.
JOHN B. EOHBER,
WM. RITCHIE,
JOSEPH BASBT,
[And 24 OTHBBS.]
[Fint Indonsmant.]
I would respectfhlly state that I am acquainted with the character of
the Indians mentioned in this petition and the locality of the i)etitionerB,
and am satisfied that a military force is necessary to protect them from
the raids and dangers which they represent in this petition, and there-
fore respectfully add my name, asking that their prayer may be granted.
A. M. ROSBOROUGH,
County Judge of SisMyou County^ Cal.
(Second indorsement.]
Since this petition was circulated the Indians have ordered the citi-
zens of Butte Creek Valley to leave or they would run off their stock.
I think you would greatly subserve the interest of those citizens if you
would send them a few troops for their protection.
R. M. MARTIN,
Major- Oeneral, Sixth Division Oali/ornia Militia.
FOBT Bbaog, Cal., June 10, 1861.
Lieut J. P. Martin,
Seventh Infantry, Commanding Detachment in Field:
Sir: Inclosed find copies of nil the instructions received by me and
which will govern you.* Captain Ijovell directs that any report of
importance will l>e made through this command to the department
headquarters and a copy sent to him. Keep two packers and seven or
eight animals to pack provision for the scouting parties, and send the
rest of the train back. Let those animals that you keep be mules. The
identical mules and equipage that came with the volunteers must go
back with them, when they go in to be mustered, but you will count
those animals among the number above mentioned to be kept at your
camp. Let me know when the train comes in what quantity (about) of
pork you have on hand. Should you fail to see Lientenant Collins as
expected at the crossing of the East Fork of Eel River, you will have
to take your volunteers into Humboldt by the 17th July, So arrange
it as to let them be at Hyde's Run on the 4th, and yet lose as little time
as jMSsible. I cannot tell when I will get ont.
Very respectfully, your most obedient,
EDWARD DILLON,
Second Lieutenant, Sixth Infantry, Commanding.
'Not found as inclosures.
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Chap. LXU.) CORRESPONDENCE ^UNION AND CONFEDERATE. 609
Special Orders, ) Headquarters District ov Ore<k>n,
No. 7. J Fort VancouveTf Wa»h. Ter., June 10, 1861.
Company F, Fourth Infantry, will be moved without delay to Port-
land, Oreg., prepared to embark on the next steamer for Sau Francisco.
Ou arriving at San Francisco, Captain Floyd-Jones will report to the
general commanding the department. The quartermaster's department
will furnish the necessary transportation.
By order of Colonel Wright:
JNO. S. MASON,
First Lieut., Third Artillery, Acting Assistant Adjutant- Oeneral.
Special Orders, ) Headquarters District op Oregon,
No. 8. ) Fort Vancouver, Wash. Ter., June 10, 1S61.
I. Captain Dent with his company (B, Ninth Infantry) will move
without delay from Fort Walla Walla to Fort Cascades, and relieve
Captain Wallen, Fourth Infantry, in command of that post.
II. Captain Wallen, after being relieved by Captain Dent, will pro-
ceed with his company by first steamer to San Francisco and report to
the general commanding the department.
III. Captain Archer with his company (I, Ninth Infantry) will march
without delay from Fort Colville and take post at Fort Walla Walla.
IV. The quartermaster's department will furnish the necessary trans-
portation to insure the prompt execution of the movements above
ordered. Captain Dent's company will be sent down from Old Fort
Walla Walla by water.
By order of Colonel Wright:
JNO. S. MASON,
First Lieut., Third Artillery, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General.
Headquarters Department of the Pacific,
San Fraiidsco. June 11, 1861.
Edwin A. Sherman, Esq.,
San Bernardino, Cal.:
Sir: The general commanding the department has received yonr
communication of the 3d instant. He directs me to reply that the
necessary employment of troops elsewhere will prevent him from estab-
lishing a company of dragoons at San Bernardino as you suggest, but
ho hopes that the concer tration of a more considerable force at a point
not far distant will accomplish the same object.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
D. C. BUELL,
Assistant Adjutant- Oeneral.
Headquarters,
FoH Churchill, Nev., June 11, 1861.
Maj. D. C. BUELL,
Asst. Adjt. Oen., Sdqrs, Dept. of the Pacific, San Francisco, Cat. ;
Major : I would respectfully report that in carrying out your instruc-
tions by telegram of June 6, 1861, Captain Moore, assistant quarter-
master, was directed to proceed to Carson City, accompanied by twenty
dragoons, under the command of Lieutenant Baker, and take possession
of all such public arms as might be held by citizens of that place or
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510 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. (Chap. LXU.
vicinity. Inclosed you will find the report of his action and the suc-
cess with which he carried out his instructions from these headquar-
ters. Captain Moore reports that the rumor that the secession organi-
zation in Virginia did intend to surprise this post and secure the
arms here had a foundation in fact, and that the secession flag raised
there on the 6th was undoubtedly to ascertain the strength of the
secession feeling in the Territory. From all that can be learnetl I think
that the force now en route for this post will be suflBcient to preserve
the Fedetal authority intact. I would, however, recommend that the
arms called for in ray letter of the 6th of June be forwarded, as the
Union feeling is strong in and about Virginia, but unfortunately the
law-abiding citizens are without arms and ammunition. I received
June 4 a letter from Mr. Buckley, superintendent of the Overland Mail
Company. He reports the Indians as qiiiet and as evincing a disiiosi-
tion to remain so. They are very poor, having but little food, and are
really in a most destitute condition. U p to the present time everything
remains quiet in Virginia.
I am, sir, with great respect, your most obedient servant,
GEO. A. H. BLAKE,
Major, First Dragoons, Commanding Post.
[Inplosnie.]
FoET CnuECHiLL, Nev., June 10, 1861.
Maj. Geoboe a. H. Blake,
First Dragoons, Commanding:
Major : I have the honor to report that, in accordance with your
instructions of June 7, 1861, 1 proceeded to Carson, with the detach-
ment of twenty dragoons under the command of Lieutenant Baker.
On my arrival at that place I called upon Mr. John Blackburn to turn
over to me the public arms in his possession. Those he had in Carson
were at once transferred to me, he at the same time giving an order on
Captain Curtis and Mr. Shiririch, of Silver City, for twenty-one stand
left in their charge for safekeeping. While in Silver City I heard of a
number of muskets supposed to be in the hands of different individuals.
On examining the houses of these persons none were to be found, and
they all stated that the arms had been turned over to Benjamin F. Lip-
pincott, who was the quartermaster of the command under Colonel
Ilays and who had authority to receipt for the arms of the command.
At Silver City I learned that the secession flag was to be raised at 10
o'clock that day in Virginia City. Although my orders did not con-
template any resistance on the part of the i)eoplo or that a demonstra-
tion adverse to the Federal authority would be made, 1 believed that
the putting down of any movement of that nature would meet with your
approbation.
On my arrival at Virginia everything was comparatively quiet,
although there was considerable excitement among the advocates of
the Southern rebellion. Immediate examination of all buildings sus-
pected of containing arms was made. The building on which the rebel
flag was hoisted a few days since was found to contain no arms, and
the proprietor assured me that the flag was hoisted more for a joke than
with the intention of causing any excitement. His statement, I believe,
was intended for a blind, as I was subsequently informed from the most
reliable residents of the place that there was, beyond a doubt, an
organization to subvert the authority of the Federal Government in
this Territory and declare in favor of the Confederate States. That
there are arms in or near Virginia there can be no doubt, but the
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CHAP.IJai.) C0RBE8P0NDENCE UNION AND CONPKDEEATE. 511
organization lias been so close in its operations that tlie resitonsibility
can be placed on no one individual, uor can the Union men trace tbem
to the haunts where they are probably secreted. Information against
Captain Caperton of a nature sufficiently strong was presented as to
warrant his appreheusion. I was obliged to release him, as he brought
witnesses to swear that the arms belonged to Oaptain Stover and the
ones referred to had been turned in to the quartermaster of the com-
mand, Benjamin F. Lippincott. The arms secured by me were, by the
direction of General Sumner, commanding department, turned over
to a company enrolled in Virginia on the night of the 9th for the
especial i)rotection of the interests of the Union. Two companies were
formed, of fifty men each, who, in addition to the oath of the club, were
sworn to faithful obedience to the President and the laws of the Federal
Government, to suppress rebellion, and to be ready at any moment to
yield obedience to the President or other loyal authority under him for
the preservation of the Union. Four hundred men are already enrolled.
Of these one hundred are armed: the remainder, from the want of
arras, are unable to place themselves in a state of such efficiency as
they desire, but hope the general commanding will soon furnish the
requisite arms and ammunition to enable them to carry out the object
of their organization. After having taken such precautionary meas
nres for the conservation of peace as I thought best, I returned to this
])0$t. In conclusion, I would call your attention to the faithful and
efficient manner in which Lieutenant Baker and the men of his com-
niand carried out the orders given them under circumstances i)eculiarly
embarrassing to an ofBcer of the Army.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
T. MOORE,
Captain and Assistant Quartermaster.
(Indorsement.]
Hbadqitartees Department op the Pacific,
San Francisco, June 19, ISCl.
The seizure of the arms as herein reported had the effect to check
at once the action of the secessionists in Nevada Territoiy.
UespectfuUy forwarded to Army headquarters.-
E. V. SUMNER,
Brigadier- General, U. S. Artny, Commanding.
Headqxtartbhs District op Oregon,
Fort Vancouver, Wash. Ter., June 11, 1861.
Maj. D. 0. BiTELL,
Asst. Adjt. Oen., Hdqrs. Dept. of the Pacific, San Francisco, Cal. :
Major: Special Orders, No. 93, of Slst ultimo, reached me yester-
day. My orders transmitted to you by this mail will inform you of my
action in the case.* The steamer is now at Portland, and will probably
leave on her return trip to San Francisco to-morrow evening. It is not
possible to send down either of the companies by this steamei-, but they
will both be in readiness to embark on the next. Oaptain Black with
his company from Fort Dalles reached here last evening.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
G. WRIGHT,
Colonel Xinth Infantry, Commanding.
* S»« next, po$t.
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512 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Cbap. LXn.
Special Obdbbs, ) Headqttabtebs District of Oregon,
No. 9. ) Fort Vancouver, Weuh. Ter., June 11, 1861.
I. Fort Cascades will be abandoned forthwith, and the pablic prop-
erty of every description turned over to the proper departments at Fort
Vancouver. Major Babbitt and Lieutenant Mason will send their
agents to the Cascades by the steamer to-morrow to receive the quar-
termaster's and commissary property Irom Captain Wallen. Captain
Wallen after turning over his public property will proceed with the
greatest dispatch and embnrk his company on the steamer Cortez, now
at Portland, and comply with his previous orders.
II. Company I, Ninth Infantry, under orders for Fort Walla Walla,
will continne its march to Fort Dalles, descending the Columbia River
by water. Company E, Ninth Infantry, under onlers for Fort Dalles,
will continue its march without delay to Fort Vancouver, where its
commander will receive further orders.
III. Captain Dent, Ninth Infantry, with his company (B), under
orders for Fort Cascades, will continne his march to Fort Hoskins and
relieve Captain Angnr, Fourth Infantry, in command of that post.
Captain Angur will then proceed without delay with his company to
Portland and embark on the first steamer for San Francisco, where he
will report to the department commander.
IV. Fort Yamhill will be abandoned. The chiefs of the staff depart-
ments at these headqnarters will take immediate measures to receive
and secure the public property. Captain Kossell, Fourth Infantry,
with his company (K) will move promptly to Portland, and embark on
the first steamer for San Francisco, where he will report t>o the depart-
ment commander.
V. Camp Pickett, on San Juan Island, and Fort Townsend will be
abandoned and the pnblic property sent to Fort Steilacoom. Captain
Pickett, with Company D, Ninth Infantry, and Captain Hunt, with
Company C, Fourth Infantry, will embark on the first steamer for San
Francisco. Major Ketchum, Fourth Infantry, will proceed with this
command, and on his arrival at San Francisco report to the department
commander.
VI. Camp Chehalis will be abandoned. The public property that
cannot be removed, together with the bnildings, will be placed in charge
of a responsible agent. The company at Camp Chehalis (A, Fourth
Infontry), will then move promptly to the month of the Columbia Biver
and embark on the first steamer for San Francisco, where the com-
mander will report to the department commander.
VII. The assistant quartermaster at Fort Steilacoom will employ the
Massachusetts in removing the pnblic property from the posts aban-
doned on the sound, and place the buildings in charge of responsible
agents.
Vin. The officers of the medical department at Forts Yamhill, Cas-
cades, and Townsend, and Camps Pickett and Chehalis, will accompany
their respective commands.
IX. The officers of the quartermaster's department will furnish the
necessary transportation to insure a prompt execution of the move-
ments herein ordered.
By order of Colonel Wright:
JNO. S. MASON,
First Lieut., TMrd Artillery, Acting Assistant Adjutant- Oeneral.
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CHAT.LXn.) C0EBE8P0NDENCE UNION AND CONFEDERATE. 513
Benicia Arsenal, June 12, 186J.
Maj. D. 0. Bttell, U. S. Army,
As»t. Adjt. Oen., Hdqrs. J)ept. of the Pacific, San Francisco:
Sib : Please find below some information in reference to the arms and
accouterments for issue to volunteers for tbe general commanding the
department. We have on hand the following: 9:10 rifled muskets,
caUber .58, directed to be issued to militia; 4,0(^ altered arms, caliber
.69, with Maynard's primers, and about 4,000 sets of infantry accouter- "
ments. The above is the amount we have at the arsenal without
counting the arms and accouterments at Alcatraz Island.
I am, sir, very i-espectfully, your obedient servant,
J. MCALLISTER,
First Lieutenant of Ordnance, Commanding,
Hbadqttabters Department op the Pacific,
San Francisco, June 12, 1861,
Col. George Wright,
Ninth Infantry, U. S. Army,
Comdg. Bist. of Oregon, Fort Vancouver, Wash. Ter. :
Sir: I have submitted to the department commander your commu-
nication of tbe 4th instant relative to the defenseless condition of the
coast of Oregon and Washington Territory. He directs me to say that
although he appreciates the importance of the subject, yet the urgent
necessity for troops at other points with a view both to our Indian and
internal relations, renders it impossible to adopt the means which you
recommend for coast defense. He directs me to say also that if you
should find the safety of the frontier settlements in your district against
Indian hostilities will be seriously jeopardized by the withdrawal of as
many companies as were called for in Special Orders, No. 97, of the 7th
instant, you may diminish the number to four.
Verv respectfully, your obedient servant,
D. C. BUBLL,
Assistant Adjutant- General,
Headquarters Department op the Pacific,
San Francisco, June 13, 1861.
Oapt. Charles S. Lovell,
Sixth Infantry, U. 8. Army, Commanding Fort Humboldt, Oal. :
Sir: A report has been made to this oflQce by Lieut. Edward Dillon
that parties of white men are engaged in stealing and carrying or sell-
ing into bondage the children of the Indians in the district in which he
is operating. He states as a reliable report that as many as forty or
fifty Indian children have been taken through Long Valley within the
last four months and sold, both in and out of the country. The depart-
ment commander directs that you use all means in your power to pre-
vent such infamous practice.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
D. C. BUBLL,
Assistant Adjutant-Oetieral.
33 R B — VOL l, pt I
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514 OPEBATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Cbap. txn.
Wab Department, June 13, 1861.
Ool. J. D. Stevenson,
San Francisco:
Sib: I bave the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of
the 4th ultimo, with iuclosure, offering to raise a regiment or bri^de
in California for service in that State. The Department has full confi-
dence in your ability to command such a force, and in your loyalty to
•the Government, so well attested by your former well-known services,
but it cannot at present give the leave asked for to raise the proposed
regiment or brigade. Circumstances may hereafter occur to render
such a step necessary, but existing circumstances do not seem to
warrant it.
Bespectfttlly,
SIMON CAMERON
Secretary of War.
Special Obdebs, ) Hdqbs. Department op the Pacipic,
No. 102. ) San Francisco, June 14, 1861.
I. In pursuance of Special Orders, No. 136, from the Adj utant-General's
OfBce, the engineer detachment at Alcatraz Island will sail on the
steamer of the 21st for the East. The three men of the detachment
recently ordered on reconnaissance with ' Lieutenant McPherson will
accompany it.
• ••••••
By order of Brigadier-General Sumner:
D. 0. BUELL,
Assistant Adjutant- General.
Headquabtebs Distbict of Obeoon,
Fort Vancouver, Wash. Ter., June 14, 1861.
Maj. D. C. BuBLL,
Asst. Adjt. Oen., Edqrs. Dept. of the Pacific, San Francisco, Cal. :
Majob: On receipt of Department Special Orders, No. 93, on the
10th instant, I ordered two companies to proceed to San Francisco,
although the order left it discretionary with me whether I would send
a second company or not. On the night of the 11th instant I received.
Department Special Orders, No. 97, and immediately issued instruc-
tions in compliance therewith, which you will receive by this maU.
Under the circumstances of the case I was compelled to consider the
second company, detached by me under Special Orders, No. 93, as
one of the seven required by Special Orders, No. 97. I have been com-
pelled to withdraw the troops entirely from Forts Cascades, Tamhill,
and Townsend, as well as Camps Pickett and Chehalis. I have taken
measures for the removal of the public property and the security of the
buildings until required again for troops. Since August last fifteen
companies have been withdrawn from this district, leaving now only
thirteen, many of them much in want of recruits, the companies of the
Ninth Infantry, on Puget Sound, being only about half full. I shall
send down by the Cortez Captain Wallen, with his company (H), Fourth
Infantry, and Lieutenant Fleming, with Company E, Ninth Infantry.
The remaining six companies cannot possibly be sent before the return
of the Pacific. Although nothing was said in the orders about the
medical officers, yet, presuming that their services might be required
with the troops, and not being required in this district, I ordered all
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CHAP. LXEL] CORSESPONDENCE — UNION AND CONFEDBEATE. 515
attached to the abandoned posts to accompany their respective com-
mands. Yesterday I received the order for Surgeon Barnes to repair
to 2^ew York, hence it becomes necessary to relieve him in bis duties
at Fort Vancouver, and further in view of the possible want of a medi-
cal officer to meet any contingencies which might arise In this quarter,
I determined to retain Assistant Surgeons Brown and Bidgely, as you
will perceive by my orders transmitted. The whole of the Fourth
Infantry remaining in this district having been ordered to San Fran-
cisco, I have deemed it proper to order Major Ketchuni, of that regi-
ment, to accompany the troops of his post. I did not deem it proper
for me to interfere with the headquarters of the Fourth, it having been
located at Fort Dalles by orders from Army Headquarters. I would
respectfully suggest that the general would take into consideration the
propriety of the removal of the Fourth Infantry headquarters to the
southern district of the department. The force in this district is so
much reduced that an effective campaign against Indians on a scale of
any magnitude is out of the question. All that we can do is to afford
general protection to the frontier settlements. It will be borne in mind
that the Kinth Infantry has 2 officers and 100 picked men on the
escort for Lieutenant MuUau's wagon-road expedition, and an officer
with some thirty men as escort for the Bouudaiy Commission, and that
an officer with twenty men from the company of dragoons at Fort Dalles
is at the Warjn Springs Keservation. Although quiet at this moment
throughout the district, yet, prudeutially, I would recommend that the
district commander be autborized to muster into the service of the
United States such number of troops as might be absolutely necessary.
More than two years since, when Fort Simcoe was abandoned, an ord-
nance sergeant was left at that post in charge of the ordnance and
quartermaster's property. He is still there, and possibly has a little
public x)roperty on hand. I would recommend that the sergeant, with
his property, be brought in to Fort Dalles and the sergeant then dis-
posed of as the general may deem proper.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
G. WRIGHT,
Colonel Ninth Infantry, (Jommanding.
FouT Cascades, Wash. Tbr., June 14, 1861.
Maj. D. C. BUELL,
Astt, Adjt. Gen., Hdqra. Dept. of the Pacific, San Francisco, Cal. :
Sib : I have the honor to report that I have this day abandoned this
post, by instructions received from the headquarters District of Oregon,
dated Fort Vancouver, Wash. Ter., June 11, 1861. The public property
was all duly turned over to the proper departments at Fort Vancouver.
Inclosed is the post return to date.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
U. D. WALLEN,
Captain, Fourth Infantry, Commanding.
FoET Walla Walla, Wash. Teb., June 14, 1861.
Col. L. Thomas,
Aaaistant Adjutant- General, Washington, D. C:
Sib: I would beg leave very respectfully to submit for the considera-
tion of the Honorable Secretary of War a few facts in relation to this
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516 ■ OPEEATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Chap. Lxn.
Fort Benton wagon road and its influence apon military operations in
tbis portion of the country. We have this summer, in addition to the
disturbed state of the country at home, which has withdrawn a portion
of the troops from Oregon, a mining excitement which is pouring all
the restless and loose portion of the community into the Nez Perc6 conn-
try, and upon the very land which was promised them as their own
exclusive soil, to be exempt from all encroachments of the whites.
The Indians are naturally dissatisfied, and to keep peace troops will be
needed in their very midst. Tbis takes one company of dragoons from
this post, who are now on the reservation, and there should be another
oat. There is a prospect also of a large emigration tbis summer via
Fort Hall, and unless troops be on the road from tbis post to keep it
clear of the Snakes there will be a repetition of last year's massacre at
Salmon Falls, an occurrence too horrible almost to contemplate. It is
also advisable to keep our posts suflSciently garrisoned for the protec-
tion of the public property. To meet all these requirements, with the
drain upon us by Lieutenant Mullau's expedition for men and supplies,
is too much. His escort of 100 men requires transportation and
employes to be paid for out of the quartermaster's appropriation for
this post to the amount of more than $100,000 a year, thereby embar-
rassing the regular and legitimate operations of the post — aud to what
purpose? His road has already cost $300,000, and now be can't travel
the portion between tbis and the Bitter Boot Mountains, a distance of
200 or 300 miles, but iie is making a new road farther to the north, and
when that is completed it will only be practicable a very few months in
each year on account of the water, which renders the country a perfect
lake. The road will never be a suitable emigrant or military road com-
pared with the other, for the reasons which I have already given In my
report to the Quartermaster-General, dated January 8, 1861. The dis-
tance from the usual starting point in the States, as can easily be seen
by referring to the map, is 400 miles greater by this route, if he ever
completes it, compared with the old road, and not half so good a road,
and the danger will be more than double in the Sioux and Blackfoot
country. These are plain facts. Now, if the object be to expend so large
an amount of money for the benefit of this portion of the country, it
can still be done, and some real benefit also derived by those who are
nominally the objects of the enterprise by expending it on the old road
in the manner recommended by me in my report referred to above.
MuUan's escort and the $50,000 appropriated for this summer's emigra-
tion, if applied toward building a ferry or bridge at Fort Hall, to be
protected by the Utah troops, and a ferry at Bois^ under protection of
this post, would be all that is necessary to make a splendid road from
the ftocky Mountains to this country. Emigrants and troops could
then reach this valley in three or four months from the States, and
their animals not much the worse for the journey. They could cross
Snake Biver at Fort Hall and travel on the north side of Bois6 through
plenty of grass, water, and all that is necessary for a good road. Mr.
Oraigie, an intelligent and trusty man, for many years in charge of the
Hudson Bay Port at Bois6, would be a very suitable person to take
charge of the ferry at Bois#. He has a Snake wife and speaks the lan-
guage perfectly, and if he were allowed a certain amount of beef cattle
and provisions to give away occasionally to such Indians as come about
him, it must have a very beneficial effect on reconciling them to the
whites. Lieutenant Mullan's road can never be of any real benefit to
any one, on account of the enormous expense in traveling up the Mis-
souri by steam-boat, or the enormous distance and time required com-
pared with the other, if they come by land all the way. The road by
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CHAP. LXn.] CORRESPONDENCE ^DNION AND CONFEDERATE. 517
South Pass is the most direct, and the one cnt out by nature for coming
to this country, and you can never regard this Fort Benton scheme as
anything else than a grand political humbug, and it is time it was
stopi)ed. I therefore most respectfully and earnestly suggest that the
expedition be broken up before any more money is wasted on it. The
troops will return to their legitimate duties and where their services
are really needed, and Lieutenant Mullan ordered to his company.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
E. STEEN,
Major, Mr8t Dragoons, Commanding.
Special Orders, ) Headquarters District of Oregon,
No. 11. ) Fort Vancouver, ^Yash. Ter., June 15, 1861.
1. Oapt. J. J. Archer, Ninth Infantry, with his company (I), now
under orders for Fort Dalles, will continue his march without delay to
Fort Yamhill, Oreg., and assume conunand of that post.
• ••••••
6. Company K, Ninth Infantry, now at Port Oolville, will move with-
out delay to Fort Dalles, descending the Columbia Biver by water from
Old Fort Walla Walla.
• ••••••
By order of Colonel Wright:
JNO. S. MASON,
Fir»t Lieut., Third Artillery, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General.
Headquarters District op Oregon,
Fort Vancouver, M'ash, Ter,, June 17, 1861.
Mjy. D. C. BUELL,
Asst. Adjt. Oen., Hdqra, Dept. of the Pacific, San Francisco, Cal. :
Major: After making my orders on the 11th instant, I had an inter-
view with Captain Bussell, of the Fourth Infantry, the commander of
Fort Yamhill. The captain, who is a very reliable oflBcer, has repre-
sented to me the great importance of the post of Yamhill, there being
at this moment some 1,200 Indians on the reservation at that place.
Under these circumstances, upon mature consideration of the subject,
I determined to order Captain Archer, of the Ninth Infantry, under
l)reviou8 orders for Fort Dalles, to continue his march and take post at
Yamhill. In order that no delay might occur in the movement of
Captain Eussell, I have sent a small detachmentfrom this post to Yam-
hill, to remain until the arrival of Captain Archer. I have also ordered
Company K, Ninth Infantry, to move down from Fort Colville apd take
IK)st at Fort Dalles. With the present reduced force in the district I
believe I have made the best distribution possible. Captains Wallen
and Floyd-Jones, Fourth Infantry, with their companies, are now on
the Cortez, and I expect Lieutenant Fleming, Ninth Infantry, with
Company E, down this evening, to embark on the same ship.
Trusting that my orders and the distribution I have made of the
troops may meet the approval of the general, I am, sir, j'our very obe-
dient servant,
G. WRIGHT,
Colonel If^inth Infantry, Commanding.
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518 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Chai>. LXH.
Special Obdebs, ) Hdqrs. Distbict of Oreoon,
No. 12. ) Fort Vancouver, Wash. Ter,, June 17, 1861.
Company E, Ninth Infantry, under command of First Lient. H. B.
Fleming, expected down on the steamer Jolia this evening, will con-
tinue on and embark on the steamer Cortez, bound for San Francisco.
Lieutenant Fleming on reaching the Cortez will report his command to
the senior officer of tlie Army on that ship.
By order of Colonel Wright:
JNO. S. MASON,
Fimt Lieut., Third Artillery, Acting Assistant Adjutant- Oeneral.
Headqtjabtebs,
Nete San Diego Barracks, OaL, June 18, 1861.
Maj. D. C. BUELL,
Assistant Adjutant- Oeneral, U. 8. Army,
Hdqrs. Department of the Pacific, Stan Francisco, Cat. :
Sib : I have the honor to report my arrival at this post yesterday
with I Company, Fourth Infantry, having a total of fifty-two enlisted
men, aggregate fifty-three, being twenty-one days out from Fort
Mojave, N. Mex., and having marched in eighteen days 387 miles. I
have this day assumed command of this post, and relieved Brevet
Major Armistead and his company (F, Sixth Infantry) from duty at
this place.
I have the honor to be, very respectfdlly, your obedient servant,
G. O. HALLER,
Captain, Fourth Infantry, and Brevet Major, Commanding Post.
Special Obdebs, ) Hdqbs. Department op the Paoipic,
No. 106. \ San Francisco, June 19, 1861.
1. Maj. D. C. Bnell, assistant adjutant-general, will make an inspec-
tion of Forts Humboldt and Bragg and their dependencies, and report
on the condition of Indian affairs in their vicinity.
By order of Brigadier-General Sumner:
RICHD. C. DRUM,
Assistant Adjutant-OeneraL
Dragoon Bridge, Honey Lake Valley, Cal., June 19, 1861.
Maj. D. C. Btjell, U. S. Army,
Assistant Adjutant-Oeneral, San Francisco, Cal.:
Majob: I have the honor to rejMrt that the troops evacuate this post
to-day, in accordance with Special Orders, No. 91, from department
headquarters.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
E. R. WARNER,
Second Lieutenant, Third Artillery, Commanding.
Headquarters Department op the Pacipio,
San Francisco, June 20, 1861.
Brig. Oen. L. Thomas,
Adjutant-Oeneral U. S. Army, Washin{fton, D. C:
Sib : There i s an absolute and immediate necessity for a government of
some kind in Nevada Territory. In the absence of all the civil officials
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Chap. LTU.) CORRESPONDENCE — UNION AND CONFEDERATE. 519
shall I protect persons and property by enforcing the laws of the
United States?
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
E. V. SUMNEE,
Brigadier- General, U. 8. Army, Commanding.
Special Orders, ) Hdqbs. Department op the Pacipic,
No. 108. ) San Frandseo, June 30, 1861.
1. Companies F and H, Fourth Infantry, and E, Ninth Infantry, will
take post temporarily at the Presidio.
• ' • • • • • •
By order of Brigadier-General Sumner:
EICHD. C. DECTM,
Atsistant Adjutant-Oeneral.
San Francisoo, June 21, 1861.
Col. George Wright, U, S. Army,
Fort Vancouver:
Ee-establish Gamp Pickett.
D. 0. BUELL,
Assistant Adjutant- Oeneral.
Special Orders, ) Headquarters District op Oregon,
No. 13. ) Fort Vancouver, Wash. Ter., June 21, 1861.
I. In consequence of the threatening attitude of the Indians on the
waters of Paget Sound, so much of Special Orders, No. 9, current
series, from these headquarters as directs the troops at Camp Pickett,
on San Juan Island, to embark on the next steamer for San Francisco
is hereby revoked.
II. So soon as the public property shall have been removed from Fort
Townsend the commander of the Massachusetts will be directed to pro-
ceed with his ship and report to Captain Pickett or the commanding
ofBcer at Camp Pickett, on San Juan Island, to remain until farther
orders.
By order of Colonel Wright:
JNO. S. MASON,
First Lieut., Third Artillery, Acting Assistant Adjutant-Oeneral,
Headquarters District op Oregon,
Fort Vancouver, Wash. Ter., June 22, 1861.
Maj. D. C. BuELL,
Asst. Adjt. Oen., Hdqrs. Dept. of the Pacific, San Francisco, Cal.:
Major : I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your com-
munication of the 12th instant, together with the letter of Captain
Pickett of the 1st instant. I had much hesitation in the first instance
about abandoning the post of San Juan Island; not that its occu-
pancy could have the least effect on our claim to the island, as I look
upon that as a point not open for discussion, but it is a salient and
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520 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. (Chap.LXII.
commanding i>osition on our northern frontier, admirably adapted to
afford general protection to tbe settlements on the waters of Puget
Sound. Indeed, I believe that a strong garrison on San Juan Island,
with the aid of small steamer, would afibrd ample protection for the
whole sound, and that all other posts might be dispensed with. After
a careful consideration of Captain Pickett's communication, and exer-
cising the i)ermi8sion contained in yours, I have ordered the garrison
at San Juan to remain there. I have also ordered the Massachusetts
to proceed to the island and rei>ort to Captain Pickett, to remain there
until further orders.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
G. WRIGHT,
Colonel Ninth Infantry, Commanding.
Headqttabtees,
Camp Fitzgerald, near Los Angeles, Cal., June 22, 1861.
Maj. D. 0. BUELL,
Assistant Adjutant- Oeneral, U. 8. Army, San Francisco, Cal.:
Major : Inclosed herewith yon will find a telegraphic dispatch ft-om
Lieutenant Carr, First Dragoons, left in charge of the public stores at
Fort Tejon, and having with him one corporal and one private. Ton
will see my action in the case by my telegraphic reply to Lieutenant
Carr (in pencil), inclosed herewith.
I am, major, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
J. U. CAKLETON,
Brevet Major, U. 8. Army, Commanding.
(Incloaiire No. 1.]
FoET Tejon, June 31, 1861.
Major Cableton,
Commanding:
I want a sergeant and ten men here. The Indians are going to break
out. The whites are giving them whisky and they charge around and
make their threats publicly. We are unarmed and undefended.
M. T. CARE,
U, 8. Army.
[IncloBnre Ifo. 2.]
Camp near Los Anoeles, June 21, 1861 — 9.30 p. m.
Lieutenant Cabr:
Sergeant l>alton and ten dragoons, with rations and forage for two
days, forty rounds for Sharps carbines, and thirty-four revolvers, have
left to report to you at Fort Tejon. As soon as all the public stores are
removed report with them here.
J. H. CARLBTON,
Brevet Major, U. 8. Army.
I think the Indians have been put np to this. No troops will ever
return to Fort Tejon except on campaign to whale them. You can bet
on it.
J. H. O.
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chap.lxni cobrespondence-^union and confederate. 521
Headqxtabtkes Depabtment of the Pacific,
8an Francisco, June 23, 1861.
Col. George Weight, U. 3. Army,
Ninth Infantry, Commanding District of Oregon :
Sib: Yonr orders and communication in pursuance of the orders for
the movement of troops from your district to this part of the depart-
ment have been submitted to the department commander. The post
on San Juan Island be regards as having a national importance, and
he desires, therefore, that you will reestablish it at ouce under the com-
mand of a captaiu. With reference to calling volunteers into service,
the general will approve of such action on yoor part whenever an emer-
gency shall render it absolutely necessary.
Very respectfully, yonr obedient servant,
D, C. BTJELL,
Assistant Adjutant-Oeneral.
Headqiiaetebs,
Camp Fitzgerald, near Los Angeles, Gal., June 23, 1861.
Maj. D. C. Buell, U. S. Army,
Assistant Adjutant-General, San Francisco, Gal.:
Major : Until I heard a rumor that the general was negotiating for
the Mission San Fernando as a post for this command I had intended
to remove this camp to some position more open to the cool breezes
coming from the ocean than the spot where it now is seems to be. I
was induced to come here mainly for convenience to water, but I am
disappointed in the ground, becoming easily pulverized into dust, and
in its being a much hotter place than I at first supposed it would be.
If the troops are soon to move to Sau Fernando I will not encounter
the trouble of breaking up this camp to move into some other prior to
that change. If not, then I shall order a board having the doctor upon
it to select a site less hot and dusty than this, and having a view to
salubrity, provided one can be found not too far removed from the depot
in Los Angeles. If not an improper request, I beg to be informed as
to the probability of this command going to the Mission.
I am, mtyor, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
J. H. CARLETON,
Brevet Major, U. 8. Army, Commanding.
Teeeitoet op Washington, Executive Office,
Olympia, June 24, 1861.
Brig. Gen. E. V. Sumnee, U. S. Army^
Gomdg. Department of the I'avijic, San Francisco, Gal. :
Sir : I notice in the public journals that by orders from the head-
quarters of this military department the troops are being withdrawn
from many of the posts in this Territory. While the executive and the
citizens of Washington Territory can readily perceive the necessity,
under existing circumstances, for concentrating the Government forces
at certain points, I deem it to be my duty most respectfully to suggest
to the general commanding the danger to which our northern frontier
will be exposed upon the withdrawal of the entire force from that
quarter. For several years past the frontier settlements on Puget
Sound have suffered from the periodical incursions of the northern
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522 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. (Chap.LXIL
Indians firom the British and Russian Possessions. The isolated x)osi-
tion of these settlements invites attack from the fierce and treacherons
savages of the North, and the only protection from their ravages has
been the presence of the U. S. troops on San Juan Island. I am
informed that there are at present upward of 2,000 of these Indians at
Victoria and its vicinity, and large numbers are frequently seen in our
waters. On the 3(1 of February last I had the honor to forward to the
late commander of the department a memorial of the Legislative
Assembly of this Territory requesting that a company of troops might
be stationed at Bellingham Bay to protect the settlers from the Indians
iu that vichiity. Should the entire ibrce be withdrawn from Sau Juan
Island our citizens entertain great and well-grounded fear of a descent
by the savages on the unprotected settlements, and I have therefore
most earnestly to urge that if possible a sufQcient force may be (ion-
tinned on the island.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
HENRY M. McQILL,
Acting Governor.
Crescent City, June 24, 1861.
Brig. Gen. E. V. Sttmnbr,
Commanding Pacific Division, U. 8. Army :
Dear Sir: In accordance with instructions we herewith transmit to
you a copy of the proceedings of a meeting of the citizens of this county,
held this day. A petition to the same effect has been heretofore for-
warded to you, but as yet we have had no response. Pardon our
importunities upon this matter, for when we tell you that the Indians
are at least twice as numerous as the whites in this county, and many
of them well armed, and our lives, property, and all that we have is
subject to destruction at any time, you will not consider us more urgent
than others would be under similar circumstances. Will you be kind
enough to give us a response soont If the Government can give us
no protection, or nothing to defend ourselves with, we must make pre-
paration at our own expense, as we do not desire a repetition of the
scenes of 1855 and 185G. Hoping for a response.
We are, truly, yours,
J. P. HATNE8.
BEN. F. DURBIS.
[Inclosnre.]
Crescent City, June 24, 1861.
At a meeting of the citizens of Del Norte County, this day held at
the court-house, in the town of Crescent City, pursuant to notice, the
following preamble and resolutions were unanimously adopted, to wit:
Whereas by a recent order the military force under the command of
Lieut. George Crook, stationed at Fort Ter-Waw, in this county, has
been removed, as we learn, with the intention of an entire abandon-
ment of said post; and whereas we believe that the presence of said
force has been effectual in awing and restraining the Indians in this
and the neighboring county of Klamath, and we consider their con-
tinued presence essential to the preservation of peace and the pro-
tection of the lives and property of our citizens; Therefore we, citizens
of Del Norte County, do resolve —
First. That it is the first and highest duty of Government at all times
to afibrd adequate protection to the lives and property of its citizens.
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CHIP. Lxn.) CORRESPONDENCE — UNION AND CONFEDERATE. 523
Second. That we do most respectfally and earnestly protest against
the removal of said troops from onr midst, thereby exposing us to the
perils of a war with the numerous and treacherous race of savages by
whom we are surrounded.
Third. That the commanding oflcer of the Pacific Division, IT. S.
Army, be and is hereby requested to return said company and oflBcers,
or some other instead thereof, to Fort Ter-Waw with as little delay as
possible.
Fourth. If it be impracticable to return said company, or some
other, as herein suggested, that we do hereby earnestly request the
commanding officer to leave with ns, under charge of such persons as
he may designate^ a sufficiency of arms and ammunition with which to
defend ourselves in case of danger.
Fifth. That the secretary be instructed to forward a copy of the pro-
ceedings of this meeting to Brig. Gen. E. V. Sumner, commanding
Pacific Division, U. S. Army.
J. P. HAYNES,
Chairman.
BEN. F. DOBBIS,
Secretary.
Headquarters Department op the PAcrpio,
San Francisco, June 25, 1861.
W. L. Parvin, Esq.,
La Porte, Sierra County, Cal.:
Sir : Your communication of the 4th instant having been laid before
the general commanding the department, he desires me to say that he
fully appreciates the loyal spirit displayed in yoor actions and the
patriotic feeling which prompts the tender of your services and those
of your fellow-citizens to the General Government. There is at present
no occasion for calling upon the State authorities for a volunteer force.
Should the exigencies exist, however, he will not hesitate to call into
requisition the citizen soldiery of this State.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
BIOHD. 0. DRUM,
Assistant Adjutant-Qeneral.
Adjutant-General's Oppiob,
Washington, June 27-, 1861.
COMMANDINa OPPIOER U. S. ARMT IN UTAH TERRITORY:
Any subsistence stores in your department which have not already
been disposed of you will keep for the use of troops that will be moved
into Utah from California.
By order:
L. THOMAS,
Adjutant- Oeneral.
Headquarters District op Oregkjn,
Fort Vancouver, Wash. Ter., June 87, 1861 — 9 a. m.
M%j. D. C. BUELL,
Asst. Adjt. Oen., Hdgrs. Dept. of the Pacific, San Francisco, Cal. :
Major: I have this moment received your telegraphic dispateh of
the 21st instant. You will perceive by my orders that I had already
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524 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. (Chap. Lxn.
accomplished the wishes of the general by retaining the garrison at
Gamp Pickett.
Very re8i)ectfully, yoar obedient servant,
G. WRIGHT,
Colonel Ninth Infantry, Commanding.
IIeadquabtbes Department op the Pacipic,
San Francisco, Cal., June 28, 1861.
Bvt. Maj. James II. Cakleton,
Captain, First Regiment of Dragoons,
Commanding Camp Fitzgerald, Los Angeles, Cal.:
Sib: Yonr letter of the 23d instant having been submitted to the
general commanding the department, be instructs me to say in reply
that the location and establishment of camps for yonr command is lefb
optional with you. He desires, however, that in making these changes
you should keep constantly In view the perfect security of the Govern-
ment depot at Los Angeles.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
RICHD. C. DRUM,
Assistant Adjutant-General.
Headqxtartebs Department op the Paoipio,
San Francisco, June 28, 1861.
Mjy. Albemarle Cady,
Sixth Infantry, U. 8. Army, Commanding Fort Yuma, Cal.:
Sib : The general commanding the department has been informed
that a rumor is prevalent in this community and the State generally
that the so-called government of the Confederate States purpose send-
ing from the State of Texas or elsewhere, through certain States of the
Mexican Republic, to this coast a military force, considerable in num-
bers, with the object of seizing upon and holding the port of Guaymas,
in the Republic of Mexico. Whether this is merely an idle rumor or
is really the purpose and intention of that people the general has no
means of judging, but from the unparalleled audacity wbich has char-
acterized the operations of those now in revolt against the authority of
the General Government, it is well to be prepared for any movement
which has for its object purposes similar to this, and for emergencies
that may arise under it. The general commanding desires that you
should keep him constantly informed of any indications on the part of
this so-called government, or those professedly acting under it, to seize
upon or occupy any part of the Mexican Stateson this coast, or any point
within the limits of this military department. All information of a
reliable character touching this subject will be promptly communicated.
The general deems it scarcely necessary to remind one of yonr experi-
ence of the instructions regarding public posts and property contained
,in General Orders, No. 6, current series, from these headquarters.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
RICHD. C. DRUM,
Assistant Adjutant-Oeneral,
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Chat. LXn.]
C0BBE8P0NDENCE UNION AND CONFEDERATE.
525
Headqvabtebs Depabtment op the Pacific,
San Francisco, Jwne 29, 1861.
Messrs. J. P. Haynes aud Benjamin F. Dorris,
Crescent City, Gal.:
Gentlemen: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your
letter of the 24th instaut, transmitting for the consideration of the
general commanding the department the proceedings of a meeting of
citizens of Klamath County, in this State. The general commanding
is sensible of the difficulties which surround the citizens in the several
localities from which the troops have been recently, and he hopes tem-
porarily, withdrawn, and regrets exceedingly that the force at his dis-
posal will not enable him to continue that protection to their lives and
property which, until the existence of our present x>olitical necessities,
he had the power to grant. You may rest assured, however, that the
general will not be unmindful of your condition, but will do whatever lies
in his power to remedy any inconvenience which may be experienced
by your citizens in consequence of these changes. In view of the
extraordinary condition of affairs existing in the country, to which I
have adverted, it is but just to expect that while the States east of the
mountains are generously contributing men and means for the main-
tenance of the General Government, the people of the Pacific Coast
should furnish the necessary aid in protecting their frontiers from
Indian incursions. To enable the inhabitants to accomplish this, at
points where it is impracticable to station troops for their protection,
the general will avail himself of the first opportunity of conferring
with the Governor of your State, and pressing upon him the necessity
of making arrangements for the issue of arms and ammunition to the
citizens residing in those parts of the State most exposed.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
RICHD. C. DRUM,
Assistant Adjutant- Generai.
[JTmB 30, 1861. — For Macwillie to Davis in regard to affairs in
Arizona, and for Jones to Davis, and Jones to Walker, on the same
subject^ see Series IV, Vol. I, pp. 1196-1198.]
Abalract from return of the Department of the Pacific, Brig. Gen. Edwin V. Sumner,
U. S. Army, contmanding,for the month of June, 1861. ,
Present for
dut;.
1
■4
Piecfflof
artillery.
CODUQIUIQ*
2
18
31
6S
^
1
4
1
488
1,575
18
701
2,085
20
974
2,367
DiiitHot of OreiFon
"re
1«
17
Total
114
2,004
2,805
8,381
79
33
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526
OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST.
[Coiu-. Lzn.
Organization of troops in the Department of the Pacific, commanded by
Brig. Oen. £dwin V. Sumner, U. 8. Army, June 30, 1861.
DISTEICT OP OREGON.
Col. Gkokgb Wright.
FORT VANCOUVER, WASH. TER.
Capt. Hbnry M. Black.
3d U. S. Artillery, Company D.
9th U. S. Infantry, Company O.
VANCOUVER DEPOT, WASH. TKR.
Lieut. WuxiAM T. Welcker.
Detachment of Ordnance, U. S. Army.
VORT COLVILLE, WASH. TER.
Bvt. tit^. PiNKNKY LUGBNBKEL.
9th U. S. Infantry, Companies A, C,
and K.»
CAMP PICKETT, SAN JUAN ISLAND, WASH.
TER.
Capt. George B. Pickktt.
9th U. S. Infantry, Company D.
VORT STBILACOOM, WASH. TER.
Capt. Dickinson Woodruff.
9th U. S. Infantry, Companies F and H.
FORT WALLA WAIXA, WASH. TER.
M%j. Enoch Stbbn.
let U. 8. Dragoons, Companies C, K, and I.
Fort dalles, oreg.
Bvt. Lieut. Col. Robert C. Buchanan
Ist U. S. Dragoons, Company H.
fort YAMHILL, OREG.
Lieut. Philip H. Sheridan.
4th U. S. Infantry, Company K (detach-
ment).
FORT U08KIN8, ORRG.
Capt. Christopher C. Augur.
4th U. S. Infantry, Company O.
9th U. 8. Infantry, Company B.
FORT UMPQUA, ORBG.
Lieut. Martin D. Hardin.
3d U. S. Artillery, Company L (detach-
ment).
TROOPS SERVING IN CALIFORNIA AND NEVADA,
FORT CROOK, CAL.
Capt. John Adams.
let U. S. Dragoons, Company F.
FORT HUMBOLDT, CAL.
Capt. Charles S. Lovbll.
6th U. S. Infantry, Company B.
FORT GASTON, CAL.
Capt. Edmund Underwood.
4th U. S. Infantry, Company B.
FORT BRAGG, CAL.
Lieut. Orlando H. Moork.
6th U. S. Infantry, Company D.
BBNICIA BARRACKS, CAL.
Col. Washington Seawbll.
3d U. S. Artillery, Company L.
6th U. S. Infantry, Headquarters and
Companies £ and K.
BBNICIA arsenal, CAL.
Lieut. Julian McAllister.
Detachment of Ordnance, U. S. Army.
presidio of SAN FRANCISCO, CAL.
Lieut. Col. Charles S. Merchant.
4th U. S. Infantry, Companies D, F, and H.
9th U. S. Infantry, Company E.
3d U. 8. Artillery, Company C.
ALCATHAZ island, CAL.
Capt. Henry S. Burton.
3d U. S. Artillery, Companies A, H, I,
and M.
FORT point, CAL.
Capt. William Austine.
3d U. S. Artillery, Companies B and G.
NEW SAN DIBGO, CAL.
Brt. Maj. Granville O. Haller.
4th U. S. Infantry, Company I.
' Company I en route to Fort Dalles, Oreg.
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Chap. LXU.]
CORRESPONDENCE — UNION AND CONFEDERATE.
527
Orffanization of troopt in the Dq^rtment of the Paot/!c— Continued.
TROOPS SERVING IN CALIFORNIA AND NEVADA— Continued.
FOKT YUMA, CAL.
Ml^. AXBSMABLK CaBY.
4th U. S. Infantry, Company £.
6tlt U. S. Infantry, Company C.
CAM1> WRIGHT, NEAR SAN FRANCISCO, CAU
Maj. William S. Ketchum.
4tb U. S. Infantry, Companies A, C, and K.
CAMP VITZGEKALO, NEAR LOS ANGELES,
CAL.
Bvt. Maj. J AMES II. Carlbton.
Ist U. S. Dragoons, Headquarters and
Companies U and K.*
6th U. S. Infantry, Companies F and I.
FORT CHURCHILL, NEV. TER.
Maj. George A. H. Blake.
Ist U. S. Dragoons, Company A.
6th U. S. Infantry, Companies A, G, and H.
Headquarters Department of the Pacific,
San Francisco, Cal., July 3, 1861.
Col. George Wright,
Ninth Regimeitt of Infantry,
Gomdg. District of Oregon, Fort Vancouver, Wash, Ter. :
Sir : Captain Pickett, Ninth Infantry, having tendered his resignation
as an officer of the Array, the general commanding the department
desires yoa to withdraw the company at present on San Joan Island,
substitnting therefor one having a captain in command.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
lilCHD. 0. DRUM,
Assistant Adjutant- Oeneral
Fort Bragg, July 3, 1861.
Assistant Adjutant-General,,
Headquarters Department of the Pacific, San Francisco, Cal. :
Sir: I arrived at Fort Ilumboldt on the morning of the 25th ultimo
and inspected the post that day. I had to wait another day for means
of transportation, and on the 27th started for Lieutenant Collins' camp,
about sixty miles southeast of Humboldt; thence on to Lieutenant
Martin's camp and to this post. I arrived here night before last and
inspected the post yesterday. This morning I am starting back to
reach Fort Gaston ; thence to Ter- Waw, Crescent City, and Fort Crook,
including in my route other detachments from the posts in this region
of country. I find this arrangement the most convenient that I can
adopt to accomplish the wishes of the general commanding the depart-
ment. I shall reserve my detailed report until I have completed the
tour. By that time I shall have passed through the entire region in
which the Indians are said to be troublesome, and can report more
advisedly on that subject. Upward of 200 Indians (men, with a few
accidental excei)tions), have been killed by the dififerent detachments.
Presuming that this slaughter is to stop at some point short of exter-
mination, for thealleged depredationsof the Indians would hardly justify
that, I have ventured to advise the ofiBcers in command to discontinue
it now until other depredations are committed, excepting, however, with
reference to the band which recently killed two men (Lewis and Oliver)
at Shelter Cove, on the coast. That is a legitimate ground for severe
chastisement, and I have advised the officers to direct their efforts
* Companies D and G at Fort Breckinridge, N. Mex.
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528 0PEEATI0H8 ON THE PACIFIC COAST. IChaf. LXU.
energetically to that object. This band of Indians has no connection
with those against whom the troops have been operating. I shall
report more particularly in regard to all these matters. I shall waste
no time on the route, but it will unavoidedly occupy somewhat more
time than I anticipated — perhaps twenty days yet. The distance is
considerable, and the land travel is tedious and sometimes difficult,
being in part over a country without a trail.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
D. 0. BUELL,
Assistant Adjtitant-Oeneral and Inspector.
Headquabtkus Department of the Pacific,
San Francisco, July 3, 1801.
Hon. John G. Hyatt,
Whatcom, Wash. Ter.:
SiB: Your communication of June 18, transmitting for the consider-
ation of the general commanding the department a copy of the memo-
rial passed by the Legislature of Washington Territory requesting the
re-occupancy of Fort Bellingham, in that Territory, has been received.
The political difficulties existing in the country at this time requires
the temporary withdrawal of many of the companies formerly occupy-
ing posts in Washington Territory. Until they cease, or until every
apprehension of a transfer of the difficulties to this coast has passed,
the general commanding will find it in his power to gratify the wishes
of your people. The immediate commander of that military district
will give all possible security to the citizens within its limits, and has
already received discretionary power to call out the volunteers of Ore-
gon and Washington, should it be necessary, for the protection of the
fives and property of the citizens.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
RICHD. C DRUM,
Assistant Adjutant- Qeneral.
Camp Suhneb, July 4, 1861.
Capt. R. C. Drum,
Assistant Adjutant- General, Hdqrs. Department of the Pacific:
Captain : There are many rumors in circulation about the movement
of troops. If Gamp Sumner is to be continued, and it is compatible
with the public service, I shall be glad to be retained in command of
the camp. This application is only made under the supposition that
the major commanding may be sent upon other duty.
I am, captain, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
H. D. WALLEN,
Captain, Fourth Infantry.
Hbadquabtebs Department op the Pacific,
San Francisco, July 5, 1861.
Bvt. M^. James H. Gableton,
Captain, First Dragoons, U. S. Army,
Commanding Camp Fitzgerald, Los Angeles, Cat. :
Sib: The general commanding the department thinks it not impos-
sible, in consequence of the withdrawal of the troops from Forts T^on
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Caip. LXn.l CORRESPONDENCE UNION AND CONFEDERATE. 529
and Mojave, that the Indiana may be emboldened to make hostile
incursions on the settlements near their reservations. To guard against
this and at the same time aflord the necessary protection to the citi-
zens in those localities, he desires you, whenever you have reliable
information of offenses having been committed, to send out a detach-
ment from your command under a discreet commissioned ofiBcer, to
gain information, and if required, to correct the Indians. Should the
latter be necessary, it is the desire of the general that the Indians
shall net be punished for alleged offenses, unless the evidence is of a
character leaving no doubt of their guilt, and then only in proportion
to the ofiense committed.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
EIOHI). 0. DRUM,
Assistant Adjutant- General.
Headquarters,
Fort Churchill, Nev. Ter., July 5, 1861.
Maj. D. C. BuELL,
Asst. Adjt. Oen., Hdqrs. Dept. of the Pacific, San Francisco, Cal. :
Major : I have the honor to report for the information of the gen-
eral commanding the department, that Shokup, the head chief and
most influential man of the Shoshone tribe, from Ruby Valley, came
into the garrison to-day on a visit. He represents his people peacea-
bly disposed toward the whites, and that he will do all in his power to
keep them so. He says his people are very poor, and much in want of
provisions. The overland stage men say that this chief is a good
friend of theirs, and is peaceably disposed toward them.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
GEO. A. H. BLAKE,
Major, First Dragoons, Commanding Post.
Headquarters Department of the Pacific,
San Francisco, July 5, 1861.
Hon. Henry M. McGill,
Acting Oovemor of Washington Territory, Olympia, Wash. Ter. :
Sir : The general commanding the department directs me to acknowl-
edge the receipt of your communication of June 24 in reference to the
withdrawal of troops from Washington Territory, and desires me to
say in reply that he, does not contemplate the withdrawal of any por-
tion of the force remaining within thj limits of Washington Territory,
and believes that under judicious management of the commander of
that military district this force will be sufficient to give the necessary
protection to your citizens. Should it, however, be inadequate for this
purpose. Colonel Wright has authority to accept the services of such
volunteer force as may secure complete protection of life and property.
The general desires me to say that the order withdrawing the company
of infantry from San Juan Island has been rescinded, and that the
arrangement of the General-in-Chief for the occupancy of the island
will continue.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
RICHD. 0. DRUM,
Assistant Adjutant- General,
34 R R — VOL L, PT I
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630 OPEBATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Chap. LXII.
Long Vaixby, July 6, 1861.
Assistant Adjutant-Gbnebal,
Headquarters Department of the Pacific:
Sib: I have just returned from Bound Valley, where I went yester-
day to inspect a detachment from Fort Bragg. I found one sergeant
and twelve privates encamped at a point fourteen miles this side of (he
valley (they have been there about six weeks), and one corporal and
one private at the valley. Several of the detachment have been on this
duty two years and a half, and none less than eighteen months. Their
services are of no value whatever where they are, and I recommend
that they be immediately returned to their company.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
D, C. BUBLL,
Assistant Adjutant- General and Acting Inspector-General.
Headquabtebs Depaetment op the Pacifio,
San Francisco, July 6", Iddl.
Lieut. Col. Oeoboe A. H. Blake,
First Dragoons, V. iS. Army, Comdg. Fort Churchill, Nev. Ter.:
Sib : The general commanding the department directs me to say that
if in your judgment the company of the Sixth Begimeut of Infantry
which recently arrived at Fort Ohurchill is no longer required for the
protection of that post you will order it to take post at Benicia Barracks.
Very respectfiilly, your obedient servant,
RICHD. C. DRUM,
Assistant Adjutant-Oeneral.
Special Obdebs, ) Wab Dept., Adjt. Oenebal's Oppiob,
No. 181. ) Washington, July 8, 1861.
• ««••••
6. Bvt. Capt. Richard C. Drum, assistant adjatant-general, will repair
to Washington City and report in person to the Adjutant-General of
the Army.
By order:
L. THOMAS,
Adjutant- Oeneral,
Gamp on Labbabee Cbeek, July 9, 1861.
Capt. Chables S. Lovbll,
Sixth Infantry, Commanding Fort Humboldt, Col.:
SiB: I have reported to the department commander that I have
advised the commanders of detachments in the field to make no more
attacks on Indians except for depredations actually committed, and I
have no doubt that he will approve that course. The Shelter Cove
Indians, however, have received no punishment for the murder of Lewis
and Oliver, for which the whole band, according to all accounts, may
fairly be held responsible. I have advised the commanding officer
of Fort Bragg to take measures for the eflfectual punishment of that
band, as it can perhaps be best undertaken by the troops from that post.
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CHAP.LXn.] COEEESPONDENCE UNION AND CONFEDEEATE. 531
He will uot, howeyer, exercise control over Lieatenaat Martiu's detach-
ment until lie bears from you, and you can best judge whether the
detachment from your post shall take part in the service. If you should
think it advisable, Lieutenant OoUius will be back in time to conduct it,
as it will be best, perhaps, to allow a week or ten days to elapse, so as
to allay the apprehensions of the Indians and find them together. The
supposition is that at present they are scattered and on the alert in the
country east of the coast hills opposite Shelter Cove. In the meantime
Lieutenant Martin will, at my suggestion, change his camp to some
point within strikbig distance of their haunts, while Lieittenant Moore
will prepare a command to move up the coast to operate from that
quarter. I give you this information in order that you may adopt such
course as you may think proper, and because of the length of time it
will require for you to concert with Lieutenant Moore. The troops can,
perhaps, move against the Indians to the best advantage in about ten
days. Might it uot be as well to let the troops from Fort Bragg under-
take the service alonet If they fail, the Indians will slacken their vigi-
lance, and may then be more certainly reached by the detachment from
your post. I only suggest the question to you.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
D. G. BUELL,
Assistant Adjutant-Oeneral, Acting Inspector-Oeneral.
Heapquabtebs Department of the Paoipic,
San Francisco, Gal., July 10, 1S61.
Lieut. Col. B. D. Townsend,
Asst. Adjt. Oen,, Hdqrs. of the Army, Washington, D. G. :
Sib : I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your communi-
cation of June 5, and herewith inclose a copy of my letter to the senior
naval oflQcer at Panama on the subject embraced therein.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
E. V. SUMNEE,
Brigadier- General, V. iS. Army, Commanding,
[iDclosDro.]
Hbadqttabtebs Depabtmbnt of the Pacific,
San Francisco, Gal., July 10, 1861.
Commodore J. B. Montgomery, or
Seniob Naval Officer, U. S. Navy,
Panama:
Commodobe: I inclose a copy of a letter* I have recently received,
and I take an early opportunity to say to you that I shall be prepared
at all times to act with you in preventing the secessionists from getting
a foothold on this coast. I have heard a report that Colonel Van
Dorn, of the Southern Army, was seen at the head of 1,300 men on the
road between San Antonio and El Paso. I cannot say whether this
report is reliable or not. I would respectfully suggest whether it would
not be well to have one or two small steamers cruising on the coast
between this and Acapulco, for the protection of the liners.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
E. V. SUMNER,
Brigadier- General, U, S. Army, Commanding.
* See Townsend to Sumner, June 3, p. 498.
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532 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Chap. LXIL
AoENOY Pacific Mail Steamship Company,
San Francisco, July 10, 1861.
General Sumner, U, S. Army,
Commanding Pacific Department, San Francisco:
SiB: The president of the Pacific Mail Steamship Company has
directed us to make application to you for the loan of four light 32-
pouiider guns, to be placed on our steamers In active service between
this port and Panama. They are intended as an additional defensive
armament over and above their present one, which is of light caliber.
With the large guns we would require a small amount of suitable
ammunition for them, as none of the desired size can be procured here
outside of tlie Government supply.
Asliing a reply to this communication at your earliest convenience,
we remain, very respectfully, your obedient servants,
FORBES & BABCOCK.
Headquarters Department of the Pacific,
San Francisco, July 10, 1861.
Messrs. Forbes & Babcock,
Agents Pacific Mail Steamship Company, San Francisco, Gal.:
Gentlemen : I am directed by the general commanding the depart-
ment to inform yon, in reply to your letter of this date, requesting the
loan of four 32-pounder guns, that instructions will be given the ord-
nance oflBcer at Benicia Arsenal to furnish on application the guns and
a suiBcient amount of ammunition for the protection of the Pacific Mail
Steamsliip Company's vessels.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
RIOHD. C. DRUM,
Assistant Adjutant- General.
Camp on Mad River, Cal., July lO, 1861.
Sergeant Habtman,
Fourth Infantry, Commanding Detachment:
Attack no more Indians except for depredations actually committed,
and then endeavor to attack only the parties which committed tlie dep-
redations. Be careful to kill no women or children. Take no women
or children prisoners, but let them go. When you release Indians try
to make them understand that they are punished because they molest
the whites, and that if they do no mischief they will not be harmed.
By order of General Sumner:
D. C. BIJBLL,
Assistant Adjutant-Oeneral, Acting Inspeotor-Oeneral.
Headquarters Department op the Pacific,
San Fran^co, July 11, 1861.
Capt. William H. Gardner,
Commanding Navy- Yard, Mare Island, Cal. :
Captain : I have received an order to act in concert with the Kavy
in preventing the secessionists from getting a foothold in Lower Cali-
fornia. I have written to Commodore Montgomery on the subject, and
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Cbap. LXII.] correspondence ^UNION AND CONFEDERATE. 533
told him that I should be prepared to act at all times. The rev-
enue cntter Joe Lane has been ordered to San Diego, and I think with
reference to this matter — the captain informs me that the guns he has
are old and unserviceable, and he wants very much a 24-ponnder — I
would re8i)ectfully suggest whether it might not be well to lend him a
gun of this kind if you have one to spare.
Very respecttftilly, your obedient servant,
E. V. SUMNER,
Brigadier- Oeneral, U. j8'. Army, Commanding,
Headquarters Department of the Pacific,
San FranciscOj July 11, 1861.
Ira p. Rankin, Esq.,
U. S. Collector, Fort of San Francisco, Cal. :
Sir: I am inclined to think that it would be well just at this time to
require all vessels entering or going out of the harbor to show tlieir
colors. If you think it advisable, could you not give them this order
through the pilots and tide waiters! As the matter now stands, ves-
sels are constantly passing the forts without being known at all.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
E, V. SUMNER,
Brigadier-General, U. S. Army, Commanding.
Special Orders, ) Hbadqxiarteks District op Oregon,
No. 18. ) Fort Vancouver, Wash. Ter., July 11, 1861.
I. Capt. T. C. Enghsh, Ninth Infantry, with his company (IT) will
proceed without delay to San Juan Island and relieve the garrison now
at that place.
II. Capt. G. E. Pickett, Ninth Infantry, on being relieved by Captain
English, will move with his company to Fort Steilacoom and turnover
his command and public property to Captain Woodruff. Captain
Pickett will then be permitted to avail himself of the leave of absence
granted in Special Orders, No. 118, current series, from department
headquarters.
By order of Colonel Wright:
JNO. S. MASON,
First Lieut., Third Artillery, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.
Commandant's Offkje, Navy- Yard,
Mare Island, July 12, 1861.
Brig. Gen. E. V. Sumner,
Headquarters Department of the Pacific, San Francisco, Cal.:
Sir: I am in receipt of your letter of the 11th instant, informing
me of your order to act in concert with the Navy in preventing the
secessionists from getting a foothold in Lower California. I am at all
times ready to co-operate with the Army in any way that the means we
have will aflbrd. But as self-preservation is the first law of nature I
deem it more prudent to keep for our own defense the limited means
wo have; but, if you advise to the contrary, I will accede to your
request. Inclosed I hand you copy of a letter which I addressed to the
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634 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Chap. LXn.
collector of San Francisco asking of me the same accommodation.
There are, as you see by my letter, any number of iron guns of different
caliber, but the brass 24-pouDder is one of a smaller )>ark, which I deem
advisable to reserve for the defense of the yard.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
W. H. GARDNER,
Commandant.
llnclMnre]
Comwandant's Office, Navy- Yard,
Mare Island, July 10, 1861.
Hon. Ira P. Bankin,
Collector of Customs, San Francisco, Gal. :
Sir : Your communication of July 9 has been received, and in reply
would inform you that we have only one gnn of the description referred
to in your letter, and that is required for service at this station in the
event of its use being necessary. We have several 32-pounder iron
guns of 27 hundredweight; also a number of 24-pounder8, iron, of 31
handredweight, which can be furnished if required.
I am with great respect, your obedient servant,
W. H. GARDNER,
Commandant.
Special Orders, ) IIdqrs. Department op the Pacific,
No. 125. ) San Francisco, July IS, 1861.
• •••••«
IV. Lieut. Col. George Andrews, Sixth Infantry, will without delay
proceed to and assume command of Fort Yuma. Upon being relieved,
Major Gady, Sixth Infantry, will repair to Benicia Barracks and report
to the colonel of his regiment.
By order of Brigadier-General Sumner:
RICHD. C. DRUM,
Assistant Adjutant-General.
Ueadquarters Department op the Pacific,
San Francisco, July 13, 1861.
Messrs. Babcock & Forbes,
Agents Pacific Mail Steamship Company, San Francisco, Cal.:
Gentlemen : Having ascertained that there are no gun carriages at
the ordnance depot at Benicia suitable for vessels, the general com-
manding the department directs me to inform you that he will not be
able to furnish the kind of carriage required. The guns and ammuni-
tion will be supplied as stated in my former letter.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
BICHD. 0. DRUM,
Assistant Adjutant- Oenerai.
Headqit^arters Department of the Pacific,
San Francisco, July 13, 1861.
Capt. William H. Gardner,
Commanding Navy- Yard, Mare Island, Cal. :
Captain: I think with you that we must take care of ourselves in
the first place, but just at this time it may be well for us to extend what
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Chap. LXII.] C0KRE8P0NDENCE UNION AND CONFEDERATE. 535
assistance we can to other branches of the service, for it might be
embarrassing to as to have vessels captured for the want of aa arma-
ment that we could have furnished. I am going to issue guns to the
liners, and if you can lend a ship carriage for a brass 24-pounder for the
cutter Joe Lane, I will have the gun and ammunition furnished from
Beuicia. If you prefix it. Captain McAllister will exchange guns with
you for a time, giving you one mounte<^I on a field carriage.
Very respectfhlly, your obedient servant,
E. V. SUMNER,
Brigadier- General, V. 8. Army, Commanding.
Fort Gaston, Oal., July 13, 1861.
Oapt. "C. S. LovELL,
Sixth Infantry, Commanding Fort Humboldt:
Sib: The volunteers from Lieutenant Martin's camp brought away
with them three Indian children, whom they capturedduringtheir recent
operations against the Indians, and whom, I learn, they design to retain
in their service. I deem it proper to bring this matter to your notice,
because I imagine it will meet with the disapprobation of the depart-
ment commander, to whom 1 shall feel it my duty to report it, as well
as other like cases which have occurred in some of the detachments
now in the iield.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
D, C. BUELL,
Ag»istant Adjutant- General, Acting Inspector-General.
Commandant's Office, Navy-Yard,
Mare Island, July 15, 1861.
Brig. Gen. E. V. Sumner,
Headquarters Department of the Pacific, San Francisco, Cal. :
Sir: Tour communication of the 13th of July was handed to me by
Captain Chaddock, of the U. S. revenue cutter Joe Lane. The gun
is now in progress of being fitted, and I hope by to-morrow evening
to be able to dispatch her. I will accept of your offer of a 24-pounder
field piece, and will be obliged if you will give the order for its delivery
to our tender, with the fixed ammunition necessary for it. I have under
my control the coast-survey steamer Active and the light-house steamer
Shubrick. Should the information you are in possession of induce you
to think that these steamers could be of service at the jwint spoken of
in your letter of the 11th instant, I will unhesitatingly detail them for
that service.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
W. H. GARDNEE,
Commandant.
Special Orders, ) Hdqrs. Department op the Pacific,
No. 126. ) San Francisco, July 15, 1861.
• ••••••
n. Under an exigency of the service Capt. R. C. Drum, assistant
a(\iatant-geueral, will, in addition to his other duties at these head-
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536 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Chap. LXII.
quarters, perforin those of chief of the subsistence department, relieving
Gapt. M. 1). L. Simpson, commissary of subsistence.
By order of Brigadier-General Samner :
RICHD. C. DRUM,
Assistant Adjutant- Oeneral.
Special Orders, ) Headquarters District op Oregon,
No. 20. 5 Fort Vancouver, 'Wash. Ter,, July 15, 1861.
• • • • . • • • ,
II. First Lieut. P. H. Sheridan, Fourth Infantry, will relieve Captain
Archer in command of Company I, Ninth Infantry, receiving and
receipting for the company and pablic property pertaining thereto.
Lieutenant Sheridan will remain in command of Fort Uoskins atitil the
arrival of an officer of the Ninth Infantry.
By order of Colonel Wright:
JNO. S. MASON,
First Lieut., Third Artillery, Acting Assistant Adjutant- Oeneral.
Fort Yuma, Cal., July 15, 1861.
Maj. D. C. Bttell,
Asst. Adjt. Gen., Headquarters Department of the Pacific :
Major: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt on the 13th
instant of the communication dated June 26 from the headquarters of
the department. The rnmor referred to, like many others, has reached
us, and of course our earnest attention has been given to the matter.
Nothing as yet has come to our knowledge to indicate any likelihood
of such a movement being contemplated at this time, or at a very early
future. As an expedition of the kind mnst pass through the eastern
part of the Gadsden purchase, and within about forty miles of Tucson,
to get a practicable route toward Gnaymas, we should be likely to
obtain early information of it from the loyal citizens of that place. I
shall endeavor, at any rate, by the earliest opportunity to obtain Itom
Tucson the most prompt and reliable news. I can depend on the few
people in this vicinity to keep me fully advised of all they may learn.
I would most respectfully suggest, in reference to another rumor that
has reached us, so vague^ however, as scarcely to justify this notice of
it, that an addition to this garrison is contemplated; that if so, unless
there should be a paramount necessity for it, no troops should be sent
to the post during the present or next month, if they are to march
through the desert. Such march could not be effected without greatly
impairing the efficiency of the troops, coming as they would from a
comparatively cool region into one where the heat is excessive and
exceedingly debilitating, and the supplies of water scanty and generally
bad. For the last thirty-one days we have had a continued spell of
extremely hot weather, the mean at 2 o'clock, the official hour of obser-
vation, being upward of 1084°, and the hottest portion of the day is
almost invariably at a later hour. No decided amelioration in this
respect can be looked for until late in September.
I have the honor to be, your obedient servant,
A. CADT,
Major Sixth Infantry, Commanding Post.
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Chip. LXII.) correspondence UNION AND CONFEDERATE. 537
ADJUTANT-GENEBAIi'S OFFICE,
Washington, July 16, 1861.
Lieut. Gen. Winfield Scott,
Commanding the Army:
General : In consequence of the order removing the troops from the
Oregon route, urgent applications have been made to the War Depart-
ment to have a sufficient force stationed thereon to protect the overland
mail. To aid in eifecting this purpose, the Secretary of War desires,
if it meet your approbation, that the paroled companies now stationed
in New- York Harbor be directed to take iwst in Utah.
I am, general, &c.,
L. THOMAS,
Adjutant-Qeneral.
Headquarters Department op the PAciFifl,
San Francisco, July 16, 1861.
Oapt. William H. Gardner,
Commanding Navy- Yard, Mare Island, Cal, :
Captain : I have received your letter of yesterday. I have sent an
order to Benicia to furnish you with the 24-poander and field carriage.
I am glad to learn that the Active and Shubrick are under your com-
mand, and I should think it would bo very well, in order to show that
we are wide awake, to let one or both of them make a cruise occasion-
ally down the coast.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
E. V. SUMNER,
Brigadier- General, U. 8. Army, Commanding.
Special Orders, ) Hdqrs. Department of the Pacific,
No. 128. ] San Francisco, July 16, 1861.
1. The detachment of Company D, Sixth Infantry, posted in Round
Valley, will immediately be withdrawn by the commanding officer of
Fort firagg.
By order of Brigadier-General Sumner:
RICHD. C. DRUM,
Assistant Adjutant-Qeneral.
Headquarters Department of the Pacific,
San Francisco, July 16, 1861.
Lieut. Col. George Andrews,
Commanding Fort Yuma, Cal. :
Sir: The security of your command and the position it now occupies
is of vital importance, and requires, the general commanding believes,
the most watchful care on your part. It is therefore desirable that you
should make such necessary preparations for the defense of your post
as the means at your disposal will permit. To enable you the more
certainly to procure valuable and reliable information of any hostile
operations in the south or west, and to receive timely notice of the
advance of any force in the direction of your jwst, the general desires
you to make such arrangements witli the tribes of friendly Indians and
others favorably disposed toward our Government, as well as keep you
constantly advised of the movements of armed parties in the directions
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538 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Chap. LXU.
indicated. The general also wishes yon to keep him advised of any
movements having for their object either the invasion or seizing upon
of any part of the States of tiie Eepnblic of Mexico on this coast.
Yon are expected to forward all reliable information yon may receive
for the information of the general commanding.
Very re8i)ectfully, your obedient servant,
RIOHD. C. DRUM,
Assistant Adjutant- General.
Special Orders, ) Hdqrs. Department op the Pacific,
No. 129, ) San Francisco, July 17, 1861.
I. Lieut. Col. George A. H. Blake, First Dragoons, will, in con-
sequence of the disability of Colonel Beall, assume command of the
regiment, the headquarters of which are hereby transferred to Fort
Churchill, N. T. The non-commissioned staff, band and regimental
archives, will be forwarded without delay by water to San Francisco,
and thence to Fort Churchill, by the usual route.
• ••••••
By order of Brigadier-General Sumner:
BICHD. C. DRUM,
Assistant Adjutant-General.
Headqttarters Department of the Pacific,
San FranciscOf July 18, 1861.
Bvt. Maj. James H. Carleton,
First Dragoons, U. S. Army,
Commanding Gamp Fitzgerald, Los Angeles, Oal. :
Sir : The general commanding the department directs that yon will
proceed immediately to San Bernardino, in this State, and while there
and in the vicinity make inquiry into the political complexion of that
district of country. While you are expected to make a close investiga-
tion into the sympathies and opinions of these people, the general
nevertheless desires you to prevent as far as possible any suspicions as
to the real object of your visit. The general desires you to report folly
on the political feeling existing there, and whether in your opinion the
Union sentiment would be strengthened by stationing two more com-
panies of troops at that iK>int, the troops to be drawn from Gamp
Sumner, near this place.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
RICHD. C. DRUM,
Assistant Adjutant-General.
P. S. — The general thinks it possible that Captain Sherman, of San
Bernardino, may be able to give you reliable information.
B. 0. D.
Headquarters Department of the Pacific,
San Francisco, July 18, 1861,
Lient. Col. Geouoe A. H. Blake,
First Regiment of Dragoons, U. 8. Army,
Commanding Fort Churchill, Nev. Ter. :
Sir: The general commanding dep>artment desires you to inform him
whether in yoor opinion it would be jiidicious to place at Fort Churchill
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Chap. LXn.] CORRESPONDENCE ^UNION AND CONFEDERATE. 539
200 stand of arma for the purpose of arming in an emergency those
citizens in Nevada Territory favorably disposed to our Government.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
EICHD. C. DRUM,
Assistant Adjutant-General,
U. S. Flag-Ship Lancaster,
Harbor of Acapuleo, July 19, 1861.
Brig. Gen. E. V. Sumner,
Gomdg. the Paeijio Mil. Div. of the United States,
/Saw Francisco, Gal.:
Generax : Tour communication dated July 10 and inclosure has just
been received. I scarcely need to assure you of my earnest desire and
readiness to co-operate with you (to the extent of the means at my dis-
posal) in counteracting the supposed designs of secessionists against
Lower California, and for all other objects touching the honor and inter-
ests of our Government. I am now en route with the Lancaster to
Panama, where I shall meet dispatches from the Navy Department,
possibly, instructing me in regard to future oi)eration8. In tiie mean-
time I liave directed the commanders of the steamers Wyoming and
Narragansett and sloop of war Cyane, detailed for service along the
coasts of California and Alexico for the protection of mail steamers,
&c., to afford you all required aid and co operation in carrying out the
views of the Government (within the limits of their assigned duties)
along the coasts and in the Gulf of Califoiiiia.
I have the honor to be, sir, respectfully, your obedient servant,
J. B. MONTGOMERY,
Flag-Officer, Commanding Pacifio Squadron.
Headquarters,
Fort Bragg, Cal., July 19, 1861.
Lieut. J. P. Martin,
Seventh Infantry, Comdg. Detachment in the Field,
Gamp near Spruce Orove:
Sir: Your letter dated 14th July is received, also the one Captain
Lovell wrote to yon dated July 12. I have received no instructions as
yet from department lieadquarters with regard to operating against the
Indians, but expect by the next mail (July 25) to receive instructions.
I can only anticipate that of which you are already advised and will be
ready to act promptly when authorized. Your move in locating your
camp is a good one, and to reconnoiter withont alarming the Indians is
perhaps the most that can be done at present. When I start up the
coast, which may be on the 24th instant, it will be with a very small
party of men (nominally a hunting party) so as not to create alarm, so
that when it is time to strike we can do it effectually. To punish the
guilty and spare the innocent will be my object, and I would rather all
would escape than to kill any women or children. Consequently,
endeavor to ascertain the whereabouts of the Indians who were con-
cerned in the recent murder of Oliver and Lewis, and if possible
advise me upon my arrival at Shelter Cove.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
ORLANDO H. MOORE,
Lieutenant, Sixth Infantry, Commanding.
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540 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST, (Chap.IXII.
Tebritort of Washington, Executive Office,
Olympia, July 20, 1861.
Col. G. Wright,
Ninth Infantry, U. 8. Army,
Commanding Fort Vancouver, Wash. Ter.s
Sir : Herewith 1 have the honor to transmit to yon a copy of a corre-
spondence between this office and that of the superintendent of Indian
affairs relative to diflBculties apprehended by the settlers in the vicinity
of Gray's Harbor with tlie neighboring Indians. The superintendent
recommends that a small detachment of troops be stationed at Fort
Chebalis, and I have respectfully to urge that this may be done at as
early a day as possible.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
HENEY M. McGILL,
Acting Oovemor.
[Tncloanre Ko. 1.]
Territory of Washington, Executive Office,
Olympia, July 20, 1861.
Hon. W. W. Miller,
Superintendent of Indian Affairs, Olympia, Wash. Ter. :
Sir : Herewith I inclose a petition addressed to the Governor of this
Territory by citizens of Gray's Harbor and vicinity, asking that regular
troops or militia be immediately ordered there for the protection of
settlers from the neighboring Indians. I also inclose seven affidavits
on the same subject. The petitioners and affiants state that in conse-
quence of the withdrawal of the troops from Fort Chehalis the savage-s
have assumed an attitude of hostility, and in some cases have caused
the settlers to abandon their farms. Great fears are entertained of
further violence. These papers are respectfully referred for your opin-
ion as to the necessity for affording the protection called for. Should
you believe that such necessity exists I will, on being notified, immedi-
ately make the proper requisition upon the military authorities of this
department.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
HENBY M. McGILL,
Acting Governor.
(TnolosuTO Ko. 2.]
Office op the Superintendent of Indian Affairs,
Olympia, Wash. Ter., July 20, 1861.
Hon. H. M. McGiLL,
Acting Governor, cfcc, Olympia, Wash. Ter.:
Sir: I have to acknowledge receipt of your letter of this date, cover-
ing a petition for troops, with sundry affidavits from citizens near Gray's
Harbor, concerning the contemplated danger to them from the Indians
on the north side of the Chehalis. It is the desire and intention of this
office to send an agent to visit these Indians at a very early day, and
to carry into effect the treaty with such of them as have been treated
with, which includes all the Indians on the coast except the Chehalis
bands. It is hoped that these arrangements may be the means of ter-
minating all difficulties and dangers, both real and imaginary, but it
would be advisable in the meantime to have an armed dutachineut of,
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Chap. Lxn.] C0EBE8P0NDENCE — UNION AND CONFEDEEATE. 541
say, ten or fifteen men from Fort Steilacoom, or Fort Vancouver, sta-
tioned at the old post, and I consequently recommend that number be
sent thither.
I am, very respectfhlly,
W. W. MILLBB,
Superintendent of Indian Affairs, Washington Territory.
[Indorsement.]
Headquarters District op Oregon,
Fort Vancouver, Wash. Ter., July 31, 1861.
Bespectftally referred to department headquarters.
I have removed all the stores from Fort Cliehalis, as I did not believe
there would be any absolute necessity for troops there for the present.
I do not think that there is any real danger of Indian outbreaks, but
to allay the apprehensions on that subject perhaps it might be as well
to send ten or twelve men there for a while.
G. WRIGHT,
Colonel Ninth Jn/antry, Commanding.
Headquarters,
Fort Churchill, Nev. Ter., July 22, 1861.
Maj. Don Carlos Buell,
Assistant Adjutant- General, U. 8. Army,
Hdqrs. Department of the Pacific, San Francisco, Cal. :
Major: Your communication of the 18th instant is received. In
reply I would state for the information of the general commanding
department that Captain Moore was present and organized one com-
pany in Virginia City, and that he examined the records of the Union
organization in Virginia City, Gold Hill, and Silver City, and is satis-
fled there are now in the Territory over 400 loyal citizens, organized aa
companies, who are anxious to obtain arms and ammunition for the pur-
pose of aiding the civil authority in carrying out the laws and protecting
the interests of the United States. I believe that arms could be placed
in the hands of these men with the full assurance that the power thus
given them would not be abused. I would also state that the arms will
be secure, as they do not place them in an armory but carry them to
their rooms, so that in case of an alarm they come forth ready armed
without the necessity of rushing to an armory to equip. The arms
could be issued to the Governor, and by him to such as he knows to be
loyal, or placed in store at this post and issued on requisitions by him
or the order of the general commanding department.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
GEO. A. H. BLAKE,
Lieutenant- Colonel First Dragoons, Commanding Post.
Headquarters op the Army,
Washington, July 23, 1861.
Brig. Gen. E. V. Sumner, U. S. Army,
Commanding Department of the Pacific, San Framdsco, Cal. :
Sir : The colonel of ordnance has ordered 30,000 stand of arms, now
in store on the Pacific, to be shipped to New York, as they are very
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542 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Chap. LDL
mnch needed here. The Creneral-in-Chief directs that you give eveiy
facility for executing this order as soon as practicable.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
B. D. TOWNSEND,
As»igtant Adjutant- Oeneral.
Headquabtebs Camp Fitzgebald,
Xear Lo$ Angeles, CaL, July 23, 1861.
Maj. D. C. BuELL, U. S. Army,
Assistant Adjutant-General, San Francisco, CaL:
Majob : Inclosed please find the report of First Lieut. Benjamin F.
Davis, First Dragoons, on the Indian troubles which were said to exist
at or near Fort Tejon, Gal. Lieutenant Davis' report confirms the
impression I had as to the truth of the intelligence conveyed to me by
telegraph and otherwise in relation to these troubles. The general may
rely upon this — no troops are more ready than those of this command
to protect the inhabitants when they are really menaced, and none, per-
haps, more unwilling than those to be imposed upon by idle reports,
having no foundation in fact, and which are gotten up to answer sin-
ister ends.
I am, major, very re8i)ectfuUy, your obedient servant,
J. H. OARLETOX,
Brevet Major, U. 8. Army, Commanding.
[nioloaore.]
Camp Fitzgebald,
Near Los Angeles, Cal., July 23, 1861.
Brevet Major Oableton,
Commanding Camp Fitzgerald, near Los Angeles :
Majob : I have the honor to report that in compliance with your
orders I left this camp on the morning of the 14th and proceeded to
Fort Tejon for the purpose of ascertaining the facts concerning certain
reports made by the people of that vicinity that the Indians were com-
mitting depredations and threatening to make war niKtn them. I
arrived at that place on the 18th, and made carefal inquiries of Messrs.
Alexander, Barbee, Halpin, and other residents of the caQon. From
their statements it appears that when the troops left the fort the Indians
came about in considerable numbers to pick up old rags, shoes, &c., as
is usual with them in such cases, and Lieutenant Carr, the officer left
in charge, seems to have had some little difficulty in getting rid of
them. A few days afterward two or three of these Indians got drunk
at the " Yews," and on their way home attempted to throw a lariat over
the head of a man whom they met coming up the cation in a buggy.
They also tried to break into the house of a Mrs. Welt, who lives below
the fort, but she easily frightened them off by firing a pistol out of the
window. This seems to have been the extent of their depredations,
and since that time they have been quiet and friendly. The apprehen-
sion that the people are under li-om the Indians may be judged of by
the fact that most every family has them employed either as house serv-
ants or laborers, and they are well aware that it is in their power to
prevent all trouble in future by simply prohibiting the sale of liquor
by any member of the community. I then preceded to the settle-
ments on the slough or South Fork of Kern Biver to inquire into the
threatened depredations in that quarter. The story that these people
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CBAr. LXIL] COKEESPONDENCE UNION AND CONFEDEEATE. 643
tell is that an Indian boy told a Mrs. Cottrell or Cottring that the
Indians from the reservation -were coming down when the corn got ripe
to eat it up, and were then going to kill all the whites. This woman
lives near her father, an old man named Bonny, who has also another
daughter, Mrs. Greenlis, who lives eight or ten miles down the slough.
The old man becoming alarmed sent for this daughter, which caused the
panic to spread to two or three other families in the neighborhood. They
collected at bis boose and remained together three or four days, when,
their fears having subsided, they returned to their homes. According
to their own showing this is the only foundation for the rex)orts which
they circulated and the petition which they signed praying for protec-
tion. It is possible that some idle Indian boy may have amused him-
self by playing upon the fears of the woman, but 1 believe the whole
story to be a fabrication. Mr. Gale, an old mountaineer, who lives
within a mile of Mr. Bonny, says he heard nothing of the matter until
the people had returned to their homes, and James McKenzie, who lives
near Greenlis, makes the same statement. I returned by the way of
the reservation and tad an interview with Mr. Bagchart, the newly
appointed agent. He says that these reports about the Indians are
false; that they are contented with their condition, and that he is well
satisfied with their conduct. He also stated that he wanted no troops
for protection against Indians. In this connection I would respectfully
refer the general to the report which this gentleman has recently made
to the Superintendent of Indian Affairs on this very point. The truth
is that the people in the vicinity of Fort Tejon have lived so long upon
Government patronage that they now find it difQcolt to do without it,
and they will use every means to have troops restationed at that place.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
B. F. DAVIS,
First Lieutenant, die.
Wab Department, July Zl, 1861.
GOTBBNOB OP CALIPOBNIA:
The War Department accepts for three years one regiment of infan-
try and five companies cavalry to guard the Overland Mail Route from
Carson Valley to Salt Lake and Fort Lawrence. Colonel Waite will
be put in command of department at Salt Lake City. General Sauflier
will detail mustering officer to muster in the men.
SIMON CAMBKON,
Hecretary of War.
Adjutant-Genbbal's Ofpice,
Washington, July 24, 1861.
Brigadier-General Stjmnee,
Headquarters Department of the Pacific, San Francisco, Gal.:
One regiment of infantry and five companies of cavalry have been
accepted from California to aid in protecting Overland Mail Route via
Salt Lake. Please detail officers tc muster these troops into service.
Blanks will be sent by steamer.
By order:
L. THOMAS,
Adjutant- General.
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544 OPEKATI0N8 ON THE PACIPIO COAST. [Chap.LXIL
Camp Pickett,
San Juan Island, Wash. Ter., July 24, 1861.
Lieut. John S. Mason, D". S. Army,
Third Artillery, Act/j. Asst. Adjt. Qen., Rdqrs. Dist. of Oregon :
Sib: I have the honor to report that iu compliauce with Special
Orders, No. 18, dated headquarters District of Oregon, Fort Vancou-
ver, Wash. Ter., July 15, 1861, 1 have arrived at this post with iny
company.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
T. C. EJSJGLISH,
Captain, Ninth Infantry.
Washington, July 25, 1861.
Hon. Simon Cameron,
Secretary of War:
SiE : The bearer of this, Col. J. D. Williamson, of New York, and
formerly a resident of Oregon, informs me that he has raised a regi-
ment of riflemen composed principally of citizens from that State. I
trust that it will be convenient for you to receive them at once as a
part of the quota from Oregon. Colonel Williamson bears the highest
testimonials from some of the most distinguished citizens of New York.
I am, respectfully, your obedient servant,
J. W. NE8M1TH.
WAE DepAETMENT, July 26, 1861.
Col. J. D. Williamson,
No. 43 Courtland St., New York City :
Sir: The regiment of infantry which you offer is accepted for three
years or the war, provided you have it ready for marching orders iu
thirty days. This acceptance is with the distinct understanding that
this Department will revoke the commissions of all oflBcers who maybe
found incompetent for the proper discharge of their duties. When yon
have 500 men ready the Actjutant-General will issue orders to muster.
You will promptly advise Adjutant-General, headquarters at Washing-
ton^the date at which your men will be ready for mustering and he will
detail an officer for that puri)Ose.
By order of the Secretary of War :
JAMES LESLEY, Jr.,
Chief Clerk, War Department.
Foet Stbilacoom, Wash. Tee., July 26, 1861.
First Lieut. J. S. Mason,
Third Artillery, Acting Assistant Adjutant-Oeneral,
Udqrs. District of Oregon, Fort Vancouver, Wash. Ter. :
Sir: I have the honor to report that in obedience to Special Orders,
No. [18], headquarters District of Oregon, Capt. T. C. English with his
company (H, Ninth Infantry), on the 24th instant relieved my com-
many (B) as the garrison of Camp Pickett, San Juan Island, and I at
the same time turned over the command of the post to him. I arrived
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CHAP. LXII.] CORRESPONDENCE UNION AND CONFEDERATE. 545
liere this morning on the Massachnsetts, and have tamed over to
Captain Woodruff, Ninth Infantry, commanding tills post, my company
and company property in compliance with above-mentioned order.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
G. E. PICKETT,
Captain, Ninth Infantry.
Adjutant-General's Office,
Washington, July 26, 1801.
Brig. Gen. B. V. Sumner,
Commanding Department of the Pacific :
Direct your quartermaster and commissary to prepare in advance the
stores necessary for the regiment of infantry and five companies of
cavalry accepted from California. Suggest to the Governor of Cali-
fornia the propriety of making Major Garleton the colonel of the infantry
regiment. Colonel Waite is prevented by ill health from accepting the
command. It is desired that Mf^or Carletoa be placed in command.
If any one else is made colonel of the Infantry regiment, he will be
deprived of the command.
L. THOMAS,
Adjutant- Oeneral.
Hbadquabtebs Department of the Pacifk;,
San Francisco, July 20, ISGl.
Capt. William H. Gardner,
Commanding Navy- Yard, if are Island, Cat. :
Captain: Captain Boggs has Just shown me a letter from the
Treasury Department directing the Shubricli to be laid up. The revenue
cutter is also to be returned to her owners immediately, which leaves
no Government steamer about this harbor. This seems to me very
unsafe and will certainly encourage attempts to resist the authority of
the Government. If you have the power to keep tlie Shubrick in com-
mission till you can hear from Washington, I would respectfully and
earnestly recommend that it be done.
Very respectftUly, your obedient servant,
E. V. SUMNEK,
Brigadier- Oeneral, V. S. Army, Commanding.
Commandant's Office, Navy-Yard,
Mare Island, July 27, 1801.
Brig. Gen. E. V. Sumner,
Comdg. Department of the Pacific, San Francisco, Cat. :
Sir: I am in receipt of your letter of the 26th instant. I perceive,
as you say, that we shall be left without a Government steamer iu our
waters, save the Active, which vessel I am now repairing for duty on
the coast survey, and shall place upon her two 12-pounder howitzers,
and order her to remain in our waters. She will then be quite a T:?-
midable vessel of war, having a good supply of small arms and a com-
plement of sixty men. I regret that I cannot interfere with the orders
36 R R— VOL L, pt I
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546 OPBRATIONB ON THE TMSIFK COABT. [Ceap. LXIL
of the' Light-House Board, hui tbdnk that by telegraphing to Wash-
ington the order might be eoontermaDded and an order given for her
to be fitted for the time being as a oniiser.
I am, with greadi respMt, yomx obedient servaut,
W. H, GAEDFER,
Commandant.
Hbadquabtbss Dbpabtment of the Pacifio,
San Francisco, July 29, 1861.
Adjutant-Geneeal U. S. Aumy,
Washinffton:
I woald earnestly recommend that the steamer Shiibrick be kept iu
commission, as she may be wanted at any moment for the protection of
the coast.
E. V. SUMNER,
Brigadier-General, TJ. 8. Army, Commanding.
Washington, July 29, 1861— 6 p. m.
General B. V. StnoNEB,
Commanding Department of the Pacific:
Retain Gapt. R. C. Drum at your headquarters and order Gol. D. G.
Buell to this city to report to the Adjutant-General.
By order:
L. THOMAS,
Adjutant- Oeneral.
Special Ordkbs, ) Wae Dbpt., Adjt. Geneeal's Oppice,
No. 203. J Washington, July 29, 1861.
• ••••••
6. Gapt. R. C. Drum, assistant adjutant-general, is relieved from the
operation of paragraph C, Special Orders, No. 181, from this oflSce, dated
July 8, 1861, which directed him to report in person at this office, and
will remain at the headquarters of the Department of the Pacific.
Lieut. Col. D. 0. Buell is relieved from duty in the Department of the
Pacific and will report immediately in person to the Ac(jutant-General.
• ••••••
By order:
L. THOMAS,
Adjutant- General.
Hbadqxtaetees Department of the Pacific,
San Francisco, July 29, 1861.
Gapt. William H. Gaednee, TJ. S. Navy,
Commanding Navy- Yard, Mare Island, Oal, :
CAPTAIN: I have telegraphed to-day to keep the Shubrick in com-
mission, as she may be wanted at any moment for the protection of the
coast. I think this application wiTI be granted, and therefore I hope
) ou will think proper to delay dismantling the ship till we get a reply.
Very trvQy, yours,
E. V. SUMNER,
Brigadier- General, U. 8. Army, Commanding.
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CEAP. LXU.) COSlUBSPOirCENCE — UNION AND CONFEDERATE. 547
Hbadquakxbbs Difasthhnt o» the PAcmo,
San Francisco, July 39, 1861.
Gapt. Julian MoAllistbb,
Ordnance Corpa, CommanAing Benioia Arsenal, Benicia, Cai. :
Sib : The general commMiding the department desires yon to inyoice
to Lieutenaut-Colonel Blake, First DragooBs, commanding Fort
Chnruhill, Kev. Ter., 200 masketo, with the necesnarj equipments, and
6,000 rounds of ammnuition snited to the same. The muskets will be of
the pattern usually issued to States and Territories. The general
wishes you to forward these arms at the earliest possible moment.
Very respectfully, your obedient s^vaut,
RICHD. C. DRUM,
Aasiatant Adjutant- General.
Hbadqvabtebs Department of the Pacific,
San Francisco, July 29, 1861.
Lieut. Col. Geobge A. H. Blake,
First Dragoons, U. S. Army, Comdg. Fort Churchill, Nev. Ter. :
Sis: The ordnance officer at Benicia Arsenal has this day been
directed to forward to you 200 muskets with the necessary equipments,
and 6,000 rounds of ammunition suited to the same. The arms and
ammunition will be invoiced to you, and the general commanding the
department desires you to issue them only on the requisition of the
Governor of the Territory, taking the Governor's receipt therefor.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
RICHD. C. DRUM,
Assistant Adjutant-General.
FoET Dalles, Oeeo., July 29, 1861.
AoTG. AssT. Adjt. Gem., Distbict op Obegon,
Port Vancouver, Wash. Ter, :
Sib : I have the honor to report that in obedience to Special Orders*
No. 11, headquarters District of Oregon, I left Fort Colville, Wash. Ter.,
en route for this place on the 10th of July. I was delayed three days
at the Spokane River, waiting for transptH^tion, and seven days at
Snake River. There being no transportation on the south side of Snake
River, Captain Kirkham having made arrangements for water trans-
portation Irom that place, the company was there embarked for the
Des Chutes, and reached this place on the 2Sth, all in good health and
everything in good condition. The order for the movement of the
company was received on the evening of the 4th of July, and the move-
ment was commenced as soon as the quartermaster provided the neces-
sary transportation.
I have the honor to be, sir, your obedient s^-vant,
JAS. VAN VOAST,
Captain, Ninth Infantry, Commanding Company K.
Pobt Walla Walla, Wash. Ter., July 30, 1861.
Maj. D. C. BuELL,
Asst. Adjt. Gen., Department of Pacific, San Francisco, Cal. :
Sir : I have the honor to report, for the information of the general
eommanding the deimrtment, that there is danger of Indian troubles
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548 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. (CHAP.ixn.
in this vicinity before winter. A large portion of the Nez Percys
refused to come into council and receive their annuities, and it is
expected they will shortly join the Snakes, and unless 1 am re-enforced
by a company of infantry and another of dragoons, I shall be unable
to do anythmg beyond taking care of the post. There ^e now but
forty-eight men for guard duty at the post. The Snakes have been in
the valley already within fifteen miles of the post. They ran oflf five
horses, killed three, and wounded two more. It was not ascertained
until several days afterward who committed the act, when Mr. Graigie
identified the arrows as Snake arrows, and it was then too late to send
out a small party. We are also in want of officers, myself and the
surgeon being the only ones who belong here. The others are promoted
away from the post, and only waiting to be relieved in order to join
their proper companies.
I am, sir, very respectfully,
E. STBEN,
Major, First Dragoons, Commanding.
Special Orders, ) Hdqbs. Depabtment op the Pacific,
No. 138. j San Francisco, July 31, 1861.
Forty muskets and 400 musket-ball cartridges will be loaned from
the Benicia Arsenal temporarily, on proper receipts, to the Pacific
Steamship Company, for the purpose of arming the steamer sailing
on the 1st proximo: the arms which the company have for that pur-
X)Ose having been detained by the non-arrival of the steamer due on
the 24th instant.
By order of Brigadier-General Sumner:
KICHD. 0. DRUM,
Assistant Adjutant-General.
Confidential.] Headqoabtebs Gamp Fitzoebald,
Near Los Angeles, Cal., July 31, 1861.
Maj. D. C. BuELL, (J. S. Army,
Assistant Adjutant- General, San Francisco, Cal.:
Major : I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your com-
munication of the 18th instant. It seemed to have been delayed upon
the road. I left for San Bernardino on the 24tli, and returned thence
this morning. I beg respectfully to report that I took many and
various measures to learn the political sentiments of the people in that
region, and also their sympathies with reference to this party or that,
North and South. The x>opnlation of San Bernardino is about 1,500
souls; 1,000 of these are Mormons. The rest may be made up of some
few respectable Americans, of a good many Jew merchants, who con-
trol the business of the town, and go with any side that pays best for
the time being; and then there follow adroit horse thieves and other
unprincipled and desperate meu, gathered into that point, as well from
other parts of California as from Utah. There is a large sprinkling of
this latter class. You can judge of a man whose character is such he
could not be tolerated in Utah. Now, the Mormons, whatever their
professions, hate us at heart. I append a paper in relation to this peo-
ple which the general may regard as made up from reliable informa-
tion. The Jews, as a rule, have no love for us. The outlaws hate,
because they fear us. To these latter any change would be congeilial
which by hook or crook could be made profitable. All but the few
respectable Americans would set us at defiance to-morrow if they dared
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CHAP. Lxn.i CORRESPONDENCE — UNION AND CONFEDERATE. 549
to do SO. The Americans seem to be the only ones there who really
have principle enough to feel anything like patriotism. I believe the
presence there of two or more companies of U. S. troops would encour-
age and sustain in their loyalty to the Union all those who yet have
reverence for it, would bring back the wavering, and would exercise a
wholesome restraint over the treasonable and vicious. A commander
there would have to contend against Mormon influences. The county
judge is a Mormon, the sheriff is a Mormon, the justice of the i)eace is
a Mormon. In all ordinary trials the most of the jurymen would be
Mormons. You can foresee that the administration of civil law by
these ofiScers would continue to be, as it doubtless is now, a farce.
Following this idea you can figure at times diflBculties between the men
of a command and the citizens, and you can figure the results. If some
plan could be devised by which these civil oflBcers could be got to per-
form their duties in good faith, or resign and give place to others who
would, or some plan by which the military could exercise more than a
negative control, all that section of country might be counted on as for
the Union, whatever betide onr fortunes in this battle or that, and pre-
supposing that no sane man doubts how the scales will finally prepon-
derate. There is a place called Agna Mansa, six or seven miles from
San Bernardino. It is settled mostly by Spanish people from New
Mexico. It contains 600 souls. In the mines (in Holcomb and Bear
Valleys), eight hours' ride from San Bernardino, there are 1,000 men.
Of these 200 are said to be in favor of secession. The troops to be sta-
tioned at San Bernardino would doubtless exert a wholesome influence
over all these. There is another thought in connection with this
matter. Shonld it so happen that troops may be required to oppose
enemies coming overland into California by the way of Arizona, those
then stationed at San Bernardino would be already three marches from
this point (the terminus of the telegraph) in that direction. Should
they at any time be required to help fortify and to defend the harbor
of San Diego (the most important on this coast after that of San Fran-
cisco, as the general well knows), they could in one day be set en route
by telegraph and a dragoon express from here. Barley can be bought
there at a cent a pound ; beef for 5 cents, while all kinds of vegetables,
fruit, poultry, &c., are cheap and abundant. The general did not wish
persons to suspect the real puri)ose of my visit. I inclose the copy of
a letter written by his Excellency Governor Downey to Mr. Sherman,
at San Bernardino.* It arrived in that place before I did. Mr. Sher-
man may have had more reticence than most x)olitical men, for as a rule
" to do good by stealth and blush to find it fame " is not their motto.
What they do for the people they want the people to know, particularly
when they seek the people's suffrage. I mention this to show how
tliese matters ^o. I inclose a communication from Mr. Sherman in rela-
tion to the feeling of the people in that quarter.
All of which is respectfully submitted.
JAMES H. GARLETON,
Brevet Major, U. 8. Army, Vommanding.
[looloaare Ko. 1.}
THE MOBMONS AS A PEOPLE.
Nearly all Mormons are foreigners. Among these are Welsh, English,
Norwegians, Swedes, some Germans, and a few French. They are
evidently of the lowest and most ignorant grade of the people in the
* [Memorandam on back of letter in pencil :] Governor Downey's letter -was not
with the papers handed to M%joT Ketcbnm by General Sumner. _.
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550 OPEEATIOWS OS THB PACIFIC COAST. [Oa^. LXH.
several conntries from whence tbej have eome. Mixed in yntb. these
are a few low, unpriBcipied Americans, l^e ntost intelligent and crafty
of these, oommenomg with Brighara Young, are the directors and rulers
of the whole mass. By a misapplication of the word, for amen^tt
them nothiag is sacred, their government is solely a hierarchy, and not-
withstanding, in theory, they are aasumed to foe a population obedient
to the laws of our oemmon oonutry, practically they scorn and deride,
and set at defiance all laws that interfere with their safety or interest,
save those promulgated l^ the ^and council of l^e eharoh. This
council is composed of the twelve, Brigham Young being at presentthe
great hierophant and president of that body. This oeoBciliKyt only fixes
and determines upon all important matters pertaining to the church,
and the ecclesiastical measures growingont of them, bat thMRigh bMbopB
and elders, and mintM* councils, called councils of seventy, ai^ through
presidents of stakes (precincts), control ev^i the temporal and domestic
affairs of every family down to the last individual. When a person
becomes a Mormon he has te bo initiated by what are called degiees.
While proceeding step by st^ Itoongh these the aovioe is obliged to
take several terrible oathfi. In these he swears to uph<rid the fEutiif
and to yield perfect and unqualified obedienoe to the orders of the
oouDcil and to the orders of these appointed over him. He swears,
also, never to drvalge the secret pass-words and grips and signs made
known to him during this initiation. This ceremony is called the
endowment. No mian is a true and<ioraplete Mormon wbo has not been
endowed, and every Mormon who has been thus midowed can, either
by words, grips, or signs, recognise every other Mormon. Now these
being the obligations under which tiiese ignorant, deluded foreigners
are bound, the most of tbera men who Imow nothing of our Govern-
ment or its laws, it is easy to imagine what a sway, what a complete
and absolute control the council ai^ the prophet have over the minds
and persons and possessions of every subordinate member of the
church, both at home and abroad. There are not only the oaths to
bind the conscience, but there is a real power, a hand raised to strike
from existence those who show the least sign of disobedience or of
recusancy. That hand is secret and invisible; it strikes at an unex-
pected moment, but it strikes none the less a mortal blow. It is the
band of the Danites or destroying angels. These Mormons, then, being
mostly from foreign lands, with no knowledge of our Government or
laws, no affection for or sympathy with our peox^le, no reverence for
our institntions, no love for our country, they follow blindly, ignorantly,
but implicitly, tbe orders of council and of their prophet, impelled by
their oaths and their faith on the one hand, and torood onward l^ l&eir
fears upon tbe other. Tb^ are taugbt, even from the pulpits, to abhor
and contemn as as the slayers of the founder of their religion, as the
persecutors of their pei^le when the church was in its infancy. So
their bands, like those of Ishmael against all other men, are always
and instinctivdy raised against us. These are truths which not even
the Menrmons themselves deny. Kow send the civil ofBcers of the Gov-
ernment amongst them, and make even an attempt to administer the
laws according to the forms of procedure established throughout the
rest of the land, and Hiey laugh at you to your face. Suppose a crime —
say a murder — has been committed by a Mormon upon a Gentile.
Wno compose the jury to find the indiotmentt The brethren. Who
are generally the witnesses before that jury t The brethren. Who are
the officers and jailers who have custody of the prisoner b^ore and
after the trialf The brethren. Who are the members of the jury
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OKAP. I.ZD.] C0KSE8P(HIIBENee — DNKW AMD COWTEOERATE. 551
before whom ihe trial takes i^aoef Btill tbe boetfareB. Who are the
witnesses for the prose«ition, aad, mwe pMticnlariy, who are those for
t^ defeesel Tbe brethrea. Siq)pow the eriminai sboald, after all
this, be ofuivioted and senteuoed, there is still a pardoning poww.
Thos miming a gactntlet all t^ w^ betweee tfae brethimi (if they do
not want him oat of the way), what ace not his efaanees for his Itfef
Ehraa though yon have twenty «rmii» there, has he any the less efaanees t
It is preached from the pulpits that GM>d sent the troops there as a
blessing to the Saints. Tb» troops scatter money broadcast throughout
' the land. AH this in relation to Utah, bat applieaAde to these Mormons.
Hnch being the rulers, each tiie masses, such the oaths and obligations,
and Budb the sentimeBts with which they regard our Gtovemment and
people, what can yon expect if the wbolesmne operation of our laws,
interferes with the absolute sway of the leaders, or with the interests
or purposes or safety of the ehurcb, or with the liberty or life of a
single member of the firatemityf What but the malignant hatred
which baffled viUaiBy most foel while it is yet impotent to strike?
What bat crime, when assassin-like it ean sfcnke unseen f What bat
open sedition and treason among the whole people wherever it has
gained strength f
JAMES H. €ABLBTON,
Brevet Major^ U. 8. Army.
[Ia«)taawir*.2.]
Saw Beiotabi>i»o, July 27, I86I.
M%j. Jakes H. Oableton, U. S. Army:
Deas Sib: In reeponee to your request in girini; aa aeconnt of the
state of affairs in this asd t^ a^oining eoanties, I herewith comply
by giving in detail what has passed undw my own observation, and
also the information given me b^ responsible persons during the past
three months. Abont the middle of May the movements of some of
the Spanish popalation ;began to excite suspicion among some of the
Amerieaa farm»-8 who live upon the outskirts of the settlements. A
Mr. Shackelford was tfae first to inform me of the fact. He stated that
he was e<wtinaally meeting parties of armed Mexicans who appeared
to be engaged in some movem^ot of a doobtfid churactar. They on
being questioned by him w^nld give him no satisfaction, and were very
insolent, which was new and strange to tfae general demeanor of thai
class of people. The Indians appeared to fa« somewhat disturbed also.
Mr. Shaf^eitbrd lives on Doctor Edgaz's farm, in this county, and [isj a
man of veracity. At the same time I was informed by Mr. James
Leonard, of this eity, that the Am^can population of Santa Ana and
other settl^nents were excited abont something, and tbeu' actions were
strange. S<Hne Americans had been endeavonng to raise recruits
among tbeau for the Sooth, among which was a man by the name of
Jordan, who bad been the most Mitive. Seeret meetings were being
held and the indications were that some eoctraordinary movement was
about to take place. I thought it was tnne that sonietbiDg should be
done in ordeo* to distingoidi finends firom foes. A public meeting was
called for the purpose of oiganiaing a Union eiub and to bring the
matter to a olose t^»t. I offered fiie inclosed resctetions.* After some
debate those who claimed to he Union m«a adopted them, and others
who were opposed e/eA in suUen silenee. Simultaneously with these
'Not found.
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552 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Chap. LXn.
proceedings the "bear flag" was raised in tbe Monte, and threats
were made that a descent would be made npoa this place. Tbe dab con-
tinued to meet about twice a week, gradually dwindling away in num-
bers, and Anally it was impossible to get them to meet at all. An
unaccountable fear or dread seemed to pervade the community. Row-
dyism and drunkenness, shooting in the streets, hurrahing for Jeff.
Davis, and all sorts of outrages were being continually committed, and
no person was safe in the streets after dark. I received information
that an attempt would shortly be made by the secessionists to destroy my
press. I met a gentleman by the name of Paul B. Hunt, who had blank
constitutions for Union clubs. We gathered some five or six Union
men together and organized a Union club agreeable to the constitu-
tion named, said club now numbering sixteen in all, one of whom has
since proved to be a traitor. Relying on this club as my only protec-
tion, we prepared ourselves for defense. I was soon informed that a
dentist by the name of Dr. Shrewsbury was busy in the country, and
especially in the mines, in circulating a papw and obtaining signatures
of secessionists who were to act in concert with those in the Monte,
pledging themselves to destroy my press. Of this I was informed by
a Mason. I have been also informed by a man by the name of Bald-
win that a Mr. Hathaway and some others came up tcom the Monte
with the avowed intention of drawing me into a difQcnlty and forcing
me to act on the defense, and then take my life. Mr. Baldwin over-
heard their conversation in his house, and immediately gave melriendly
warning. Whether through fear or other motive they desisted from
making the attempt I am unable to learn. It was said that an attempt
would have been made to raise the "bear flag" and tear down the
American flag here on the 4th of July. Although some of the seces-
sionists, I am told, were present, no attempt was made. I visited
Holcomb Valley on the 2l8t of the present month. I there learned
from the best authority that the secessionists had for a long time pre-
, vious to the 4th of July held a rod of terror over the Union men,
threatening them in every manner possible, and it had been unsafe for
Union men to express their opinions. I also learned that Mayor Mar-
cbessault, of Los Angeles, had been xip there in company with Captain
Ridley for the purpose of obtaining recruits for the secession forces.
Both money and oflicial position lyas promised, and a Doctor Hoge,
a Mr. Hopkins, and Doctor Shrewsbury had been very busy in this
matter. A difficulty took place in a disreputable house and shots
were fired; one man was killed and several were wounded. Doctors
Hoge and Shrewsbury were among the party. They are both very
bad men. I have been informed that they have already received com-
missions in the rebellion army. A Mr. Hopkins and Doctor Shrews-
bury met a gentleman by the name of J. L. Ware in company with
another, whose name is Joseph Caldwell. Mr. Ware offered a drink
of spirits to Mr. Hopkins, who offered a toast to the health of Jeff.
Davis. Ware immediately snatched the bottle from his lips and
dashed it against a rock and started on, when Hopkins said to Shrews-
bury: "As we have got to begin somewhere pretty soon, we may as
well begin with him." They started in pursuit of Ware, who saw
them coming with their revolvers drawn in a threatening manner;
immediately dismounted from his horse and loaded his rifle and pre-
pared to receive them. When thevsaw this they turned and remarked
they would let him go this time, but the next time they would have
his as well as every other Union man's scalp before long. On the
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CHAP. LXU.) CORRESPONDENCE — UNION AND CONFEDERATE. 563
4th of Jaly the Union men were threatened that if they raised the
American flag they wonld be shot down. Abont 100 Union men armed
themselves and assembled at Don Luis Marsino's house, raised a
liberty pole and hoisted the Stars and Stripes. Several secessionists
made their appearance, but seeing the determined attitude of the
Union men immediately left. The Union men throughout the mines
took courage, and many have come oat and declared their sentiments.
They fear no open attack, but every prominent Union man is in danger
of a secret assassination when traveling alone on the different mountain
trails. There are about 1,000 men in the mines, though widely scat-
tered. Fully one- third are openly declared secessionists, and probably
two-ninths are neatral, the balance Union men. In the valley two-
fiflhs are secessionists, one-fifth positively declared nentral men, the
balance TJnion men, yet nearly all leaving room for doubt.
In answer to your question as regards the political complexion of
the inhabitants of this valley with regard to existing troubles, and
whether the Union sentiment would be likely to be strengthened by
the presence of troops here : As to the first part of the question, it is
my opinion that if the matter could be fully tested, without the pres-
ence of the troops, I believe that the secession sentiment would greatly
prevail, and in the present political campaign a great deal of money
will be spent to purchase the Spanish vote in order to secure the elec-
tion of secession candidates, both State and county. Being a candidate
myself for the senate, running solely on the Union side of the issue, and
in favor of using the whole power of the Government to sustain the
Union, and, so far as I am able to learn, I am the only true Union
candidate in the field, there Is a possibility of being elected, but it is
extremely doubtful. As a criterion to judge by, out of a population in
the valley of over 1,500 persons, of which there are some 600 or 600
voters, I have not over fifty subscribers, and of 1,000 miners in Hol-
comb valley I have only about forty subscribers, when I publish the
only paper in the county. In answer to the latter portion of your
question, I would say that not only would the Union sentiment be
strengthened, and if martial law could be proclaimed we would have
protection to onr persons, but also to our property. It is my candid
opinion that if at least one company of U. S. troops were stationed
here it would be of great benefit to the Union men of this section.
Having thus given you as fair a statement as I possibly can at pres-
ent, I remain, yours, truly,
EDWIN A. SHEEMAN,
Editor of Weekly Fatriot.
[Indorsement.]
We have read the above statement, and to a certain extent are gen-
erally acquainted with the facts and concur in the opinion expressed.
JOS. H. PEREAU.
JAMES LEONABD.
Headqxtaeters Department op the Pacific,
San Francisco, August [1], 1861.
Lieut. Col. George Andrews,
Sixth Infantry, Commanding Fort Tuma, Cal.:
Sir: The general commanding the department desires yon to send
to these headquarters any officer of your command whose seditious
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554 OPHRATIONB ON THE PACIFIC COAST. (Cbap. LXII.
words or actions indicate a vaat of loyalty. Yon will nafce no tnen-
tion of the cause in the order. The contents ei this letter will act be
made known.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
EIOBLD. O. DRUM,
Assistant Ad^iUant- General.
fAuousT 1, 1861. — ^For proclamation issued by Lien t. Ool. John R.
Baylor, 0. S. Army, taking possession of the Territory of Arizona, &c.,
in the name of the Confederate States of America, see Vol. IV, p. 20.]
Spbcial Orders, ) Hdqes. Departjient or the Paotfic,
No. 139. ) San Franeiseo, Augimt 3, 1861.
1. Capt. Frederick Myers, assistant quartermaster, will relieve Capt
Ralph W. Kirkham, assistant quartermaster, at Fort Walla Walla, and
Captain Kirkham will assume the duties of chief commissary at these
headquarters, relieving Captain Drum, assistant adjutant-general.
• ••••••
3. The comnuinding office- at Aleatraz Islaad will have in readi-
ness and turn over to the commanding officer of Benicia Arsenal, when
called for, 10,000 stand of muskets, without equipments.
• ••••••
6. Capt. Wtnfield S. Haaco^ assiatant qvartemaster, wiU be
relieved without delay from duty at Los Aogdes by an officer to be
designated by the commanding officer at Camp Fitegerald. He will
then immediately repair to these beadquartecs and report for duty in
connection with th« movement of voluntfeerB t^Ktn the Overland Mail
Route.
• ••••••
By order of Brigadier-General Samner:
D. C. BUELL,
Assistant Adjutant- Oeneral.
Headquarters Camp Fit!!gbbat.d,
Near Los Angeles, Cat., Atigust 5, 1861.
Maj. D. C. BTTELii,
Assistant Adjutant-Oeneral, U. S. Army, San Francisco, Col.:
Major : I have the honor herewith to inclosd a letter written to me
by some of the leading citizens of San Bernardino, Cal., and my reply
thereto.
I am, major, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
J. H. CARLBTON,
Brevet Major, U. 8. Army, Commanding.
tlBokMmre Ve. 1.]
San BernaRDIKO, Oal., August 6 [1], 1861.
Major Caeleton,
GommaaiMng U. 8. Troops at Los Angeles, Gal.:
Sir : We have heaed witlun the last few hours fi-om, as we believe, a
reliable source that a band of some forty or fifty desperadoes are now
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Obap. I.ZII.) COKRESPOKBKHCi: — iUNION AND COKFKDEBATE. 555
dispersed thronglioat the eeast range of hills south of this place, and
intending to make a sndden foray upon the merchants of San Bernar-
dino, and after securing their plunctor make good their escape aeross
the Colorado on their way to tl^ Confederate States of the South. We
therefore hasten to make this information known to you and ask that
yon will in this emergency forthwith give as the protection of a com-
pany of U. S. troops.
We are reapectftiUy, your djedient sorvaBts,
Mark Jacobs, F. II. Levy, B. Breslauex, P. Dracbman & Co.,
Isador Cohn, S. Folks, Wolf Cohn, Jacobs & Harris,
M. Calisher, Q. S. Sparks, Jacob Cohn, Charles Denzeg,
Morris Wolf, James Leonard, A. Wolff, Marcus Katz
(county treasurer), Joseph Bridger, James W. Wilson
(eonnty clerk), L. Levy & Co., Preston Ground, Max
Solomon, H. Lewerkrap, Charles Glasser, Anson Van
Lewes (sheriff), Aldman Jackson, C. L. Fabur, H. C.
Bussell, Nathan Kinman, II. Clark, John Brown (Sec-
ond), Anton Scharf, J. A. SchUler, A. D. Boren (county
judge), George Yager (deputy sheriff).
[Inolacnrs Ko. 3.]
Hgasquabters Camp Fitzobrald,
Near Los Angeles^ Gal., August 3, 1861.
Hon. A. D. BoBEN,
Q. S. Spabks, Esq., and
Mr. Mark Jacobs and others,
San Bernardino, Gal.:
GEMTI.EJ1BN: Your communication in relation to a band of des-
peradoes being in the ooast range of hills south of your city has been
received. Mr. Leonid and Mr. Goldberg, the bearers of your com-
munication, will inform yon verbaUy that I had already taken steps
for your safety by writing to the general what I believed you needed
to secure this end bef<[»e tbc^ came with your letter. I have made
some suggestions to them about the vigilance you should exercise in
relation to the party yon speak of. If they ^e so strong as to resist the
civil ofBcera, baekeid by the good citizens as a posse comitatas, send an
express to me.
fiespectfnlly, your obedient servant,
JAMES H. CARLETON,
Brevet Major, U. 8. Army, GommoMding.
San Frahcisco, Cal., August 6, 1861.
Bvt. Maj. Jaices H. Carleton,
First Dragoons, U. 8. Army, Los Angeles, Gal. :
Tom over your command to Captain Davidson and repair here as
quickly as possible. By order of the Gk>vemm«nt you are to command
the California troops on the plains, with the local rank of colonel.
Captain Hancock will proceed to Washington City and report to the
^anrtermaster-General.
Very respectfully, yonr obedient servant,
E. V. STTMSIPB,
Brigadier-General, U. 8. Army, Commariding.
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556 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Chap. LXII.
San Bernardino, Cal., Atigttst 6, 1861.
Major GarletoN:
Dear Sir: I inclose to you a letter for General Sumner, which will
give yoa an idea of the state of affairs here. I think two companies of
troops are needed here. I think in a little while life will be unsafe here.
I do not know anything more than I have written to General Sumner,
bat if troops do not come here this town will be in the hands of seces-
sionists. I consulted with Judge Boren and Doctor Dickey. They
agree with me. Please write at once. I am going to find out all their
plans if possible, and will write to you soon.
I am, sir, very respectfully,
CLARENCE E. BENNETT.
I inclose a petition, with the request of Judge Boren to present it to
Captain Hancock for his signature, and be so kind as to forward it and
oblige na.*
Yours, C. E. B.
[Indosnre.]
San Bernardino, Gal., August 6, 1861.
Brig. Gen. E. V. Sumner, TJ. S. Army,
Commanding the Department of California:
Dear Sir: I have not yet learned the name of the officer or posts of
the soldiers referred to in my letter of July 29. Last night the seces-
sionists received reports from all parts of the State, and they were con-
sidered very favorable, particularly in Sacramento and Tulare County,
which is strong for secession. They are energetically at work all over
this State. They now contemplate starting in two or three weeks a force
of about 200 men to Utah and capture Fort Crittenden (Camp Floyd).
There are many Mormons here, and they are enlisting all they can, and
Mormons here have promised to raise from 300 to 500 in Utah, probably
more, to join the party from here, rendezvous on the west side of Utah
Lake, and go and take it in the night, take the mules, wagons, harness,
and available plunder here, and then the transportation through via
Texas to the Jeff. Davis Confederation, where they expect to get paid
in cash (f ). They are to go in squads, and when near there to travel
in the night, so that the first intimation Colonel Cooke has of the attack
will be his capture. As I was stationed there in Utah a long time,
a<^atant of the Tenth Infantry and post adjutant of Camp Floyd, have
traveled from Salt Lake City here the southern route, I have had a
good opportunity to ascertain the sentiments of the citizens of that
Territory. As a general thing there is a deep and abiding hatred
toward the Federal Government, and an expedition of this kind can
confidently reckon on support in every town. Will you be kind enough
to have an extract made of this and sent to Colonel Cookel I am per-
sonally acquainted with him, and do not write to him, as there is a
secession postmaster there, and I am watched now, and my letter
might be opened. Last night in the secession meeting Dr. D. U.
Dickey and myself were denounced in the most bitter terms, on account
of our active Union operations, and we will be the first ones killed.
My name mast be kept secret. They are desperadoes, and are increas-
ing daily, getting more confident of their ability. I to-day got their
papers, except the paper that has the signatures of these traitors.
* rMemorandnm in pencil on back of letter :] Petition of Judge Boren not handed
to M%jor Ketohom by General Somner.
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Obap. LXII.l COEBESPONDENCE UNION AND CONFEDERATE. 557
PBKAMBLK.
Whereas, a criais hM urrived in onr political affairs which demands the closest som-
tiny and strictest vigilance of every true patriot as an American citizen ; and whereas,
we view with regret and heartfelt sorrow the existence of a civil war now waged by
one portion of the American people against another; and whereas, also, we believe
that this war has been called into requisition by the present Execnti ve of the United
States without the guarantee of the Constitution and withont the assent of either
branch of the American Congress in their legislative capacity ; and believing this an
an lugost,^ unholy, iniquitons, and unconstitutional war; therefore
Be it retolved, first. That we, as a portion of the citizens of the United States,
will support the Constitution as it dow stands, together with the amendments
thereunto appended, and that wu will strictly adhere tu the decisions of the Supreme
Court of the United States made under said Constitution where a collision or differ-
ence of opinion has heretofore or may hereafter occnr between citizens of one State
and those of another or between States and the Federal Government, foreign
citizens, subjects, &c.
Second. Be il further retolved. That, in onr opinion, the President has violated the
most sacred palladium of American liberty by the suspension of the writ of habeas
corpus, and thus depriving an American citizen of having the canse of his imprison-
ment inquired into by the proper tribunal.
Third. Be it further retolved. That we are in favor of sustaining the Southern States
of the American Confederacy in all their constitutional rights; that we believe an
unconstitutional war is now being waged against them to subject them to a taxation
enormons and unequal and to deprive them in the end of their species of property
called slaves.
Fourth. And he U lastly reeolved. That we mutually pledge to each other our lives,
onr property, and our sacred honor to sustain our brethren of the Southern States in
the just defense of all their constitutional rights, whether invaded by the present
Executive or by a foreign foe.
OBUGATION.
I (A. B.), here in the presence of these witnesses, before Almighty Ood, I promise
and swear that I will not divulge or reveal any of the secrets of this institution to
anyone except I know to be a brother (or to instruct candidates). I furthermore
swear that I will obey the proper authorities when ordered to do so, and that I will
assist a brother of this institution in his rights^ individually or constitutionally, when
required of me by him, if need be, with my life. All this I solemnly swear to obey,
nnder the penalty of being shot.
J. J. Willis, H. C. Minor, W. W. Y. Gall, William Kilgore, J. 8. Banks, J. S. Seale,
Charles Seale, John Hambloton, W. Foreman, Hamilton Foreman, Samuel Kelsey,
James H. Wilson, B. Gaines, C. Bogert (candidate for senator).
The list of names I did not see. These were at the bottom of the
obligation. I think there are many who are participators who have
not signed, and I am assured there is a long list of those who have.
The painter, one of the gang, is now employed in making the flag. I
copied this instrument of treason accurately. The headquarters of the
traitors is in Holcomb Valley, and there is a strong organization. I
think two companies of U. S. troops better be sent here at once. One
of the members says he thinks in two weeks fighting will commence in
this town if there are no U. S. troops here. The rumored defeat of the
Federal troops has strengthened them considerably. The oath is admin-
istered while kneeling, with the left hand on the heart, the right hand
upheld. Every Southerner has joined. Many, I think, join for plunder.
There are additions every day. I think it best, as soon as the troops
get here, to commence arresting and securing them. You see they have
provided for that. As soon as one is arrested they are boand to release
him. 1 will write soon if nothing happens to me.
In haste, very respectfully,
CLAEENOB E. BEMfETT.
P. S. — The grip : In taking hands pass your little finger between his
little finger and third finger. Pass words: I say, Are yoa on itf Yoa
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558 OrSBATIOMS 0» the pacific coast. IChaf. LXn.
reply, I am on it, at the same time carry your right hand to yoor
right side to the pistol butt, as if to draw your revolver. Then I say.
What's your namef Ton say, B-A-B-E. Use the letters to spell
bear — bear flag.
0. B. B.
Headquasters District of Obsgom,
F»rt Vaneowoer, Watk. T«r,f August 6', 1861.
Second Lieut. C. D. Emory,
Ninth Iw/antry, Comdg. Detaehm*nt wader orders for
Camp ChekaUsy Fort Vaiteouver, Wash, Tor. :
Sir: On reaching Gamp Chehalis with yonr command, you will
aeeome eharge of the imblic buildings, togetiier with all Government
property you may find at that place. I am advised by the superin^
tendent ot Indian affairs that his agent will be at Gamp Ghehalis
about the 15th instant for the purpose of proceeding to the agency
established a few miles north of that place and erecting the necessary
buildings. My object in sending yourself and command to Ghehalis is
to restore confidence to the settlers in that quarter and to aftbrd pro-
tection to the Indian agent and his party in establishing themselves at
the agency. In the execution of this duty it wiU probably be neces-
sary and x>roper Hot you to move up the coast and establish a tempo>
rary camp at the agency. Yon wUl obtain the most reliable information
possible of the number, chara«ter, aad habits of the Indians in that
region. I also wish you to make a topographical sketch, accompanied
by a brief memoir, of the country you may pass over. Keep your raeu
under strict discipline and well in hand to meet any emergency, always
having a sentinel on post by night and day. Look careixdly after the
provisions of your men; see that they are used economically and made
to last at least until the 20th proximo. As you will have no medical
ofiicer with yon, the surgeon at Fort Yaocouver will prepare fm you a
small iiackage of simple medicines, with directions for use in case of
necessity. Tour men should be prepared to bake their own bread.
Take with you the necessary camp equipage, including about two tents,
two axes, and batehets, &e. Beport to me by letter to the assistant
adjutant-general as often as opportunity offers^ and in ca«e of necessity
send a special messenger with your dispatches.
Yery respectfully, your obedient servant,
G. WRIGHT,
Colonel IfiiUh li^autry, Commandinff.
Special Obdbrs, ) Hdqrs. Dbpartmewt op the Pacific,
No. 1*2. > San Francisco, Atigust 8, 1861.
I. Gaptain Hunt's company (G), Fourth Infantry, will immediately
occupy Fort Ter-Waw.
II. A military x)ost to be known as Fort Seward and garrisoned by
Gompany B, Sixth Infantry, will immediately be established either on
Yan Dusen or Larrabee Greek, not nearer to Fort Humboldt than the
camp occupied as late as the 10th ultimo by the detachment fi*om that
post. Assistant Surgeon Shorb is assigned to duty at the new post.
The particular site will be selected by Gaptain Lovell, or under his
directions. It must possess the requisites of water and grass, and
wood both for fuel and building, and must be unencumbered by any
private claim. A reservation equivalent to a square mile in area will
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Oh*». LXn.] CCWBESPCOil^NCE UKIOK AND CONFEDERATE. 569
b« marked off, aad no encaroaehment on it permitted. The erection of
the necessary bttildiogs, to be of rongh logs and put up by the troops,
will be eommen«ed imuediately and pushed forward as rapidly as
possible.
• ••••••
By order of Brigadier-General Somoer:
D. C. BUELL,
AMutant Adjutant- Oeneral,
Office U. S. Attobnby, Southern Dist. of California,
Los Angeles, August 8, 18<>1.
General £. Y. Suhmbs,
Commanding, &c.:
Sib : Doctor Haywood has just shown me some papers written by
one Boyd, deceased, containing charges against Lieutenant Haller,
of which he has writteu to you, The documents contain nothing against
the loyalty of Lieatesant Htdler, only charging him of some small
peeolatioiis for his private purse. The papers might be of service
should the lieoteaant prove untrue. I am informed that an expedition
is being organized to leave here for Arizona or Sonora under Col. Jack
fiays. About three we^s past a Mr. Brown, formerly police ofBcer in
Sacramento City, came to this place through Mariposa and Tulare
Counties. After a week here lie went to San Bernardino and to IIol-
comb Valley mine, and there holding several meetings secretly with the
faithful to Dixie. A Mr. Kelsey, lately ftom Souoma, and Major Bol-
lins are to be officers, who are now in San Bernardino. I am informed
that about 100 men are enrolled by them. Brown came back here about
one week past, and will be up to San Francisco on the next steamer.
Of the extent of Jack Hays' movements I am not informed. I shall
keep myself informed of the movement here through their confidants,
and will inform yon of what may occur in their secret nteetmgs. Cap-
tain Hancock can inform you more particularly in reference to matters
here than I can wnte. Secessionists are getting more noisy here. We
may have to light them yet. Every county officer is with them. We
shall make a strong eifort to overthrow them at the electi<Mi. Union
men and BepnUicans are all nnited upon one county ticket. We very
much regret the removal of Captain Hancock. We regard him as one
of the substantial men of the Army, and know he will be right.
Beapectfolly, yooi obedient servant,
K. H. DIMMICK.
Headquabtebs Depabtment of the Pacific,
San Francisco, August 8, 1861.
Capt. Charles S. Lovell,
Sixth Infantry, V. 8. Army, Commanding Fort Humboldt, Cal.:
Sir: The buildings to be erected at Fort Seward will consist of
quarters for one company, one medical officer, the company officers
actually present, laundresses' quarters, hospital, guardhouse, store-
house, and stable. The plans for these buildings, as well as a p^an for
the garrison, will be furnished in two or three days. In the meantime
the work of getting out logs will be proceeded with immediately and
energetically. The logs should be of the dimensions of 20, 22, 25, 31,
and 34 feet, and besides an additional number as much greater in
length as can be found and handled conveniently. The window sash,
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560 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. (Chap. LXU.
locks, hinges, and sach other materials for the new buildings as can
be conveniently transported will be taken from the buildings at Fort
Humboldt. As soon as the buildings at the new post are somewhat
advanced, orders will be given for the abandonment of Fort Humboldt.
In the meantime the hospital and a small detachment, six or eight
men, will be kept there. Of course the supplies at Humboldt are to
be transferred to the new post.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
E. V. SUMNEB,
Brigadier- General, V. 8. Artny, Commanding.
Headquarters,
Fort Churchill, Nev. Ter., August 8, 1861.
Maj. D. 0. BxTBLL,
Aaat. Adjt. Uen., Hdqrs. Dept. of the Pacifie, San FraneiteOf Cal.:
Major : I have the honor to report, for the information of the general
commanding the department, that with an escort of dragoons I accom-
panied Governor Nye, of this Territory, on his visit to the Indians
about the vicinity of Pyramid Lake. Found them all peaceably dis-
posed, and have no doubt but that they will remain so if they are not
disturbed by the white settlers. The Governor made them some pres-
ents, and they appeared to be very well satisfied.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
GEO. A. H. BLAKE,
Lieutenant- Colonel First Dragoons, Commanding Post.
Nemt York, August 8, 1861.
Hon. Simon Gaueron,
Secretary of War:
Has the order for the formation of the First Begiment of Oregon
Bifies, Oregon quota^ accepted for the war by the Department, been
revoked, as reported by the papers to-day t If so, must I disband my
companies 1
J. DAN'L WILLIAMSON.
War Department,
Washington City, August 8, 1861.
J. D. Williamson,
First Regiment Oregon Rifles :
For reasons satisfactory to the Department, the acceptance given
you has been revoked. It is preferred that the men enlisted should
come into the U. S. service under another command. Letter of revoca-
tion forwarded yesterday.
J. LESLEY, Jr.,
Chief Clerk.
Special Orders, ) Hdqrs. Department op the Pacific,
No. 143. ) San Francisco, August 9, 1861.
In compliance with instructions from the War Department, Lieut.
CoL D. G. Buell, assistant adjutant-general, is relieved from duty at
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Ciup. LXn.] CORBESPONDENCE UNION AND CONFEDERATE. 561
these headquarters, and will proceed to Washingtou City and report to
the Adjutant-General.
By order of Brigadier-General Sumner:
RICHD. 0. DRUM,
Assistant Adjutant- Oeneral.
Headquabtees District of Oregon,
Fort Vancouver, Wash. Ter., Augtist 9, 1861.
Mfy. D. 0. BuBLL,
Asst. Adjt. Oen,, Hdqrs. Dept. of the Pacific, San Francisco, Cal. :
Major: At the request of the superintendent of Indian affairs, I
have ordered a small detachment, under the command of Lieutenant
Emory, of the Ninth Infantry, to proceed to Camp Ohehalis, Gray's
Harbor, and temporarily to establish his camp a few miles north of that
place, at the reservation where the agent is erecting buildings. I have
provisioned Lieutenant Emory's party until the 20th of September,
after which time it is supposed now that the presence of the troops in
that quarter may be dispensed with. There is much uneasiness in the
(community on the subject of our Indian affairs in the Colville and Nez
Perc6 country. In the Nez Perc6 country there are several thousand
miners, and the number is daily increasing. It is impossible to confine
them to the region north of the Clearwater. An arrangement was
made early in the spring by the superintendent with the Nez Percys.
They agreed that the miners should be allowed in the country north of
the Clearwater, but since then prospecting and rich mines have been
discovered south of that river, hence the whole country will inevitably
be overrun. The Nez Perc6 nation is large and powerful; they have
always been our friends. On my campaign in 1858 they raised a
mounted company, went with me, and rendered the most important
services. Neither the commander of Colville nor Walla Walla have
intimated to me that they apprehend any immediate outbreak, but it
is necessary to be on our guard. I cannot spare any of the troops west
of the Casoides, but the dragoon company at The Dalles might be con-
centrated and sent to Walla Walla, and a small infantry detachment
sent from The Dalles to the Warm Sxmugs Reservation, if necessary. I
should be very glad to have the company of my regiment now at San
Francisco sent up here, if the general can spare it. I have permitted
Captain Gregg, Third Cavalry, to obey the orders he has received from
the War Department. A reliable sergeant is left in charge of the
detachment at the Warm Springs. Captain Sheridanj Thirteenth Infan-
try, will be relieved from his duties at Yamhill in a few days, as soon
as an officer is available.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
G. WRIGHT,
Colonel Ninth Infantry, Commanding.
Headquarters Department op the Paoipic,
8an Francisco, August 10, 1801.
Capt. William H. Gardner, U. S. Navy,
Commanding Navy- Yard, Mare Island, Cal. :
Captain: I have received several intimations about the exposed
situation of your magazine, such as schemes talked about for blowing
36 R R— VOL L, PT I
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562 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Chap.LXII.
it np, &c. 1 do not know that these stories are worth heeding, bnt I
think it proper to apprise you of them, as you may think it necessary
to place a guard there or take some other necessary means to insure its
safety.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
B. V. SUMNER,
Brigadier- Oeneral, U. 8. Army, Commanding.
FoET Humboldt, Oal., Augrist 10, 1861.
Maj. D. 0. BuBLii,
As8t. Adjt. Gen., Dept. of the Pacific, San Francisco, Cal. :
Sib : I have the honor to transmit herewith, for the information and
action of the commanding general of the department, a petition signed
by citizens in this vicinity, asking the removal of the Indians on Lower
Eel River to some reservation. The Indians referred to were sent to
the Klamath Reservation from this x)ost in April, 1860, as reported to
department headquarters by Major Rains in a letter dated May 3,
1860. In September, same year, some forty or fifty of them returned
to this vicinity. I wrote to department heiadquarters on the subject
October 3, and again October 20, asking some definite instructions. To
the latter the reply dated October 26 was that no anthority for the
issue of provisions to the Indians could be given. Not having been
called on by the Indian agent in this instance, 1 declined attempting
to remove the Indians to the Klamath Reservation unless directed to
do so by the commanding general.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
OHAS. S. LOVELL,
Captain, Sixth Infantry, Commanding.
[Inoloanre.]
Eel Ritbb, August a, 1861.
Oapt. Ohakles S. Lovell,
Sixth U. S. Infantry, Comma/nding Fort Humboldt:
We, the ondersigued, most respectfully petition that you take under
your protection the Indians of Lower Eel River (which are and have been
peaceable, as far as we know) until they can be removed to some reser-
vation. For the sake of humanity, for the ^sake of our reputation
abroad, and many other obvious reasons we hope that the people of Hum-
boldt County will not be placed under the odium of a second Indian
massacre, which we believe will be the case if they are not immediately
removed from amongst us. If you will please send a small detachment
of men to guard the Indians to Fort Humboldt, we will turn out and
collect them together, which we assure you will be a short job, as they
will willingly accept any terms we may propose.
J. H. DUNGAN,
RANSOM ARNOLD,
E. W. MYERS,
[And 69 OTHEBS.]
Headqxjabtbbs,
Camp Fitzgerald, Cal, August 10, 1861.
Maj. D. C. BiTELL,
Assistant Adjutant- Oeneral, Department of the Pamfio:
Major: I have the honor to inclose the within communications just
put in my hands by M^or Carleton. I have proposed to the prominent
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CHAI-. LXU] COERESPONDENCE UNION AND CONFEDERATE. 663
Union men here (General Drown, Abel Stearns, and others) the forma-
tion of a home guard for the town and connty of Los Angeles. They
respond to the snggestion promptly, and I have promised as soon as
they have 100 names enrolled to write to the general and ask for as many
stand of arms and ammanition as there are soand Union men. I
think the move will have a beneficial effect. I would to God the Union
men would hold up their heads more here. I beg the general to believe
that with regard to the inclosed subject I will be wary and circumspect,
and ii[ piompt action is required on overt acts I will be quick as the
occasion. As the camp is three-quarters of a mile from where the depot
is, I have ordered an officer and twenty-five men to guard the latter
nightly, particularly from fire. Should one or two companies be required
to lend aid to those companies probably to be sent to San Bernardino,
the home guard could be relied upon to take their places in event of
difficulty.
I am, sir, your obedient servant,
JNO. W. DAVIDSON,
Captain, First Dragoons, Commanding.
(Inclosnie No. 1.]
Los Angeles, Augttst 10, 1861.
General B. V, Sttmnee,
Commanding Pacific Division, 8^n Francisco :
SiB: I feel it my duty as an old resident of this place to apprise you
that all of us who are loyal and devoted to the Stars and Stripes, and
that have something to lose in this section of the country, feel that we
are in the greatest insecurity as to the public interest as well as to our
own lives and property. No part of your command is composed of such
discordant and menacing elements as it. Within we have open and
avowed secessionists and Southern sympathizers, and I am sorry to
say that they are chiefly composed of those who exercise most political
influence with the native population, and already they have not failed
to poison their minds against the Puritan fanatics of the North. We
are threatened with rebellion across the plainsby people of the Van Dorn
stripe, if we are to credit the repeatetl reports of the Texan emigration,
and in these disordered times it is not well to discredit them. Lower
California, the asylum of cut throats and robbers, is on our immediate
border. We are surrounded to a great extent by barbarous and hostile
Indian tribes, that may at any moment be excited against us and the
Government by rebels or marauding Mormons. I not only consider it
necessary, but the part of prudence and timely vigilance, to station a
lookout cavalry force at the Gajon Pass, or at some point close thereto.
Please to receive my suggestions with indulgence, being made in a
spirit to subserve public and private interests.
Your most obedient servant,
MATTHEW KELLER.
[Inoloenre No. 2.]
Los Angeles, August 9, 1861.
Brig. Gen. E. V. Sttmnek,
Commanding Department of the Pacific, San Francisco :
Deak Sib: I am constrained by the aspect of i>olitical affairs in this
quarter to bring the matter personally to your knowledge in the hope
that yon will deem it prudent to add to the United States command in
this section at least two companies. You are probably aware that our
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664 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Chap.LXH.
community is composed largely of Californiaus and Mexicans, and
among tbem some very dangerous characters, who are easily diverted
from what is right and proper into any course which promises excite-
ment and reward, either by theft or murder, or both. As there also
exists in our community a class of persons who are endeavoring to
work this element into shape for evil purposes, and as not verj' remote
from here there is a Mormon settlement of about 1,000 persons, whose
hostility to oar Government is well known, and who at any time may
join the secessionists in our midst, I am constrained to urge that you
will kindly make further disposition of troops in this quarter ahd by
their presence overrule any movement which may be made by disaf-
fected persons to kindle the fire of domestic strife in this State. In
thus addressing you 1 represent the sentiments of a large number of
respectable residents, whose position and pursuits are of that charac-
ter as would prevent their becoming active participants in case trouble
should ensue.
Trusting that you will lend ear to my solicitation, I remain, dear sir,
with much respect, your very obedient servant,
ABEL STBA14NS.
Headquaetees,
Camp Fitzgerald, August 10, 1861.
[Maj. D. C. Buell:]
Majoe : I have the honor to Aldose the accompanying letter from Mr.
Willis, (jf San Bernardino, which will be found to bear directly upon
the subject-matter of the general's letter of July 18, 1861, to Major
Garleton and the latter's reply, which I have seen. Mr. Willis api)eai'8
to be of good standing, though I think he overrates Samuel Kelsey's
character and influence. _ Brown will be watchgd here by our Union
friends. I have nothing more to say, as I infer the general has already
taken steps consequent upon Oarleton's reply.
I am, m^jor, your most obedient servant,
JNO. W. DAVIDSON,
Captain, First Dragoons, Commanding.
[IncIosuro.J
San Bebnasdino, August 5, 1861.
Major Cablbton,
Commandant of TJ. 8. Forces at Los Angeles :
Sib : For some time past I have desired to communicate to you cer-
tain facts respecting the secession sympathizers of this county impor-
tant for you to know, but being a candidate for the ofiBce of senator, and
busily engaged in traveling about the county, I have not had the time
so to do. From certain events now known to me I feel it doubly my
duty as a lover of the old flag and Constitution, and the peace and
harmony of this section of the State, to make known to you what I
know. On my visiting Bear and Holcomb Valleys, electioneering, or
rather soon after while I was there, a man by the name of Brown, a
large man, with whiskers, wearing a blue flannel coat, who a few days
ago left for your city, and whom it would be well to watch, arrived in
the mines from Sacramento. On the night after his arrival a meeting
was called of men known as secessionists at the store of Samuel Eelsey.
Major Bollins was sent for on the Mojave and attended the meeting as
the leader and moving spirit, assisted by Samuel Kelsey. On the first
night they mustered seventeen or twenty. Supposing it to be a meet-
ing for political purposes, a friend of mine attended as a spy. All
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CHAP. LXII.] CORBESPONDENCE-^UNION AND CONFEDERATE. 565
present were sworn to secrecy. This man Brown and Judge Campbell,
candidate for senator ou the secession ticket, addressed the meeting.
The object of the meeting was to concentrate and ascertain the fighting
strength of the seceders in the county, and enroll them as a force to
act in connection with other forces throughout the State, having for
their object the seizure of the public property here and in Utah, and to
raise the standard of rebellion in California, and thus bring on civil war
amongst us in this State. On the night subsequent another meeting
was held, when more attended. Some of the leading secessionists
(Major liollins and Beall) have disposed of their effects in order to be
at liberty to engage in the movement. The secessionists are not
numerous, but active, energetic, and persevering and fighting men,
while the Union men are the hard working and quiet citizens, unorgan-
ized and unsuspecting. Shortly after the second meeting I returned to
this city. Brown and Kelsey came down on the same day, and two
nights after a meeting was held in this city. Not being aware of the
meeting, which was kept secret, being called until late in the evening,
I could not find a friend to play secessionist and get invited. I since
find, however, that a friend was there. The object of the meeting was
the same as that of llolconib. This man Kelsey is enterprising,
cautions, and brave, and instills with the subtlety of the devil treason
into the minds of the youth of the county who have the slightest
sympathy with the South, and infuses into them his own ardor. I
watch him close. Another enemy of no less formidable character is
Mrs. Bettis; bold, determined, and unscrupulous, she combines all the
qualities which make a woman one of the most dangerous of enemies
and one of the best of friends. Her father, Mr. Bubottom, and brother
and nephew, and brother and son, James M. Greeuwade, at Temescal,
all secessionists, she inspires with her own enthusiasm in the cause.
John Bains, at Cucamonga, is another, but lacking all the qualities of
the rest, and having but money and the reputation of being wealthy.
Such is the stsite of the county at present. Disregard the reports you
read in the Los Angeles Star about the Mormons and Whisky Point.
They and the men who reside there are Union men, and in this matter
are unjustly libeled by a secessionist paper and by a friend of Joseph
Bridger, another of the secession candidates. It seems to me that if a
company of soldiers were sent liere as a nucleus for the Union men to
rally around in case of diflttculty, it would have a tendency to prevent,
perhaps to keep subdued, the secession spirit, and infuse spirit into the
Union men. In case of difficulty my life and fortune are for the cause,
and I sh<i]l organize a company and place myself under your command.
But Ood forbid the necessity.
I have the honor to remain, your obedient servant,
UENKY M. WILLIS.
Los Angeles, August 10, 1S61.
Brig. Cen. E. Y. Sumneb,
Commanding Jhpnrtment of the Pacific, San Francisco :
Dear Sib : Since addressing yon under yesterday's date information
has reached me of an organization among the secessionists at San Ber-
nardino and the mines of Bear Valley (in the vicinity of this latter
place) which has confirmed my belief, and increased my alarm with
regard to our condition in this section of the State. It would appear
from the information received that not only does a good understanding,
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566 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [CMip.txn.
but nearly complete organization, exist through all the southern coun-
ties from Stockton to the Mexico line, and the formation only awaits a
head to develop the outrage in all its euormity. From the open condi-
tion of our country here running herds of animals are exposed to be
turned into cavalry at any moment, and the option of Texas or Utah
as the base of operations simply remains for determination among those
who would carry the plan into effect. If upon the Northern side they
can rely upon the Mormons, and if upon the Southern, then the Mexi-
can element becomes x>owerfuL In either event, there are always
enough of this latter class to assist in procuring horses. Thus stands
the case. The secessionists from the northern part of the State are
continually arriving here in our midst. We have a disturbed and
uncertain number of natives who are sympathizers, and to the east,
the Mormons and vagabond miners, who are already enrolled to a great
extent in opposition to the Government. These facts, combined with
the lukewarm Union spirit of the place, give just cause for alarm. I
sincerely trust, therefore, that you may deem it of sufl&cient importance
to augment the number of troops suggested in mine of yesterday , firmly
believing that a show of force, involving that respect for the laws which
all good people should observe, is preferable to that extreme which
invokes the necessity of its use, aa is lamentably shown in the present
condition of our country. I regret exceedingly the departure of Major
Oarleton and Captain Hancock, both of whom in these trying times
have been equal to the emergency, and whose activity and energy have
inspired the confidence of the community. In their absence I believe
the command to fall upon Captain Davidson, whose long acquaintance
with this country and the people I trust may be the means of retain-
ing him amongst us in this position, apart from feelings of friendship
for him based upon years of acquaintance.
Trusting that you will pardon this lengthy trespass upon your time,
and incessant occupation, I remain, dear sir, with very much respect,
your very obedient servant,
ABEL STEARNS.
Columbia, August 11, 1861.
President Davis:
(reneral A. S. Johnston crossed the Colorado, at Yuma, July 1,
accompanied by Armistead, Shaaff', Brewer, Mallory, liiley, WickUffcL
and Hardcastle — all resigned — with civilians, about thirty. They will
probably reach San Antonio on the 1st of September. Perhaps you
may have been informed of this, but I know it was important to you,
and as I have it certain, I thought I would let you know. The Smith
recently sent to a fortress in New York, and seized from an Aspinwall
steamer, is a son of the Hon. William Smith, of Virginia, and was sent
to the fortress, expressly by order of Lincoln, as a political i>risoner.
F. W. PICKENS.
Special Orders, ) Hdqbs. Department op the Pacific,
No. 145. ) San Francisco, August 13, 1861.
• • • ^ • • •
2. Two of the field guns at the Presidio of San Francisco will be
turned over to the commanding oflQcer at Fort Point. The customary
receipts Av-ill be given.
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CHAP. LXII.) CORRESPONDENCE ^DNION AND CONFEDERATE. 567
4. M^j. William S. Ketchum, with Companies A, D, F, and G, Fourth
Regiment of Infantry, will proceed to and take post at San Bernardino,
Gal. The qaartermaster will foraish the necessary transportation.
• ••••••
By order of Brigadier-General Snmner:
RICHD. C. DRUM,
Assistant Adjutant-Oeneral.
Headquaetees,
Camp Fitzgerald, Gal., August 13, 18G1.
Maj. D. C. BuELL,
Assistant Adjutant- Ocneral, U. 8. Army :
Major: After careful thought I have determined, as an officer
intrusted with an Important command here, to give my views with
regard to the dispositions to be made to preserve good order and obedi-
ence to the laws in this section of the country. With due deference to
older and wiser heads than mine, I believe the arrangement proposed
would crush the egg of treason already laid in the counties of San
Bernardino and Los Angeles, give the really good time to awake to
their true interests and to listen to the promptings of that patriotism
which, however it may be swayed by the passions of the hour, is yet
deeply planted in every American heart Therefore,
I. The depot of supplies for the troops to be at San Pedro, near
the mouth of San Gabriel River; a company of infantry stationed
there, with temporary work thrown up, and two or more pieces of
artillery.
II. Two companies of infantry at Los Angeles, either in the town,
or at least six miles from it. One month's subsistence always on hand.
III. Four companies, two of dragoons and two of infantry, at San
Bernardino. I believe if any trouble arises it will begin there, because
of the character of the surrounding population, and the fiict that the
outlets toward Utah by the Mojave, and toward Texas by the Colorado,
invite and tempt by their facilities for escape. By all means keep this
squadron of dragoons intact at one point. It is the only body of cav-
alry in the country and, with the drill Carleton and I have given it, is
really efficient and can be relied on for 100 men in the saddle at need.
An ontpost from the San Bernardino command to be at Martin's ranch,
in the Cajon Pass, to consist of an officer and, say, twelve men.
Another at Temecula, on the route to Warner's ranch, same number.
Both posts to report constantly to San Bernardino. The officer at San
Bernardino to have district powers over Los Angeles troops, but not
to touch San Pedro. A section of field pieces at Los Angeles and one
at San Bernardino. An enterprising officer ought to be able to control
at least open acts with these facilities placed at his command. If this
arrangement cannot be made, then I respectfhlly ask authority to move
this camp to San Pedro, and in the advantages of this step all my
officers concur with me.
The men are being demoralized here, and I suspect are tampered
with. The vitality they expend in debauch would be spent in fishing,
hunting, boating, and manly exercises. From this point we could
mainly control this section of country. There is a brass field piece here
in town (fl-pounder) belonging I am told to the State, now in the hands
of the sheriff, Tomas Sanchez, a noted secessionist, which ought, I
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5G8 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. (Chap. LXIL
think, to be in my keeping. Can I get the order of the Governor to
deliver it to me, through the general? The home guard about whom I
wrote to the general of the date of August 10 have enrolled 100 mem-
bers, nnder the accompanying pledge, and expect to have 100 more
within a few days, when their returns come in. Can I have 150 stand
of rifles or mnskets sent me from the arsenal for issue to themt I will
be^esponsible myself for their safe-keeping, and I think these people
would be gratified by this mark of the general's confidence. Besides,
they really need them. There are no arms worth mentioning in the
hands of Union men. The fall election comes off September 6, at
which time Dimmick, U. S. district attorney, and others fear an out-
break. It would be well if the San Bernardino command could be in
position by then.
I am, sir, your most obedient servant,
JNO. W. DAVIDSON,
Captain, First Dr^ffomis, Commanding.
If the general will grant my suggestion about the arms, it is impor-
t.aut they should be here before the election comes off on the 5th
September.
J. W. D.
[Incloenre.]
Los Anokles, August 13, 1861.
The undersigned, citizens of Los Angeles County, do hereby form
and constitute ourselves into a defensive organization or home guard,
and we pledge ourselves to support the Constitution and authorities
of the United States, and to act in concert with the U. S. troops sta-
tioned in our vicinity, in the preservation of order and of the supremacy
of the laws of the land.
T. G. Barker, James Edwards, Abel Steams, F. Baker, David
I^ewis, Alexander Bell, K. II. Dimmick, John Trafforer,
J. II. Jones, P. P. P. Temple, J. M. Wallace, W. W. Stet-
soTi, Wm. Moore, Dr. A. B. Ilayward, John O. Wheeler,
M. W. Childs, V . A. Hoover, Chas. R. Conway, Alouzo
Waite, W. H. Perterson, J. J. Warner, Chas. W. Moeller,
Thomas Cox, B. Drown, W. H. Perry, H. 1). Barrows, J.
G. Scott, H. M. Forbes, B. Stone, F. W. Koll, B. A. Snow,
John A. Smith, J. S. Bhoads, S. B. Cox, B. McLaughlin,
J. S. Mallard, Gardner Green, J. E. Pleasants, W.C.War-
ren, Henry Burgess, Ed. G. Blodgett, Kobt. S. Baker, R.
Z. Hester, A. Dickenson, Thomas Trafford, J. W. Jenkins,
George B. Kichart, Ygnacio Garcia, Peter Banta, Reuben
Cross, David Schramling, Louis Frohling, Oliver Stearns,
Manuel Reqnerra, M. McKenna, Wm. Pickett, A. F.
Hinchman, John Wilson, Wm. G. Still, Charles Chap-
man, Geo. Thatcher, Charles P. Chapman, Geo. F. Lam-
son, Samuel Arbuckle, J. Jones, Isaac May berry, A. W.
Baker, A. Holmes, Chas. A. Beebe, Ralph Emerson,
James Mabau, Robert W. Smith, W. H. Leighton, O. B.
Fisher, John G. Nichols, H. Van Valkingburg, C. P. Brit-
ton, A. Ulynan, Robert Owens, A. B. Brady, 0. P. Mc-
Nulty, J. F. Meekham, Wm. Abbott, David Anderson,
L. Joszynsky, J. Newell, Patrick Larkins, D. M. Laren,
H. B. Stafford, Lamb Robinson, J. H. Karr, John Shef-
field, J. W. Metzker, M. Luce, Black, J. C. Baldwin,
R. Mack, G. F. Leonard, N. A. Potter, O. M. Potter.
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CHAP. LXII] CORRESPONDBNCE — UNION AND CONFEDERATE. 569
[Indonoment.]
Los Angeles, August 13, 1861.
I hereby certify that the foregoing names are copies of bona fide
signatures of citizens and residents of Los Angeles County.
HKNBY D. B ARROWS,
U. S. Marshal for the Southern District of California.
War Department,
Washington, August 11, 1861.
Hon. John G. Downey,
Qovemor of California, Sacramento City, Gal. :
Please organize, e<iuip, and have mustered into service, at the earliest
date possible, four regiments of infantry and one regiment of cavalry,
to be placed at the disposal of General Sumner.
SIMON CAMERON,
Secretary of War.
(By telegraph to Port Kearny, and thence by ix)ny express and
telegraph.)
War Department,
Washington, August 14, 1861.
His Excellency John G. Downey,
Oovernor of the State of California, Sacramento City, Oal. :
Sir : I have this day addressed you a dispatch requesting you to
organize, equip, and have mustered into service, at the earliest date
possible, four regiments of infantry and one regiment of cavalry, to be
placed at the disposal of General Sumner. ♦
I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
SIMON CAMERON,
Secretary of War.
Special Orders, ) Hdqrs. Department of the Pacific,
No. 146. ) San Francisco, August 14, 1861.
• ••••*•
3. Maj. William S. Ketchum, Fourth Infantry, is authorized on an
emergency to direct the movements and concentration of the troops
stationed at New San Diego, Camp Fitzgerald, and those under bis
immediate command at San Bernardino on such points as he may deem
necessary.
By command of Brigadier-General Sumner :
RICHD. C. DRUM,
Assistant Adjutant-Oeneral.
Headquarters Department of the Pacific,
San Francisco, August 14, 1861.
Maj. William S. Ketchum,
Fourth Regiment of Infantry, Camp Sumner, Oal. :
MA.TOE : It is reported from authentic sources that there is much dis-
affection toward the Government in the southern part of this State,
and the object of placing you with your command at San Bernardino
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570 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. (Cbap. LXn.
is to repress with a strong hand any organization to resist or impede
the measures of the Government. You will consider yourself charged
with all the supervisiou of Los Angeles, San Bernardino, San Diego,
and Santa Barbara Counties, and you will endeavor to keep yourself
well informed of all scheming against the Government, and interpose
at once if any overt act of treason is committed. You will have author-
ity to concentrate the taroops from Los Angeles, San Bernardino, and
San Diego, if any emergency should make it necessary. Communicate
with Colonel Andrews, at Fort Yuma, and if that post should be
threatened by any hostile movement ftom Texas or Arizona, march
instantly to its support with your whole available force.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
K. V, SUMNER,
Brigadier-Oeneral, U. 8. Army, Commanding.
War Depaktmbnt, August 15, 1861.
Hon. John G. Downey,
Oovemor of California, Saeramento City, Cal. :
In filling the requisition given you August 14 for five regiments,
please make General J. H. Carleton, of San Francisco, colonel of a cav-
alry regiment, and give him proper authority to organize as promptly
as possible.
SIMON CAMERON,
Secretary of War.
(Telegraph and pony express and telegraph.)
Special Orders, ) Hdqes. Department op the Pacipio,
No. 147. ) San Francisco, August 15, 1861.
Capt. Henry S. Burton, Third Artillery, will turn over to the com-
manding officer of Benicia Arsenal 1,000 sets of infantry equipments.
By order of Brigadier-General Sumner:
RIOHD. C. DRUM,
Assistant Adjutant- General.
Los Angeles, August 15, 1861 — 12.40 p. m.
R. C. DrxtM:
My men are being demoralized and tampered with. Shall I move
nearer San Pedro! All my officers urge the move.
J. W. DAVIDSON,
Commanding.
San Francisco, August 15, 1861.
Capt. J. W. Davidson,
First Dragoons, Los Angeles:
Your dispatch of this date received. Read second paragraph of Gen-
eral Orders, No. 6, firom these headquarters.*
By order:
RICHD. C. DRUM,
Assistant Adjutant- General.
* See May 15, p. 486.
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Chap.LXII.] correspondence ^UNION AND CONFEDERATE. 671
EuoENE City, Lane CotmTY, Oreg., Augrist 15, 1861.
General E. V. Summer, U. 8. Army,
Commanding Pacific Division, San Francisco, Gal. :
Dear Sir : There is a rumor here that it is among the possibilities
that Fort Umpqua, at the month of the Umpqua Biver, may be abandoned
by your order. I hardly know what apology to make for saying a
word upon such a subject, and I should not, if I was not folly assured
that you feel as deep a solicitude for eveiy interest of our common
country as any man can. With this kind of feeling and assurance I
beg leave to submit to you a few facts and suggestions. Perhaps I
ought to say in advance that my ofQcial duties as a justice of the
supreme court of this State, and judge of the second judicial district,
make me very familiar with the country embracing Fort Umpqua, much
of the Indian reservation, and a large portion of the country from
which the Indians were removed being within my judicial circuit, and
also somewhat familiar with the facts which I shall state.
First. Fort Umpqua commands the southerly and only point of egress
in that direction. The Bogue River and Coast Indians, the only ones
on this reservation who have ever proved troublesome to the whites,
could find their way back only by this route along the coast without
great difiiculty. I am quite satisfied that it is the only one they would
attempt."
Second. I am informed that the Indians are as anxious to return to
their old haunts as ever, but about this I cannot speak so certainly,
but from personal conversations with a few of them I am inclined to
think it true.
My judicial district extends from the reservation to the California
linOj and embraces the country from which a large number of the
Indians were removed, and from personal knowledge of the temper
and feeling of the inhabitants I think I may safely say that if the
Indians were permitted to return that their presence would occasion
immediate trouble. The presence of a very small force at Fort I) mpqua
would effectually prevent it. But I am sorry to say that I think
there are other reasons why this post should be held by a small force
and subject to your order. It is not to be doubted that the Governor
of this State, strongly sympathizes with the rebels, and there are many
who believe that under the influence of General Lane he would seize
any convenient opportunity to give Union men trouble. It is under-
stood and believed that the withdrawal of U. S. forces from this and
other posts would offer an occasion of which the Governor would avail
himself to call out troops to occupy them. It would be an easy matter
to obtain such only as he could rely upon. A few men of desperate
fortunes with arms in their hands might give us infinite trouble.
Oregon has a large faction of her population who are as devoted to the
rebels as any men to be found in the South. It is true they are in a
minority, and we desire to keep them there and to give them no
advantage beyond their numbers. I hope that, if possible and con-
sistent with your duties, that this fort will not be abandoned — at least
until Colonel Baker and iN'esmith, our Senators in Washington, can be
advised and opportunity given to represent the matter at headquarters.
I remain, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
E. E. STRATTOK.
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572 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. (Chap. LXn.
Heaj}quabters of the Abmt,
WaakingtoUf August 16, 1861.
Brig. Gen. E. V. Sttmnee, U. S. Army,
San Francigco, Col.:
Ton are to command an expedition into Texas, via Mazatlan, to be
composed of two batteries and ten foot companies of regulars, one regi-
ment of volunteer cavalry, and four regiments volunteer infantry. Brig.
Gen. J. W. Denver will be associated with you, and take with you Capt.
K. L. Ogden, assistant quartermaster. A requisition has been made
on the Governor for the volunteers. Gommuuicate with him. Partic-
ulars by mail.
WINFIBLD SCOTT.
(Telegraph to outer station, thence by pony express and telegraph.)
Headquaetbibs op the Abmt,
Waahingt^m, August 16, 1861.
Brig. Gen. E. V. SUMNEB, U. S. Army,
Commanding, &c., San Franciseo, Cal. :
Sib : A telegram was sent you this day in relation to an expedition
to Texas, and the General-in-Chief directs me to write you more fully in
regard to it, as follows: You are to fit out an expedition in San Fran-
cisco, preparing for embarkation thence the necessary supplies and land
transportation, to land at Mazatlan and march thence to Western
Texas to regain the public property in that State and draw off insur-
gent troops from Arkansas, Missouri, &c. J. W. Denver, esq., of Cali-
fornia, has been appointed brigadier-general, U. S. volunteer service,
and will be under your command. Capt. 11. L. Ogden, appointed assist-
ant quartermaster, and now in San Francisco, will also be subject to
your orders. A requisition has been made on the Governor of Cali-
fornia for one regiment volunteer cavalry and four regiments volunteer
infantry; and he has been requested to report them to you when ready.
You will please confer with him in relation to them. You will add to
this force two batteries regular artillery and ten companies regular foot,
to be collected from such points as may be most advisable.' Orders will
no doubt go to you from the War Department concerning the contract
to be made with the steamship company. The general will only say on
this subject that it will be advisable to make provision as early as pos-
sible for having coal for the transports placed in depot -at Mazatlan.
On leaving the Department of the Pacific, tarn over the command to
Colonel Wright, Ninth Infantry.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
E. D. TOWNSEND,
Assistant Adjutant- Oeneral.
Headquabtebs Depabtment of the Pacific,
San Francisco, August 16, 1861.
Col. George Weight,
Ninth Regiment of Infantry, Gomdg. District of Oregon :
Sib : In reply to your communication of the 9th instant the general
commanding the department instructs me to say that the propriety and
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CHAP. LXU.] CORRESPONDENCE UNION AND CONFEDEBATB. 573
necessity for the movement of troops within your district, whether of
a temporary or permanent character, is left discretionary with yoorseltl
The general wishes you to make such disposition of the force under yoor
command as will best secure protection to the inhabitants against
Indian incursions. While he hopes that this force will enable you to
accomplish the purpose desired, yet, should you find it insufficient you
will avail yourself of the authority granted in a former letter to call into
service volunteers, either from Oregon or the Territory of Washington.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
RICHD. 0. DRUM,
A»8i»Umt Adjutant-General.
Camp Chehalis, Wash. Teb., August 16, 1861.
Acting Assistant Adjutant-General,
District of Oregon :
Sib: I have the honor to report to you by the first opportunity that
offers itself of the safe arrival of my command at this post yesterday,
the 15th instant, at 12.30 p. m. Up to the timeof writmg (9 a. m.) the
Indian agent has not arrived. I will await his arrival here and learn
his wishes about the disposal of my command, and will report to you
accordingly. Until the arrival of the Indian agent I cannot furnish
any reliable information of the number and character of the Indians on
the reservation, which is on the north side of Gray's Harbor. The
Indians in the immediate vicinity of Camp Chehalis do not number
more than thirty — men, women, and children. The rest of the tribe are
at Chinook and Shoal Water Bay, about fifty more. They are i)eace-
able in character. The place selected for the establishment of the
agency is about thirty-five miles north of this post. The Indians there
are more numerous.
I am, sir, your very obedient servant,
0. I). EMOljy,
Second Lieutenant, Ninth Infty., Comdg. Detachment at <Jhehalui.
Wab Depaetment,
August 17, 1861.
Oapt. R. L. OgDEN,
Quartermaster, San Francisco, Cal.:
Make all proper arrangements, including transportation, for the expe-
dition. Be ready in time for the movement of forces.
THOMAS A. SCOTT,
Assistant Secretary of War.
Wab Depabtment,
Washington, D, C, August 17, 1861.
Capt R. L. OoDEN,
Quartermaster, San Francisco, Cal. :
Sib : I have this day forwarded you a dispatch by telegraph and by
pony express, requesting that you will make all proper arrangements,
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574 ■ OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Chap. LXn.
inclnding transportation, for the expedition to be commanded by Gen-
eral Sumner, and that you will be ready in time for the movement of
forces.
Yery respectfully, your obedient servant,
.THOMAS A. SCOTT,
Assistant Secretary of War.
Headquartees Department of the Pacific,
San Francisco, August 19, 1801.
Lieut. Col. E. D. Townsend,
Assistant Adjutant- General, U. 8. Army,
Headquarters of the Army, Washington, D. G. :
Colonel : I have received your letter of the 23d ultimo in relation
to the arms. They had been privately shipped a week before I got your
letter. I sent a detachment of a captain and thirty men with them as
far as Panama, and I' confided them particularly to the naval officer at
Aspinwall. I inclose a copy of my letter to him.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
B. V. SUMKER,
Brigadier-General, U. 8. Army, Commanding.
[loolosnre.]
Headquarters Department of the Pacific,
San Francisco, August 8, 1861.
Capt. Edward W. Carpendbr,
Commanding U. S. Ship Falmouth, Aspinwall :
Sir: Captain Wallen with his company leaves in the Sonora to-mor-
row in charge of 30,000 stand of arms, which have been ordered to be
sent from this department to New York immediately. As these arms
would be a double loss to the Government if they should be captured,
1 would respectfully and earnestly ask your co-operation in this affair.
Although it is highly important that no time should be lost in the
transmission of these arms, it is still more important that they should
go safely. I am not sure that in the absence of orders you may not
think it advisable to send them in a Government ship or immediately
under convoy. The security of these arms is so vitally important that
I am confident the Government will approve of any measures you may
think proper to take to insure it.
Very respectMly, your obedient servant,
E. V. SUMNER,
Brigadier-General, U. 8. Army, Commanding.
Headquarters Department of the Pacific,
San Francisco, August 19, 1861.
Capt. John W. Davidson,
First Regiment of Dragoons, U. 8. Army,
CMumanding Camp Fitzgerald, near Los Angeles, Col.:
Sir : In compliance with the recommendation contained in your let-
ter of the 13th instant, the general commanding the department has
this day directed the ordnance ofiicer at Benicia Arsenal to invoice to
you 150 muskets with 6,000 rounds of ball ammunition. The general
desires you to be particularly careful into whose hands these arms are
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Obat. LXII.) correspondence — UNION AND CONTEDERATE. 575
placed. Unless the parties are unconditionally committed to the sup-
port of the General Government great injury might be done in thus
arming them. He accepts your profferred responsibility, and hopes you
may be able to strengthen yoar position.
Very respectfally, your obedient servant,
RIOHD. C. DRUM,
Assistant Adjutant- General.
HeAX)QUABTBRS,
Fort Walla Walla, Wash. Ter., August 19, 1861.
Lieut. A. 0. WiLDBlOK,
Acting Assistant Adjutant-General, District of Oregon,
Fort Vancouver, Wash. Ter,:
Sib : I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of the communi-
cation of the colonel commanding the district, dated August 9, relating
to our Indian affairs. A large number of the Nez Pero6s are iuclined
to be hostile, and from the best information I can gain it appears that
at least one-balf of them have seceded and have gone, or are going, to
join the Snakes. I have it firom Mr. Smith, Indian sutler, who hasjust
come down fSfom the reserve. It is feared by the agent, and in fact by
all who are competent to judge, that there will be an outbreak prob-
ably on Salmon River and the South Branch of Clearwater. The
presence of another company of dragoons on the reservation at Cap-
tain Smith's disxMsal would keep the disturbance away from the set-
tlements, most likely on the extreme southern boundary, but as for
protecting tbose reckless men who have pushed on out of all reach it
would be impossible. They are roving all over the country in defiance
of treaty, law, or remonstrance, and must take care of themselves. I
wottld send Lieutenant Reno with his company at once to re-enforce
Captain Smith, if I only had Company H here to render my garrison
sufficiently strong, and I would respectfully urge that it be ordered here
immediately. The emergency requiring its presence might arise while
it is yet too far from the scene of action to be of any service. I will
keep the troops in the reservation for some time yet, although I expect
they will be obliged to come in by the end of September on account of
their horses. There has been no news from the emigrant road, no
parties having come in yet, but that there will be trouble if the emi-
grants break up into small parties there can be no doubt. They must
be keeping together, and perhaps have an escort, or we should have
heard from them before this.
Very respectfully, your most obedient servant,
E. STEEN,
Major, First Dragoons, Commanding.
Heabquabtebs Distbiot of Obeoon,
Fort Vancouver, Wash. Ter., August 30, 1861.
Capt. R. C. Dbum,
Asst. Adjt. Gen., Sdqrs, Dept. of the Pacific, San Francisco, Gal,:
Captain : Yoor two telegraphic dispatches of the 15th instant I have
this day received. The articles required will be sent to San Francisco
by next steamer. We have but fourteen saddles and twenty bridles.
I have telegraphed the number of saddles. We have an alarm again of
Indian disturbances at the Cascades. Captain Black will go up to-mor-
row with a detachment of thirty-four men, and I have ordered Captain
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576 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Chap. LXIL
Van Voast, with his company, to proceed from Fort Dalles to the
Casciides. By prompt action and sammary punishment of the evil-
disposed I believe that peace can be maintained, but there is manifestly
a hostile feeling aud restlessness amongst the Indians which demands
attention.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
G. WRIGHT,
Colonel Ninth Infantry, Commanding.
Hbadquaeters Department of the Pacific,
San Francisco, Gal , August 20, 1861,
Col. Geoeoe Wright,
Ninth Regiment Infantry, Comdg. District of Oregon :
Sir : From information which has reached the general commanding
the department, he is apprehensive that an outbreak is contemplated
by the Indians within the limits of the District of Oregon. Being too
remote from the scene of these threatened disturbances to procure accu-
rate information on the subject, the general desires you to carefully
investigate the condition of Indian affairs in the district where the
greatest danger is to be apprehended. If, in your opinion, the diffi-
culties are of such a serious nature as to require it, the general wishes
you to muster in immediately a suflScieut volunteer force to suppress
any hostile demonstration on the part of the tribes that are dissatisfied.
This force must be commanded by an ofQcer of the liegular Army, to be
selected by yourself.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
BICIID. 0. DRUM,
Assistant Adjutant- General.
Special Orders, ) Headquarters District of Oreoon,
No. 28. J Fort Vancouver, Wash. Ter., August 20, 1861.
I. Capt. H. M. Black, Ninth Infantry, with three non-commissioned
officers and thirty privates of the garrison of Fort Vancouver, will pro-
ceed by the steamer to-morrow morning to Fort Cascades. The detach
ment will be provisioned to the end of the month. Captain Black will
receive written instructions from the colonel commanding.
II. Immediately on receipt of this order Capt. J. Van Voast, with
Company K, Ninth Infantry, will proceed to the Cascades and report to
Captain Black. Captain Van Voast will take with him rations to the
end of the month, leaving a non-commissioned officer and ten men at
Fort Dalles.
• ••*•••
By order of Colonel Wright:
A. C. WILDRICK,
First Lieut., Third Artillery, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General.
Headquarters District of Oregon,
Fort Vancouver, Wash. Ter., August 20, 1861.
Capt H. M. Black,
Ninth Infantry, Comdg. Detach, of troops under orders
for Fort Cascades, Wash. Ter., Fort Vancouver, Wash. Ter.:
Captain : The report which I have received from the Cascades ren-
ders it highly probable that an attempt is being made by some of the
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CEAT.IjXU.J CORRESPONDENCE UNION AND CONFEDERATE. 577
Indiian chiefe at that place to engage in hostilities against the whites.
The chiefs Blaha-har and Tim-e-tos are said to "be the prime movers,
'fhe first-named should properly have been executed in '5(5, Oii reach-
ing the Cascades acc[uamt yourself with the condition of aRaird and
exercise your judgment how to act. If you are satisfied that these
chiefs or any Indians in that quarter have already committed any hos-
tile acts, or have by word or deed been endeavoring to persuade the
Indians to commit aggressions, seize them all, and execute summary
punishment on the guilty. Captain Van Voast will be at the Cascades
on Friday morning and act under your orders. Let me know by every
steamer the state of affairs at the Cascades. It is probable that before
the end of the month I shall withdraw yourself and command, leaving
Captain Van Voast in charge. Lieutenant Wildrick will tarn over to
you a box of 15 rifles and 500 cartridges, which you can place in the
hands of Colonel Bucket and Mr. Olmstead for defense of the depot of
the Oregon Steam Navigation Company, those gentlemen receipting for
the same.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
G. WRIGHT,
Colonel Ninth Infantry^ Commanding.
Headquarters of the Army, - -
Washinfton, August 21, ISdl.
Brigadier-General Sumner,
Commanding Department of the Pacific, San Francisco, Cat. :
Sir : In reply to your letter of the 24th July, the General-in-Chief
directs me to say let Captain English remain in command of San Juau
Island for the present.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
E. D. TOWNSEND,
Assistant Adjutant-General.
Camp Fitzgerald, Oax., -4.M(/iM<\2i, 3SM.
Capt. RiCHARD 0. Drum, . . ...
Assistant Adjutant- General:
Captain : Yesterday it became known through this camp that I was
to be relieved in command here by Captain Smith, First Dragoons.
This information was written here by Major Carleton. It was calcu-
lated to do harm in three ways. First. That troops are apt to relax in
their attention to duties pending a change of commanders. Second.
That if 1 was disposed to yield to a feeling of mortification, consequent
upon getting information of the change in this way, it might discourage
nie in the ready prosecution of my own duties. Third. That our Union
citizens here, with whom 1 have established harmonious and intelligi-
ble relations, might lose confidence in me from this report, not knowing
the generars good reasons. My own self-respect teaches me that it
would be better if the general's intentions with regard to this command
becaine known througTi his ordiers, and that every officer becoming
possessed of the designs of his superiors should have reticence enough
(particularly now) to keep them to himself and not make them the sub-
ject of gossip^' I shall work; captain, even under this tumor, with the
.. ,... 37..*.«rTYP<< L, ?T I, ' . . . ..
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578 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. (Chap. LXn.
same hearty good will, to be able to turn over to Captain Smith a com-
mand that he may find eflQcient, and I have no feeling about the pro-
posed change, only about its mode of communication.
With high respect, I am, your most obedient servant,
JNO. W. DAVIDSON,
Captain, First Dragoons, Commanding.
Headquaeters Department op the Pacipic,
San Francisco, August 22, 1861.
Brig. Gen. Lorenzo Thomas,
Adjutant- General, Washington,!). C:
General: In raising the volunteers from this State I found it indis-
pensably necessary, for economy as well as efficiency, to have a cavalry
officer of experience and ability to command the five companies of cav-
alry. There was no suitable man to be found out of the Army, and at
my request the Governor has given the commission of Keutenaut-
colonel of cavalry to Lieut. B. F. Davis, of the First Dragoons. I
have knowu this young officer since he entered the Army, and I know
him to be one of the best oflQcers in it. He is from the South, but a
firm loyalist to the Government. I would respectfully ask the sanction
of the War Department to this appointment.
Very re8i)ectfully, your obedient servant,
E. V. SUMNER,
Brigadier- General, U. S, Army, Commanding.
Special Orders, ) Hdqrs. Department of the Pacific,
TSo. 152. ) San Francisco, August 22, 1861.
The companies of California Volunteer Infantry ah-eady mustered
into service will on Saturday, the 24th instant, be moved into camp at
such point near San Antonio Lauding, Contra Costa, as may be selected
by Captain Kirkham, assistant quartermaster. The other companies
will, as they are mustered in, be moved to this camp. The quarter-
master's department will furnish the necessary transportation.
By order of Brigadier-General Sumner :
richd. c. drum.
Assistant Adjutant-General.
IIeadquarters Department op the Pacific,
San Francisco, August 22, 1861.
Hon. R. E. Stratton,
Eugene City, Lane County, Oreg. :
Sir : In reply to your letter of the 15th instant I am instmcted by
the general commanding the department to inform you that the detach-
ment of troops now at Umpqua will not be removed. In consequence
of our national difficulties, the general has been compelled to draw from
the District of Oregon a large portion of the regular force. In doing
this he was not unmindful of the exposed condition of the remote settle-
ments in California, Oregon, and Washington, and to secure their
complete protection delegated to Colonel Wright authority to call out
a sufidcieut volunteer force to suppress any outbreak on the part of
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CHj^.LXII.l COBEE8PONDENCE UNION AND CONFEDERATE. 579
tUe Indians. Should the threatened disturbances in the north warrant
it, he has been directed to muster into service a volunteer force imme-
diately.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
lilCHD. C. DRUM,
AgsUtant Adjutant- General.
Hkadquartebs Department of the Pacific,
San Francisco, August 23, 1861.
Lieut. Col. E. D. Townsend,
Asst. Adjt. Gen., Headquarters of the Army, Washington :
Sib : I have the honor to inform the Gcueralin-Chief that, in conse-
quence of threatened disturbances among several Indian tribes in the
District of Oregon, I have Directed Colonel Wright, the commander
thereof, whenever in his opinion it is necessary, to muster into service
a sufficient volunteer force for the suppression of any outbreak. This
force I have directed shall be placed under the command of an officer
of the Eegular Army, to be selected by Colonel Wright. It would be
hazardous at this time to reduce the regular force in this State, and I
am therefore compelled to rely upon State trooxjs to give the necessary
protection to our frontier settlements.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
E. V. SUMNEE,
Brigadier-General, U. S. Army, Commanding.
Special Obdebs, ) Hdqbs. Depabtment of the Pacific,
No. 153. ) San Francisco, August 23, 1861.
1. The camp directed to be established near San Antonio, Contra
Costa, will be known as Camp Downey.
• •••«••
By order of Brigadier-General Sumner :
KICHD. C. DRUM,
Assistant Adjutant-General.
FoBT Cascades, Wash. Teb., August 23, 1861.
Lieut. A. 0. WiLDBiCK,
Third Artillery, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General,
Hdqrs. District of Oregon, Fort Vancouver, Wash. Ter. :
Lieutenant : I have tlio honor to report that in obedience to Special
Orders, No. 28, from headquarters District of Oregon, of August 21,
1801, and in accordance with instructions from same source and date,
I arrived at this post with my command about 4 p. m. on the 2l8t
instant. I immediately took steps to acquaint myself with the condi-
tion of affairs in this vicinity. I've seen all the wliite settlers in the
immediate vicinity of this post, and have had a conversation on the
subject separately with them ; have been unable to find out anything
of a definite character. All seemed to be rumor, and to come from a
friendly Indian or Indians who were under the influence of liquor, and
stated that Indians were going to war again; that they expected the
Cascades would be attacked. All this about a week ago, and as they
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680 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST, ICbap. LXU.
had been here in the difficulty of 1856, they bad no desire or wi$h to be
again if .the place vas attacked, 80 they intended to leave and go
down the river near Vancouver. The people were evidently alarmed,
and from what I can gather .were much more so about a week ago than
at the time of my arrival. The geueral impression here, as far as I am
able to learn, is that propositions have been made to the Cascade Indi-
ans to join in a war against the whites and attack the Cascades. The
proposition, I am told, was made by Tim-e-tos whilst under the influ-
ence of liquor and on a visit to the Portage (Oregon side). He then
returned to the Klickitat country without going to Oregon City, as was
reported. Blau-a-har denies" all knowledge of such propositions or that
an attack is to be made, and says he will give information of anything
of the kind as soon as he hears it; that he has not forgotton the good
advice given him by Colonel Wright several years ago. The impres-
sion seems to have been that an attack would have been made had not
their plans become known and from the fact that Colonel Wright acted
so promptly in the matter. The arrival of my command has' evidently
bad a very good eflect upon the Indians and allayed the excitement
amongst the whites. I have seen but two persons who reside at the
Upper Cascades, and they tell me an attack was apprehended up there
aboTtt a week ago, but now there seemed to be little or no fear of it, at
least for the present. I can hear of no strange or otlier Indians in the
mountains on this side of the river nearer than the berry patch in the
Klickitat country, about twenty- five miles up Wind River, where many
Indians usually resort for berries about this season of the year. I hear
of some Indians at the berry patch on the mountains opposite here, but
the report received was not very definite. Upon the arrival of Captain
Van Voast with his company I hope to be able to find out something
more definite. I expect two Indians from the Oregon side of the Por-
tage this morning and hope to get some information by which I can act
promptly and with effect.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
H. M. BLACK,
(Japtain, Xhith Infantry, Commanding Detachment.
[Inclosum.l
August 23, 1861—12.45 p. m.
Colonel Wright, U. S. Army,
Commanding District of Oregon :
Mr. Attwell informs me that certain rumors have been afloat that the
upper country Indians were in the huckleberry patch, ready at short
notice to make an attack on the settlers of the Cascades. This rex)ort
was gotten up by Indians who were intoxicated, and he believes that it
is not so, althongh he has no doubt but that Indian spies often come
here to get these Indians to join them; but the Cascade tribe say that
they are not willing to join them for fear that the soldiers will hang them
as they did before in tlie year of 1856. Also that the excitement had
been very great here, causing families to leave for Portland and The
Dalles for protection, but that he believes that at present there is but
little or no danger.
August 23, 18GI— 1 p. m.
The steamer is in sight, and having seen Mr. Attwell from the Oregon
side — Upper Cascades — he has written the above, which I . hasten to
send over to the steamer that the coloiiel may receive it-with myjupov t
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OiiT. I-Xn.) CORRESPONDENCE — l^NION AND CONFEDERATE. 5K[
of to-day. Mr. Attwell has lived here since 1852. I send this report to
tbecolonel in tliis irregular way as 1 have no time to copy it before the
steamer leaves, and am anxions that it should be received to-day.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
H. M. BXrACK,
Captain, Ninth Infantry, Commanding Detachment.
. . FouT (Cascades, WA.sn.TBK., August 23 J 1S61.
Lieut. A. 0. WiLDRiCK,
Third Artillery, Acting AssUtlant Adjiitant-Oeneral,
IlecuUiuartem J>istrict of Oregon, Fort Vancouver, Wa«h. Ter.:
LiErTENANT : I have the honor to report that Captain Van Voast,
Ninth Infantry, vrith his comi^any (K), forty enlisted men, joined me at
this post about 2.30 o'clock to-diiy. He reiwrts to me that more than
" one noncommissioned olficer and ten men" were kept back at Fort
Dalles, Oreg^ by Bvt. Lieut. Col. R.'C. Buchanan, m^jor Fourth Infautry,
commanding that post. For the information of the colonel commanding
I inclose.herewith a copy of the order keeping these men at Fort Balle-s,
Oreg.
Yery re«i)ectfttlly, your obedient servant,
U. M. BLACK,
Captain, Ninth Infantry, Comdg. U. 8. Troops at Cascades. ,
llncloBuro.]
Sp£c;ial Oritebs, ) Fort Dalles, OBsa.,
No. 11. ) . A-uguat 22, 1861..
I. In obedience to Special Orders, No. 28, from headquarters Dis-
trict of Oregon, August 20, 1861, Oapt. James Van Voast, Ninth
Infantry, will immediately proceed with hia company to the Cascades
and report to Capt. H. M. Bla<'k, Ninth Infaf-iry.
II. Captain Van Voast will leave a non-commissioned officer and ten
men at this post in addition to the sick, hospital cook, and general
prisoners undergoing sejit^nce.
III. The assistant quartermaster will futnish the necessary transiwr-
tation.
By order of Brevet Lieutenaiit-Colonel Buchanan:
ROBT. N.. SCOTT,
Second Lieutenant, Fourth Infmitry, Fost Adjutant,
Headquarters,
Camp Fitzgerald, Col., August 21, 1861,
C?ipt.R. C. Drum,
Assistant Adjutant- General:
GaptIin : Your letter of August 19, stating that 150 stand of arms
have been ordered to be shipped to me, has just been received.. - No
man will get a musket from me except he be a member of the home
guard, and takes the oath of allegiance to the United States. The
invitation inclosed shows the willingness to take. the oath.
I am, captain, your most obedient servant,
JNa W. DAVIDSON^
Captain of First Dragoons, Commanding,
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582 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. {Chap. LXn.
[Inolosnre.]
Los Angeles, Augmt 34, 1861.
Capt. J. W. Davidson,
First Dragoons, U. 8. Army:
Captain: The members of tLe lionie guard will convene at their
armory this evening at 8 o'clock for the purpose of taking the oath, &c.
If convenient we would be pleased to have your presence upon the
occasion.
Very respectfully, yours,
A, B. HAYWARD,
Chairman of Committee.
Headqitabters,
Camp Fitzgerald, Cal., August 24, 18G1.
Capt. R. C. Drum,
Assistant AdjutantQeneral, S<;fn Francisco:
Captain : I report that I have changed the position of my camp (no
farther from Los Angeles, however), to better ground and nearer the
water, the advantages beside of having less dust to annoy men and
horses, and change of scene. The camp is also in more compact shape.
The horses of the squadron since being in camp have deteriorated at
least 20 x)er cent, in spirit, flesh, and general fitness for service, owing
to their being fed in nose-bags and tied to the picket-lines during the
day, exposed to the scorching sun. I have had troughs built at the lines
and the spare paulins in the quartermaster's department stretched on
frames over the horses, and expect to show a marked change in them
for the better. Dispensing with drills now and then and enconraging
the men to play at football and to bathe at those times has had good
effect. They seem to wear a more cheerful air, and the number of
desertions has diminished. Arrangements have been made with the
Catholic bishop of this diocese to hold divine service in camp every
alternate Sunday. This will have effect with the native Californiaus
and show them that they and the troops have a common sympathy upon
this ground. The vicar-general (Father Rabo) assures me and author-
izes me to use his name to the general, that the greater proportion of
the CaUfornians are friendly to the Government, and that the ideas to
the contrary which have been entertained about those of this county
are groundless.
I am, sir, your most obedient servant,
JNO. W, DAVIDSON,
Captain, First Dragoons, Commanding.
Headquarters District of Oregon,
Fort Vancouver, Wash. Ter., August 24, 1861.
Capt. H. M. Black,
Ninth Infantry, Comdg. U. 8. Troops at Cascades, Wash. Ter,:
Captain: I have received your reports of yesterday. Make a
thorough examination of the country and the Indians at and about the
Cascades. Unless there should be a necessity for your remaining at
the Cascades I shall order you down the latter part of next week, and
in that event Captain Van Voast will remain for the present with his
company, garrisoning both extremes of the line. Captain Van Voast
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Chap. LXILJ CORRESPONDENCE UNION AND CONFEDERATE. 683
will send a provision return for his company for the month of Sep-
tember to Major Babbitt. The rations can be sent up on the 30th
instant. Fresh beef can be sent up three times a week by the boat.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
G. WRIGHT,
Colonel Ninth Infantry, Commanding.
TIEADQUARTEK8,
Fort Jiridfjer, Utah Ter., August 25, 1S61.
Maj. J. H. Oarleton,
Firs^ Dragoons, U. 8. Army, Commanding Volunteers:
Major : Having learned that a number of volunteers under your
command are about to leave California to take post along the Over-
land Mail Route, I consider it my duty to give you information with
regard to the facilities afforded by this post for occupation by a portion
of your command should it be desirable to occupy it. The post, as you
may be aware, is pleasantly situated on Black's Fork of Green River,
having several branches with fine running water through and near the
X>ost. Four companies could immediately find pleasant quarters and
in a short time a number of other buildings sufiicient to accommodate
an equal number could' be repaired. There are six sets of officers'
quarters with four rooms each, two of them having kitehens detached.
There is one stable fit for immediate use which will accommodate
ninety horses, and another which will require considerable repairs
before being fit for use. It would hold about fifty animids. The
material for repairing could be obtained at the i>ost. There are 200
head of commissary beef-cattle here. There are 400 bales and 300
boxes of clothing, camp, and garrison equipage, stationery and medical
stores at the post. Most of this was removed from Fort Crittenden
when that post was abandoned and stored here for the use of the
volunteers. The subsistence stores here are quite limited in quantity.
I have 6,000 pounds flour, 3,500 pounds bacon, 1,000 pounds sugar, 200
IK)unds coflfee, 150 jMunds rice, and 30 bushels beans, and but a small
quantity of other stores. The iwst sutler here has a quantity of sub-
sistence stores purchased ^t the late sale, which he has made me a
written promise to retain until September 20, and sell at reasonable
rates should it be necessary to purchase, provided the post should be
garrisoned. He has 20,000 pounds States flour, 10,000 pounds bacon,
60 bushels beans, 10 barrels vinegar, 6 barrels molasses, 2,000 pounds
sugar, 15 cases desiccated vegetables, 1,000 pounds tea, 400 gallons
vinegar. Stock can be wintered near the post. There is a good
sutler's store here, a post-office, and a telegraph station is expected to
be establishetl here by November.
I am, respectfully, your obedient servant,
J. C. CLARK,
Captain, Fourth Artillery, Commanding Post.
P. S. — The x)ost sutler. Judge Carter, has contracted to furnish for
the post, if needed, 3,000 bushels oats, 90 tons hay, 15 tons straw, and
1,000 cords wood, and states that he is willing to increase the amounts
of the several articles to the requirements of the post. Will you please
reply early for the information of the sutler!
J. 0. C
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584 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. ICHAP.LXir.
FoET Humboldt, Oal., August 25, I86i'.
Capt. R. C. Drum,
As»t. Adjt. Gen., Department of (he PcuAJUt, San t'ranciico,- Gal. :
Sir : I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt by mail of the 2l8t
instant of Department Special Orders, Kos. 142, 143, and 145, and a
letter of the 8th instant relative to establishing a new post to be called
Fort Seward. The means of transportation at this post are not sufti-
cient to pack out the supplies now here for Fort Gaston and to get out
the supplies necessary for the new post to last until the trails are prac
ticabie again in the spring. The rainy season (snow in the mountains)
usually commences about the middle of October, after which packing
over the Hiouutain will be impracticable. . The train beloCging here is
now packing to Fort Gaston. ...I have,- tWefore, to ask of , the. com-
manding general authority to hire the packing to FortGastoW tp.be
.done by pcivate .trains. .The CQStvrUl be •abont 4 cents per poui).d.
The. Indians, teferxed. toin my letter of thelst instant, numbering ^bout
130,. have been- camped here under tb« .protection of th.<9..tf9op.s fpr a
we&k past, the .citizens furnishing them with scanty, supplies of provis-
ioHS. . I have written to..tbe.tH.dJmi agen.t at. the-Klama^h R^s^ryatipn
in.regard to them, but have. not r-ecejyed- a r^ply. ..Quite $^. number Qf
them, ate decrepit and notableto walk thj),t.t}istance.. The .steamtng
will take them all to the reservation, for ^bout..$300, but pf.WB.rsp.I
could. not go to that expense.Fithpnt.authoiiity.from department h.ej^d-
'quarters. I do not like to make any remarks relative to.aban^piiing
this. post, but I think it my duty to say that X dp npt doubt that it .vijl
be found necessary to re-pcoupy it again in le^s tlmu six mpn^^s,.
'I.am< air, very respectfully, your obedient 8.erv9,nt,
, . . . ,.CHAS. S. LOVELL, ...
.. . Captain, Swih. Jnfafiiry, Commanding Post,
•SPE'ciit ORDEtts, ) Hdqrs. Department optbcb Pacific; ■•■
• Ho: 155; ■ r . • San Franciscoj August 26,t80i. '
• ■■ ' "• ' " ' • '»'•.' ••♦■■■■'•, * ■■
2.. Lieut. Co). Robert 0. Bnchahan with thp- regimental "and hori-'com-
missibned staiGC and band of! the Fourth Regimerit' of liifantry .will
imnwdiately take post at the Presidio of Sail Francis^!©. . .
. 3, Col. Benjamin t. Beall, First liragoiwis, will imn^^iatcly relieve
Cp.lv George Wright,' ifinth Infantrjr,' in comm^iid of the District of
.Oregon. When relieved CbTpnel Wright wijl report {it these h^adquar-
•ters >vithout delay. ..,' . '.■ .. "■ ' •
By order of Brigadier-General Sumhei;; ...
... KIOHD. C. DRUM,
. . Assistant Adjutant- General.
Headquarters Department op the Pacific, '
San Fi-anciseo, August 2.6, 1861^
Capt; WILLIAM H. Gardner, U. S. Ifavy,
Comtnanding Mate Island, Cal. : •
Captain: I have been informed that there are several violent seces-
sionists in the Government employ at Mare Island Navy- Yard. I Avould
respectfully and earnestly represent to you the danger of keeping these
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CHAP. LXII.) CORBESPONDENCte UUl'ON AND C6NPEDERATE. 585
men in your command. It is not riglit that any man should draw his
bread from a Government that he is denonncin^r, and no man with any
pride would do it. I am ho alarmist, bat at this moment there is a
high responsibility resting upon you and myself, and I wish to inform
you that I have the means of making i^I Government property in this
State x>erfectly safe, and I am retuly and willing at all times to give you
any assistance that you may require.
Very respectfiilly, your obedient servant,
. E. V. SUMNER,
Brigadier' Oeneral, U; S. Armify Commtmding.
HeadquatKte&s,
8dn Bernardino, Cat., August 26, 1861.
[Assistant Adjutant-General, U.S. Army,
Headquarters Pacific Department, San i'rancisco. Gal.: .
Sib: CompaniesD.andG reached this place yesterday. Companies
A and F encamped at th& Old Mission, about twenty-five miles firom
New San P«dro, on the 24th instant, and should, reach this place on the
28th instaut,^ if nothing hapi)eus to prevent. Thereareno vacantbuild-
ings to be rented for quarters for either offlcersor soldiers in this town.
This commaud is very much in want of a phyaician^as well as eoinpany
ofiicers. . Please furnish both as soon as practicable.
- Bespectfiilly, your obedient servant,
W. SCQTT KETCHUM, .
Major Fourth Infantry, Cowmamding.
ILbadquabtebs Dbpabtment of the Pacific,
San Francisco, August 26, 1861 — 3.40 p. m.
Col. Geobgk Wright,
CommandtHg J>istrict of Oregon:
.On the arrival of Col. JJ. L. Beall, turn over your compiand to him
and repair to this place as soon as possible. You will probably be here
for some time. Colonel Beall goes up in the boat to-morrow. Order
Lieutenant-Colonel Buchanan with the headquarters of his regiment to
repair here immediately.
E. V. SUMNBE,
Brigadier- Oeneral, U. 8. Army, Commanding. "
■ Headquarters Department op the Pacific,
Sail Francisco, Cat., Au^st 26, 1861.
Col. Geoege Weight,
Comdg. Disi. of Oregon, Fort Yancourcr,Wash.Ter.:
Sir : The general commanding the department desires you, in turning
t>ver the command of the District of Oregon to Colonel Beall, to inform
him very generally regarding Indian affairs within the district, and par-
ticularly with regard to all matters pertaining to the occupancy of San
Juan Island.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
RICHD. C. DRUM,
Assistant Adjutant- General.
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586 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Chap. LXIl.
Fort Cascades, Wash. Ter., Augvxt 26, 1861.
Lient. A. 0. Wildrick,
Third Artillery, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General,
Hdqrs. District of Oregon, Fort Vancouver, Wash. Ter. :
Lieutenant : I have the honor to report that since my letter of the
23d instant I have used my best endeavors to find out something of a
more definite character to report to the colonel commanding. The
Indians on the Oregon side of the river, of whom I spoke in my last, I
was not able to see that day. So the next day I sent Captiiin Van
Voast over to Oregon side of the Cascades with orders to make a
thorough investigation into the condition of affairs on that side.
Inclosed herewitli you will please find his report, which goes to corrob-
orate principally what I found out on this side of the river in my exam-
ination from the Lower to the Upper Cascades. It was reported to me
that quite a number of strange Indians were at the berry patch on the
south side of the river; so to satisfy myself I told Blan-a-har that I
wanted him to go up to that patch and see if there were any Indians
there or in the vicinity; if so, to find out their number, to what tribes
they belonged, and to bring in to me the heads of each tribe. If he
saw no Indiana, to examine the ground closely for signs, either firesh or
old, and that I wanted him to be back last night and let me know the
result. He returned last night about 9 p. m. according to promise, and
reported that there were no Indians to be found or seen, nor could any
signs of any be seen, and that he does not think the Indians have been
there this season ; that the berries are about half ripe. I told him
before I sent him out that if he deceived me in any way I would hang
him, and I also told him the same thing on his return and before he
made his report. From all I can learn I am convinced that the matter
of an attack was talked over by some strange Indians and those of the
Cascades, or at least some of the latter, and that the arrival of troops
at this point has evidently frustrated their plans for the present at
least, if they had any fixed ones.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
H. M. BLACK,
Captain, Ninth Infantry, Commanding U. S. Troops at Cascades.
[Inolosure.j
Fort Cascades, Wash. Ter., August 25, 1861.
Capt. H. M. Black,
Commanding Troops, Fort Cascades, Wash. Ter. :
Captain : I have the honor to report that in accordance with your
instructions I visited the Upper and Lower Cascades, on the Oregon
side, and by inquiry endeavored to ascertain upon what foundation
were based the rumors of an apprehended Indian attack. It appears
that an old Indian woman some eight or ten days since told Mrs. Att-
well, living at the Upper Cascades, that strange Indians had been talk-
ing to the Cascade Indians of an attack, but that the latter would not
join them. She added that in case of danger she would give timely
warning to Mrs. Attwell. About this same time an Indian called Jim,
under the influence of liquor, and just at dark, came to Mr. Attwell's
house, and told Mr. and Mrs. Attwell that they must be careful; that
strange Indians were in the mountains ; that they might attack the
Cascades; stating also that he would inform them in time of the danger.
I visited the house of an Indian called Gabriel, at which place I saw
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CHAP. LXn.] CORRESPONDENCE UNION AND CONFEDERATE. 587
the old Indian woman referred to above, but I was unable to elicit any
information in confirmation of tbe story attributed to ber; neither
could I learn from tbem anything in relation to strange Indians or an
apprehended attack. It appears that Gabriel had been told, or imag-
ined, that you were thinking of hanging him, and seemed to be very
much frightened. Indian Jim, referred to above, is absent now from
the Cascades, and I therefore could not see him, but I am informed that
he has since been questioned in relation to his first story, and that now
he denies having told it. Mrs. Attwell is also absent from the Cas-
cades, and I therefore could not see her. I will also here add that
some alarm has been caused by the unusually large number of strange
Indians reported as passing up and down, and as having much powder
and lead. The arrival of troops has quieted entirely the fears of all.
-I have the honor to be, sir, your obedient servant,
JAMES VAN VOA8T,
Captain, Ninth Infantry.
Headqi'arteks Department of the Pacific,
San Francisco, August 27, 1861.
Ilis Excellency J. G. Downey,
Governor of California, Sacramento:
Governor: I regret very much that you do not find it convenient
to come to this city. From the orders that I have received no time can
be lost in raising tbe 5,000 volunteers required from this State. I wish
much to confer with you about this matter. I deem it very impor-
tant that oflBoers of the Army should be selected to command the regi-
ments; the other field ofiQcers can be selected from civil life, and no
man, officer or soldier, will be mustered into service about whose loy-
alty to the National Government there is the slightest doubt.
I am, Governor, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
E. V. SCMNER,
Brigadier- General, U. S. Army.
Special Orders, ) Hdqrs. Department of the Pacific,
No. 156. ) San Francisco, August 37, 1861.
• ••••••
2. The companies raised for the regiment of infantry and battalion of
cavalry California volunteers, for the service on the Overland route,
will hereafter be mustered into service at Camp Downey, Contra Costa.
• ••••••
By order of Brigadier-General Sumner:
EICHD. C. DRUM,
Assistant Adjutant- General.
Fort Yuma, Cal., August 27, 1861.
COMMANDINO OFFICER, U. S. Army,
Los Angeles, Cal. :
Sir: You will please telegraph the substance of the inclosed commu-
nication to the commanding general of the department and request
him to send at least two companies of infantry to strengthen this point
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588 OPERATIONS 6N THE PACIFIC COAST. (Chap. LXU.
as soon as practicable. I wonld respectfully suggest tliey be sent by
steamer to the mouth of the Colorado River, ou account of it being the
most expeditious, besides there being a scarcity of water on the desert.
You will please forward the inclosed coiamaaication to department
hcadtpiarters.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
GEO. ANbEEWS,
Lieutenant- Gohnel Sijcth Infantry, Commanding Post.
[TncIo8ur«.]
Pima Villages, August 23, 1861.
Lient. Ool. Geoege Andrews,
Sixth Infantry, Commanding Fort Tuma:
Sir : Inclosetl please find Mesilla papers, containing full accounts of
the proceedings of the rebels in Eastern Arizona. You will see that
they have possession of the entire Territory. Twenty of their troops
are at Tucson now and 100 more expected in a very few days. The
following is an extract from a letter received from the mail agent at
Tucson :
The mail between Tucson and Mesilla will stop for the present, as the coantry is
aader martial law.
In caise of any demonstration in this direction I w'ill promptly for-
ward the earliest information.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
A. M. WHITE;
We are out of postage stamps, or I should send in the mail.
Headquartees Department op the Pacific,
8an Francisco, August 27, 1861.
Ool. Geoege Weight,
yinth Infty., Comdg. Bist. of Oregon, Fort Vancouver, Wash. Ter. :
SiE: The general commanding the department desires that iifteeu
wagon inules and all the clothing and camp equipage on hand at Fort
. Steilacoom, after deducting a supply for six months for the troops on
Pu^et Sound, to be sent down ou the Massachusetts. The Massa-
chusetts will be sent to Fort Vancouver in time to meet the mules
ordered down from Walla Walla, which she will take on board and come
to this city. All the wagons, wagon mules, and harness at Fort Van-
couver not required at the post, and all the clothing and camp equijiage
not required for the troops at that post and Ports Hoskins and Yam-
hill, after deducting a supply at eaeh place for six months, to be sent
down in the Massachusetts. All the wagons, wagon mules, and harness
at Fort Dalles not required for the post, and all the clothing and camp
equipage on hand, after deducting a six months' supply for the troops
at that post, will be sent to Vancouver to be forwarded to this city in
the Massachusetts. The general hopes to see you here by the return
steamer.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
KICHD. C. DRUM,
Assistant Adjutant-General,
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chap. lxn.] cobrespondence union and confeperate. 689
Special Orders, ) Headquarters District op Oregon,
No. 3\. ) Fort Vancouver^ Wcuth. Ter., August 27, 1861.
L Oapt. H. M. Black, Ninth In£Euitry, with the detachmeat of. U. S.
troops nuder his command stationed at Fort Cascades, wiJl proof'^d to
Fort Vancouver, Wash. Ter., by the ateamer thence on Friday, the 30th
instant. .
II. Oapt J. Van Voast, Ninth Infantry, with his company (K), will
take post at Fort Cascades, garrisoning both extremities of the line.
« • • * • . « •.
By order of Colonel Wright :
A. C. WILDRICK,
Firat Lieut., Third Artillery, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General.
State op California, Executive Department,
Sacramento, August 28, 1861.
Brig. Gen. E. V. Sumner, U. S. Army:
General : Tour letter of yesterday is received. I i-egret exceedingly
that I have been unable to visit San Francisco during tbe last week, as
1 have been most anxious to confer with you iu regard to the recent
requisition. You will see that I have lost no time iu making the call.
I am satisfied, from the assurances received from the most populous
counties of the State, that in two weeks we will have the requisite
number of men to fill the requisition. Enlisting is going on rapidly,
and the fife and drum are heard in every village. I have repeatedly
assured you that none other than those loyal to the General Govern-
ment would be offered bearing commissions of tbe State. And Surely
none entertaining disloyal sentiments to tbe Federal Government
would desire to place themselves in a position at once false and dislion-
orable. As I have repeatedly assured you, there will be no clashing of
sentiment oh this head. The volunteer soldiery of this State desire to
be commanded by their own distinguished citizens as far as possible,
and I assure you with all candor that if it were differently understood,
we would find it exceedingly difficult, if not impossible, to fill the
demand of the President. Notwithstanding the pressure of business
now pouring in upon me, I will on to-morrow visit San Francisco for
the purpose of having a free and frank interview with you on this
subject.
I am, general, very resi)ectfully, your obedient servant,
JOHN G, DOWNEY,
Governor.
San Francisco, Cal., August 28, 1861.
Hon. Simon Cameron,
/Secretary of War:
Dear Sir : Since the arrival of the pony express, with Washington
dates of August 16, a rumor has been in circulation that an enlistment
of 5,000 additional men from this State has been ordered for service, in
Texas, to which State they were to proceed with all convenient dispatch,
under command of General Sumner. This report has caused the most
lively. apprehensions of danger in our midst, and so deeply afe.wp
impressed that your Department is not sensible of the true condition. of
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590 OPERATIONS OX THE PACIFIC COAST. IChap. LXIl.
affairs npoii this coast that we most respectfolly ask the rescinding of
so much of the order as calls for the withdrawal of the troops to be
raised, and that transfers General Suinner to another field of duty, and
thereto we present the following reasons: A majority of oar present
State officers are undisguised and avowed secessionists, and the balance,
being bitterly hostile to the Administration, are advocates of a peace
policy at any sacrifice, upon terms that would not be rejected even by
South Carolina. Every appointment made by our Governor within the
past three months unmistakably indicates his entire sympathy and
co-operation with those plotting to sever California from her allegiance
to the Union, and that, too, at the hazard of civil war. About three-
eighths of our citizens are natives of slaveholding States, and almost a
unit iu this crisis. The hatred and bitterness toward the Union and
Union men, manifested so pointedly in the South and so strongly evinced
on the field of battle, is no more intense there than here. These men
are never without arms, have wholly laid aside their business, and are
devoting their time to plotting, scheming, and organizing. Our advices,
obtained with great prudence and care, show us that there are upward
of 16,000 "Knights of the Golden Circle" in this State, and that they
are still organizing even in our most loyal districts. The fruits of so
much devotion to the cause of secession and intriguing for its promotion
are manifested in the securing of certain timid and ease-loving classes,
hailing from free States, styling themselves Union men, but opposed to
the war. Thus is secession consummated. Another class, by no means
small, powerful through its wealth, has affiliated witli the disunionists
to avoid and oppose paying a pittance toward maintaining the integrity
of the Government iu its hour of trial. The native Spanish race have
been persuaded that all real estate complications will meet with prompt
adjustment at the hands of another organization, and the unwarranted
doubts, difficulties, and delays that have characterized the action of
the administrative branch of the Government in the final adjustment
of titles under Mexican grants furnish an argument to ignorant men
that human ingenuity cannot answer. The squatter and lawless tres-
passer, having litigated with the landed proprietor for years in his own
name and that of his Government, is made to believe that no change
can result to his disadvantage; that principles established by the
Federal courts will be overturned, and Mexican grants only known in
history. Upon these several subjects, which comprise the prominent
points of our present position, electioneering pamphlets, resolutions,
platforms, speeches, and circulars are distributed with an unflagging
industry, and are placed in the hands of every voter in the State. The
si)ecial object of this extraordinary effort is to carry the State elec-
tion, which takes place one week from to-day, September the 4th. In
this campaign the Union voters are unfortunately divided, and the
best-devised plans have failed to unite them. The secessionists, the
Douglas party, and the Kepublicans have each a full ticket in the field,
and we are overwhelmed with apprehensions lest the enemies of the
country may triumph. Should such be the case, civil strife would be
forced upon our loyal population, and the most prosperous State in the
Union would be desolated and destroyed. The frightful scenes now
transpiring in Missouri would be rivaled by the atrocities enacted upon
the Pacific Coast. Loyalty and patriotism embrace within their firm
grasp the body of the wealth and intelligence of California, and an
attempt at a severance will be contested with inflexible determination.
We need not remind you of the vast importance of preserving Califor-
nia to the Union. Its great geographical extent, its mineral and agri-
cultural wealth, the fact that it is our chief seat of empire upon the
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CHAP. LXn.] CORRESPONDENCE UNION AND CONFEDERATE. 691
Pacific, and that its political action will exercise a powerful, if not con-
trolling, inflnence npon its neighbors at the North, imperatively demand
that no precaution should be neglected to insure its fidelity. We need
only api>eal to the examples furnished by Missouri, and even Virginia,
to show that the cfibrts of a comparatively small number of audacious
and unscrupulous men are sufficient to precipitate an unwilling popu-
lation into disunion, or at least to inaugurate civil war. If, unfortu-
nately, from the causes we have mentioned, the secession minority in this
State should obtain control, you will at once perceive with what i)ower
for mischief it would be armed, and how imminent is our danger. To
retain a State in its allegiance is a thousandfold more easy than to
overcome disloyalty affecting to act under State authority.
Nothing will more certainly check treasonable attempts than a con-
viction of their hopelessness. To deprive us of the military support of
the Government at this time is to hold out a direct encouragement to
traitors. We beg most earnestly to remind you that in our case au
"ounce of preventive is worth a i>onud of cure."
Very resi)ectfully yours,
Bobt. C. Itogers, Macondray & Co., Jno. Sime & Co., J. B.
Thomas, W. W. Stow, Horace P. James, Geo. F. Bragg
& Co., Hint, Peabody & Co., Wm. B. Johnston, D. O.
Mills, H. M. Newhall & Co., Henry Schmildell, Murphy,
Grant & Co., Wm. T. Coleman & Co., De Witt Kittle &
Co., Richard M. Jessup, Graves, Williams & Buckley,
Donohoe, Ralston & Co., H. M. Nuzlee, Geo. 0. Shreve
& Co., Peter Danahne, Kellogg, Hewston & Co., Moses
Ellis & Co., R. D. W. Davis & Co., L. B. Benchley &
Co., Wm. A. Dana, Jones, Dixon & Co., J. Y. Halleck
& Co., Forbes & Babcock, A. T. Lawtou, Geo. J. Brooks
& Co., Jno. B. Newton & Co., Chas. W. Brooks & Co.,
James Patrick & Co., Locke & Montague, Janson, Bond
& Co., Jennings & Brewster, Treadwell & Co., William
Alvord & Co., Shattuck & Hendley, Randell & Jones,
J. B. Weir & Co., B. C. Hand & Co., O. H. Giffin & Bro.,
Dodge & Shaw, Tubbs & Co., J. Whitney, jr., C. Adolphe
Low & Co.jHayngs & Lawton, J. D. Farrell, C. E. Hitch:
cock, Geo. Howes & Co., Sam. Merritt, Jacob Underbill
& Co., Morgan, Stone & Co., J. W. Brittan, T. H. & J, S.
Bacon, K. B. Swain & Co., Fargo & Ca, Nathaniel Page,
Stevens, Baker & Co., R. E. Brewster & Co., Tay, Brooks
& Backus, Wm. Norris, E. H. Parker.
Headquabtkbs Department of the Pacific,
San Francisco, August 38, 1861.
Capt. William H. Gardner,
Commanding Navy- Yard, Mare Island, Cal. :
Captain : I have received your letter of yesterday.* You are alto-
gether mistaken in supposing that I wish to dictate to you in anything.
I have an impression that you asked me in one of your letters some
time since to give you any information I might receive that would be
interesting to you. I did receive information, and from what I consid-
ered a reliable source, that there were several secessionists in Govern-
ment employ at the navy-yard, and I certainly tliought it wsis very
• Not found.
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592 . , OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC. P0A8T. [Chap. LXIl,
important that you should knov of this report; for if it was true, I did
not believe you would keep such people lor an hour. You misunder-
stand inc entirely. I have not the slightest apprehension that, tlie
Govemmeut will .sustain any los^ of proj^erty in California. .. ,
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
. K V. SUMNER,
BHgadierGencralj U.ji. 4^rmy, Commanding.
Headquarters Department ov .the Pacific,
San FraneisGo, August. 28,. 1861.
Col. Washington Seawell,
8ia>tii Regiment of Infantry, Comdg, Jienicia Barracks, Cai.:.
Sib: The general commanding, the department desires you to move
the company of infantry commanded by Lieutenaiit Upham, Sixth
iufantry, from the ordnance building it bow occupies, and place tl>em
in camp suflBciently near the arsenal building to give the necessary
protection.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
RICHD.C. DRUM,
• Assistant AdjutantQeneral.
' Fort Cascades, Wash. Ter., ^M(7»«t< ^, J867.
lieut. A. C. WiLDBiCK,
. Third. Artillery, Acting Assistant Adjutant-Oeneral,
Mdqrs. J^istrict nf Oregon, fort . Vancouver, Wash. Ter. :
Lieutenant : Since my last report on the 2Cth instant I sent Captain
Van Voast with a party to examine an old trail which comes into the
river (Oregon side) at Eagle Creek. He started early in the morning,
andfoUowed said trail until all signs and traces of it disappeared, when
he continued on until it became dangerous for himself and command to
climb over the rooks, &c. He reports that he saw no signs of Indians,
and thinks that neither white man nor Indian had ever been to the point
he reached. I also started with a party the same morning and at the same
tame to examine the country lying to the north of this post and back of
the Portage, on this side of the river. Mr. Jones, late sutler's agent at
this post, and Mr. Hamilton kindly volunteered to accompany me, and
I found them of great assistance. We followed the military road as far
as the bridge; then turned to the left into the woods; followed an old
wood road for about a mile, then struck into the woods without a trail,
but by the compass nearly north, to strike a lake which lies back of
the Upper Cascades, and after a very tiresome march over very high
hills, covered with rocks, and throngh very thick underbrush, we suc-
ceeded in our object of reaching this Blue Lake. Saw no Indian signs
whatever, and I think I may safely say tliat we were the first whites
who had ever reached that lake, or chain of lakes, so high up from this
side or end of the Portage, and it is a question if many, or any, Indians
. had ever done so. We then struck a trail and cauie to the river a short
distAttce above Mr. Bradford's store, at the Upper Cascades, and got
upon the military road at a lake near the Upper Cascades, theiice back
to this post. I have nothing further to, add to my previous reports.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
, h,;m, black,
Ciiptedn, Ninth Infantry ^ Commanding U. 8. Troops of ^ascades.,-
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Chap, ucn.] COBKESPONDENCE UNION AND CONFEDERATE. 593
Headquabtebs Department of the Pacific,
San Francisco, August 39, 1861.
Col. W. Sea WELL,
Commanding Benieia Barracks, Cal.:
I wish yon to eucamp a company close to the new ordnance building
and put a strong guard at tbe magazine.
E. V. SUMNER.
Headquabtebs,
Benieia Barracls, Cal., August 29, 1861.
Assistant Abjutaht-Genebax,
Department of the Pacific, San Francisco, Cal, :
Sib : In compliance with yonr order of yesterday and that of to-day
from the commanding general by telegraph, 1 have ordered in camp
two of the companies of the Sixth Infantry at this jjost — E, the company
mentioned by you, and K, Captain Hendrick son's. The former ox}mpany
will occupy close to the new arsenal, and the latter near the old ord-
nance buildings. If in thus disposing of these companies I have not
comprehended the general's wishes, please inform me.
1 have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
W. SEAWELL,
Colonel Sixth Infantry, Commanding,
P. S, — A guard of two non-commissioned officers and sixteen privates
will be placed over the magazine.
W. S.
Headquabtebs Disteict op Obegon,
iWt Vancouver, Wash. Ter,, August 39, 1861.
Capt. R. C. Dbum,
Asst, Adjt. Gen,, Hdqrs. Dept. of the Pacific, San Francisco, Cal. :
Captain : I have received your communication of the 20th instant.
Tbe excitement in relation to our Indian affairs at the Cascades has sub-
sided. The, whole country in that region on both sides of the river
has been thoroughly examined by Captains Black and Van Yoast, and
no indications of any hostile Indians discovered. As yet I have not
deemed it necessary to ask for any volunteers, and if the company of
tbe Ninth Infantry now at San Francisco could be returned to this
district, I hope to be able to get along for the jiresent.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
G. WRIGHT,
Colonel A^inth Infantry, Commanding.
Headquabtebs Depabtment op the Pacific,
San Francisco, Cal., August 30, 1861.
Lieut. Col. E. D. Townsend,
Assistant Adjutant- 6 eneral:
Colonel : I have received the General-in-Chiers dispatch, informing
me that I am to command an expedition to Texas. While I feel
flattered by this selection, and willing to undertake it, especially on
account of the almost insuperable difficulties that will attend it, I feel
38 b b — VOL L, PT I
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594 OPEEATION8 ON THE PACIFIC COAST. {Chaf. txn.
it to be a duty to the general to let him know precisely the state of
things on this coast. Up to the time of the reverse in Virginia every-
thing was perfectly safe here. There has always been a strong seces-
sion party in this State, but it was overawed and kept quiet. Since
that news was received these people have been getting much bolder,
and I have found it necessary to take strong measures to repress any
attempt on their part to thwart the Government. I. think I can do it;
but if they should succeed in electing thejr candidate for Governor, of
which they are very confident, I shall not be able to do it without the
most stringent measures. The Union party here is divided, and neither
portion of it will sacrifice their trifling local interests for the public
good; and as the disuuionists are very active and zealous I am by no
means certain that they will not carry the election. Their numbers
are variously estimated from 25,000 to 45,000 voters. I shall get the
force authorized to be raised here into my hands as soon as possible;
but it will take some time to do this. It is a very different thing to
raise volunteers in a State where there is a strong party oppos€Mi to the
Government from what it is where all are loyal. I shall lose no time in
organizing this force and getting it ready for any emergency.
In marching to Texas I would respectfully represent that Guaymas
will be a much better point of departure than Mazatlan. The roads
and country from the former are much better than from the latter, and
the distance is but little more. I suppose, however, that the route
mast depend upon the one taken by the secessionists, if they should
move in this direction. If they should make no movement hitherward,
and the object oi my expedition should be to recover and hold Texas,
I would respectfully suggest whether it would not be a more feasible
plan to take my command by sea to some point in Texas, there to meet
such an additional force from the Korth as the commanding general
might think necessary. This plan would give me tbe necessary muni-
tions, which it would be impossible for me to carry across the continent;
besides this, a march at tbe usual rate across those deserts would unevi-
tably unfit volunteers for some time for eflacient servic* in the field.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
B. V. 8UMNEE,
Brigadier- Oeneral, U. S. Army, Commanding.
Headqitabtebs,
Camp near San Bernardino, Gal., August 30, 1S61.
Assistant Adjutant-Geneeal, U. S. Army,
Heeulqi'Mrters Department of the Pacific, San Francisco, Oal. :
SiE : From information this day received I have thought it advisable
to order the two companies of dragoons from Los Angeles to this place.
Although authorized to withdraw more, if necessary, 1 am in hopes
that the mounted troops will suffice. I have been informed that the
secessionists contemplated attacking my command while en route to
this place, but as we were here much sooner than expected the seces-
sionists were not prepared. I have also been notified that in secret
meetings it has been determined to attack my camp on or before Wed-
nesday next, but I hope nothing of the kind will liappen. . If General
Sumner lias any instructions to give me please send them by telegraph
without delay.
Iie8x>^tfully, your obedient servant,
W. SCOTT KETCHUM,
Major Fourth Infantry, Commanding.
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Cbaf. ucn.] COEBESPONDENCE UNION AND CONFEDERATE. 595
Headquarters,
Camp near San Bernardino, Cal., August 30, 1861 — 10.30 p. m.
Capt. J. W. Davidson, or
Commanding Opficbb Camp Fitzgerald,
Near Los Angeles, Oal.:
Sir : It has been reported to me that forty dragoons are to join the
secessionists from your command, and that it has been arranged that
they shall leave their companies while watering their horses. I feel it
my duty to warn you, in order that none but Union men should be
brought to this section of the country, if it can be avoided. Wlieii I
sent my express to-day I of course knew nothing of the report now
communicated to you. The watering place referred to is at or near your
camp in Los Angeles. The reported officers your men are to unite with
are Captain Kelsey, First Lieutenant Taylor or Major BoUins, and
Second Lieut. William Ferguson.
Besuectfully, your obedient servant,
W. SCOTT KETCHUM,
Major Fourth Infantry, Commanding.
IlEADQUABTEBS,
Camp Fitzgerald, Cal., August 30, 1861.
Capt B. C. Drum,
Assistant Adjutant-Oeneral, San Francisco :
Captain: My letter of August 24 will explain what kind of sheds
have been erected over the horses. They are paulin sheds stretched
on scantling frames. The canvas was° to spare in the quartermaster's
department. 1 shall, however, be more careful in future with regard to
any expense, in obedience to the general's directions. I leave here
to-morrow morning accompanied by the U. S. marshal with sixty dra-
goons for Bear and Uolcomb Valleys. I shall turn over the command
of this camp to First Lieut. Montgomery Bryant, Sixth Infantry, during
my absence, with directions to keep his men in hand pending the elec-
tion,, and in their camp. I shall advise Major Ketcbum of where I am
going and for what object.
I am, sir, your most obedient servant,
JNO. W. DAVIDSON,
Captain, First Dragoons, Commanding.
Headquarters Department of the Pacific,
San Francisco, August 31, 1861.
Ira p. Bankin, Esq.,
Collector of the Port, San Francisco, Cal.:
Sir: The general commanding the department desires me to request
that yon would detain any arms shi]>pecl either to ports in the southern
part of this State or in the Kepublic of Mexico on this coast.
Very re8i)eotfally, your obedient servant,
KICHD. C. DBUM,
Assistant Adjutant-Oeneral,
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596 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. (Caip. LXn
Headquaetebs Depaetment of the Pacific,
8an Francisco, August 31^ 1861.
Iba p. Rankin, Esq.,
Collector of the Port, San Francisco, Col. :
Sib : In addition to the requeste contained in former letters the gen-
eral commanding the department desires yon to detain nntil further
notice all powder now in bond, or hereafter arriving at this port, as
well as shot, shells, and other munitions of war.'
Very resi>ectfully, your obedient servant, "
EIOIID. O. DRUM,
Assistant Adjutant- QeneraL
IlEADQIJARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE PACIFIC,
San Francisco, August 31, 1801.
D. W. Welty,
Sacramento:
Stb: The general desires roe to say, in answer to your letter of the
30th instant, that the proper course for the Union men to pursue would
be to organize into companies of from 80 to 100, select officers, and have
a place of general rendezvous, and thus in case of an emergency to
assist the Federal officers in sustaining the laws. Should it become
necessary to call upon the citizens to aid in thus supporting the General
Government, arms can readily be supplied these companies for this
pnrjwse. The company should be drilled in conformity with infantry
tactics in our service, so that it can act in concert with other organized
companies.
Very resiMSctfulIy, your obedient servant,
KICHD. 0. DRUM,
Assistant Adjutant- OeneraL
Benicia Arsenal, Augunt 31, 1861.
Col. James H. Oaelbton,
Headquarters California Volunteers, San Francisco:
SiB: Your telegraph of the 2Cth instant has been complied with.
The ammunition for your command is nearly ready. Any change in
the arm with which you are furnished would render it necessary to
commence the manufacture of it ab initio. You wrote me under date
of 26th instant to send down the arms, &c., for cavalry, invoicing the
same to Lieutenant-Oolonel Davis, which, as far as the stores at this
arsenal would allow, has been also comi)lied with. I would respectfully
recommend that this arrangement be continued, and that Colonel Davis
take a receipt in form from the captain of ea«h comi>any for the arms
and equipments he receives for his entire company. We will then
charge the stores to the company commanders. These company receipts
are to be made out to Theodore J. Eckerson, military 8tore-keei)er of
ordnance. Colonel West has adopted this plan, and it is much the
simplest. I sent down to Colonel Davis a traveling forge and a set
of saddler's tools on Saturday with some horse equipments. I send
down to-night twenty carbines (new pattern), ten for each company,
with their equipments and acconternieiits. Whe.n we receive tlie
stores from Vancouver we can issue the remainder. I can forward the
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Chap. Lxn.] CORRESPONDENCE — ^UNION AND CONFEDERATE. 697
Colt pistols, navy pattern, if they are desired. The riflea are on hand
at this arsenal.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
J. MCALLISTER,
Captain of Ordinance, Commanding.
IlEADQtTAKTERS,
Camp Fitzgerald, Cal, August 3i, 1861.
Capt. R. C. Drum,
Assistant Adjutant- General, San Francisco:
Captain : As stated in my letter of the 30th instant, I left here this
morning, in company with the U. S. marshal, with sixty dragoons.
The inclosed letter overtook me on the roa<l, with orders to go to San
Bernardino* with my squadron.* I shall leave in obedience to this at
1 o'clock, and by judicious riding be in San Bernardino to-morrow. I
shall take with me a howitzer, covered in a wagon, to leave with Major
Ketchum, should he desire it. As I am well advised through the Union
Club here, and through si)ies, of all moves of the secessionists, and
would know at least some days beforehand of a contemplated attack
either here or at San Bernardino, I place no reliance upon the report.
I shall leave my tents standing in my camp, but in obedience to the
major's orders report to him, taking with me 1 officer, 90 men and
horses, 1 gun, 10 days' provisions, and 6,000 rounds of ammunition.
The depot quartermaster has gone over to San Bernardino, which
cripples me a little, but I can get two public wagons. These will be
enough, and there is not, I understand, a month's supply of subsist-
ence at the depot to take with me, though the m^or wishes me to do
so. I pray the secessionists may attack me on the road, if they are
after anybody, I think my ninety dragoons can give a good account
of themselves, as we were going into Holcomb with sixty. I shall still
have the marshal with me, and urge the major to permit me to execute
the general's directions about the deserters in Holcomb. Bryant is
left in command here. He is a good officer, clear head, and wUl keep
matters straight on election day.
I am, captain, your most obedient servant,
JNO. W. DAVIDSON,
Captain, First Dragoons, Commanding.
Fort Ter-Waw, Cal., August 31, 1861.
Maj. KicHARD C. Drum,
Asst. Adjt. Oen., Hdqrs. Dept. of the Pacific, San Francisco, Cal.:
Major: In accordance with the direction of the general command-
ing, I have the honor to report my arrival at this post on the 28th ulti-
mo [instant], and its occupation by Company C, Fourth Infantry. I
found upon my arrival at Crescent City that the stock of barley (11,000
pounds) left by Lieutenant Turner in charge of Mr. Snider had been
sold and transported to Crescent City; also two wagons. I have
re-purchased one of the wagons and contracted for a supply of grain
to be delivered here (10,000 pounds). I found nothing worth taking
up on my returns of the property left by Lieutenant Turner except two
' Not found as an inclosore.
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598 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Cau«. LXtt
stoves and two pairs of andirons and a whale-boat, which will serve our
purposes for a time. Apart from the item of transportation ($25 to $30
per ton from Crescent City), this post is not an expensive one to keep up.
Half the forage allowance will be snfticient, and fine beef-cattle can be
purchased on the hoof from responsible parties for 5 cents or less. The
Indian jMipulation are quiet and well disposed. Mr. Snider found no
difBcnlty, I believe, in preserving and turning over to me in good order
the buildings, garden, &c. There are no post records left behind.
I remain, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
L. C. HUNT,
Captain, Fourth Infantry, Commanding.
Headquarters District of Oregon,
Fort Vancouver, Wash. Ter., August Vl, 1861.
Capt. E. C. Drum,
Asst. Adjt. Gen., Hdqrs. Dept. of the Pacific, San Francisco, Cal.:
Captain: Circumstances may render it necessary for me to call for a
few volunteers, and in order to be prepared to muster them in properly
I will thank you for mu8t«r-rolls, &o., or any instructions on the sub-
ject which will enable me to act knowingly.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
G. WRIGHT,
Colonel N^inth Infantry, Commanding.
Headquarters Department of the Pacific,
San Francisco, Cal., August 31, 1S61.
Col. B. L. Beall,
First Dragoons, Commanding District of Oregon:
Sm: The general commanding the department has reason to fear
that in the event of volunteers being called for from the State of Oregon,
agreeably to the authority granted from these heatlquarters, the oflBcers
selected may not possess that character for Joyalty to the General Gov-
ernment essentially necessary in those occupying so important a
position. Should you think it necessary to call into service a force for
the object indicated in former letters from any portion of your district,
the general is i>articularly desirous that no one should be mustered into
service "about whose loyalty to the National Government there is the
shadow of a doubt."
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
BIOHD. C. DRUM,
Assistant Adjutant-General.
Headquarters Department of the Pacific,
San Francisco, Augxfst 31, 1861.
Messrs. B. J. Pingree, George H. Belden, and others,
Eugene City, Lane County, Greg. :
Gentlemen : I am directed by the general commanding the depart-
ment to acknowledge the receipt of your communication of the 22d
instant, and to say in reply that the commander of the District of Ore-
gon has been authorized, should there exist a necessity for so doing, to
master into service a sufficient volunteer force for the protection of the
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Chap. LXII.) CORRESPONDENCE UNION AND CONFEDERATE. 699
remote settlementa therein against incursions of hostile Indians. By
this day's mail he will receive further instructions to exercise great cau-
tion in the examination of the persons selected as ofBcers for this force
and under no circumstances to accejit the services of anyone " about
whostf loyalty to the National Government there is the shadow of a
doubt." This, the general thinks, will firustrate any plans on the part
of the secessionists to place their friends in positions dangerous to the
State. The general highly approves of the jwsition for the formation
of companies of home guards, and would suggest that in every com-
munity an organization of this character should be formed, consisting
of from 80 to 100 men, select their officers, have a general place of ren-
dezvous, and drill at such times most convenient to the citizens. Should
an emergency arise making it necessary to call npon the citizens on this
coast to thus assist in maintaining the authority of our Government,
these companies would possess sufficient instruction to act in concert
with the regular or volunteer forces. There will be no difficulty in sup-
plying arms to the loyal citizens, and when the time arrives they will
be promptly furnished. As no copy of the laws passed at the recent
session of Congress haa been received here, there is consequently no
knowledge of how far they may strenghteu the hands of the civil or
military officers. The general would suggest that a strict watch be
kept upon the individuals most suspected and to ascertain where the
arms alluded to are kept, so that at the proper time possession can be
taken of them. Your suggestions with reference to the disposition of
the regular force in the District of Oregon will be properly considered.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
ElCniX 0. DRUM,
Asmstant Adjutant-Oeneral.
Pleasant IIill, Oreg., September l, 1861.
Col. G. Wright,
Vancouver, Wash. Ter,:
Sib : From reports from persons residing east of the Cascade Moun-
tains it would seem there are fears of a general outbreak of the Indians
inhabiting that section of country. A combination of these Indians for
the purpose of a war upon the whites would at this time be very dis-
astrous to both Oregon and Washington Territory. I, of course, feel
much solicitude in this matter, and have proposed to visit The Dalles
at an early day and obtain such information touching the hostile senti-
ments of the Indians as may be elicited at tliat place. I have, how-
ever, thought it proper to address you this note and respectfully inquire
whether the forces under your command are sufficient to force these
Indians to keep the peace, and if the country may rely njwn your action
for protection.
Very respectfully, yours, &c.,
JOHN WIIITEAKER.
Fort Cascades, Wash. Ter., September 1, 1861.
Ifirst Lieut. A. C. Wildrick,
Third Artillery, Acting Assistant Adjutant-Oeneral,
Fort Vancouver, Wash. Ter.:
Sir : For the information of the colonel commanding the district I
have the honor to report that I have caused the Cascade Indians to
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600 OPERATIONS OX THE PACIFIC COAST. [Chat. LXII.
move from the Upper to the Lower Cascade, in order that I might keep
a more strict surveillance over their movements and actions, and also
over the movements of any strange Indians who might visit them. I
have established one non-commissioned officer and ten men at the
Upper Cascades, on the south side. All public as well as private stores
now pass over the road on the south side, which has therefore now
become the most important. The works on this side are of such mag-
nitude that the railroad on the north side will seldom, if ever, be used
again. I am informed that the citizens on the north side are quite well
supplied with arms and ammunition, and as they have the blockhouse
near at hand I consider them perfectly safe. If there is any danger to
bo apprehended, I should look for it on the south side, and particularly
should I look for it there if no troops were present. These considera-
tions have induced me to establish my party on this side. By meann
of boats I shall have easy access to the Oregon side at all times, and
constant communication will be kept up between the commands.
I have the honor to be, sir, your obedient servant,
JAS. VAN VOAST,
Captain, Ninth Infantry, Commanding.
Headquarters Department of the Paoipio,
San Francisco, September 2, 1861.
COMMANDINO OPPICER,
Ij08 Angeles, Gal.:
Two companies of the Sixth Infantry at Los Angeles will proceed
without delay to Fort Yuma.
B. V. SUMNER,
Brigadier-Oeneral, U. S. Army, Commanding.
Headquarters Department of o^he Pacific,
San Francisco, September 2, 1861.
Lieut. Col. George Andrews,
Sixth Infantry, Commanding Fort Yuma, Gal.:
Sib : I am directed by the general commanding the department to
inform you that telegraphic orders have this day been sent to Ix>8
Angeles directing the two companies of infantry at that point to pro-
ceed immediately to Fort Tuma. In thus compljang with your request
the general considers that your command will be sufficiently strong to
resist successfully any attack that may be made. At all events, under
no circumstances whatever will any regular force in this military
department surrender to the rebels. The position of the force sent
you (being the only available one) made it necessary to scud it overland
to save time.
Very resijcctfully, your obedient servant,
EICHD. C. DRUM,
Assistant Adjutant-General.
Executive Department,
Sacramento, Cal., September 2, 1861.
His Excellency Abraham Lincoln,
President of the United States :
Sir: The first requisition made upon this State for 1,500 volunteers
has been filled and the command given to Colonel Carleton. It having
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CBAP.LXH.] CORRESPONDENCE UNION AND CONFEDERATE. 601
been intimated by the War Department that it was your desire that this
officer ubould have the command, 1 cheerfully complied, as I had every
confidence in his experience, patriotism, and gallantry. I would now
represent to your Excellency that the command of this expedition to
Utah is a most important one, and will embrace a jurisdiction of some
1,500 miles. As colonel, he will have command of the First California
Infantry and the First California Cavalry, being more than a colonel's
command and less than that of a brigadier. I would respectfully ask,
oti behalf of the State, that this be created a separate department, and
that Colonel Carleton be appointed brigadier-general of this brigade.
1 timst yon will at once see the benefits that will result from this coarse.
As it is remote from headquarters on the Pacific, and being subject to
have all communications cut off for four months in the year by snows,
the officer in command of this department should be invested with
ample power to act as circumstances might require. Besides, California
has not yet been honored with a military appointment of this rank, and
should your Excellency deem it advisable to accede to this request, I
know of no man more deserving than Colonel Carleton, nor one who
would reflect more credit upon the State, or give more satisfaction to
the General Government.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JOHN G. DOWlJrBY.
Headquarters Department op the Pacific,
San Francisco, September 2, 1861.
His Excellency John G. Downey,
Governor State of California, Sacramento City, Gal. :
Governor: I would respectfully and earnestly request that you wUl
push forward as rapidly as possible the raising of the five regiments
called for by the Government.
Very resT)ectfully, your obedient servant,
E. V. SUMNER,
Brigadier-General, U, S. Army, Commanding.
Headquarters Department op the Pacific,
San Francisco, Sqptember 2, 1861.
Maj. William S. Ketohum,
Fourth Infantry, Commanding at San Bernardino, Cal.:
Sir: I am directed by the general commanding the department to
inform you that necessity has compelled the withdrawal of two com-
panies of infantry at Los Angeles for service at Fort Yuma. The
squadron of dragoons still at that point will, the general hopes, enable
you to sustain the authority of the Government and protect the public
property.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
lUCHD. C. DRUM,
Assistant Adjutant- General.
Headquarters,
Camp near San Bernardino, Cal., September 2, 1861.
Assistant Adjutant -General, U. S. Army,
Headquarters Department of the Pacific, San Francisco, Cal. :
Sir: Gaptain Davidson's command of dragoons reached this place
this day. In my opinion circumstances require that I should detain
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602 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Chap. Lm.
him at tliis place until after the election, when, unless disapiH>inted in
my expectations, he can carry out such instructions as h.e may have
received from department headquarters. I am much in want of a good
physician, comi)»ny officers, and recruits.
Kespectftilly, your obedient servant,
W. SCOTT KETCnUM,
Major Fourth Infantry, Commanding.
, San Francisco, Septetnber 3, IHRl — 3.45 p. m.
Col. B. L. Beall,
First Cavalry, Fort Vancouver :
(Via Yreka.)
The horses and horse equipments pertaining to Whittlesey's company
will be turned over to the company of Oregon volunteers. The dragoon
horses and horse equipments belonging to the company at Walla Walla
will bo brought to the city. Recall the detachment at Warm Springs.
By order :
RICriD. C. DRUM,
Assistant Adjutant- Cental.
Executive Department,
Sacramento, Cal., September 3, 1861.
Hon. Simon Cameron,
Secretary of War, Washington, J). C. :
Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge your telegraph dispatches of
August 14 and 15, the former being a requisition for four regiments of
infantry and one regiment of cavalry, and the latter recommending
General D. D. Colton as colonel of cavalry, I received the above dis-
patches on August 23, and on the 24th issued my proclamation, as yon
will see above [following]. The first requisition for one regiment of
infantry and five companies of cavalry is now complete, and I have no
doubt that after the election (September 4) the last requisition will also
be filled. I have tendered tlie colonelcy of the second regiment of cav-
alry to General D. D. Colton, as you desired, and he has accepted the
same and will soon be on active duty. I have also the honor to
acknowledge the receipt this day of your letter by pony express, being
a duplicate of the requisition sent by telegraph.
I have the honor to be, very respectfullv, your obedient servant,
JOHN G. DOWNEY,
Oorernor.
[Iucl««iire.]
PROCLAMATION.
State of California, Executive Department :
Whereas, by an additional communication from the Secretary of War,
bearing date August 14, A. D. 1861, to the Executive of this State
directed, the President of the United States has called for four regi-
ments of infantry and one regiment of cavalry, to be placed at the dis-
posal of Brig. Gen. E. V. Sumner, U. S. Army, " organized, equipped,
and mustered into service by the State of California, such call being
made in pursuance of the act of Congress passed July 19, 1861, entitled
'An act to authorize the employment of volunteers to aid in enforcing
the laws and protecting public property:'"
Now, therefore, I, John G. Downey, Governor of the State of Cali-
fornia, and commander-in-chief of the militia, &&, of the same, do
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CBAP.Lxn.] CORRESPONDENCE — UNION AND CONFEDERATE. 603
hereby authorize and call npon the citizens, as many as shall be neces-
sary to fill up the precedinj: requisition, to immediately form and organ-
ize themselves into "volunteer companies," in accordance with the
directions and requirements stated in sections 17, 18, and 19 of the
statutes of this State, entitled '^An act in relation to the militia of
the State," approved May 9, 1861. Said companies will be accepted
and mustered into service according to the priority of the receipt by
the acyutant-geueral of the State of the certificate of organization
mentioned in section 18 of said act and reported by that ofticer to the
commander-in-chief; the infantry companies to consist of any number
between 88 and 101, and the cavalry companies of any number between
79 and 95, ofiicers inclusive; the commissioned officers of each com-
pany to consist of one captain, one first lieuteant, and one second lien-
tenant. The commanderinchicf will proceetl forthwith to organize
the regiments aforesaid out of said companies according to their prior-
ity and in conformity to law.
While the act of Congress aforesaid requires "the governors of
States furnishing volunteers to commission the field, staff, and com-
pany officers requisite," tlie commander in-chief will in all cases give
preference to the officers elected by the respective companies, provided
that they are competent and pass examination before the military
board already appointed by the United States officer commanding
Pacific Division, San Francisco. Volunteer companies already organ-
ized and commissioned are expected to report forthwith to the a^ntant-
general, tendering their services to meet the requirements of this
]>roclamation. Companies tendering their services will expressly state
whether they are infantry or cavalry.
In witness whereof I have set my hand and cansed the great seal of
State to be affixed. Done at Sacramento, Cal., this 23d day of August,
in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-one.
[SEAL.] JOHN G. DOWNEY,
Oorernor.
Attest:
JOHNSON PRICE,
Secretary of State,
General Orders, \ IIdqrs. Departmknt op the Pacific,
No. 20. ) San Francisco, September 5, 1S6J.
No Federal troops in the Department of the Pacific will ever surren-
der to rebels.
E. V. SUMNER,
Brigadier- General, Commanding.
IIeadquabters Department op the Paciipic,
San Francisco, September 3, 1861.
Lieut. Montgomery Bryant,
Los Angeles, Cal. :
The camp will not be abandoned. If Company K is without an offi-
cer, direct Lieutenant McKeo to assume command of camp until David-
son returns. Report the time of your departure for Yuma.
By order:
RICHD. C. DRUM,
Assistant Adjutant-Oeneral.
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604 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Chap. LXU.
Headquarteus District op Oregon,
Fort Vancouver, Wa8h,»Ter., September 3, 1861.
Gapt. R. C. Drttm,
Asst. Adjt. Gen., Hdqrs. Bept. of tlie Pacific, San Franoitco, Cal. :
Captain: Colonel Beall is here, but I have not yet transferred to
him my command. He is totally unacquainted with affairs in this dis-
trict, and it is of importance that before relinquishing the command I
should put in a train of execution all the recent orders and instructions
from department headquarters. Nothing of interest in relation to our
Indian affairs has transpired since I last addressed yon. The disposi-
tion I have made of the troops will, I think, check the disaffected and
preserve peace. I have been quite indisposed for several days, and
had it not been a military necessity for me to defer my departure for
San Francisco [«»cj ; yet I have not been well enough to travel under
any circumstances. I am now better, and hope to report at depart-
ment headquarters on the return of the steamer which succeeds the
Cortez.
Very resjtectfully, your obedient servant,
G. WRIGHT,
Colonel Ninth Infantry, Commanding.
Executive Department,
Sacramento, September 4, 1861.
Brig. Gen. E. V. Sttmneu, U. S. Army:
Generai.: Your favor of yesterday is received. It will afford me
much gratification to commission your son, E. V. Sumner, jr. You will
please indicate what regiment you desire him to be attached to. The
companies for the new cavalry regiment are filling up and will begin to
report at headquarters next week. As soon as Colonel Oarleton's com-
mand is full they should move off and make room for the new regiment
that will be coming in. I wish that you would see that the companies
DOW filled (both infantry and cavalry) would be named in the order they
are to stand in their regimen ts. I desire this, that the commissions may
issue to the ofiBcers, and that we can keep our record in this oiBce as the
commissions issue. For instance, the first company filled let it be called
Company A, First Regiment California Volunteers. So with the cav-
alry. In this way we will avoid giving floating commissions to captains
and lieutenants who may never fill their companies or take any interest
in so doing. Even if this course indicated should be a departure from
the usual army regulation, it will work well in this instance and prevent
confusion ; besides, it will create a competition among the several offi-
cers insuring that their companies are first filled. I would suggest,
general, that among all the colonelcies that are spoken of there wUl be
none who will need the exi)erience of an army officer for second in com-
mand, as that of Lippitt's. You will find this out before you are many
days in the field. I got my information from those who served with
him before, and am, I assure you, entirely unprejudiced in the matter;
but as you will have control of the expedition I suppose you will be
particular in inquiring into the capacity of those under your command.
Very respectftiUy, &c.,
JOHN G. DOWNEY.
Please inform me if Colonel Carleton's command will accompany yon.
J. G. D.
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CHAP. LXn.] C0BBE8P0NDENCE UNION AND CONFEDEEATE. 605
San Francisco. Cax., September 4, 1861.
Governor John G. Downey,
Sacramento City:
Cavalry company organized and reported at Yreka September 4.
Signed Charles McDermit. Tbis company had better be ordered to
report to Colonel Colton, in this city, immediately.
p]. V. SUMNEE,
Brigadier- Oeneral, U. 8. Army, Commanding.
San Francisco, September 5, isai.
[Brig. Gen. E. V. SUMNEB:]
General: In reply to your interrogatories of yesterday concerning
the roads by -which a force could be marched through Mexico to Texas,
I have to reply that the only practicable one within my knowledge is
that from San Bias by Tepic, Guadalajara, and Queretaro. The road
from Mazatlan northward by Dnrango is impassable for wheeled vehi-
cles. That ftom Guaymas might be traveled, though the scarcity of
water would present an almost insurmountable difficulty to an army.
, By Guaymas, admitting its practicability, you would reach El Paso,
' but from that point to the settlements of Texas — say San Antonio — yon
would meet with very great difficulties with a large command, and an
insignificant force would easily cut off your supplies, which could only
be kept up by trains ti-aveling over an inhospitable desert infested with
hostile Indians and at incalculable expenditure of money. In fact, I
see no way, if Texas is to be attacked from this side, except that of
passing through the most thickly settled ])ortion of Mexico, if she will
permit it, where supplies could be obtained with ease and at reasonable
rates, and entering Texas from the Mexican territory near some safe
harbor in the Gulf, where a fleet of steamers would co-operate with you
from the Northern States. My knowledge of the country enables me
to assert with confidence that a large force — say 5,000 men — cannot
march from here by the Gila on Texas and keep up its supplies, nor by
Guaymas and El Paso, nor by Mazatlan and Durango. Either of these
roads would bring you to New Mexico, and between that and the Gulf
it would be impossible, except at an enormous exi)ense, to keep your
supplies up or your communications open.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
E. F. BEALE.
Special Ordebs, ) Hdqrs. Department of the Pacific,
No. 105. ) San 'Francisco, September 5, 1861.
1. On the authority of the General-in-Chief, Company L, Third Artil-
lery (Captain Judd's) will be mounted and equipped as a field battery
of artillery. Captain Judd will immediately make out and send to these
headquarters the necessary requisitions on the quartermaster's and
ordnance departments.
2. The detachment of Company L, Third Artillery, under command of
Lieut. M. D. Hardin, at Fort Umpqua, will be relieved without delay
by a detachment to consist of ten privates and two non-commissioned
officers, under the command of a subaltern to be selected by Colonel
Seawell from the companies of the Sixth Eeginieiit ofInfantry.it Beni-
cia Barracks. When relieved Lieutenant llardin will proceed with this
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606 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Chap. LXU.
detachment to join tlieir company at Beuicia. The quartermaster will
furnish the necessary transportation.
• ••••••
By order of Brigadier-General Sumner :
RIODD. C. DRUM,
Assistant Adjutant-Oeneral.
Headquaeters Department of the Pacific,
San Francisco, September 5, 1861.
Maj. W. S. Ketchum,
Commanding San Bernardino, Cal.:
An exigency has made it necessary to send the two infantry companies
from Ijos Angeles to Fort Yuma. If you think it necessary send a part
of your command to replace them.
E. V. SUMNER,
Brigadier- General, U. S. Army, Commanding,
Headquarters,
Camp near San Bernardino, Cal., September 5, 1861.
Assistant Adjutant-Generax, U. S. Army,
Headquarters Department of the Pacific, San Francisco, Cal. :
Sir : Yesterday was election day, which passed off at San Bernardino
with one or two displays of secession sentiments, which were promptly
checked by the sliow of a portion of the dragoons under Captain David-
son. The citizens of San Bernardino have expressed the belief that
the measures taken by the general and the'arrangements made by
myself prevented great trouble, if not much bloodshed. Bogart, the
secession candidate for the State senate, is without doubt elected; also
other secessionists for various oflBces. Captain Davidson left this day
at 3 p. m., strengthened by Company F, Fourth Infantry, to execute
your instructions, which being executed he will return via this place to
bis station at Los Angeles. I directed the captain not to divide his
command, and be on his guard so as not to be taken by surprise by the
disaffected people of this section of the country. The secessionists are
much more numerous than the Union men in this section of the country,
and have talked so much and made so many threats that the Union
men were most of them atiraid to make known their sentiments. I
have been informed that my command arrived about two weeks too
soon for the secessionists, and I am satisfied that the sudden and unex-
pected appearance of the dragoons had a very beneficial effect. I sent
to department heatlquarters tlie hvst of the ])apers placed in my hands
for perusal by General Sumner by express to Los Angeles through the
commander of said post, who has reported that he forwarded them
through the express office. I hope they reached department headquar-
ters safely. Said papers were inclosed in a sealed envelope addressed to
yourself; hence I presume that their contents were unknown to any
jwrson in this section of the country except myself and the writer
thereof. The residue of the papers were returned by Captain Sands,
of the Active.
Respectfully, your obedient servant,
W. SCOTT KETCnUM,
Major Fourth Infantry, Commanding.
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Chap. I.XU.) CORRESPONDENCE UNION AND CONFEDERATE. 607
September 6, 1861. — The telegraphic dispatch of yesterday was
received to-day. Unless circumstances should prevent, the dragoons
will return to Los Angeles aft«r visiting Bear and Holcomb Valleys.
W. 8. K.
Headquarters Department of the Pacific,
San Francisco, September 5, 1861.
Gapt. John W, Davidson,
First Regiment Dragoons, Commanding Camp Fitzgerald, Cal. :
Sir: The general commanding the department has learned with
astonishment that you departed from the instructions contained in the
letter from these headquarters on the 23d nltimo, wherein you were
specially directed to take with you on the expedition authorized one
strong company of dragoons. Subsequent to that date an important
movement yas ordered, and knowing that one of the dragoon compa-
nies was still at that point, the two companies of infantry were ordered
to Fort Yuma on very important service, thus leaving a sufficient force
to protect the public property in camp and at the depot. The strict
observance of all instructions and orders is at all times absolutely
necessary. Now more than ever is the necessity of this impressed
upon you. Should any evil results attend the noncompliance with
orders you have received, you of course perceive that yon will be
accountable.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
KIOHD. C. DRUM,
Assistant Adjutant- General.
State of California,
Headquarters Militia, Office Adjutant-General,
Sacramento, September 0, 1861.
Hon. Simon Oameron,
Secretary of War:
Sir: A report having reached hear that James W. Denver, of Cali-
fornia, has been appointed and commissioned as a brigadier-general,
U. S. Army, to command the troops to be raised in this State, I deem
it my duty as a Union man to give you the status occupied by him in
the estimation of all true Union men in this State, and especially of
those who have manifested their patriotism and loyalty by volunteer-
ing their services for the war. Many of the officers who have been
mustered into the service openly declare that if General Denver
assumes the command over them that they will at once resign ; that
they have not only no confidence in his loyalty, but on the contrary
they believe him to be at least a sympathizer with the rebel cause and
opposed to the war, and also that he is totally unfitted in point of mil-
itary skill or experience to command a brigade. One of their reasons
for doubting his loyalty is founded upon a letter of his recently pub-
lished in a secession paper in this State (the Marysville Express), an
extract of which is herewith inclosed, and to which I call your atten-
tion. Its authenticity is undoubted. The Union men of this State, who
to the number of 90,000 did on the 4th instant pledge the State of
California to the support of the Union and the Administration, are sui:- '
prised and pained beyond measure by the report that this man has
been commissioned a brigadier-general. They are utterly at a loss to
know why this apx>ointment was conferred upon him, and I know it is
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608 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. (Chap. LXn.
indeed quite unacceptable to them. We are endeavoring to iill up the
six regiments called for from this State, and I assure you that this
report has proved our greatest obstacle. This letter is -written iu haste
and only in pursuance of a duty I owe to our common cause and country,
and of course not intended to be made public, but only to call your
attention and that of the President to a fatal mistake which has been
made, i. e., if it is intended that General Denver shall command Ouli-
fornia Volunteers.
I have the honor to be, your obedient servant,
WM. O. KIBBE,.
Adjutant-General, Utate of California.
[Incloeare.]
THE WATS OP THE POLITICIANS.
General Denver is a lucky man. Something is always jtuming up
for his benefit. Wherever he goes he finds office. He was secretary
of state under John Bigler for a long time. He was then sent to Con-
gress by the wing of the Democratic party that was opposed to Bigler
and his followers. After serving his term in Congress he was appointed
Commissioner of something— of the Interior, we believe — but subse-
quently gave it up for the governorship of Kansas. In 1859 he returned
to this State and at once became a candidate for the Senate, but was
beaten by Latham. In 1860 he espoused the cause of Douglas, and
wrote a letter for the puriwse of proving that he was the regular nomi-
nee. In 1861 he was the candidate for a time of the Breckinridge party
for the Senate of the United States, but was finally beaten by McDou-
gall. Nothing daunted however, the general pressed forward, and
was elected a commissioner to settle our new Indian war debt; wrote
a strong Union letter to do away with the effects of h\» afidliation with
the Breckinridgers, and i)roceeded to Washington. From that i)oint he
wrote a letter to his brother iu Sacramento, of which the following is a
copy:
Abingdon, Ohio, July SO, 1861.
Drar Frank : I wrote to Arthur several days ago, an<l expected to have been
in Waabing^n by this time and to have written yon thence, but the news from
there deterred me from making too much haste where nothing was to be gained by
it. Kreyou receive this you will have heard of the battles of Bull Ran and Manas-
sas Junction. The U. S. troops under McDowell, from some cause, took a stampede,
seeminglyat the very moment victory was in their bands. The Confederate loss has
been, according to their owu account, quite as heavy as the Federal ; but no matter
what may have been said, they have won a great victory. The war engrosses the
attention of everybody here. Business of every kind is at a standstill ; mechanics
have little or nothing to do; farmers can find no market for their produce; horses,
cattle, sheep, and hogs are a drug at half last year's prices, while all articles of
import and manufactures of wool and cotton are greatly increased in value. The
necessaries of life, or such as have become necessary by common use, such as coffee,
tea, and sugar, have had the new tariff put upon them, while there is a positive cer-
tainty that the taxes will be doubled for the ensuing year. How the people are to
meet these extraordinary demands, God only knows, for they have not been able to
pay up all the taxes for the current year. Before the end of the present year the inter-
est on the national debt alone will be very little, if anything, short of $50,000,000.
The necessary expenses aside from the Army will be as much more. These mast be
met by duties on imports, by direct taxation, and by the thousand other modes
resorted to in Europe, hut never before known in this country, to squeeze money out
of the people. From present appearances we are to be as tax-ridden a people as the
subjects of Britain. If we succeed in getting out of our present difficulties, indeed,
with as much freedom as is enjoyed by English subjects, we may deem ourselves
happy. On every side disaster stares us in the face ; a most formidable rebellion,
an executive usurpation of power, a venal and subservient Congress ; a bankrupt
Treasury ; an enormous debt, pecuniary ruin anion); the ]>eople, and great danger of
the tteo Government given us by our fathers being turned into a military despotism.
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Chap. Lxn.) COBBE8PONDENCE — UNION AND CONFEDEBATE. 609
Following apon the heels of this letter we have news of his appoint-
ment as brigadier-general in the Army of the United States. It is not
yet known whether he will accept the position or not, but after the lan-
guage above used, we do not see how he can. If he enters the Army
he will have to uphold the "executive usurpation of iwwer," of which
he complains, and carry out, without question, the behests of that Con-
gress which he has pronounced " venal and subservient." We do not
hazard much when we say that if the Government was aware of the
sentiments expressed in the above letter the appointment would never
have been tendered to him. The general has heretofore been very
expert at letter writing, bat we are afraid that in this one he has used
himself up. His fate is only that of thousands which have preceded
him. Before this, letter writing has laid many a politician on the shelf.
I Inclosuxe No. 2. ]
ANOTHER DOUGLAS DEMOCRAT SHOWING HIS HAND.
General Denver, an aspirant for the U. S. senatorship on the Douglas
ticket, who a short time ago wrote a letter in California in favor of the
forcible suppression of the rebellion, now writes from Ohio, according
to a letter to his brother which the Marysville Express publishes, bewail-
ing the war, calling Lincoln a usurper of power, the Congress venal and
subservient, and free government in danger of being converted into a
military despotism. There's another nice Douglas Democrat for you !
(Columbia Weekly Times, August 29, 1861.)
State op California, Executive Department,
Sacramento, September 6, 1861,
Brig. Gen. E. V. Sumner, U. S. Army:
General: Your letter of yesterday is received. I should have
immediately acceded to your request in regard to M^. A. J. Smith, but on
the receipt of General Carletou's telegram I wrote Lieut. John Kellogg,
inasmuch as he had been favorably mentioned by yourself and General
Carleton. From the moment you informed me that you were going to
take command in person of this expedition I have been animated but
with one desire, and that to give you officers of your own choice. If I
have varied at all from this, it was for the purpose of facilitating the
prompt raising of the men and to prevent any dissatisfaction on the
part of the militia officers who were anxious to enter upon active service.
Tour suggestions in regard to fixing the different rendezvous is excel-
lent, and will be carried out. I am preparingan order to that effect, and
only await your determination in regard to the cavalry regiment. You
can rest assured I will render you every aid in my power to make the
California troops creditable to the Statu and pleasing to the general
commanding.
Very truly, yours,
JOHN G. DOWNEY.
Headquarters Department of the Pacific,
San Francisco, Gal,, September 6, 1861.
Governor J. G. Downey,
Sacramento City, Gal,:
The appointment of Maj. A. J. Smith, of the First Dragoons, as col-
onel of cavalry would be much the best one for the service. Lieutenant
39 R B— VOL L, PT I
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610 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. (Chap. Lxn.
Kellogg is not a cavalry ofBcer ; he woold make an excellent lientenant-
colouel of inl'antry. The other two appointments I should be well sat-
isfied with.
E. V. SUMNER,
Brigadier-Oeneral, U. 8. Army, Commanding.
Headqttaetees Depaetment of the Paoipio,
San FraneiscOf September 7, 1861.
Col. E. D. Townsend,
A»st. Adjt. Gen., Hdqrs. of the Army, Washington, D. C. :
Colonel: Since my letter to yoa of the 30th ultimo the Union party
has trinmphed in the election, which makes .tbings much safer here.
There are aboat 20,000 secession voters in this State, and the dissolute
and loose portion of this party are congregating in some force in the
southern counties, in the hope of receiving support from Texas. I am
re-enforoing the regular troops in that quarter as speedily as possible,
in order to check this movement. The great and unacconntable success
in Arizona and New Mexico will no doubt embolden them, and it is by
no means certain that they will not make some attempt in this direc-
tion, and if they should ever get an organized force into this State as
a rallying point for all the secession element, it would inevitably inau-
gurate a civil war here immediately. I stated to you that I thought
Gnaymas would be a better point of departure firom this coast than
Mazatlan. This was on the supposition that I was to enter Texas on
the northwestern border. I find on further inquiry that this route
would be next to impracticable with a large force for the want of water,
grass, &c. I fitted out General Kearny's command of 100 men on the
Bio Grande in the fall of 1846. I gave him the best of everything in the
regiment, and yet when he arrived on this coast this small force was
completely broken down and unable to contend successfully with the
Califomians who attacked him. H the object of the march is to move
through Mexico and reach Texas low down on the Bio Grande, the best
point of departure would be San Bias. I inclose a letter from Mr.
Beale, the surveyor-general of this State.* His knowledge of Mexico
is founded on his having actually traveled over it, and he is a sensible
and reliable man. From Guadalajara I could make my way north, but
it would be a very long and severe march, and with all the care I could
take I could not feel sure of having an army of volunteers in fighting
order when I reached Texas. I am, however, prepared to undertake i^
and if it is not impossible the object of the exx)editiou will be attained.
I took the liberty in my last letter of suggesting whether it would not
be better to take my command by sea to some point in Texas, there to be
joined by a force from the North with all the necessary munitions, «&c.
If the main object of the expedition is to recover Texas, I would respect-
fully ask the General-in-Chief to reconsider this matter for a moment.
I should feel great confidence in such an expedition, and I believe, with
the additional force the general would give me, that I could recover and
hold Texas, and thus make an imx)ortant diversion in favor of the oper-
ations on the Mississippi. This plan would also have another great
advantage. It would keep the troops here for some time while under-
going the necessary discipline, and still I should reach Texas much
soonc" than by the overland route. I think the presence of these troops
* See B«ale to Sumner, September 5, p. 6(6.
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CHAP.lxn.] CORRESPONDENCE UNION AND CONFEDERATE. 611
here for a time would pnt down this restless and unscrupoloos secession
part7, and prevent any attempt from Texas.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
E. V. SUMNER,
Brigadier- General, If. 8. Army, Commanding.
Hbadquabtebs Department op the Pacific,
San Francisco, September 7, 1861,
Lieut. Col. George Andrews,
Sixth Regiment Infantry, Commanding Fort Yuma, Cal.:
Sir: The general commanding the department desires me to say, in
reply to your letter of the 25th ultimo, that Company C, of the Sixth,
cannot for the present be relieved from duty at Fort Yuma. The gen-
eral desires you to use every precaution to secure the safety of your
command, and particularly the reliability of the troops. To assist you
in the accomplishment of the latter, the general directs me to say that
you will be sustained in any stringent measures you may think it
necessary to take.
Very respectfully, your obedieut servant,
mCHD. 0. DRUM,
Assistant Adjutant-General.
Headquarters,
Fort Churchill, Nev. Ter., September 7, 1861.
Capt. R. 0. Drttm,
Asst. Adjt. Gen., Hdqrs. Dept. of the Pacific, San Francisco, Cal. :
Sir : I have the honor to report that information was telegraphed
me yesterday from Virginia City that a party of seventy emigrants
had been robbed by the Indians somewhere this side of Salt Lake and
were left entirely destitute and starving. I immediately sent out a
party of dragoons under the command of Lieutenant Baker, First Dra-
goons, \tith a supply of provisions to assist them and enable them to
reach the settlements, and would respectfiilly ask the approval of the
general commanding the department to the issues made them, as well
as what more may be necessary for their immediate wants. A further
report will be made on the return of Lieutenant Baker. I learn that
the citizens of Virginia City have also sent out provisions and clothing,
as they were expected to reach the sink of the Humboldt last evening.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
GEO. A. H. BLAKE,
Lieutenant- Colonel First Dragoons, Commanding Post.
Headquarters Department of the PAomo,
San Francisco, September 8, 1861.
Capt. David A. Russell,
Fourth Infantry, Presidio, San Francisco, Cal. :
Captain : I wish you to have all your command and baggage on the
wharf at the Point at 9 o'clock precisely to-morrow morning to embark
on the Active. On your arrival at San Pedro procure the necessary
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612 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Chap. LXn.
transportation, and proceed without delay to San Bernardino and
report to M^or Ketcbam.
Very respectfully^ your obedient servant,
E. V. SUMNEE,
Brigadier-General, U. 8. Army, Commanding.
Headquarters Department of the Pacific,
San Francisco, September 8, 1861.
Maj. William Scott Ketchum,
Fourth Infantry, Commanding San Bernardino, Cal,:
Major : I send Captain Bnssell down with the remainder of your
regiment. Make such disposition of these troops as you think best to
make everything secure. If we find they are advancing from Arizona
I shall send down a large force at once. You may think it necessary
to send one or two companies to Los Angeles to replace those sent to
Fort Yuma.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
E. V. SFMNER,
Brigadier-Oeneral, U. S. Army, Commanding.
HEADQUARTERS}
Camp near San Bernardino, Cal., September 8, 1861.
Assistant Adjutant-General, U. S. Army,
Headquarters D^artment of the Pacific, San Francisco, Cal, :
Sib: Captain Davidson returned to this place yesterday with bis
entire command, and leaving Company F, Fourth Infantry, here, pro-
ceeded to Los Angeles without visiting Bear and Holcomb Valleys.
As I was not advised by department headquarters of the nature of the
instructions under which Captain Davidson acted, I cannot of course
say whether he carried them out or not. Captain Davidson left my
camp with his dragoons and Company F, Fourth Infantry, on the 5th
instant with six days' provisions, and, much to my surprise, returned
on the 7th instant, on which latter- mentioned date, I have been informed,
some disguised persons fired upon a party en route to the mines in
Santa Ana Cailou, killing one man named Stemper, and wounding
another named Began. A man by the name of Green, a clerk for Syl-
vester, at Holcomb Valley, and another man named John Fuller, an
expressman, are reported as missing. I have been told that Stemper
had $1,300 or more in gold dust about his person. The horse of the
expressman, Mr. Mogo, of Holcomb Valley, says, has been seen, but
Fuller and Green have not yet been heard of. Mr. Mogo is also ot the
opinion that had Captain Davidson proceeded on to Holcomb Valley
he would not have been far from the place where the party was attacked.
The depredation is represented to have been committed between 9 and
10 a. m. on the 7th instant between Deer Creek and Trip's Station,
about five miles this side of Deer Creek and seven miles the other side
of Trip's. As Captain Davidson started for Bear and Holcomb Valleys,
I regret that he did not visit tbem, as his party was 125 strong. The
mere show of such a force in such places would, in my opinion, have bad
a beneficial efiect.
Bespectfully, your obedient servant,
W. SCOTT KETOHUM,
Major Fourth Infantry, Commanding.
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chap. lxn.) correspondence ^union and confederate. 613
Headquarters of the Asmt,
Washington, September 9, 1861.
Brig. Gen. E. V. Sumner, U. S. •Army,
Commanding Department of the Pacific, San Francisco, Gal. :
Sir: Lieutenant-General Scott, with the assent of the Secretary of
War, directs that you suspend preparations for the expedition against
"Western Texas, via Mazatlan. Instructions will be sent yon by the
next mail for other purposes. Prepare the regular troops, except fon^
companies of artillery, to come by steam to New York. Two regiments
of volunteers will replace the regulars.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
E. D. TOWNSEND,
Assistant Adjutant- General.
Headquarters Department op the Pacipic,
San Francisco, September 9, 1861.
Lieut. Col. E. D. Townsend,
Assistant Adjutant- General, U. S. Army,
Headquarters of the Army, Washington, D. C. :
Colonel : The Governor of California has given the following appoint-
ments to officers of the Army, and as their services will be of the utmost
importance in the volunteers, I would respectfully ask the sanction of
the General-in-Chief: Maj. A. J. Smith, First U. S. Cavalry, to be col-
onel of the Second Regiment of Cavalry ; Capt. H. M. Judah, Fourth
Infantry, to be colonel Second Eegiment of Infantry; First Lieut. Ben-
jamin F. Davis, First U. S. Cavalry, to be lieutenant-colonel (Battalion)
First Eegiment Cavalry; First Lieut. John Kellogg, Third Artillery, to
be lientenautcolonel Regiment of Infantry; Second Lieut. E. V.
Sumner, jr.. First TJ. S. Cavalry, to be major Second Regiment of Cavalry.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
E. V. SUMNER,
Brigadier-Qeneral, U. S. Army, Commanding.
P. S. — Bvt. Maj. J. H. Carletou, First Cavalry, was appointed colonel
at the request of the Secretary of War.
[Pint tndor8«m«nt.]
Headquarters Army,
Sqttember 28, 1861.
Respectfully forwarded to the Adjutant-General, by direction of the
General-in-Chief.
E. D. TOWNSEND,
Assistant Adjutant- Oeneral.
[Second indorsement.]
Adjutant-General's Office,
September 30, 1861.
Respectfully forwarded to the Honorable Secretary of War.
Hdqrs. Department op the Pacific,
San Francisco, September 9, 1861.
His Excellency John G. Downey,
Governor of the State of California, Sacramento City, Cal. :
Governor : I have received your letter of the 6th instant in relation
to the Indians in Trinity County. I doubt very much these Indian
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614 (OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST.. [Chap. Lxn.
rei)ort8, " If twenty-five men would be a snfiicient protection, it certainly
would seem that those people should take care of themselves just at
this time when we have so much on our 'hands. It is impossible to send
regular troops there now, as I am obliged to re-enforce the troops in the
southern part of the State.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
E. V. SUMNER,
Brigadier- Oeneral, U. S. Army, Commanding.
Hbadqtjartees,
Camp Fitzgerald, Cal., September 9, 1861.
Capt. R. C. Detjm,
Assistant Adjutant- General :
Captain: After executing Major Ketchum's instructions, reported to
you in my letter of the 31st ultimo, I started for Holcomb Valley ou the
evening of the 5th instant, with a company of infantry in addition to
my force, but the information which I received during the night of the
6th and morning of the Cth determined me to retrace my steps and move
in all haste to Los Angeles. The deserters had gotten news of my
march. My examination of the road proved it to be far more difScult for
troops than had been reported, and the prosecution of the trip would
have involved some eight more days' absence from Los Angeles than I
anticipated. Both the marshal and myself agreed that more important
interests might be periled at Los Angeles during such absence than
good could possibly be done. The information was to the effect that
the secessionists had been leaving Holcomb Valley in small parties —
where to was unknown ; that the design was to concentrate and rob the
valleys of Sau Bernardino and Los Xngeles; that the point of concen-
tration was on the Mojave, where some had already arrived; that these
parties after concentrating were to move into Sonora; that they were in
corresi)ondence with one Ramirez, formerly editor of the Clamor Publico,
in this county, and who now edits a paper either in Hermosillo or Guay-
mas; that provisions were being put on the road to Warner's ranch for
them, and that one of their expressmen had stated at a station on the
road to Holcomb that matters were getting ripe in Los Angeles; that
the commanding officer there was all right. (To whom this referred I
do not know, but the report would do them as much good as the fact.)
These things, weighed with the withdrawal of the two infantry com-
panies from Los Angeles, determined me to return at once, and I sin-
cerely hope the general will approve the step. I arrived here on the 8th.
Bryant left on the 9th. The day of the election at San Bernardino I
was directed by Major Ketchum to keep my squadron in hand near town
to repress disorder, and not to leave until after the jwUs were closed.
At sundown I drove up alone to the polls in a buggy, having been ill
all day, and asked the inspector if they were closed. He replied that
in a few minutes he would announce it. Meantime many persons gath-
ered around my buggy (there were 200 or 300 people still near the polls),
having sticks in their hands, and commenced shouting: "Hurrah for
JefF. Davis! Hurrah for the Southern Confederacy!" Most of the per-
sons hadrevolvers. One of them said that if the Union men feltthem-
selves stronger there that day, they could beat them robbing and burning
any day. I rose up in my buggy and called the attention of the people
to the fact that there were men in their midst who openly avowed them-
selves robbers and house-burners, and gave comfort and heart to the
enemies of the country by their shouts, and then turning through the
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C4AP. iXil.i CORRESPONDENCE — ^UNION AND CONFEDERATE. 6l6
crowd I drove over one man I believe, went down to my camp about 300
yards ofl', where the squadron was standing to horse, and brought up a
platoon of dragoons, and riding into the crowd, stated that I would
seize any one who uttered the same cry named above. I told them that
free discussion was one thing, and the utterance of treasonable lan-
guage another; that these men had expressed their opinions in the
ballot-box that day, but that openly hurrahing for the Southern Con-
federacy was seditious, and I, as a Federal officer, was bound to put
it down. The Union men, who up to this time had not opened their
mouths, then cheered the Federal Government, the Jeff. Davis men slunk
away from the crowd, and during the revulsion of feeling I marched my
men away. It was a novel position. I hope it will be approved, but I
felt I must submit to the defiance and dishearten the Union men, or
take the bull by the horns and show them that such conduct will not
be, I trust, tolerated in this State. Please write me if I am correct. I
am sadly off for at least one intelligent, earnest officer in this squadron.
Cannot one be sent downt It is my bounden duty to inform the gen-
eral that, if anything should occur to me, the squadron would fall into
indifi'erent hands.
I am, captain, your most obedient servant,
JNO. W. DAVIDSON,
Captain, First Dragoons, Comnumding.
State op Oaxifoenia, Executive Department,
Sacramento, September 10, 1861.
Brig. Gen. E. V. Sumner, U. S. Army:
General: I have organized the regiments as follows in annexed
schedule,* and fixed their regimental headquarters. I trust it will meet
your approval, as I am sure the appointments and localities to which
they are assigned will promote the speedy completion of the force
called for by the Department. If the field officers can be authorized to
examine the officers of the companies it would greatly facilitate mat^
ters, as captains and lieutenants cannot well afford to visit San Fran-
cisco upon a contingency of their passing the board. The regiments
are now arranged as yon desired, with the exception of Lieut. John
Kellogg, and I had to make this change in the programme on account
of your desiring the appointment of Capt. A. J. Smith to command the
Second Cavalry Eegiment. It has taken some time to make the selec-
tion, but there is nothing lost by it, and I doubt exceedingly if there
be in the service of the United States, among the volunteers called
into active duty, a better officered expedition.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JOHN G. DOWNEY.
Spbclal Orders, ) Hdqbs. Department of the Paoipio,
No. 168. ) San Francisco, September 10, 1861.
1. The regiment of infantry and battalion of cavalry organized for
the protection of the overland route will take up their line of march
for the plains, under the command of Col. James H. Carleton, on the
20th instant.
2. Col. Thomas Swords, assistant quartermaster, is relieved firom
duty at these headquarters, and will comply with instructions received
from the War Department
* Not fonnd aa an inoloenre.
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616 OPERATIONS ON THE PAOIPIO COAST. (CHAf^LXH.
3. Capt. Balph W. Kirkham, assistant quartermaster, will relieve
Colonel Swords as cbief quartermaster at these headquarters, and act
in that capacity until the arrival of M%j. E. B. Babbitt, same depart-
ment.
By order of Brigadier-General Sumner :
RICHD. C. DEUM,
A88i»tant Adjutant-General.
Benicia Absenal, Septemher 10, 1861.
Colonel Cableton,
Firitt Regiment California Volunteers, San Franci^tco:
Sib : When I was ordered to equip your cavalry by the Ist of Sep-
tember it would have been impossible to have done so without using
the old dragoon saddles. I could not have obtained Mexican saddles
for all the men in the short time allowed. I explained to yon and the
general commanding that these saddles had to be repaired, and was
ordered to buy Mexican saddles for the California company alone.
Major Grier's statement that we could not get the old saddles from
Oregon in time rendered it necessary to buy another set of Mexican
saddles. Thus you have two companies with Mexican saddles and
three with Grimsley's. To fill this requisition I have had to collect
everything I had and repair extensively. I expected that the fact of
two companies having new saddles and the other three old ones would
create discontent, but did not see how to avoid it for want of time
allowed me and want of money. The saddles for the Second Regiment
of California Volunteers will be ready by the 1st proximo, and if the
general sees fit to condemn these saddles because the men would prefer
new ones, why, I could issue from that lot. But you must wait until
their completion. Now, about the bayonet scabbards. I knew that
they were too short for the bayonets, but I believe I told you that all
our accouterments on this coast, except those in use by regular troops,
were of the old pattern. Mr. Floyd in sending out 10,000 new arms
did not see fit to send accouterments, as the former transaction accom-
plished his object. Among the 10,000 bayonet scabbards on hand at
Alcatraz Island some are long and some short. I will try and see what
I can do for your command, but some of these very scabbards are being
used in the East with this very bayonet in actual warfare, and some of
these saddles of which your command complain are bearing soldiers in
battle. In times like these the arms and strength should be consulted,
and not merely the looks. The Ordnance Department ordered sent
home for use 30,000 of the very muskets your troops complained of the
other day. If you want the blank cartridges you must get a requisition
approved by the general for them, as my supply of musket powder is
reduced to a few barrels. All the requisitions forwarded to this arsenal
contain a full complement of pistols, from eighty -five to ninety-two for
each company. I have only issued sixty, iu accordance with the requi-
sition made by you and approved by the general. If you want new
saddles you will have to defer leaving until they are ready, which will
be about the 1st proximo. When shall I forward the ammunition
directed to you at Fort Churchill and Ruby Valley t I believe in the
above yon will find answers to all your inquiries contained in yonr
three letters.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
J. MCALLISTER,
Captain of Ordnance, Commanding.
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cbap.lxii.] correspondence ^union and confederate. 617
Headqttabtbes,
Gamp near San Bernardino, Cat., September 10, 1861.
Assistant Adjxjtant-Geneeal, TJ. S. Army,
Seadquartera Department of the Pacific, San Francisco, Cal. :
Sib: On the 8th instant I informed you what rexwrts had been made
to me respecting a party which was attacked while en route to the
mines in Holcomb Valley. Mr. Stemper, who was reported killed, was
wounded; jumped off his horse and fired four times at his assailants,
two in number, who ran off and left him. Mr. Stemper was shot in
the thigh through the desh, and the ball lodged in his wallet in his
trousers' pocket, which saved his life undoubtedly. Mr. Bogan was
shot in the shoulder. He is now in San Bernardino and will no doubt
recover, as his is a flesh wound only. Mr. Fuller, the expressman, is
safe. He jumped off his horse and ran. He thinks those who attacked
him secured his horse. Of this, however, he has no knowledge. Fuller,
who returned to San Bernardino, says he saw nine persons in the
attacking party, and he thinks there were more from the noises heard
by him. Mr. Green, the clerk, is also safe, and is now in Holcomb
Valley. He reports that he fought his way through to Deer Creek
Station; hence nobody was killed and only two wounded. Constable
Saint John took a posse and went in search of the depredators, so I
have be6n informed, but he has not made any arrests yet, although he
suspects who were concerned.
Bespectfully, your obedient servant,
W. SCOTT KETOHUM,
Major Fourth Infantry, Commanding.
Special Orders, ) Hdqes. Department op the Pacific,
No. 169. ) San Francisco, September 11, 1861.
The volunteer camp to be established in the vicinity of the Pioneer
Bace Course will be known as Camp Alert.
By order of Brigadier-General Sumner:
RICHD. C. DRUM,
Assistant Adjutant- General.
Special Orders, ) Hdqrs. Department op the Pacific,
No. 170. ) San Francisco, September 12, 1861.
1. Major Pollock, California volunteers, having been transferred by
the Governor from the First to the Third Regiment California Volun-
teer Infantry, will proceed to Stockton and report in person to Colonel
Connor.
• ••••••
6. Capt. John Kellogg, Third Artillery, having been appointed by
the Governor of this State colonel of the Fifth Regiment of California
Infantry, will be relieved from duty at the Presidio of San Francisco
and proceed to organize his regiment at such point as the Governor
may designate.
By order of Brigadier-General Sumner :
RICHD. C. DRUM,
Assistant Adjutant-General.
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618 operations on the pacific coast. fchai-. i.xii.
Hbadqtjabtebs District of Oregon,
Fort Vancouver, Wash. Ter., September 13, 1861,
Capt. E. O. Drum,
Asst. Adjt. Oen., Sdqrs. Dept. of the Pacific, San Francisco, Cal. :
Captain : I have jnst returned from Fort Dalles. Much alarm exist-
ing in the border settlements in consequence of the threatening aspect
of our Indian affairs, I have deemed it proper to call on the Governor
of Oregon for a company of volunteer cavalry. A copy of my com-
munication to the Governor is herewith inclosed. Not having received
any of the recent laws relating to the organization of volunteer forces,
I have adhered to the old organization authorized for this country. I
have called for the company tor three years, unless sooner discharged.
My latest advices ftom Fort Oolville, and also ftom the Nez Perc6
country, represent everything as quiet. 1 keep Captain Whittlesey at
Fort Dalles. His services are important there to muster in and take
charge of the company I have called for. TVith the company I have
called for I think we shall get along very well. It is barely possible
that I may have to call on the Governor of Washington Territory for a
company for service north of the Columbia River. All is quiet at the
Cascades. Captain Van Voast is at that point with his company, occu-
pying both sides of the river.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
6. WEIGHT,
Colonel Ninth Infantry, Commanding.
[Inolosnie.]
HEADyUARTBRS DISTRICT OF OREGON,
Fort Vancouver, Wash. Ter., September 12, 1861.
His Excellency John Whiteaker,
Governor of the State of Oregon :
Sir : The threatening attitude of the Indian tribes in the country east
of the Cascade Mountains having produced much alarm amongst the
settlers, causing many of them to abandon their claims, and the regular
force under my command having been reduced during the past year by
the withdrawal of fourteen companies for service in California, leaving
an inadequate number of troops necessary for the protection of the
settlements, I have the honor to request that your Excellency will call
for one company of volunteer cavalry to be mustered into the service of
the United States at Fort Dalles, Oreg., for the period of three years
unless sooner discharged. The organization of the company will be one
captain, one first lieutenant, one second lieutenant, four sergeants, four
corporals, two buglers, one farrier and blacksmith, and seventy-four
privates. Every member of the company will be required to furnish
his own horse and horse equipments, and will be paid for their use and
risk such allowances as are now or may hereafter be established by law.
The Government will furnish arms and- subsistence when the organiza-
tion of the company shall have been completed and the company
accepted. When fully organized, I request that your Excellency will
direct the captain of the company to report to Capt. Joseph H. Whittle-
sey, of the U. S. Army, at Fort Dalles, who has been ordered to inspect
and, if accepted, to administer the oath of allegiance and muster the
company into the service of the United States.
With great respect, I have the honor to be, your Excellency's moat
obedient oervant,
G. WEIGHT,
Colonel Ninth Infantry, Commanding.
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Chap. LXn.J CORRESPONDEKCE ^UNION AND CONFEDERATE, 619
Headquabtebs Distbict op Oeegon,
Fort Vancouver, Wash. Ter., September 13, 1861.
Col. B. L. Beall,
First Dragoons, Fort Vancouver:
Colonel : I will give you a brief statement of the sitnation of affairs
in this district. Two companies of the Ninth Infantry are posted at
Fort Colville, under command of Brevet Major Lugenbeel. Twenty
men firom each of those companies are with Lieutenant Mullan. At
Fort Walla Walla there are three companies of the First Dragoons,
under command of Major Steen. One of those companies is temjwrarily
detached in the Nez Perc6 country. At Fort Dalles is one company
of First Dragoons, under Captain Whittlesey, having twenty men
detaehed at the Warm Springs Reservation. At Fort Cascades is one
company of the Ninth Infantry, under Captain Van Voast, having
twenty men detached under Lieutenant Mullan, and twelve at Fort
Dalles. At Fort Vancouver are two companies under Captain Black —
twelve men detached at Camp Chehalis. At Fort Hoskins one com-
pany under Captain Dent — eleven men detached under Lieutenant
Mullan. At Fort Steilacoom two companies under Captain Woodruff —
not half full either of them. At San Juan Island one company under
Captain English — half full. The present disposition of the troops is
believed to be the best that can be made. The companies at the reser-
vations are small and cannot be dispensed with. The companies are
generally much reduced and have many men detached. I have called
for a company of volunteer cavalry to be mustered in by Captain Whit-
tlesey at Fort Dalles. Captain Whittlesey cannot be removed from
Fort Dalles, as he has to muster in and take charge of the volunteer
cavalry. There is much alarm beyond The Dalles, but I apprehend
that no real danger exists. At all events, Captain Whittlesey with
his own volunteer force M-ill manage to keep everything quiet. The
large bodies of Indians at Yamhill and Hoskins, some of them rather
disaffected, render it prudent to keep a small company at each place.
I invite your careful attention to my order and letter books and to the
orders and instrnctions from department headquarters.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
G. WEIGHT,
Colonel Ninth Infantry, Commanding.
General Orders, ) Headqttarters District of Orbcmjn,
No. 1. ) Fort Vancouver, Wash. Ter., September 13, 1861.
I. First Lieut. A. C. Wildrick, Third Artillery, will immediately
relieve Maj. E. B. Babbitt, quartermaster, U. S. Army, in his duties as
chief quartermaster and commissary at the Vancouver depot.
II. After being relieved, Mtyor Babbitt will repair immediately to
San Francisco to relieve Lieutenant-Colonel Swords.
• ••••**
IV. The command of the District of Oregon is hereby transferred to
Col. B. L. BeaU, First Dragoons.
G. WRIGHT,
Colonel Ninth Infantry, Com,manding.
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620 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Chap. LXn.
General Obdebs, ) Headquabtebs Distbiot of Obeoon,
No. 2. ) Fort Vancouver, Wash. Ter., September 13, 1861.
The undersigned hereby assumes command of this district in con-
formity to department Special Orders, No. 155, dated headquarters
Department of the Pacif c, San Francisco, August 26, 1861.
B. L. BEALL,
Colonel First Dragoons, Commanding.
Special Obdebs, ) Hbqbs. Depaetment op the Pacific,
No. 1 72. J San Frandsco, September 14, 1861.
1. Paragraph 1, Special Orders, No. 1C8, is revoked.
2. Colonel Carleton will proceed with his command of California
infantry and cavalry to Los Angeles, where he will receive further
instructions.
3. The horses of the battalion of cavalry will be turned over to the
quartermaster in (his city for the Second Regiment of California Cav-
alry. The battalion of cavalry will be furnished with a remount at Los
Angeles.
4. TJie quartermaster will procure the necessary transportation by
water to San Pedro for Colonel Carleton's command.
5. Col. George Wright will proceed to Los Angeles and assume com-
mand of all the troops serving in the southern part of this State,
embracing the posts of Fort Tuma, New San Diego, Los Angeles, San
Bernardino.
6. Capt. Henry D. Wallen, Fourth Infantry, will, with the detach-
ment of his company at the Presidio, proceed to join that portion of his
company now at Los Angeles. The quartermaster will furnish the nec-
essary transportation.
By order of Brigadier-General Sumner:
BICHD. C. DRUM,
Assistant Adjutant- General.
Headquabtebs of the Abmy,
Washington, September 16, 1861 — 11.30 a. m.
Brig. Gen. E. V. Sumneb, U. S. Army,
San Francisco, Cal. :
Besides the volunteer force called for from California to guard the
Overland Mail Route, the five regiments (one of cavalry and four of
infantry) originally ordered, will be organized and held ready for serv-
ice on the Pacific Coast and elsewhere, according to future orders to be
given. Send a copy of this to the Governor of California.
WLNFIELD SCOTT.
HEADyUARTEES OF THE ABMY,
Washington, September 16, 1861.
Brig. Gen. E. V. Sitmnee, U. S. Army,
Commanding Department of the Pacific, San Francisco:
Sib: A dispatch was sent you by the pony express the 10th [nth]
instant, and a duplicate the 14th, directing you to suspend the expedition
via Mazatlan to Western Texas, and to prepare to send all the regular
troops, except four companies of artillery, by steamer to New York.
The General-in-Chief directs that you accordingly leave one company
Third Artillery at Fort Vancouver and three companies in the harbor
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CHAP. LXII] COEKESPONDENCE UNION AND CONFEDERATE. 621
of San Francisco. The remainder of the regulars yon will send for-
ward by steamer to New York as fast as they can be collected for
embarkation. The cavalry and artillery horses will be disposed of in
such manner as may be deemed best for the public interest. The arms
and equipments of the troops will be brought with them; also 10,000
of the muskets remaining in store. The field batteries and tlieir etjuip-
ments will be left behind. You will send orders to Colonel Wright to
repair to San Francisco to relieve you in command of the department,
and after his arrival you will proceed to the headquarters of the Army
and report in person. Brig. Gen. J. "VV. Denver, U. S. Volunteer serv-
ice, will be ordered to California to relieve Colonel Wright, who will
then proceed to report in person at Army headquarters. The following
dispatch was sent you this day, by pony express, and also by tele-
graph.*
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
E. D. TOWNSEND,
Assistant Adjutant-General.
Hbadquarteks,
Camp near San Bernardino, Cal., September 16, 1861.
Assistant Adjutant-Geneeal, U. S. Army,
Headquarters Department of the Pacific, San Francisco, Cal.:
Siu : Company E, Ninth Infantry, also Company K, Fourth Infantry,
and a portion of Company U, Fourth Infantry, joined my command
this day from Camp Sumner, Cal., in obedience to instructions from
department headquarters. Aggregate, 120. Having received no
blanks, I cannot furnish a field return. For the present my command
at this place will be kept entire for the purpose of instruction and
discipline. My command is sadly in want of company ofQcers.
Respectfully, your obedient servant,
W. SCOTT KETCHUM,
Major Fourth Infantry, Commanding.
Headquartees Disteict ov Oeegon,
Fort Vancouver, Wash. Ter., September 10, 1861.
Capt. R. C. Dextm,
Asst. Adjt. Gen., Hdqrs. Dept. of the Pacific, San Francisco, Cai. :
Captain: I have the honor to report that on the 13th instant I
relieved Col. George Wright, Ninth Infantry, from tlie command of
this district, agreeably to Special Orders, No. 155, dated headquarters
Department of the Pacific, San Francisco, Cal., August 26, 1861.
I am, very resjiectfully, your obedient servant,
B. L. BEALL,
Colonel First Dragoons, Commanding.
Headquartees,
Camp Fitzgerald, Cal., September 16, 1861.
Capt. Richard C. Dextm,
Assistant Adjutant- General, San Francisco, Cal.:
Captain : The information given you in my letter of the 9th instant
has received much corroboration within the last few days. Judge Terry
* See next, ante.
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622 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Chap.LXU.
is said to be at the head of the orgaoizatioa. Secret nightly meetings
are reported to me to be held by armed men at the Monte (twelve miles
from Lo8 Angeles). With regard to the last I have sent oat (and will
continue to do so until something most, positive is learned by me)
nightly patrols of intelligent non-commissioned officers and one or two
men, for the purpose of ascertaining where and by whom these meet-
ings are held, and if possible their object. It is almost impossible to
convey to the general the state of affairs down here. My ears are
staffed with all sorts of rumors and reports, and I have work to sift out
what shoald be attended to and what not. You kno^ I have not been
an alarmist in my letters, nor have they ever stampeded me, but I think
now that the depot of oar supplies should be removed to a more secure
position. At present it consists of a corral with a wooden fence, and
the stores are placed in cue large wooden shed and four hospital tents.
It should be within brick or adobe walls, aud in defensive buildiugs.
I don't know, also, what the general's intentions are with regard to
more troops at this particular point, but I think at least one company
of infantry shoald be here. This would enable me to detach parts of
the squadron through the country, never absent long, nor going far,
which would tend to break up or discover these nests of disaffected
and marauding parties. I inclose the within protest to the general. I
am inclined to believe those who sign it to be correct. I thought while
in San Bernardino that it had been the design of the Mormons thereto
cloak themselves as Union men for the purpose of splitting the Union
vote. The insidious documents with regard to the income and other
taxes circulated by the McConnell men among the Galifornians but a
few days prior to the election, and the personal popularity of Tomas
Sanchez were the influencing causes of the Spanish vote in this county.
Bnmor says that I am to go with the general. Will he pardon me for
saying that, if so, I think this squadron should be filled up, even if it
requires a company up north to be broken up, and the main object
bemg to get one or more efficient officers with it.
I am, captain, your most obedient servant,
JNO. W. DAVIDSON,
Captain, First Cavalry, Commanding.
[Inolosare.]
San Beenabdino, September 14, 1861.
Oapt. John W. Davidson,
Commanding U. 8. Dragoons, Camp Fitzgerald, Los Angeles :
Sib : We, the undersigned, members of the Union Club of San Ber-
nardino, would most respectfully state that a company of cavalry has
been organized by Mormons in this place under the name of the home
guard ; they pretend to be Union men while we have every reason to
doubt their sincerity and loyalty. They are commanded by Mr. Clar-
ence E. Bennett, late a lieutenant in the U. S. Army, stationed in
Iltah Territory, who resigned his commission and married the daughter
of a Mormon high in that church of a damnable heresy and imposture,
she being an actress on the stage. His sympathies being necessarily
with that class of people who are sworn foes to the United States Gov-
ernment, and the present indications being of such a nature as lead us
to believe that hostilities will break out between them and the Govern-
ment ere long, we would most solemnly protest, as Union men who hold
our country dearer than life, against any arms whatever being issued
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CmjlT. LXn.] CORRESPOMDENCE UNION AND CONFEDERATE. 623
to these men. We believe it to be unsafe and injndicioas, and we do
[know] that some of these same men, when your command arrived
here, insulted you by cheering for Jeflf. Davis in your presence.
Hoping that this protest of ours may have due weight with you, and
that the contents of this letter may be made known to General Sumner
and Governor Downey, we subscribe ourselves.
Your respectful and obedient servants,
EDWIN A. SHEEMLAJS^,
President of the Club.
JOS. H. PBBEAU.
JAMES LEONAED.
Z. G. AYEES.
CHAS. MOGO.
Headquarters Department of the Paoifio,
San Francisco, September 17, 1861.
Col. E. D. Townsbnd,
Asst. Adjt. Oen., Hdqra. of the Army, Washington, D. C, :
Colonel : I am compelled to assume the high responsibility of chang-
ing the destination of the troops ordered to the plains. The disaffection
in the soathern part of this State is increasing and becoming danger-
ous, and it is indispensably necessary to throw re-enforcements into
that section immediately. The rebels are organizing, collecting sup-
plies, and evidently preparing to receive a force from Texas, and the
worst feature of the affair is this: They have managed to seduce the
native Califomians by telling them that they will be ruined by taxes to
maintain the war. I shall establish a strong camp at Warner's ranch
on the road to Fort Yuma, which will support that post, prevent the
gathering of rebels in that vicinity, and be prepared to repel any force
advancing through Arizona.
The only available troops 1 have at this moment are those raised for
the Overland Mail Eoute. These troops are now ready, whereas I could
not get any of the last requisition ready before a month. Another
consideration is this : The Fourth Infantry, now in the southern part of
this State, are the only available regulars for my expedition. I cannot
withdraw another man from Oregon or from any post in Galifomia, and
it would be madness to withdraw this regiment from its present duty
without replacing it with other troops. No evil will result from this
change, as no protection from the Indians is necessary for the mail.
Some of the principal agents have said to me that they did not need
any protection; nevertheless I have ordered a company of dragoons at
Fort Churchill to make a march as far out on the mail route as Euby
Valley, which is beyond all the Indians from whom there is anything
to apprehend. I inclose a copy of my instructions for this movement.
I shall place Colonel Wright in command of all the troops in the disaf-
fected district till I am ready to leave with the southern expedition. I
would respectfully ask an early reply to my letters of the 30th ultimo
and 7th instant, in which I took the liberty of asking the General-in-Chief
to let me proceed by sea, via the isthmus, to Brazos Santiago.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
B. V. SUMNEE,
Brigadier- Oeneralf U. 8. Army, Commanding.
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624 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Chap. LXIL
Headquaetees of the Aemy,
Washington, September 17, 1861,
Brig, Gen. J. W. Denver, U. S. Array,
Wilmington, Ohio:
Ilepair to this city aud report for orders preparatory to going to
California.
WINTIELD SCOTT.
[■Washington, D. C.,] Tuesday, September 17, 1861.
[General E. V. Sumnee:]
Deae General, : I only found oat this morning that yoa were
ordered here with the regulars, and that only two regiments of volun-
teers were ordered for homo service in California. I have got the first
order restored, to wit, one regiment cavalry (Colton, colonel), and four
of infantry. Five regiments of California volunteers to be organized,
armed, &c., aud hold themselves in readiness for future command.
The expedition to Texas is suspended for the present, at least. It will
be renewed in due time, but for the preseht it is discontinued. I will
explain all when we meet.
Your friend,
M. S. LATHAM.
K. B. — I will tell you, when we meet, who it was that secretly got
the expedition to Texas countermanded.
Special Okdees, ) Hdqes. Department op the Pacific,
No. 174. J San Francisco, September 17, 1861.
The volunteer camp to be established in the vicinity of Placerville in
this State will be known as Camp McClellan.
By order of Brigadier-General Sumner:
RIOHD. C. DRUM,
Assistant Adjutant- General.
Headquaeters Depaetment op the PACipic,
San Francisco, September 17, 1861.
Lieut. Col. Gboege A. H. Blake,
First Dragoons, Commanding Fort Churchill, Kev. Ter. :
SiE : The general commanding the department desires you to prepare
the company of dragoons at your post to make a march to Ruby Valley
and back on the Overland Mail Route. He wishes you to get this com-
pany ofT as soon as possible, direct it to march about twenty miles a
day, which will bring it home before the cold weather sets in. Let them
take some barley, and deposit a part of it on their way out for the march
back. Instruct the commanding officer to see as many of the Indian
chiefs as possible and say to them expressly that if they wish to retain
the good will of the Government they must prevent their people from
all interference with the mail stages or the stations, or the iron wire
that passes through their country.
Very respectfixlly, your obedient servant,
RICHD. C. DRUM,
Assistant Adjutant- Oeneral.
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chap. lxil) coebe8pondenck — union and confederate. 625
Eeadquabtebs Depabtmbnt op the Pacific,
San Francisco, September 17, 1861.
Lieut. Col. Geobge A. H. Blake,
First Dragoons, Commanding Fort Churchill, Xev. Tir. :
SiB: The general commai)ding the department desires me to say that
sliould the ofiUcer in command of the company of dragoons find aimu
his arrival at Ruby Valley that there are any Indians in that vicinity
at the distance of forty or fifty miles, that it would be necessary to visit,
I wish him to do so.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
BIGHD. 0. DRUM,
Assistant Adjutant-General.
Red Bluff, Septetnber 17, 1861 — 12.40 p. m.
General Sumneb:
First Company Siskiyou Cavalry leaves here Friday. Any orders!
GEO. F. PRICE,
First Lieutenant.
New Yobk, September 19, 1861.
Hon. Simon Camebon,
Secretary of War, Washington City :
Sib : The inclosed document was reeeivcd by us to-day through the
pony express.* The signers requested us to present same in i)er8ou, but
on consultation with Mr. Cisco, assistant treasurer United States, we
feel satisfied that the objects of the signers will be accomplished by
forwarding it by mail. We deem it of great importance that the infor-
mation embraced in this document shall be placed before yon without
delay, and therefore respectfully ask your immediate consideration to
the requests of the loyal people of California.
Very respectfully, your obedient servants,
EUGENE KELLY & CO.
ALFRED DE WITT.
[Indorsement.]
New Yobk, September 19, 1861.
The signers to the above are gentlemen of the highest resi^ectability,
doing business here and in California.
Respectfully,
JOHN J. CISCO,
Assistant Treasurer United States.
IlDQES. Battalion Fibst Infantby Califobnia Vols.,
Camp San Pedro, September 19, 1801.
Lieut. Ben. C. Cutleb,
Adjutant First Infantry California Vols., San Francisco :
Lieutenant : I have the honor to report that in obedience to orders
from Col. James H. Carleton, commanding California volunteers. Com-
panies A, B, C, E^ G, and H, First Infantry California Volunteers, are
now located at this point, having arrived during yesterday and today
*See Rogers, et al., to Cameron, August 28, p. 589.
40 E B — VOL L, PT I
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626 OPEBATION8 ON THE PACIFIC COAST. (Ceap. LXIL
from San Francisco per streamers Senator, Sbabrick,and Active. Their
transportation to tbis place has been successfally accomplished without
accident, but the command in disembarking at this landing is most
particularly indebted for its comfort and safety to Mr. Banning, who
has been untiring in his exertions to fulfill not only his contract obliga-
tions, but to render every facility at his disposal for the comfort of the
men and officers. I have found him prompt, efficient, and thorough,
and deem it within my province to call the attention of the colonel
commanding to the value of his services. To-morrow morning at 6
o'clock the command will move toward its destination as ordered.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
J. R. WEST,
Lieutenant-Colonel, Commanding.
Depabtment op State,
Washington, September HO, 1861.
Hon. Simon Oaiiebon,
Secretary of War:
Sib : I have the honor to inclose an extract from a dispatch of the
28th ultimo, received from Mr. Gorwin, relative to an apprehended
invasion of Sonora by the insurgents of the United States, and to rec-
ommend that the subject be submitted to the General in Chief com-
manding the armies of the United States for such directions as may be
deemed most proper, asking at the same time whether a force of 10,000
men would not be a reasonable one for the service to be performed.
I am, sir, your obedient servant,
WILLIAM H. SEWAKD.
[Indonement.)
Headquarters Aemy,
Washington, October 5, 1861.
The Geueral-in-Ohief directs me to say in reply to the question of the
Honorable Secretary of State that he deems the force named by the
Secretary a proper one.
Respectfully submitted :
E. D. TOWNSEND,
Assistant Adjtitant-Oeneral.
[loolosure.]
U. S. Legation,
Mexico, Augnst 28, 1861.
Mr. Sewabd:
• ••'••••
Mr. Pickett, commissioner from what he denominates the Confed-
erate States, is still here. lie and three Southern persons sojourning in
this city were engaged last night in rejoicing over the victory at Bull
Eun and Manassas Gap. The sketch of that battle in the New York
Herald of the 23d July reached here yesterday. The paper came here
from Havana by private conveyance. Mr. Pickett has learned that
Mexico had granted the United States the privilege of marching troops
through Mexican territory to Arizona. He has informed the Govern-
ment here that this will be considered as ofl'ensive to the Confederate
States, as New Mexico had placed herself under the protection of those
States. He had said in private conversation that if this decree is not
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OHAP.LXn.] CORRESPONDENCE ^UNION AND CONFEDERATE. 627
annolled Mexico will lose the State of Tamanlipas in sixty days. By
looking on any map of Mexico it will be seen that Tamanlipas, Nuevo
Leon, Coahuila, Chihuahua, and Sonora all adjoin Texas or New Mex-
ico. Tamanlipas is easily approached by her port Tampico, on the
Mexican Gulf, and also by land from Texas. All the others of these
States can be reached by land from Texas or New Mexico. Guaymas
is the great port on the Gulf of California, from and to which ship-
ments are made for the States of Sonora and Chihuahua and also to
our Territory of New Mexico, including Arizona. It is therefore rea-
sonable enough to conchide that U. S. troops from California could be
lauded at Guaymas in seven days by steamers, and with a safe passage
through Sonora could confifont any rebel force operating in Arizona or
New Mexico proper, and also be in position to act against any filibus-
tering enemy which might attack any of the Mexican States bordering
on Texas. It is no doubt the design of the Southern Confederation,
whenever it can, to seize all of these States — indeed, to possess itself
of the entire Tierra Csdiente of Mexico, that being well adapted to
slave labor. If Mexico should be attacked under the pretense that she
had justly offended the Confederate States by the grant of passage
through Sonora, every obligation of honor would seem to require that
our troops should be ready to enforce our laws against filibustering
expeditions from our Territories against the territories of a nation
with whom we are at peace. Such troops would at the same time be
efiBcient to restore onr lawful dominion in Texas and New Mexico.
Upper California, Oregon, and Washington Territory could furnish a
respectable force for all these purposes, which could be conveyed by
water to Guaymas and from thence by land over good roads to their
proper points of operation. The States bordering on Texas and our
New Mexico frontier are very weak in population and wealth, and
cosld be conquered by a comparatively small force. Tamanlipas has
only 108,000, of all ages, races, and sexes. The entire population of
the five Mexican States above named is stated in the most reliable cen-
sus to be 628,000, of all ages, sexes, and races, covering an area of
67,563 square miles. I am informed that recent discoveries of mineral
wealth in Sonora and Chihuahua have invited largo bodies of men from
California to those two States. It is suspected that they are of a class
easily induced to unite with the Southern rebels in an attack on these
and their neighboring Mexican States, as well as to promote Southern
pretensions in New Mexico and Texas. I suggest whether a prudent
forecast would not invite our Government to raise in California and
Oregon a force which should pass from Guaymas through Sonora to
our possessions in New Mexico and Arizona for the purposes suggested
above.
Headquabteks Department of the Pacific,
San Francisco, Seirtember 20, 1861.
Brig. Gen. Montoomeby C. Meigs,
Quartermaster-Oeneral, Washington, D. G. :
Genebal : There are some things that are next to impossible and
among them is to raise an army without money. We have received no
money for your department since the estimate for March last, and the
expenses of the Government have been greatly increased thereby (at
least 20 per cent). I would beg you to comply with my estimates as
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628 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Chap. LXn.
early as possible. I hope you will make no contracts at Washington
for transportation or anything else for my command. I can control
these matters much better here than you can there. If I should find
any collusion against the Government I can throw these people off alto-
gether and resort to some other expedient. If the steamship companies
should be at all unreasonable I can hire sailing ships for transports,
and there would be but little difference in time in running south, as the
prevailing winds are northerly on this coast at this season of the year.
Very re8i)ectfully, your obedient servant,
E. V. SUMNElt,
Brigadier- Oeneral, TJ. S. Army, Commanding.
Navy Depaetment, September 31, 1861
Hon. Simon Gahebon,
Secretary of War:
Sib : In view of the exposed and defenseless condition of the powder
magazine at the navy-yard, Mare Island, Cal. (being guarded only by
two watchmen and a small steamer, the latter being now and most of
the time oflf on duty connected with the War Department), and the easi-
ness with which it could be taken by any considerable force, without
even alarming the men at the yard, I would most earnestly request
that General Sumner maybe instructed to locate a company of soldiers
there, in the absence of marines. The importance of this request will
be seen immediately, as there is at present a large quantity of powder
and ammunition in the magazine.
I remain, sir, very respectfully,
GIDEON WELLES,
Secretary of the Navy.
War Depaetment, September 31, 1861.
Brigadier-General SuifNEE,
Commanding Department of the Pacific, San Francisco, Gal. :
Deae Sie: Inclosed you will please find a letter from C. E. Bennett,
of San Bernardino, Cal., addressed to Secretary of State, and by him
referred to this Department, giving information in regard to the move-
ments of secessionists in that section of country. You will i>lease take
such action in the matter as in your judgment may best subserve the
public interests.
Very respectfully,
THOMAS A. SOOTT,
Assistant Secretary of War.
[IncloAare.]
San Beenaedino, Cal., July 39, 1861.
Hon. William H. Sewaed,
Secretary of State, Washington, D. C. :
Believing it to be the duty of every loyal citizen to aid the Federal
Government to the extent of his ability, I will endeavor to make you
acquainted with all movements or operations that I think will be bene-
ficial to the Chief Executive to know concerning this section of the
country, and particularly the lower jwrtion of California, Arizona, and
Sonora. Some mouths ago, I think in December or January last, a
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Ciup. Lxn.] CORRESPONDENCE — ^UNION AND CONFEDERATE. 629
gentleman of this place, of high standing, of Southern birth and sym-
pathies, conversing with me about the probability of a division of the
United States, said if there was any difSculty in the Atlantic States
an expedition would go from California and capture Sonora and annex
it to this State, and asked me how I wonld like such a trip. I replied
it suited me. He said it was more than likely that I would be ten-
dered a command; that it was deemed very desirable to secure my
services, &c. (all of which I thought mere flattery at the time), and
that the chief directors of the expedition were at San Francisco (Gen-
eral Johnston & Co.). At the time I considered nothing of tin's kind
would be done. Last week, having occasion to go to Holcomb Valley
mines, I learned the following facts : That there were a large number
of secessionists congregated there from different parts of the State,
when that place was designated as a rendezvous. It was for the
departure of 250 secessionists from there for Sonora to attack and cap-
ture Fort Yuma; that there are a large number of soldiers at that post
who belong to this secession combination and will turn upon their offi-
cers the moment the attack is made. There they will provide them-
selves with all that the fort contains that is of value or use to them ;
all property that can be made available will be taken, the remainder
destroyed. There is a lieutenant now in the Army — I could not learn
positively whether he was in Benicia. Los Angeles, or Yuma; my
impression is that he is somewhere in California, because at their meet-
ings last Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights they spoke
of General A. S. Johnston, who latelylefthere with a party of fifty men
for Texas to join the Southern Army, as their adviser and director,
whose advice was law, and in a speech regarded him as a very superior
officer and manager, and said the command of the party to capture
Yuma and Sonora was urged on him months ago. He said his reputa-
tion and standing were so high he would proceed at once to the South,
as his enemies would denounce the expedition as a thieving one, &c.,
and he laid all the plans for this lieutenant to follow as soon as the
expedition could be got ready. This expedition, a greater portion of
which rendezvoused at Holcomb Valley within the last ten days, it
seems was countermanded until a few weeks hence. They were sent to
different portions of the State to raise men and money, to capture the
lower i)ortion of this State (Arizona is with them) and Sonora, and pro-
claim Jefferson Davis as their President and hoist the Confederate flag.
They are bound together by the most binding oaths. The penalty for
divulging anything connected with their operations, any of their trait-
orous plans, is death, and they swear to kill anyone so offending.
Every one belonging to this traitor baud after the capture of this State
and southward is to have three leagues of land; in other words, to
share equally the plunder. In their convention they concluded that
1,000 men — effective, well-armed men — true to the secession cause,
would be amply sufficient to capture and hold the counties of San Ber-
nardino, San Diego, and Los Angeles. The inhabitants living mostly
on large ranches several miles apart, taken by surprise with no time to
rally, that force is regarded by them as sufficiently large. They desig-
nated men to go to different towns to forward this plan to raise men and
money. Two came here, two to Los Angeles, and to other places I will
find out in a day or so. They expect to have these missionaries of
piracy come to Holcomb Valley in about six weeks and report a state
of readiness, and then, in their language, '< they will cut loose." As
soon as possible I will ascertain the whereabouts and, if possible, the
names of these disloyal soldiers and officer. Most, if not all, the sol-
diers are at Fort Yuma, I think. This officer was in communication
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630 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. (Chip.IXIL
with General Johnston all the time he was in command of this depart-
ment. That there is going to be an effort to capture a portion, if not
sdl, of this State, Arizona, Sonora, I know, and Fort Ynma is going to
be taken on the route to Sonora. I consulted with a friend of mine here.
Doctor D.R.Dickey. He will go on down to Ijos Angeles and takealetter
iix>m metoGeneral Sumner through Mtgor Garleton. The moment I ascer-
tain the name of the officer and tbo certain disaffection of troops I will
telegraph to General Sumner in time to express to Ynma. About six
weeks is the time calculated it will take to raise men and means. I
became assured that it was dangerous to believe anyone in this particu-
lar locality on this great question when I saw tlie number of hypocrites
and traitors at Holcomb. If the civil appointments for this State are
true to the Government they could do a great deal. As special agent,
speciiQ mail agent, their expenses being paid by Government, they
could organize in every town a Union party that could be prepared for
emergencies like the coming one. I would respectfully i-ecommend that
Moses Martin be appointed postmaster at San Bernardino. I mail this
to my father, Harmon Bennett, in order that it may reach you. Mr.
Martin is a supporter of the present Administration. He voted for Mr.
Lincoln, canvassed the county to aid his election, and he is a reliable
man — Union man. This must be kept secret until we have success on
the Union side, and I trust it will not be long. If there is anything I
can do to forward the interest of the Government I pledge myself to
do it. I have penned this hurriedly and with many interruptions. I
will use my utmost ability to have these traitors captured and brought
to justice. I especially request care to be taken that my name does not
appear in connection with this until we have caught these traitors.
Hoping and trusting that success will crown your efforts for the res-
toration of peace to our country,
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
CLARENCE E. BENNETT.
[Indorsement.]
NOBWICH, N. T., August 23, 1861.
Hon. William H. Sewaed,
Secretary of State :
Sib : I received this day the inclosed from my son and have no doubt
of the correctness of his statements or the conclusions he arrives at.
He graduated at "West Point in 1854; served five years under Colonel
Alexander and General Johnston; left the Army about one year since;
is now farming and mining at San Bernardino, Gal.
Very respectfully, yours,
HARMON BENNETT.
Headquabtebs,
Fort Churchill, Nev. Ter., September 22, 1861.
Capt. R. C. Dbxtm,
Anst. Adjt. Gen., JIdqrs, Bept. of the Pacific, San Francisco, Gal. :
SiB: I have the honor to state for the information of the general
commanding the department that forty men, all that were disposable
of Company A, First Dragoons, under the command of Second Lieut.
B. M. Baker, First Dragoons, this day left this post en route for Ruby
Valley, according to instructions from department headquarters of Sep-
tember 17, 1861. I would also state that I have been compelled to
relieve a number of the men from extra duty in the quartermaster's
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Chap. LXn.] CORBE8PONDEKCE UOTON AND CONFEDERATE. 631
department, for the purpose of guard duty, which will seriously impede
the work on the soldiers' qaarters and the shelter for the animals, and
will render it almost impossible to get the work of building finished
before the winter sets in with the force under my command.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
GEO. A. H. BLAKE,
Lieutenant-Colonel First Dragoons, Commanding Toat.
[September, 1861.] (Received 27th.)
Commanding Genebal of thb Pacipic Division, U. 8. Army:
SiK : We, the undersigned citizens of Pitt River Valley, respectfully
represent to yon the following reasons for an additional force to be
stationed at Fort Crook : First. There is an extent of some 300 square
miles to be protected by the troops at Fort Crook. The country around
the valley is filled with Indians, who are continually committing depre-
dations on the lives and property of the citizens of the valley. They
do so with impunity from their knowledge of the smallness of the force
at this place. Second. If there was a snfQcient force at this place the
valley would soon fill up, when we would be able to protect ourselves.
There have already been several emigrant trains passed through this
place that would have located here were they not deterred from so
doing by the inadequacy of the protection from the Government force
at this place. Third. By re-enforcing the garrison, so that a sufRcient
number could be kept scouting, all hostilities on the part of the Indians
would cease, and in one year f^om this time it would take but a small
force to protect us. Should you be able to send us one company with-
out detriment to the public service your i)etitioners will take it as a
great favor, and as in duty bound will do all they can to assist the
Government force.
L, L. Y. HASTINGS,
WILLIAM NARY,
L. H. STEVENS,
[AND 24 OTHERS.]
Peekskill, N. Y., September J33, 1861.
His Excellency the President of the United States:
The writer of the inclosed letter, John B. Mills, esq., is a highly
respectable and intelligent gentleman, residing near this place^ any
suggestion coming from him I think is worthy of respectful considera-
tion. I know of no way in which, as it seems to me, I could more appro-
priately dispose of his letter than by inclosing it to your Excellency, to
the end that it might receive such a direction as the subject-matter of
it might seem to require.
Most respectAilly, your Excellency's obedient servant,
WM. NELSON.
[Inoloaore.]
Septembkb 21, 1861.
Hon. William Nelson:
Sir : In view of your personal acquaintance with the President of
the United States, I beg to present a subject to your consideration, and
if when well turned in your mind you deem it i)ertinent and of suffi-
cient imi>ortance to address the President, you will please do so.
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632 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Chap.LXIL
The subject, in gross, is involved in the general question of the policy
of the Government withdrawing or removing their troops from Arizona,
the sonthern part of New Mexico. You are well aware that the inhab- •
itants of that Temtory are comparatively few and greatly scattered,
and therefore in existing circumstances are dependent upon the Gov-
ernment of the United States for protection. The later intelligence
that we have here from Arizona is that the Apaches and other tribes of
Indians are very troublesome, and together with secessionists from
Texas, with whom the Indians seem to be in league, are becoming more
and more hostile and are committing great depredations. Bobbery
and murder upon an extensive scale seem to be the order of the day.
It is understood, and I conclude correctly, that some of the Govern-
ment forts are already abandoned, and if the same policy is continued
the Territory will be overrun with Indians and secessionists; conse-
quently all of the better class of i)eople and settlers will be driven out
of the country. There are individual cases, with which I have some
acquaintance (among which is a son of mine) and from which cases
comes the urgent request to pray the Government that the garrisons
be not broken up and the troops not removed. If they are withdrawn
we shall have to follow. True, these are individual cases, but the cir-
cumstance applies to all the better class of settlers in the whole Terri-
tory. Therefore it becomes a question whether the Government will
permit this state of things to proceed. Surely it would seem, in view
of the small number of troops now in the Territory, that rather more
should be sent there than that those there should be called away.
I have the honor to remain, sir, your obedient servant,
JOHN B. MILLS.
War Department, Adjutant-General's Office,
Washington, /September 24, 1861.
Col. Thomas R. Cornelius,
Hon. B. F. Harding, and
B, P. Maury, Esq.,
0/ Oregon :
Gentlemen : The War Department being convinced of the necessity
of raising a body of troops m Oregon to meet all exigencies which may
exist there, and with a particular view to the defense of the frontier, I
am directed to authorize you to raise for the service of the United States
one regiment of mounted troops, to consist of ten companies, with
Thomas R. Cornelius as colonel and R. F. Maury as lieutenant-colonel
thereof. The two majors will be selected hereafter. B. F. Harding is
appointed quartermaster of the regiment, and will be mustered into the
service immediately upon the receipt of this letter by any Army officer
in his vicinity. If no Army officer be near him, Mr. Harding will muster
himself into service, taking the oath of allegiance before a civil magis-
trate. As soon as mustered into service Quartermaster Harding will
act as mustering officer for the remainder of the regiment. The organ-
ization of the regiment will be in strict accordance with that prescribed
for ten companies of cavalry in General Orders, No. 16, of 1861, from
this office, a copy of which is herewith inclosed.* The medical officers
of the regiment will be one surgeon and one assistant surgeon, to be
competent men, appointed by the colonel. The company officers of the
regiment wUl be appointed by you from men deemed competent for the
positions. Every man will be required to furnish his own horse and
*S«e Series IV, Vol. I.
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Cha». Lxn.) CORRESPONDENCE — ^UNION AND CONFEDERATE. 633
horse eqaipments, as prescribed in General Orders, No. 15, of 1861,
from this oflSce, a copy of which is also herewith inclosed.* The colonel
will be mastered in upon the receipt of this order, and is authorized to
make all necessary requisitions upon any IJ. S. qnartermaster or com-
missary for the supply and support of his command. The qnartermaster
and mustering officer hereby appointed is also authorized to contract
for supplies for the regiment at the lowest market price, and to furnish
them upon the requisition of the colonel as fast as the companies are
mustered into service, provided the supplies cannot be obtained by
requisitions upon the U. S. officers, as hereinbefore specified. In all
accounts for such expenditures or contracts, the fact must be stated
that the supplies could not otherwise be procured, and that the price
paid was the lowest market price. The clothing, arms, and equipments,
other than horse equipments, for the regiment will be procured by requi-
sition npon the commanding officer of the District of Oregon or the
Department of the Pacific. Owing to the great distance between Wash-
ington and Oregon these instructions mast necessarily be general, but
tbe Department, acting upon the strong recommendation of the Hon.
E. D. Baker, Senator from Oregon, relies confidently upon the prudence,
patriotism, and economy with which you will execute this trust. Unless
otherwise ordered you will be governed by any directions sent to you by
Col. E. D. Baker, and will under all circumstances report your conduct
in the premises to the War Department through the Adjutant-General
of the Army.
I am, gentlemen, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
L. THOMAS,
Adjutant-General.
Special Obdebs, ) Hdqbs. Department of the Pacific,
No. 180. ) San Frandseo, September 25, 1861.
2. The counties of San Luis Obispo, Buena Vista, Tulare, Santa Bar-
bara, Los Angeles, San Bernardino, and San Diego, in the southern
part of the State of California, will constitute a command within this
department to be known as tbe District of Southern California, head-
quarters at Los Angeles. Col. George Wright, Ninth liegiment of
Infantry, is assigned to the command of the district.
3. The headquarters of the Fourth Regiment of Infantry will be sta-
tioned at San Bernardino, to which point Bvt. Lieut. Col. Robert 0.
Buchanan, major Fourth Infantry, with the regimental staff' and band
will proceed.
• ••••••
By order of Brigadier-General Sumner:
richd. c. drum.
Assistant Adjutant-General.
Camp on Eel Riteb, Cal.,
Sixty-five miles southeast of Fort Humboldt, September 26, 1801.
AssT. Adjt. Gen., Dept. of the Pacipio,
San Francisco, Cal.:
Sib : I have the honor to report that I have selected this point as the
site for the new military post to be called Fort Seward. It is by far a
"SeeSericslV, Vol. I.
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634 0PEBAT10K8 ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Chap. Lxn.
better location than any that conld be found after a diligent and care-
ftil examination ou Larrabee's Greek or Van Dasen, besides being in
the heart of the Indian country. It is about fifteen or sixteen miles
farther from Fort Humboldt than the camp occupied by the detach-
ment of Company B, Sixth Infantry, on the 10th of July last. The
trail after leaving Hydesville, twenty-two miles this side of Fort Hum-
boldt, will be very difBcult to pack supplies over after the Ist of Decem-
ber until the Ist of April, as some of the mountains over which it passes,
I am told, will have from two to five feet of snow on them. I think by
£a,r the most economical plan of getting supplies here would be to have
a large skiff boat built near HydesviUe, or at Humboldt Bay, capable
of carrying ten or fifteen tons. Such a boat could be managed by six
or eight men of the command, and could probably be had for $150 or
$200. Of course I would not recommend a boat to be built until the
river is first examined by an of&cer to ascertain the practicability of its
navigation. I am informed that white men have been up this far in
canoes. There is a good wagon road from Fort Humboldt to Ilydes-
ville; or, the supplies could be boated down the bay to Myers' Landing;
thence by land across Table Bluft' to Eel Biver is less than two miles.
How long it would take to make the trip up the river it is impossible
for me to say — probably ten or twelve days. As many hours would
suffice for the downward trip. Three or four yoke of oxen are abso-
lutely necessary to haul the logs for building. They can be bought
here at from js60 to $120 per yoke, according to quality. A circular
saw-mill will be much needed, and a competent man to set them up and
ran them. Except the first sergeant, whose term of service expires
early in November, there is but one man called a carpenter in the com-
pany, and he is a very indifferent mechanic. It will, therefore, be
necessary to modify very materially the plans of buildings sent me. I
should like authority from the commanding general to put the laun-
dresses' quarters in some other place more convenient to water, rather
than on the opposite side of the square from the company quarters. I
see by the newspapers that I was promoted into the Tenth Infantry in
May last, and I suppose may expect orders by every mail.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
CHAS. S. LOVELL,
Captain, Sixth Infantry, Commanding.
Arlington, September 27, 1861.
Hon. S. Gamebon,
Secretary of War:
I take the liberty to introduce Golonel Wallace, delegate from Wash-
ington Territory, with whom I was acquainted while on duty in that
country. The suggestions of Golonel Wallace in regard to preventing
Indian devastations are valuable from his intimate knowledge of the
country tributary to the sound and the Golumbia River. I have dis-
cnssed his plans with him, and I think them good if directed by a reg-
OJAT officer who knows the character of the Indians and the country.
I am, sir, with high respect, your most obedient servant,
E. D. KEYES,
Brigadier- Oeneral.
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cmp. lxn.] correspondence — ^union and confederate. 635
• Hbadquariees Dbpabtkbnt op the Pacifio,
San Francisco, September 27, 1861.
His Excellency John G. Downey,
Oovemor State of California, Sacramento City, Cal.:
Governor : I have received yours of the 25th. It is impossible to
receive anymore companies into the Second Cavalry. I have now
twelve companies, after consolidating the two smallest. The law
authorizes this number, but I would have preferred having but ten. 1
think with you that the Los Angeles company should be mustered into
Carleton's regiment of infantry, and I have given the order.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
E. V. SUMNER,
Brigadier- General, U. S. Army, Commanding.
Special Orders, ) Hdqrs. Department of the Paoipio,
No. 181. ) San Francisco, September ^, 1861.
The companies of the Second Refriment of California Volunteer
Infantry in camp at Hunter's Point will proceed to-morrow morning to
Camp Sumner, near the Presidio, where the organization of the regi-
ment will be completed.
By order of Brigadier General Sumner:
RICHD. C. DRUM,
Assistant Adjutant-General.
Headquarters Department of the Pacifio,
San Francisco, September 27, 1861.
Col. Benjamin L. Beall,
First Cav., Comdg. Dist. of Oregon, Fort Vancouver, Wash. Ter. :
Colonel : From recent information received from Washington by
the general commanding the department, it is probable you will be
cited to appear before the board for retiring disabled of&cers. The
general desires me to inform you that upon the receipt of this order
you will in consequence be relieved from the command of the district
to enable you to comply therewith.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
RICHD. C. DRUM,
Assistant Adjutant- General.
Fort Fauntlerot, N. Mex, September 27, 1861.
Hon. Simon Cameron:
Sir: As an old printer and soldier of the line in the grand Union
Army, I exercise the privilege of addressing yor this communication.
Having resided sufficiently long in New Mexico and Arizona to become
measurably acquainted with the wants and wishes of the people, of
acquiring a pra(;tical knowledge of the geographical, physical, and
moral condition of the country, and learning to a considerable extent
the peculiarities of the inhabitants who are spread over this vast Ter-
ritory, a region nearly four times as large as the State of Missouri, I
feel that I can with some degree of safety and accuracy describe to you
the present political condition and standing of the community. After
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636 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Cmi.LXIL
theconqnest of Kew Mexico in 1846 by the army tinder theltommandof
General Stephen W. Kearny, the people hereof have had a snccesslon
of military and civil governors, embracing General Kearny, <3ol6nel
Washington, Golonel Weightman, Col. John Muuroe, Colonel Garland,
Major Bonneville, Colonel Fauntleroy, and Col. W. W. Loring, besides
Governors Calhoun, Lane, Meriwether, and Rencher. I am not aware
thateither of these gentlemen, comprising a list of high-sounding names,
ever distinguished themselves by any signal abilities or left their impress
upon the statutes or improved the pecuniary condition of the inhabi-
tants, their manners or morals. There are no visible monuments in the
Territory or gilded marks of progress or improvement to denote their
deeds as warriors or acqniremente as civilians. In 1860 New Mexico
had a population of 50,000 souls, now (1860), according to the census
returns, the whit« inhabitants, or those free bom, exclusive of U. 8.
soldiers and Indians, number some 93,000. To govern this country
requires a greater degree of administrative ability, comprehensive
sagacity and research, matured judgment, and wise forecast, energy,
and decision of character than is required to govern the great States or
New York or Pennsylvania. In the Empire and Keystone States the
Executives can rely upon aid and information furnished by the daily
and weekly press of the cities and country towns, by the intelligence
communicated far and near, upon the staid character of the community,
the pulpit, and the school-house, the love of order, the observance of reli-
gious solemnities, the sanctity of morals, and improvements incident to
a civilized and populous community. Here there are no snch auxiliary
tributaries to ftirnish intellectual and moral food for the governing
power, nothing but a wild and thinly populated frontier Territory com-
posed of a mixed and incongruous population with rude and nomadic
tribes of Indians, numbering some 40,000, besides the friendly Pueblos,
Gilas, Apaches, Pimas, and Maricopas. This country, stretehing from
the Kansas borders or Indian Territory west of the Arkansas, extends
to the Colorado River west and to the Mexican line of Sonora (31° 20'
north latitude) on the south. The governors of New Mexico somehow
or other never have paid the slightest attention to the will or wishes or
wants of the people of the district of Arizona, and hence the citizens of
that expansive region, under the political teachings of Philemon T. Her-
bert, Judge Edward McGowan, Samuel J. Jones, Lieut. S. Mowry, Judge
Lucas, Governor Owings, Granville H. Oury, Colonel Ewell (of the U.
S. Army), and others, sought to erect, a little over a year ago, a pro-
visional government, embracing the region lying between La Mesillaon
the Bio Grande and extending north to the Gila, west to the Colorado,
and south to the Sonora line. Our country, stretehing more than 1,000
miles along the Mexican frontier, requires a vigilant eye to be kept upon
the machinations of the secession forces who are now straining every
nerve, using every device, pulling every cord with might and main to
circumvent the supporters of our glorious Union, and incorporating the
States of Nuevo Leon, Coahuila, Chihuahua, Durango, and Sonora,
Mexico, into the Government of the Confederate States of the South.
For this purpose Jeff. Davis, the rebel chief, has dispatched secret agents
to the governors of the States above enumerated to induce them to
secede from the Republic of Anahuac and join the standard of the secesh-
ers. While all this is going on, or has been transpiring under their very
eyes and noses, what have the governors of New Mexico been doing to
avert the fatal catastrophe t Listless and apathetic, if not secessionists
at heart, they are the next thing to them, and have remained as dormant
and passive as old Mrs. Partington with her door mop. The time has
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Ciup. LXn.] CORRESPONDENCE — UNION AND CONFEDERATE. 637
arrived when a "Sir Forcible Feeble" policy will not answer for the
region of the Rio Grande. The Texas rebels and Arizona cut-thi-oats,
like the ancient Ctoths and Vandals, are at the very gates, the portals
of the Union, ready with battering cannons to demolish the fairest
fabric of freedom ever devised by the wit of man. And what has been
done or is doing to prevent them from realizing their ardent longing
and desires T The demolition of a free Bepublic and the erection in its
stead of a military slavery, extending empire, is the ultimate object of
the leaders. The restless eye of Jeff. Davis is particularly bent on
Arizona. That country was purchased by him of Santa Anna. I say
by Davis, for it was by his influence in the Cabinet, the identical man
who swayed the councils of President Pierce, who originated the meas-
ore and urged it forward until its final completion. He had an object
of no ordinary consideration to accomplish. He is the owner of
''Empresario grants," in Chihuahua, purchased many years ago of Itnr-
bide and others, which cover extensive silver mines. Arizona was his
bean ideal of a railroad route to the Pacific. It was to him the terra
incognito of a grand scheme of intercommunication and territorial
expansion more vast and comphcated than was ever dreamed of by
Napoleon Bonaparte in his palmiest days of pride and power. With
an eye that never winked and a wing that never tired has Jeff. Davis
tbr more than ten years past turned his thoughts and desires to the
Mexican line for indefinite expansion. Hence all the appointments in
New Mexico (civil and military) under Fillmore, Pierce, and Buchanan
were made solely and exclusively with reference to future operations in
this quarter of the Union. With him were banded Benjamin, Gwin,
Slidell, and Toombs. No nominations during this period were sent to
the Senate or passed by that body without undergoing his scrutiny. I
have seen letters from him to some of his present allies written years
ago, which shed light on his present movements. Every military order
for the removal or stationing troops in this region during thelasteight
or ten years was subject to his approval. His military prototypes and
prot6g^8 — Ewell, Fauntleroy, Steen, Loring, Longstreet, Crittenden,
Grayson, Bhett, Reynolds, &c. — were placed here purposely to second
and forward his ulterior designs. Magruder, too, and others in Cidi-
fornia were co-operating with him, giving him aid and comfort to carry
out his villainous schemes, I have said above that it requires more
than ordinary administrative ability to govern this Territory. I repeat
that declaration. A statesman of unquestioned talents, who can com-
prehend his epoch and look somewhat into the vista of futurity, is want-
ing here to be placed at the head of the government. A governor is
necessarily thrown upon his own resources in assuming to govern the
people of New Mexico. If he has paucity of intellect, no staid or fixed
principles, no wise or comprehensive views of statesmanship, no ripe
judgment, no iron will or determination to guide him, he will be a per-
fect cipher, a mere pumpkin-head at the helm of affairs. I speak it
more in sorrow than in anger when I say that the governing power in
New Mexico for the period since it has been under the jurisdiction and
subject to the American Union has been anything than possessing a
vigorous grasp and characterized by energy and ability. The numerous
Indian wars, the disregard of law and open defiance of courts and leg-
islative enactments, the murders and robberies which are perpetrated
with impunity all over the country, the demoralization of the U. S. Army,
and the abandonment of their duty and of the Union in solemn contra-
vention of their oath of officers high on the roll of military fame have
all measurably proceeded from want of vigor and decisive action on the
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638 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. (CSbap. LXn.
part of the executive head. Where there is no power to curb or restrain
the populace, mob law and irresponsible rule will run riot over the land.
Nothing is plainer and more certain. Sir, the frontier Territories, like
Utah and New Mexico, Colorado and Nevada, &c., require men of brains
and nerve to govera them. In the persons of Governor Nye and Gov-
ernor Gilpin (of Nevada and Colorado) there are men appointed fit to
be governors. Such has not been the case either in Utah or New
Mexico. Hence polygamy and slavery and peonage, twin relics of bar-
barism and the offspring of an oligarchy, have had sway and are held
up as an example of patriarchal observance for the guidance of the
masses, instead of bringing them up to an enlightened standard of civ-
ilization, of progress, and improvement. It is about time that these
institutions, relics of a dark age and of a deleterious tendency upon
the customs and manners of the people, were swept out of existence.
I thought this was part of the task to which the Bepublican party had
pledg^ itself not to overlook. The duty to perform that which has
been solemnly promised in full and open convention and ratified by the
people in their primary capacity in the exercise of their constitutional
privilege should not, in my humble judgment, be passed over for slight
or transient causes. I undertake to say that four-fifths of the voting
population of New Mexico are utterly opposed to the incorporation of
the slave code in the statutes of this Territory. Yet there it is, by vir-
tue of the slave power exercising its influence through the accredited
agents (civil and military) of the Federal Government. The ofQce-
holders, the tools of JefT. Davis and company, put the slave code in the
statutes of New Mexico and not the people, but in utter violation of
their will and desire. Out of the three companies of Second Regiment
of New Mexico Volunteers, A, B, and C (Captains Pino, Sena, and Baca y
Delgado), among the rank and file, the common soldiers whom President
Lincoln has eulogized as being true to the Union and loyal to the Con-
stitution, after polling them thoroughly on the question, I did not find
a solitary individual in favor of the slave code. They are all liepabli-
eaus of the strictest sect. I believe it is so all over the Territory.
Why, then, should this slave code, more odious and bloody than the
code of Draco, be longer suffered to pollute the statute laws of this Ter-
ritory, where Daniel Webster declared that the ordinances of God had
forbidden its introduction, and he was opposed to their re-enactment,
and where Henry Clay declared in 1825 and in 1850 that no earthly con-
sideration, no power of man, should compel him to vote for the intro-
duction of slavery to territory that was free from the curse and crime t
Sir, it should be scorched out and will be at the next session of the Ter-
ritorial Legislature, unless, as heretofore. Federal ofiice-holders forbid
the bans. Is it not certain that Collins and Connelly, appointed by a
Bepublican Administration to the Indian snperintendency and governor-
ship of this Territory, were the friends of Mr. Pierce, of Buchanan, and
Jeff". Davis t Were they not the adjuncts and co-operators of the
Fauntleroys, Graysons, and Lorings? Are they not pro slavery propa-
gandists t Did they not favor the enactment of the slave codet Did
they not oppose its repeal t Is it not certain that they would be found
on the side of the Confederate States of the South if their voices and
votes and wishes could decide the contest? And is not the Santa F4
Gazette, published by Collins, a secessionist paper per set I pretend
to understand English and can read, and I do not hesitate to say
that it has been a secessionist paper in the past, and a dissimulating
one at that. It is a little more cunning than the N. Y. News, but is
equally as mischievous. It publishes all the telegraphic rei)orts in
favor of the rebels and suppresses the accounts in fovor of the Union
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CBAf.LXn.] COREESPONDENCE — UNION AND CONFEDERATE. 689
cause. To sappress a fact is equal to utteriag a Msehood. Both are
deficient in brains for the posts which they fill, if their opinions and
predilections were not obnoxious to the Tast majority of the voting
population of this Territory. The sequel will show that I do not under-
estimate public intelligence or the virtuous instincts of the people of
New Mexico. Had a !^publican governor been appointed for this Ter-
ritory last May (instead of old Itencher, who is fit, perhaps, to govern
Buncombe or Currituck Counties, in North Carolina) and sent to Santa
F6 the robbing of Government trains, the burning and surrendering
of military posts, and the disgraceful sun>ender of old Lynde, super-
annuated and unfit for service, of a U. S. force of 750 men to 350 Ari-
zona cut-throats would never have occurred. It seems to me it was a
great oversight in not sending to the Rio Grande from California three
months ago some 10,000 or 12,000 troops, infantry and cavalry, to crush
out the Texas and Arizona rebels. I fear it is too late now. I fear very
much that the Confederate forces under the lead of General A. S. John-
ston (formerly commanding officer in Utah and California), Ool. John B.
Baylor, Major Armistead, M%jor Waller, Colonel Ford, and Col. Thomas
J. Mastin (a young, bold, chivalrous, and talented, but mistaken, Mis-
sissippian, the finend and pet of Jeff. Davis) will form a junction at La
Mesilla before the arrival of troops from California and Kansas, cap-
ture Fort Craig (as they did Fillmore), Albuquerque, and Santa F4, and
thus get a permanent foothold in New Mexico, as they now have in
Arizona. 1 very much fear this. Should such be the case, the Union
cause will be terribly menaced, if not absolutely lost, on the Pacific side.
Sir, in war there must be resolution, energy, will, iron will, and nerve to
push things to their very utmost. Old fogy generals and governors
have played the deuce with this region. They have permitted the
demoralization of the army and the people, the spread of faro and monte
banks, the reign of lynch law and fllibusterism, vice and crime to run
riot, and virtue, liberty, and intelligence to be overslaughed. There
must be a change, a radical change, or the country is undone. Last
winter a distinguished citizen of Pennsylvania (ex-Governor David R.
Porter) and General DuflF Green, of Washington City, obtained ftom
the Territorial Legislature of New Mexico the passage of an act grant-
ing them and their associates the exclusive right of way or privilege for
a period of five years to run or build railroads through this Territory.
And why ? They were doubtless looking ahead for connecting Mem-
phis and New Orleans with Guaymas on the California Gulf, via Fort
Smith, the Southern Overland Mail Route, to El Paso on the Rio Grande,
thence through Chihuahua and Sonora (Mexico) to the terminus. In
this project they were seconded by Don Angel Frias, ex-Governor of
Chihuahua, and Governor Ignacio Pesqneira, of Sonora, besides Eng-
lish, French, Mexican, and American capitalists to back them. The
secession movement has thrown this project in the background, perhaps
will destroy it altogether. The scheme was a feasible one, and there
were men at the head of it who would have carried it out. The valley
of the Rio Grande at the present time is an isolated region, but eventu-
ally it will be to the American Union (should it continue perpetual, one,
and indissoluble), what the Rhine is to France and Germany. It will be
settled by the cultivators of the grape and luscious fruits, sugar cane,
and fleecy flocks, and the vine-clad hills will resound with the merry
music of cottagers and vintagers, making the air vocal with stirring
tunes, like Biugen on the Rhine and other songs. Then there is near by,
say in the State of Chihuahua, rich silver mines, which, when properly
developed by science and machinery and the vigorous arms of American
labor, will yield anuuaUy almost as much silver as there is now gold
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640 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. (Chap. Lxn.
extracted tvom the placers and quartz leads of Galifornia. This is no
Utopian idea, but a certain fixed pivotal fact. Peace alone, however,
can develop these treasures, and it remains to be seen whether we shall
have this peace or, through the machinations of Southern conspirators,
the war shall be continued for an indefinite period. In the meantime,
while the war is progressing, I desire especially to call your attention to
the condition of things in this Territory. I have visited five forts —
Buchanan, Breckinridge, McLane, Fillmore, and Fauntleroy — within
the last six months, and at each of these military posts I have uniformly
found the sutlers to be bold, open, and avowed secessionists in favor of
the Confederate States of the South, real, live, pure, adamantine Jeff.
Davis rebels. At Fort Buchanan, White and Granger were secession-
ists; at Breckinridge, John H. Baird, ditto; at McLane, C^eo^ge M.
Dyer and company, ditto : at Fillmore, Samuel J. Jones, ditto, and now
here at Fort Fauntleroy George T. Gillespie is a secessionist in favor of
old Virginia and the South. He is a prot6g6 of John B. Floyd, is from
Southwestern Virginia, and was appointed by Floyd, your predecessor
in the War Office, sent out especially as an adjunct to be relied upon to
advance the schemes of Wise, Floyd, Jeflf. Davis, and company. Shall
he be continued in officet I hope not. I trust not. There is a good, true,
and loyal Union man here, David Beeder, a brother of Capt. Ambrose
Beeder, a well-known steam-boat captain and owner of Saint Louis and
Cincinnati. Mr. Beeder desires this position, the position of sutler.
The question arises : Is it not better to trust such ofiBces to your Mends
than your enemies t If Mr. Gillespie wishes to remain in the sutlership
business, let him go back to old Virginia or to Texas and try his hand
with his brother conspirators, but not remain and suck the blood (charg-
ing about five prices for everything he has to sell to Union soldiers) out
of loyal defenders of the American Government. A razor, for instance,
which you could buy at Chatham street. Four Corners, New York, for
25 cents he asks here the modest sum of $2.50; whisky, $10 per gallon,
and $16 if retailed by the gill; other articles in pretty much the same
proportion. There are now stationed at this post (Fort Fauntleroy)
three companies, A, B, and C, Second Begiment of New Mexico Volun-
teers, commanded by Capts. Manuel D. Pino, Jos6 D. Sena, and Manuel
Baca y Delgado. The commanding officer here is Lieut. Col. Manuel
Chavez. With the exception of five or six, they are all of Hispano-Mexi-
can descent, speaking the Spanish language almost exclusively. Fort
Fauntleroy is located about 140 miles west of Albuquerque on the Eio
Grande. It is far advanced in the Navajo country. It is in latitude
35° 40' and longitude west Irom Greenwich 109° 14' 30". The weather
here at the present time is delightful, the air cool and bracing. The
distance from here to old Fort Defiance (deserted) is about forty-flve
miles; from Fort McLane (burnt down or destroyed), about 120, nearly
due south. The Navsyoes appear to be a peaceable, quiet, inoffensive
sort of Indians, more sinned against than sinning five times over, I ven-
ture to assert. W hite people here do a great many things in this country
and then lay it to the charge of the poor Indians. They get one pound
of beef, perhaps, from the Government and are charged with twenty,
one blanket and are charged with six, one pound of tobacco and charged
with ten, and so on ad infinitum. They are kicked and cuffed about
on all sides, and if they venture to complain or retaliate upon their
oppressors or aggressors a great hue and cry is raised about the
encroachments of the terrible Navajoes. All gammon, for the most
part. Treated with justice and kindness, they will not be troublesome
to the authorities of the United States. Col. Thomas Hart Benton, in
his admirable speech delivered itt the House of Eepresentatives, at
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Chat. UUI.J CORRESPONDENCE — UNION AND CONFEDERATE. 641
Washington, in the winter of 1854^1866 (see Congressional Globe), told
the truth in a manly way about the ]^av%joes and other Indian tribes of
New Mexico. That speech will endure. It wUl '< abide unshaken the
testof human scmtiny, of talents, and of time." If there be a just God,
and all nature and revealed religion would imply that there is, who rules
above, he will yet right the wrongs to which the untutored savages of
the forest have been subjected. They have been badly treated and
deserve the commiseration and fostering care of the American people.
There are persons holding high positions in the civil and military service
of this Territory who can neither read nor write Spanish or English.
Of course their knowledge cannot be very extensive. I again repeat it,
with emphasis, that a governor of this Territory should he possessed of
acknowledged ability, of staid principles, of solid acquirements, of indus-
trious habits, great energy, indomitable will, and firmness of purpose.
Without these his administration of public affairs will prove a failure,
a miserable farce. The times are big with the fate of " Csesar and of
Rome," and without men at the head of affairs who can comprehend the
epoch in which they live and have the nerve and resolution to carry
tliem out, onr system of government will inevitably be overthrown and
a monarchy or despotism erected in its place. There is no escaping the
dread alternative. I have written the foregoing at intervals snatched
from military duty as a sentinel on tlie watch tower. I have no time to
elaborate my ideas as fully as I could wish. These rough notes, how-
ever, may furnish you with a glimpse of the condition of public matters
in this far-distant region of the Union, and give yon a slight idea how
affairs are conducted and progressing in New Mexico and Arizona.
That is the object of this communication, "nothing extenuate or aught
set down in malice." Yesterday was the day set apart by the President
and Congress of the United States as a day of prayer, fasting, and
humiliation for the success of the American arms and the return of
peace. It was not observed at this post. If the trump of the arch-
angel were sounded to-morrow and I was summoned to appear before
the throne of the Great Jehovah to testify, I would aver that the facts
set forth in the foregoing rough notes are true. I have uotbing further
to say.
Respectfully,
WM. NEED.
P. S.— There twe a number of persons in this Territory holding
office who are rank secessionists at heart, but pretend to loyalty to the
Union to cloak their designs and to keep their places on account of the
salary. They are here, as at Washington, mighty cunning, but won't
do to be trusted. They require weeding out. I mark this letter Public
Business (which yon wUI excuse) la order to secure its safe transmission
to Washington.
W.N.
Hbadquabtees Dbpabtment op the Pacific,
San Francisco, September 38, 1861.
Col. E. D. TOWNSEND,
Assistant Adjutant- General, Washington:
Colonel : I have just received the commanding general's dispateh
countermanding the expedition to Texas, and I do feel greatly relieved
thereat. I was willing to undertake it, but I could not feel snre that
I could carry it through, for the difficulties were all but insuperable.
41 B R— VOL L, PT I
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642 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Chap.LXIL
You will have received my letter of the 17th instant, informing the
general that I had changed the destination of the troops ordered on
the overland rente. If I coald have anticipated this last order I should
not have made this change, for 1 should have had troops enough with-
out them for the disaffected part of the State. As this change has
already been made, and nearly all of Colonel Oarleton's command
is now in the southern part of the State, I do not think it advisable
to bring them back at a heavy expense to send them on the overland
route this fall, especially as their presence there is not necessary for
the protection of the mail. A company of the First Cavalry has left
Fort Churchill to march to Ruby Valley and back. Colonel Carleton's
command can move out on the overland road in March next, and thus
save an immense expense in forage for this winter. The hay would have
cost $60 a ton and the barley $9.96 a bushel. I would respectfully ask
the general's sanction for this aiTangement.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
E. V, SUMNER,
Brigadier-General, U, 8. Army, Commanding.
[Indotsemeot.]
Wab DepaETMENT, October 28, 1861,
Approved;
SIMON CAMERON,
Secretary of War.
Spbcial Obdbes, ) Hdqrs. Department op the Pacific,
No. 182. ) San Francisco, September 28, 1861.
1. Capt. Edward O. C. Ord, Third Artillery, having been appointed
brigadier- general of U. S. Volunteers, is relieved from duty in this
department and will comply with instructions received from the
Adjutant-General. The command of Light Company C, Third Artillery,
will be turned over to First Lieut. Edward R, Warner, who will receipt
for all property pertaining to C Company.
• ••••••
3. First Lieut. La Rhett L. Livingston, Third Artillery, will relieve
Capt. E. O. C. Ord in command of Light Company C, Third Artillery,
giving the usual receipts for all property pertaining thereto.
• ••••••
By order of Brigadier-General Sumner:
RICHD. C. DRUM,
Assistant Adjutant- General.
Headquarters op the Army,
Washington, September 30, 1861.
Brig. Gen. George Weight, U. S. Army,
Commanding, &c., San Francisco, Cal. :
Sir: The G«neral-in-Chief directs me to say that, according to the
importance of the frontiers and the temper of the Indians, yon station
in Oregon and Washington Territory a portion of the volunteer force
called out on the Pacific Coast. You can best judge, being on the spot,
of the proi>er disposition to be made of the force.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
B. D. TOWNSEND,
Assistant Adjutant-General.
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chap. i.xn.] correspondence — union and confederate. 643
Hbadquaetees Depabtment of the Pacific,
San Francisco, September 30, 1861,
Col. George Weight,
Ninth Infantry, U. S. Army, San Francisco, Cal. :
Colonel : As you are about to assume the important command of
the southern district of this State, I wish to give yon briefly my views
aud wishes in relation to that section of country. The secession party
in this State numbers about 32,000 men, and they are very restless and
zealous, which gives them great influence. They are congregating in
the southern part of the State and it is there they expect to commence
their operations against the Government. You will take such meas-
ures as in your judgment will most effectually crush out this disloyalty.
It has been tolerated too long already, and I desire that you will put a
sudden stop to all demonstrations in favor of the rebel government, or
against our own. You will please establish a strong camp at Warner's
ranch and take measures to make Fort Yuma perfectly secure. You
will probably find it necessary to place troops at Visalia and Santa
Barbara, but I give no order for this. With the exception of the camp
at Warner's, I wish to leave the disposition of the troops in your dis-
trict entirely at your own discretion. If it should become necessary to
reentbrce your command I will do it at once.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
B. V. SUMNER,
Brigadier- General, U, 8, Army, Commanding.
Special Orders, ) Headquarters of the Army,
No. 160. J Washington, September 30, 1861.
1. Brig. Gen. J. K. F. Mansfield, TJ. S. Army, is assigned to the com-
mand of the Department of the Pacific, and will repair to San Francisco
with as little delay as practicable.
2. Brig. Gen. George Wright, volunteer service (colonel Ninth Infan-
try), will remain in command of the Columbia River, under General
Mansfield.
• ••••••
By command of Lieutonant-General Scott:
E. D. TfOWNSENDl,
Assistant Adjutant- Qenerai.
War Department,
October 1, 1861.
Hon. Gideon Welles,
Secretary of the Navy:
Sir : Your communication of the 2l8t ultimo, asking that General
Sumner may be instructed to station a company at Mare Island Navy-
Yiurd, in California, has been received and referred to General Sumner
for bis action.
I have the honor to be, respectfully,
SIMON CAMERON,
Secretary of War.
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644 OPEEATIONS ON THE PAOIPIC COAST. [CHAf.LXIL
Wab Depabtment,
October 1, 1861.
General E. V. Sumnek,
Commanding Department of the Pacific, San Francisco, Cal. :
Sib : I have the honor to transmit herewith a letter from the Honor-
able Secretary of the Navy for your information.* Too will take such
action in reference to the protection of the navy -yard at Mare Island
as you may deem best for the iuterests of the public service.
Eespectfully,
SIMON CAMEEON,
Secretary of War.
Genebal Obdebs, ) Hdqes. Depabtment op the Pacific,
No, 22. ) San Francisco, October 1, 1861.
Lieut. Col. Edwin B. Babbitt, deputy quartermaster-general, having
reported at these headquarters, is announced as chief quartermaster
on the department staff. Lieutenant-Colonel Babbitt will accordingly
relieve Capt. Ealph W. Kirkham, of the same department, in the dis-
charge of these duties.
By order of Brigadier-General Sumner:
BICHD. C. DRUM,
Assistant Adjutant-GeneraL
Headquabtebs Depabtment op the Pacific,
San Francisco, October 1, 1861.
Lieut. Col. Geobge A. H. Blake,
First Cavalry, U. S. Army, Gomdg. Fort Churchill, Nev. Ter. :
Sib:' The general commanding the department directs me to inform
you that all the regular infantry and cavalry on this coast have been
ordered to New York. The general desires you to have your command
in readiness to be relieved by volunteer troops. The horses pertaining
to the First Cavalry company will be, in addition to their horse equip-
ment's, turned over to the quartermaster's department at that post.
Should the detachment sent to Euby Valley not join you at the time
the relief arrives, yon will leave at Fort Churchill the necessary instruc-
tions for Lieutenant Baker with his detachment to follow you to this
city without delay.
Very respectfully, your obedieut servant,
richd. c. drum,
Assistant Adjutant- General.
San Fbancisoo, October l, 1861—3 p. m
Col. B. L. Beall,
First Cavalry, 0. 8. Army, Comdg. Dist. of Oregon,
Fort Vancouver, Wash. Ter. :
Notify the regular troops in the District of Oregon to be in readiness
to be relieved by volunteers. Recall the detaclunent now with Lieu-
tenant Mullau. All the regulars go to New York.
RICHD. C. DRUM,
Assistant Adjutant- General,
' See September 21, p. 628.
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Chat. LXH] CORRESPONDENCE UNION AND CONFEDERATE. 645
Headquarters Department of tece Pacific,
8an Franeitco, October 3, 1861.
Col. B. D. Townsend,
Asiiatant Adjutant-Oeneralj U. 8. Army,
ffeadquarters of the Army, Washington, D. C*
Colonel: I have received your letter of the 9th oltimo. I have
given orders for the concentration of the regulars, as fast as they can
be relieved by the volunteers, but this will be a work of some time, as
the regiments of foot volunteers fill up very slowly and some of the
posts in Oregon are very remote. Shall I send the regiments of reg-
ulars to the East as fast as I can collect themt
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
E. V. SUMNER,
Brigadier-Oeneral, U. 8. Army, Commanding.
Headquaroters of the Armt,
Washington, October 3, 1861.
Brigadier-General Mansfield, U. S. Army,
Washington, D. C :
Sir: Instead of proceeding to the Pacific, as directed in Special
Orders, No. 160, of the 30th September, the General-in-Chief directs
that you repair to Fort Monroe, Va., and report to Major-Geueral Wool
without delay.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
E. D. TOWNSEND,
Assistant Adjutant- Qeneral.
General Orders, ) Hdqrs. Department of the Pacific,
No. 23. S 8an Francisco, October 2, 1861.
In compliance with instructions received from the General-in-Chief,
the following movements of regular troops in this department are
ordered, preparatory to their sailing for New York:
1. The garrison of each of the several posts in the District of Oregon
will, upon being relieved by volunteer troops, proceed to Fort Van-
couver, from whence they will be sent to this city. The horses and
horse equipments belonging to the company of cavalry at The Dalles
will be turned over to the company of Oregon volunteers; the horses
and equipments pertaining to other companies of cavalry in the dis-
trict will be brouftht to this city.
2. The troops serving in the District of Southern California will, with
the exception of those stationed at Fort Yuma and New San Diego,
be in readiness to concentrate at San Pedro. When relieved by vol-
unteers, the companies at Fort Yuma will unite with that at New San
Diego.
3. The garrisons of Forts Churchill, Humboldt, Bragg, Crook, Gas-
ton, Unipqua, and Ter-Waw will be relieved by volunteer troops.
When relieved, the companies of the Sixth liegiment of Infantry at
these posts will repair to Benicia Barracks, and those of the Fourth
Infantry and First Cavalry to this city. The horses, with their equip-
ments, pertaining to companies of the First Cavalry at Forts Churchill
and Crook will be brought to this city.
4. The headquarters, and Companies C, H, I, and L of the Third
Keginient of Artillery, will be in readiness to sail at a moment's notice.
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646 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. (Chjlp. IHI.
The horses, harness, &c., pertaining to Company C will be turned over
to the quartermaster's department, and the field battery and ordnance
stores to the ordnance department.
5. Lieutenant-Colonel Merchant will at once transfer from Companies
D, H, I, and L of his regiment a sufficient number of privates to make
an ag^rregate of ninety for each of those companies selected to remain on
this coast.
C. Paragraph 1, of Special Orders, No. 166, is revoked. Company L,
Third Artillery, will immediately proceed to the Presidio of Sau
Francisco.
7. The troops directed above to repair to this city, will, upon their
arrival, receive further instructions.
By order of Brigadier-(xeneral Sumner:
R. C. DRUM,
Assistant Adjutant-Oeneral,
Headquahteks Department op the Pacific,
8an Francisco, Cal., October 4, 1861.
Col. Benjamin L. Beall,
First Cavalry, Commanding District of Oregon :
Sir: The general commanding the department oesires you to inform
the acting Governor of Washington Territory that the exigencies of
the service will not permit the issue of arms to any other than those
mustered into the service of the United States.
Very respectfuHy, your obedient servant,
RIOHD. C. DRUM,
Assistant Adjutant-Oeneral.
Headquarters District op Southern CAiiPORNiA,
Los Angeles, October 5, 1861.
M^j. R. C. Drum,
Asst. Adjt. Oen., Hdqrs. Dept. of the Pacific, San Francisco, Cal.:
Major : I arrived at this place last evening. The headquarters of
the Fourth Infantry and troops which came down on the Senator will
reach here to-day. Everything appears to be perfectly quiet in this
place. Captain Davidson is absent with all his command. I under-
stand he has marched in the direction of Fort Yuma to aflbrd protec-
tion to the train of wagons returning from that place. As soon as
practicable I shall put Colonel Carleton on the march for Warner's
ranch with Ins entire regiment. There appears to be some difficulty
about obtaining horses for the cavalry battalion. Lieutenant-Colonel
Davis has declined buyiug any that have been presented at the prices
asked for them. If we had the money to pay at once for such horses as
we want, the best plan would be to send out officers to make the pur-
chase in open market. However, there is no necessity for purchasing
ordinary horses at exorbitant prices. We can wait awhile without
detriment to the public service. There are now only two of the volun-
teer cavalry companies properly armed for service on horseback, and in
a few weeks, at farthest, the horses of the squadron of First Dragoons
will be transferred to the volunteers. Having been but a few hours
here, I have nothing further to communicate.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
G. WRIGHT,
Colonel Ninth lnfa»try. Commanding.
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Chap, hxn.) C0KKE8P0NDENCE UNION AND CONFEDERATE. 647
Headqtjaetbbs District op Southern California,
Lo8 Angeles, October 7, 1861.
Maj. R. C. Drum,
Asat. Adjt. Oen., Mdqr$, Dept. of the Pacific, San JFVancigco, Gal. :
Major: Berewith inclosed you will i-eceive copies of orders I have
issued since my arrival at this place. In consequence of the absence
of all troops from or very near this city, I retained for the present at
tliis place, the headquarters, one company (A) of the Fourth Infantry.
Although not in accordance with the general's orders, yet I trust he
will approve of my action, as there is already a large force at San
Bernardino, and the movement of Colonel Carleton's command will
require all the meaus of transportation at our command. I have, as
you will perceive, ordered Colonel Buchanan to San Bernardino to
inspect the troops and give such orders as to position, &c., as may be
necessary. 1 have sent an express to Fort Ynma with my orders, and
calling for a report of the subsistence, quartermaster's, medical, and
ordnance stores on hand. I am anxious to ascertain the amount of
subsistence, particularly, as the command I am sending to that place
under Colonel Carleton will far exceed in numbers that already there.
I have just seen a reliable gentleman from Arizona, who passed Yuma
about a week since, who represents everytliing as perfectly quiet in that
quarter. The general may rest assured that the disunion feeling in this
section of the State has been grossly exaggerated. There are many
men in this district who came originally from the Southern States, and
who sympathize with them; but those men will not embark in any
revolutionary movements whereby their utter ruin would be rendered
certain. Doubtless there is a class of men, with nothing to lose, who
are always ready to engage in any enterprise in which there is a possi-
bility of bettering their fortunes. With the force at my disposal, this
country will not be in any danger from external or internal foes. Colo-
nel Carleton is diligently engaged in preparing his regiment for the
march to Warner's ranch and Fort Yuma. It is not probable that the
colonel will reach Fort Yuma before the Ist of November. I have sus-
pended further action in the business of purchasing horses for the
cavalry battalion until I hear from department headquarters. The
arrangement made with the gentlemen at this place has proved an
entire failure; neither the horses presented nor the prices demjinded
were acceptable. I believe if we had the cash in hand that all the
horses we want could be purchased at an average cost of from $80 to
$90 each.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
G. WRIGHT,
Colonel, V, S. Army, Commanding.
[IncloBure Ko. 1.]
General Orders, ) Hdqbs. Dist. op Southern California,
No. 1. ) Los Angeles, October 4, 1861.
I. In obedience to Special Orders, No. 180, from the headquarters of
the Department of the Pacific, the undersigried hereby assumes com-
mand of this district.
II. OflScers in command of posts or camps within the district will
make to these headquarters weekly reports of their commands, with
the names in full of all commissioned officers present or absent.
III. Until further orders all leaves of absence to either oflBcers or
soldiers for a period of more than twenty-four hours are forbidden,
without previous authority from these headquarters.
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648 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Chap. Lxn.
IV. It is specially enjoined njwn all officers in command of troops in
the district to enforce the most rigid discipline, parsuing a regalar
coarse of theoretical and practical instruction with their officers and
men.
Y. The special objects to be accomplished by the U. S. troops in this
district, and to which the attention of commanding officers will be
directed, are to afford peace, protection, and security to the inhabi-
tants residing within its limits, and to maintain tbe supremacy and due
observance of the Constitution and laws of the United States, as well
as of the State of California.
YI. The undersigned, having served for more than nine years on the
Pacific Coast, appeals with confidence to the patriotic, Union-loving
citizens of Southern California for their cordial assistance and co-opera-
tion in preserving their beautiful country from the horrors of civil war.
G. WRIGHT,
Colonel, U. 8. Army, Commanding.
[Indtwnre Ko. 2.]
SpEOIAL OBDEBS, ) HdQES. DiST. of SotTTHEEN GAXIPOENIA,
No. 2. ) I1O8 Angeles, October 7, 1861.
I. Col. James H. Carleton, of the First Regiment California Volun-
teers, will march as soon as practicable with his entire regiment to
Warner's ranch and establish a camp at that place of four companies,
under the command of a field officer. Colonel Carleton will then move
with the residue of his regiment to Fort Yuma and relieve the garrison
of regular troops at that place.
• ••••••
III. Until further orders the headquarters of the Fourth Infantry,
with Company H, of that regiment, will be established in this city.
The acting quartermaster will furnish quarters for the officers and men.
• ••••••
G. WRIGHT,
Colonel, U. 8. Army, Commanding.
Headquaetees Disteiot op Southern Califobnia,
Loa Angeles, October 7, 1861.
Lieut Col. G. Andbews,
Sixth Infantry, Commanding Fort Yuma, Gal.:
Colonel : Herewith you will receive my orders assuming command
of this district, and also the order for the movement of Colonel Carle-
ton with six companies of his regiment to Fort Yuma.* By the return
express I will thank yon for a report of the stores on hand at Fort
Yuma — subsistence, quartermaster's, ordnance, and medical. I am
specially anxious about the amount of subsistence you may have on
hand, as the command of Colonel Carleton will much exceed your
present strength.
With great respect, your obedient servant,
G. WRIGHT,
Colonel, U. 8. Army, Commanding.
"" See next, ante.
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Chap. LXn.J COEKE8PONDBNCE UNION AND CONFEDERATE. 649
Special Obdebs, ) Headquaetebs Distbict op Obegon,
No. 43. ) Fort Vancouver, Wash. Ter., October 7, 1861.
I. In compliance with instructions received from the headquarters of
the Department of the Pacific, the U. S. troops in this district are noti-
fied to hold themselves in readiness to be relieved by volunteers.
II. The detachment of Company H, First Cavalry, now at the Warm
Springs Reservation, will immediately rejoin their company, and the
entire horses and horse equipage to that company will be turned over
to the Oregon volunteers.
III. The detachments from companies of the Ninth Infantry on duty
as escort to Lieutenant Mnllan's wagon-road expedition will be relieved
and forthwith join their respective companies.
• ••••••
By order of Colonel Beall :
A. C. WILDRICK,
First Lieut., Third Artillery, Acting Assistant Adjutant- Oeneral.
Headqttabtebs Distbiot op Southebn Calipobnia,
Los Angeles, October 8, 1861.
Maj. B. C. Dbttm,
Assistant Adjutant- Oeneral, San Francisco, Gal.:
Majob: I have this day telegraphed you requesting that 40,000
rations of subsistence may be sent down on the Senator to San Pedro.
I presumed that the volunteer troops had subsistence sufficient to
enable them to reach their destination. It was only last evening that
I ascertained that all the subsistence, both at San Pedro and this i)liice,
would barely last until the 17tb instant. Colonel Carleton must take
at least twenty days' subsistence. I shall be glad to get from your
office any late general orders. No. 52, from the War Department, and
No. 13^om Army Headquarters, are the latest I have received.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
G. WRIGHT,
Colonel, U. S. Army, Commanding.
The Dalles, Obbg., October 8, 1861.
Col. B. L. Beall, F. S. Army,
Commanding Military jbistrict. Fort Vancouver, Wash. Ter.:
Colonel : On my way to this place I learned with regret that orders
had been received by you to remove all the regular troops from Wash-
ington Territory and the State of Oregon. While I fully appreciate
the unfortunate necessity which calls for all the available force of
the Government in the Eastern States to quell the rebels who are
endeavoring to overthrow our institutions, at the same time I cannot
be unmindftil of the peculiar condition of our own people. Since the
close of the Indian outbreak in this country in 1856 the Indians have
not been left without the moral effect of quite a large body of troops
scattered through various portions of the country. Within the last
year discoveries of important mines, almost wholly within the reserva-
tion of one of the most powerful tribes of Indians, has induced an
inflnx of miners to that region, thereby rendering outbreaks possible,
if not probable. The Government is now iu arrears in the fulfillment
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650 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. (Chaf.LXII.
of treaty stipolations vrith the Indians, and not onfreqaent mnrmnrs
have been heard from them on that account, and I firmly believe that
the moral effect of the presence of troops is necessary to the mainte-
nance of peace. Difficulties have lately arisen at Oolville with the
Indians in which one white man was killed, and murders have been
rapoTtesA in or ne^r the Bitter Boot Valley by the Snake Indians, and I
understand serious apprehensions are felt by the inhabitants of the
upper country during the winter when the miners shall have left for the
season. Another important consideration which ought to be taken into
account is the fact that among the recent influx of miners to the region
of Walla Walla and the Nez Perc6 country are many persons enter-
taining sentiments of hostility to the Government in the present crisis.
They, in fact, compose fully one-half of those who will remain in that
region during the winter, and threats of taking the military post in
Walla Walla have been made, as I have learned, and I am free to say
I myself entertain fears that if the troops are withdrawn from that
region we shall witness symptoms of rebellion there. The universal
public sentiment here is against the withdrawal of the troops. Occu-
pying the position of superintendent of Indian affairs in Washington
Territory, I can only enter my protest against this withdrawal of the
last vestige of protection at a time we most need it In the Uiune of
the feeble settlements which have long struggled, and are still strug-
gling, to establish themselves here, and to keep this portion of our
country loyal to the Union, I would respectfully protest against this
withdrawal of the troops as an act which would not be committed if
our condition was fully understood at home. I trust that you may
make known the necessity of keeping these troops here, and if possible
cause the order of removal to be countermanded.
I am, your obedient servant,
B. F. KBNDALLj
Superintendent of Indian Affairs, Washington Territory.
(First iDdoraement.]
Headquabtebs District of Obeoon,
Fort Vancouver, October 17, 1861.
Respectfully referred to the headquarters Department of the Pacific,
for the consideration of the commanding general.
B. L. BEALL,
Colonel of Cavalry, Commanding.
[Second iodoneineQt.]
San Pbancisco, October 26, 1861.
I regret the necessity, but the orders from Washington are positive
and must be obeyed.
G. WRIGHT,
Colonel, Commanding.
State op Oalipobnia, Bxectttive Department,
8acraMen*4), October 9, 1861.
Brig. Gen. E. V. SUMNEB, U. 8. Army,
San Francisco:
Sib : I inclose herewith copies of a representation and affidavit of
citizens of the counties of Napa and Mendocino relating to the depre-
dations of hostile Indians upon the persons and property of the citizens
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CHAP. Lxn.] COEEESPONDENCE — UNION AND CONFEDERATE. 651
of Long Valley, to which I beg leave to call yoor attention, and to nsk
that you will, if within your power, render the required aid. Before
acceding to the demands of these citizens for State aid I feel it incum-
bent upon me to take all necessary steps toward procuring from the
representatives of the Federal Government such relief as it may be in
their power to afford, as the care and management of Indians is exclu-
sively the province of the Federal Government. A company of cavalry
stationed in Long Valley would give ample protection to the citizens of
this section, and at the same time afford protection to the IT. 8. mail
service, which seems now to be seriously menaced in this region. An
early reply is respectfully solicited.
I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JOHN G. DOWNEY.
[Inolosnre Ko. 1.]
Napa City, October 8, 1861.
To His Excellency John G. Downey,
Governor of California:
The undersigned, citizens of Mendocino and Napa, respectfully repre-
sent to your Excellency that in Long Valley, in said county of Mendo-
cino, tribes of wild and hostile Indians are now, and for a long time
past have been, committing depredations of the most wanton and atro-
cious character upon the white people settled in said valley; that they
have stolen and run off stock, consisting of hogs, horses, and cattle;
that several citizens residing in said valley have become utterly impov-
erished in consequence of the stealing and killing of tbeir stock by said
Indians. And, further, the undersigned represent that said Indians
have within the last twelve months killed and murdered several of the
settlers in said valley and several persons passing through that section
of country. That these outrages have been entirely unprovoked by any
hostile or offensive conduct on the part of the whites, and from no other
motives than those of willful rapine, pillage, and plunder, a rancorous
hatred of the white settlers, and a determination to exterminate or
drive them from the settlements they have made in and about said sec-
tion of country. We farther represent to your Excellency that Mr.
George H. Woodman, the bearer of this memorial, is a resident of said
Long Valley; and that he, together with the rest of his neighbors, has
been a severe sufferer in consequence of numerous thefts of his stock
committed by said Indians. Further, that we have for a long time
known Mr. Woodman as a man of upright character, reliable and
humane. In view of the premises, we respectfully petition your Excel-
lency to take such steps for suppressing the evils herein conjplained of
aa may be in your power.
HENRY EDGEETON.
G. W. TOWLB,
District Attorney, Napa County.
PULASKA JACKS,
County Judge, Napa County.
JAS. H. GOODMAN & 00.
EDWARD MoGARRY.
JOHN B. SCOTT.
G. H. CORNWELU
J. BUTTERFIELD.
ROBERT CROCrCH,
County Clerk, Napa County,
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652 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Chap. Lxn.
(Inclosnre No. 2.]
State of California,
County of Napa:
John Wooden, a resident of Napa County, and Anderson Parley, of
the same place, being duly sworn, depose and say : That they were in
Long Valley, Mendocino County, during the four days succeeding the
2l8t day of September, A. D. 1861. That they were informed by the
settlers in Long Valley and it was generally r^orted, and by them
verily believed, that near said valley one man was attacked by a baud
of Indians and shot, receiving three wounds from them. That another
man was shot at and the ball passed through his hat while on his head.
That the same band of Indians, in number from thirty to forty, took
the horses belonging to the men who were shot, and killing three of
them, drove off the rest, in all eleven head. We were also informed
that a band of Indians, supposed to be the same above mentioned, had
taken the mail station at Pine or Spruce Grove, situated about forty
miles from said valley, burning the building and hay and driving off
all the stock belonging to the mail company at that place. That they
(the said Indians) threaten to kill and drive out all the white settlers
residing in that region of country, and boldly make these threat* to the
whites. That they are well armed with rifles and revolvers and well
understand the use of said weapons.
hU
ANDERSON X PARLEY.
mark,
his
JOHN X WOODEN.
mark.
Attest:
G. W. TOWLE,
Subscribed and sworn to before me this 5th day of October, A. D. 1861.
G. W. TOWLE,
Notary Public.
General Orders, ) Hdqrs. Department of the Pacific,
No. 25. \ San Francisco, October 9, 1861.
The following movements of troops will be made at the time specified :
1. Companies A, B, C, D, and E, of the Second (Lippitt's) and five
companies of the Pourth ( Judah's) California Volunteer Infantry, under
the command of Mi^. James P. Curtis, of the Second, and Lieut. Col.
Harvey Lee, of the Fourth, respectively, will be in readiness to embark
on the 17th instant for Port Vancouver. The distribution of these
companies* to the several posts in the District of Oregon will be made
by the district commander, who will receive special instructions on the
subject.
2. Each of the following posts will be garrisoned by one company of
the Third Regiment of California Volunteer Infantry (Connor's) : Ports
Bragg, Gaston, Ter-Waw, and the new post established on Eel River.
3. Colonel Smith, Second California Volunteer Cavalry, will immedi-
ately mount and equip two companies of his regiment and have them
in readiness to pro<',eed to Fort Churchill on the 17th instant. The
commander of this force will be designated hereafter.
• ••••••
By order of Brigadier-General Sumner:
R. C. DRUM,
Assistant Adjutant- General.
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chap.lxa.] correspondence ^union and confederate. 663
Heasquabtebs First Califoenia Volunteers,
Camp Latham, near Los Angeles, October 9, 1861.
Col. Geoeoe Wright, U. S. Army,
Comdg. Southern District of California, Los Angeles, Ctil.:
Colonel: Inclosed here\dth please find an order directing the
movement to-morrow of four companies of infantry toward Warnei-'s
ranch. The transportation will be at least fourteen out of the fifteen
wagons now here — ^perhaps all of them — so that it will be necessary to
hire transportation snfflcient to move the remaining companies when
the subsistence stores come to hand. Mr. Banning is the only person
I know who can supply this transportation by that time. Colonel
Swords, deputy quartermacter-general, I am informed, paid him $30
per day for each team hauling 4,000 pounds across the desert to Yuma,
Mr. Banning furnishing forage and everything required for the team-
sters and teams. Mr. Banning will now get a train ready to move
these companies at the same price. I desire your authority before I
enter into negotiations with him to this end. Surgeon Prentiss has
made a requisition for an ambulance to accompany the command which
moves to-morrow. If you have one at Los Angeles please direct it to
be here this evening if you can spare it. If you have none Mr. Ban-
ning has one which can be hired. The Government teams which leave
to-morrow will at once be put upon the road to San Diego to haul sup-
plies to Warner's ranch. The ten teams now com ing from San Francisco
can be held here for the five companies of cavalry. Captain Moore,
who was to have furnished the tenth company of infantry, produced
but twenty-six men. I would not accept them as a company, but have
mustered them in with this understanding: If the captain can get
additional men enough in eight days to make sixty I will call that
number a company and organize it. If he fail to produce the men then
these are to be assigned to other companies.
I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JAMES H, CARLETON,
Colonel First California Volunteers.
Headquarters District of Southern California,
Los Angeles, October 9, 1861.
Col. J. H, Carleton,
First Infantry California Volunteers,
Comdg. Troops at Camp Latham, near Los Angeles, Cal. :
Colonel: I have received your communication of this date. I
approve of your arrangements,. and authorize yon to hire such trans-
portation from Mr. Banning as may be necessary for the movement of
the remaining portion of your regiment when the subsistence stores
reach you. If the quartermaster at this place has a suitable ambu-
lance, it will be sent to yon this evening or early to-morrow morning.
If he has none, you can hire one.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
G. WEIGHT,
Colonel, JJ. S. Army, Commanding.
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654 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Chap. LXU.
Headquakters of the Abmy,
Waghington, October 10, 1861. (Eeceived November 5.)
Brig. Geu. George Wright, U. S. Army, or
Commanding Oppicee, Department of the Pacipic,
San Franei8co,.Cal. :
Sir : The General-in-Chief directs that one of the companies, Third
D". S. Artillery, to be left on duty in the Department of the Pacific, be
stationed at San Juan Island in command of discreet ofiBcer.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
E. D, TOWNSEND,
Assistant Adjutant- General.
Headquarters District of Southern California,
Los Angeles, October 10, 1861.
Miy. B. C. Drum,
Asst. Adjt. Oen., Hdqrs. Dept. of the Pacific, San Frwndsco Cal :
Major: Major Bigg, of the First California Yolonteer Infantry,
marched this day with four companies of that regiment for Wamei^s
ranch. The residue of the regiment, under Colonel Carleton, will
move as soon as the subsistence stores arrive which I asked for by the
Senator. As soon as Major Bigg reaches Warner's ranch his train
of wagons will be sent to San Diego for subsistence. I have nothing
si>ecial to report to-day.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
G. WEIGHT,
Colonel, U. 8. Army, Commanding.
Hdqrs. First Infantry California Volunteers,
Camp Latham, .tear Los Angeles, October 10, 1861.
[Mtyor Bigg:]
Major: On your arrival at Warner's ranch, on the road toward
Fort Yuma, you will select a suitable place for an encampment of four
companies of infantry and immediately send ofiF all your wagons (save
two to haul wood, &c.), to San Diego for subsistence stores. Your act-
ing quartermaster will go with the train, and you will instruct hira to
load his wagons with rations complete (all the component parts in just '
proportion) and return at once to your camp. He will go down to San
Diego in tbree days, load at night, if necessary, and return in four days.
I rely upon this for my supplies. Should it so hapi)en that before I
come you should be menaced by enemies of our Government, you will
be sure that the First Infantry is handsomely represented by your bat-
talion. I have great confidence in you and the men you command. I
shall doubtless arrive at Warner's ranch six days after you have gotteii
there.
Besx)ectfully, &c.,
JAMES H. CABLETON,
Colonel First Infantry California Volunteers.
Surveyor-General's Office,
Olympia, Wash. Ter., October 10, 1861.
General Sumner:
Dear Sir: Some two years ago I procured, through the influence of
the superintendent of Indian affairs for Oregon and Washington, the
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CBAP. LXII.] COEEE8PONDENCE UNION AND CONFEDERATE. 655
establishmeut of a military post on Gray's Harbor for the protection of
the growing settlements in that wild and isolated portion of this Terri-
tory. Some of the most wild and hostile tribes are a few miles north
of the harbor. Since the withdrawal of the troops they have given
anmistakable signs of hostile intentions, and I have just learned from
the mail carrier that an Indian had been killed by a white man while
in the act of carrying off his property, they having borne with their
thieving and insolence until it could not be borne with any longer.
Mr. Wm)ds, who shot the Indian to recover his property, is a man that
would not have done an act of the kind without justifiable cause. In
addition to the general interest I feel in the prosperity and safety of
our settlements in this wilderness, I am extremely anxious for the
safety of my children and grand-children, who compose a part of that
settlement. If they should become victims of savage barbarity, I
shall feel that their blood will stain the skirts of those who may have
deprived them of that protection they had a right to expect tcom their
Government, and which the establishment of the post promised them
as an inducement to pitch their tents in that far-ofl° wild. It is true
there are some ten or twelve men there, just enough to provoke the
Indians to hostilities, but not enough to afford protection to the settle-
ments. Troops can be transported from San Francisco to Gray's Har-
bor as readily and as cheap as to Yancoaver. The entrance to the
harbor is safer than that of the Columbia. Besides, small vessels are
coming up every few days to Shoal Water Bay for oysters in ballast,
only twelve miles south of Gray's Harbor, and the two bays connected
by the best beach road to be found on the coast. The steamer to the
sound passes within sight of the barracks, and could touch there with
safety without detaining her two hours. Oaptains Gray and Vancouver
went into the harbor with their ships and report twenty one feet on the
bar, with plenty of water in the channel and in the harbor, with safe
anchorage. Forty years after, Lieutenant Wilkes, of the exploring
expedition, made a survey of the harbor and entrance, and reported
the same result. I have been on the bar recently and sounded it, and
found twenty feet at an unusual low tide. I state these facts to guard
you against the many false reports in circulation in regard to the depth
of water on the bar and the safety of the entrance and harbor. I think
I know your character too well to believe that you would have per-
mitted the abandonment of the post had you been aware of the danger
it involved the settlement in, and I think you will agree with me that
the life of an innocent babe is not to be put in competition with the
cost of supporting a company of soldiers.
Tours, very truly,
ANSON G. HENEY,
Surveyor- Oeneral of Washington Territory.
Hkabquabtebs Department of the Paoipic,
San Francisco, October 11, 1861,
His Excellency John G. Downey,
Governor State of Oalifornia, Sacramento, Gal.:
Governoe: I have received your letter of the 9th instant. If I can
ever get the volunteers I will send enough of them into the Indian
country to preserve order. I shall be obliged to send companies of
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656 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Chap. LXU.
volunteers to Oregon of not more than sixty strong. Is there any way
iu which the raising of these troops can be hastened t
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
E. V. SUMNBK,
Brigadier- Oeneral, U. 8. Army, Commanding.
Special Orders, ) Hdqrs. Department of the Pacific,
No. 191. { San Francisco, October 11, 1861.
I. Lieut. Col. Albemarle Cady, Seventh Regiment of Infantry, is
assigned to the command of the District of Oregon, and will accord-
ingly relieve Ool. Benjamin L. Beall, First Cavalry. When relieved
Colonel Beall will rejiort at these headquarters, preparatory to sailing
for New York with his regiment.
• ••••••
By order of Brigadier-General Sumner:
RICHD. C. DRUM,
Assistant Adjutant-General.
Hbadquarteks District of Southern California,
Los Angeles, October 11, 1861.
Maj. R. C. Drttm,
Asst. Adjt. Gen., Hdqrs. D^t. of tlie Facijic, San Francisco, Cal. :
Major : It is recommended to me by officers who have served long
on this coast, and in this section of the State, that Sau Pedro would b«
preferable to San Diego for the concentration of all the troops in this
district for embarkation for the East. The troops from Fort Yuma can
march to San Pedro in nearly the same time it would take to reach
San Diego, and the company at San Diego can be brought to Sau Pedro
without any expense to the Government. It is supposed that the
steamer which may be employed would not go into San Diego without
being well paid, and if we could concentrate all the troops in the district
at one point it might be a saving of much expense to the Government.
Very respectMly, your obedient servant,
G. WRIGHT,
Colonel, U. 8. Army, Commanding.
[Indoracment.)
October 21, 1861.
Let the i)resent orders be executed. The troops from Fort Yuma
will concentrate at San Diego.
G. WRIGHT,
Colonel, Commanding.
War Department,
October 12, 1861.*
CoL Justus Steinberoer,
Washington, D. C:
Sir : At the request of Col. W. H. Wallace, late Governor of Wash-
ington Territory, you are hereby authorized to raise and organize a
regiment of infantry in that Territory and the country adjacent thereto,
for the service of the United States, to serve for three years, or during
* Another copy of this letter ia dated October 18, 1861.
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CBAr.lxn.) CORRESPONDENCE UNION AND CONFEDERATE. 657
the war. The Governor or Acting (Governor of the Territory will please
aid in perfecting this organization in such manner aa may best promote
the interests of the Government; the list of officers, except the colonel,
to be certified and sent to this Department by the colonel commanding,
with the approval of the Governor or Acting Governor. The organiza-
tion of this regiment is to be in accordance with the general orders from
the Adjutant-General's Department. In case the regular troops shall
have left Fort Vancouver, or the District of Oregon, the colonel herein
authorized will be mustered into service by any Army officer iu San
Francisco, GaL For this purpose Colonel Steinberger will, immediately
upon his arrival in the city, report to the senior officer in San Francisco
for information as to the presence or absence of troops in the District
of Oregon. Iu case clothing, arms, equipage, &c., cannot be obtained
from the Government stores in the District of Oregon, Colonel Stein-
berger is authorized to make requisition for them on the commanding
officer of the Department of the Pacific
THOMAS A. SCOTT,
Acting Secretary of War.
General, Orders, ) Hdqrs. Department op the Pacific,
No. 26. J San Francisco, October 12. 1861.
Capt. Julian McAllister, ordnance department, is announced as chief
of ordnance at these headquarters, and will be addressed accordingly.
By order of Brigadier-Ueaeral Sumner:
RICHD. 0. DRUM,
Assistant Adjutant- General.
Special Orders, ) Hdqrs, Department op the Pacific,
No. 192. ) San Francisco, October 13, 1861.
The detachment of the Sixth Regiment of Infantry at the Presidio
of San Francisco will be sent at once to Benicia, Oal.
By order of Brigadier-General Sumner:
RICHD. 0. DRUM,
Assistant Adjutant-Qeneral.
Headquarters District op Southern California,
Los Angeles, October 12, 1861.
Mi^. R. C. Drum,
Asst. Adjt. Oen., Hdqrs. Bept. of the Pacific, San Francisco, Cal.:
Major: I have been much embarrassed for several months past iu
consequence of a scarcity of officers with my regiment, the Ninth
Infantry. 1 have no staft" officers at my regimental headquarters, Fort
Vancouver, neither have I an officer to assist me iu my present com-
mand. However, it is not staff officers which I need most. I have three
companies of the regiment, without a single officer present belonging
to either of them. On reaching New York the immediate presence of
the company officers will be very necessary, particularly those who
have heretofore served with the regiment, but now absent. I beg the
general to submit this request to the lieutenan^general.
Very respectfully, your most obedient servant,
G. WRIGHT,
Colonel 2»inth Infantry.
42 R R — vol l, pt I
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658 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. (Chap. LXn.
Headquabtebs Depaetment op the Paoipio,
San Francisco, October 12, 1861.
Col. Geobge Weight:
Come here immediately; by stage if quicker than by boat. I leave
for Washington in the next steamer. Denver is to relieve you, and
yon then go East. Order Carleton by express to send three companies
to Port Yuma and return with the rest. Concentrate all the regulars
at San Pedro and San Diego.
E. V. SUMNER,
Brigadier- General, U. 8. Army, Commandijig.
Cold Speing House, October 13, 1861.
Commanding Oppicbe at Foet Walla Walla:
SiE : Some days ago a number of men came here saying there were
over 100 men mining on Salmon River, and were in want of provisions,
and that they had viewed out a good trail as they came out. The con-
sequence was that three trains started for that place, one yesterday and
two the day before. Not knowing that any hostility existed, seven of us
started to overtake the pack trains this morning. When we had pro-
ceeded some seven or eight miles, and when near Eagle-of-the-Light's
camp, he and tw*o other Indians placed themselves in the trail before us,
and said if we went any farther that their men were in the woods close by
and were rea<ly for us, and that we must either go back or be killed.
Eagle-ofthe- Light spoke of Lawyer and others of the Nez Perces as
being fools and were blind, but he could see, and that he would join
the Snakes, and, being united, they would wipe out all the whites who
were in their country, or who attempted to go through it. Now, unless
those men who are on Saliuou River get assistance soon they are in
imminent danger of starving or of being massacred by the Indians. The
miners in this vicinity are very poorly armed. In consequence of this,
and the great need of immediate and prompt action, we would respect-
fully solicit your aid.
C. C. PELTON,
H. CLIFTON,
R. BLEDSOE,
J. CREIGHTON,
J. V. HINES,
A. CARTER,
■ B. BOSTWIC,
D. C. COLEMAN,
L. FRENCH,
[And many othebs.]
Headquaetees Depaetment of the Pacific,
San Francisco, October li, 1861.
Col. Edwaed D. Townsend,
Asst. Adjt. Oen., Hdqrs. of the Army, Washington, I). C. :
Order of the 16th ultimo just received. I leave in the next steamer,
on the 21st instant, with the Third Artillery, part of the Sixth Iqfantry,
and 10,000 muskets. What disposition shall be made of the general
staff officers 1 Colonel Wright ought to remain here in command. The
safety of the whole coast may depend upon it.
E. V. SUMNER,
Brigadier- General, U. S. Army, Commanding.
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Chaf. LXn.) COBBBSPONDENCE UNION AND CONFEDEBATE. 659
Special Obders, ) Hdqbs. Department op the Pacific,
No. 193. } San Frandaco, October 14, 1861.
1. The headquarters and Companies E, G, and K, Sixth Begiment
of Infantry, and the headquai-ters and Companies C, G, H, L, and M,
Third Regiment of Artillery, will embark for Now York on the 2l8t
instant. The deputy quartermaster-general and acting commissary of
subsistence will furnish the necessary transportation and supplies.
• •••»••
4. One of the unmounted companies of the Second Eegiment of
California Volunteer Cavalry will be detailed for temporary duty at
Benicia Barracks, and will proceed to its destination on the 17th
instant.
• • • • • • . •
By order of Brigadier-General Sumner:
RICHD. C. DRUM,
Assistant Adjutant- General.
Headquarters Department of the Pacific,
San Francisco, October 11, 1861.
Lieut. Col. Charles S. Merchant,
Comdg. Third Regt. of Arty, and Presidio of San Francisco, Gal. :
Sib : The following companies of your regiment are selected to remain
on this coast: Companies A and I to garrison Alcatraz; Company B to
garrison Fort Point; Company D to garrison Fort Vancouver. The
general commanding desires you to transfer a sufficient number of men
from the companies ordered East (except Light Company C) to make an
aggregate of ninety for each of the companies at Alcatraz and Fort
Point. You will transfer the men at Fort Umpqua to Company D, of
your regiment, selected to remain at Fort Vancouver. If Lieutenant
Wildrick belongs to either of the companies he will be directed to join
immediately. You will see by the special order of this date that your
headquarters and Companies C, G, H, L, and M sail on the 2l8t instant.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
RICHD. C. DRUM,
Assistant Adjutant- General.
General, Orders, ) Hdqrs. Dist. of Southern California,
No. 2. ) Los Angeles, October 14, 1861.
The undersigned having received orders to repair to San Francisco,
the command of this district is hereby transferred to Ool. James H.
Carleton, of the First Infantry California Volunteers.
G. WRIGHT,
Colonel, U. S. Army, Commanding.
General Orders, ) Hdqes. Dist. of Southern California,
No. 2. ) Los Angeles, Cat., October 14, 1861.
I. The undersigned hereby assumes command of this district.
II. Lieut. Col. Joseph R. West, First Infantry California Volunteers,
with Companies E, G, and H of thatregiment, will on Wednesday morn-
ing, the 16th instant, start en route for Gamp Wright, near Warner's
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660 OPERATIONS ON THK PACIFIC COAST. [Chap.LXII.
ranch. Having arrived at that point, Lieutenant-Colonel West, with
Companies B, H, and I, First Infantry California Volunteers, will pro-
ceed without delay to Fort Yuma, on the Colorado River, and relievo
Lieutenaut-Colonel Andrews and all the regular troops, officers and
men, now serving at that post. Lienteuaut-Colonel West will load his
train with subsistence stores at Camp Wright for the garrison at Fort
Yuma.
• ••-••*•
IV. M^. Edward E. Eyre, First Cavalry California Volunteers, with
the staff and Companies A, D, and E of that regimeut, will proceed
without delay to San Bernardino, Cal., and relieve the regular troops
stationed at that point under Major Ketchum, Fourth Infantry, now
under orders from Colonel Wright, U. S. Army, to proceed to San
Pedro, Cal.
• • • • • • •
JAMES H. CARLBTON,
Colonel First California Volunteers, Commanding.
Special Obdebs, ) Hdqes. Dist. of Southern Oalif'obnia,
No. 4. I Los Angeles, October 14, 1861.
Special Orders, No. 2, of the 7th instant, from these headquarters is
modified as follows: Instead of marching to Fort Yuma with six com-
panies, Colonel Carleton will immediately detail Lieutenant-Colonel
West with three companies to relieve the garrison of Fort Yuma.
Colonel Carleton will then return to this place.
G. WRIGHT,
Colonel, U. S. Army, Commanding.
Special Ordebs, ) Hdqbs. Dist. of Southern California,
So. 5. ) Los Angeles, October 14, 1861.
I. Colonel Carleton will order three companies of volunteer cavalry
to march immediately to San Bernardino to relieve the regular troops
at that place. As soon as relieved the regular troops under Mf^or
Ketehum will march to San Pedro.
II. The headquarters of the Fourth Infantry are transferred to San
Pedro. Lieutenaut-Colonel Buchanan will i)roceed immediately with
the staff, band, and Company H, Fourth Infantry, to San Pedro, where
he will establish a camp and await tbe arrival of the troops from San
Bernardino. The command at Sau Pedro will be independent of that
of the District of Southern California.
G. WRIGHT,
Colonel, U. S. Army, Commanding.
Los Anoeles, October 14, 1861.
Colonel Carleton:
Colonel : I go to San Francisco to-morrow. Three companies of
your regiment go to Yuma. Colonel West cannot go on leave. Must
go to Yuma. The rest of your regiment will remain for the present at
Camp Latham. Come in this afternoon, I want to see you.
Yours,
G. WRIGHT,
Colonel, Commanding.
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Qup. LXn.] CORRESPONDENCE UNION AND CONFEDERATE. 661
[October 14, 1861. — For Baylor to McOuUoch, relating to affairs in
Arizona, see Vol. IV, p. 120.J
Special Orders, ) Hdqrs. Department of the Pacipio,
No. 194. \ San Francisco, October 15, 1861.
1. In consequence of the withdrawal of the regular troops from this
coast the chief of ordnance is authorized to increase, by enlistment,
the detachment at Benicia Arsenal to an aggregate of eighty men.
• • . • • • • •
By order of Brigadier-General Sumner:
BICHD. 0. DRUM,
Aaaiatant Adjutant- General.
Headquarters District op Southern California,
Vamp Latham, near Los Angeles, October 15, 1861.
Maj. W. Scott Ketchtjm,
Commanding at San Bernardino :
Major: Agreeably to instructions received firom Golonel Wright,
U. S. Army, I have ordered M^j. Edward E. Eyre, First Cavalry Cali-
fornia Volunteers, with three companies of that regiment to San Ber-
nardino to relieve the force under your command so as to enable you to
march [to] San Pedro. Please do me the favor to give to Mt^or Eyre
the many useful hints as to the management of affairs in the vicinity of
Bernardino which your experience there may suggest. I count confi-
dently on your kindness in this regard. The major will have to hire a
private physician. Pray inform him who the best man is that can be
employed. Judge Winston's train, which goes out with Major Eyre,
you can have to transport the baggage of your troops to San Pedro.
I shall send an ambulance to San Bernardino with some of the sick of
the cavalry. This ambulance can be used as transportation for Dr.
Handle, ordered to join Colonel West at Chino Banch.
Respectfully, your obedient servant,
JAMES n. CARLETON,
Colonel, California Volunteers.
Headquarters District of Southern Calefoenia,
Los Angeles, Cal., October 16, 1861.
Lieut. Col. George Andrews,
Sixth U. S. Infantry, Commanding at Fort Yuma, Cal. :
My Dear Colonel : You have doubtless received the orders for the
regular troops now under your command at Fort Tuma, to proceed
without delay to San Diego preparatory to embarking for New York.
Lieutenant-Colonel West, First Infantry California Volunteers, whom
you will find to be a most excellent officer and gentleman, goes to Fort
Yuma with three companies of volunteer infantry to relieve you. Pray
put him in possession of all the facts connected with your post, its sur-
roundings, and its defense, which your experience may suggest. The
records, orders, maps, &c., now on file, and the post books, all of which
will come into his possession, will give him much information, but a few
hours' conversation with you will be of the greatest service to him. As
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662 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. (Chap. LXIL
your troops will want only enough of clothing, camp and garrison
equipage, subsistence and hospital stores, and ammunition to last them
to the coast, I beg you will turn over to Colonel West all of these arti-
cles which you can possibly spare. You will only need subsistence to
Camp Wright, near Warner's ranch. There you can draw to last your
command to San Diego. Make use of Mr. Banning's train and ambu-
lance to Camp Wright. There you will give the conductor orders to
proceed with it without delay to San Pedro. The United States pays
$6.30 per day for it. This will admonish you to have no delays en
route. At Camp Wright you will find a Governmeut train and ambu-
lance to convey your baggage to San Diego. If it happens to bo absent
when yon arrive at Camp Wright, encamp there until it comes back, so
as to be certain that there is no delay to the return of Mr. Banning's
train. The quartermaster's and subsistence funds and all means of
transportation pertaining to Fort Yuma not being needed to your com-
mand yon will cause them all to be turned over to Lieutenant-Colonel
West. I shall try to come to San Diego and see you all before you
leave.
With every wish for your health and happiness, I am, my dear col-
onel, very trnly your friend,
JAMES H. CARLETON,
Col, First California Vols., Comdg. Dist. of Southern California.
■ Headquarters District of Southern California,
Los Angeles, October 16, 1861.
Lieut. Col. Joseph B. West,
First California Infantry, en route to Fort Yuma:
Colonel: You are ordered with three companies of the First Infan-
try California Volunteers to march to Fort Yuma to relieve the present
garrison there. It is important to the interest of the service that you
reach there with the least possible delay. Besides, promptness in exe-
cuting orders must be the cardinal point in all movements of the First
Infantry. You must know that Fort Yuma in a strategic point of view
is an outpost to all of Southern California. It is on the line whence
must come the only troops which can possibly menace the State from
Texas or Arizona overland. If- you use circumspection you can never
be surprised there. If you are not surprised your force properly man-
aged, with the desert as an auxiliary, will never be whipped, to say the
least. You will seize all the ferryboats, large and small, upon the
Biver Colorado. All the crossing of the river must be done at one
point under the guns of the fort. All persons passing into Sonora or
to Arizona from California must take the oath of allegiance before they
pass; so must all coming into California by the route overland via
Yuma. Do not hesitate to hold in confinement any person or persons
in that vicinity, or who may attempt to pass to or from California, who
are avowed enemies of the Government, or who will not subscribe to
the oath of allegiance. Keep an exact record of name, place of resi-
dence, age, occupation, and whence he came and whither he is to go, of
each person passing the riyer to or from California. You will assume
control of the steamers on the river, if in your judgment such control is
vital to your safety or to the interests of your Government. You will
promptly report to the officer in command near Warner's ranch and
to myself should you be menaced by an enemy in force. You will
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CHip.Lxn.] CORRESPONDENCE — UNION AND CONFEDERATE. 663
make any, and if necessary every, sacrifice to destroy that enemy before
he reaches this edge of the desert, calling on all the troops at Camp
Wright to assist you by a timely advance should it be necessary to this
end. Keep your command well supplied, in a high state of discipline
and drill, and I have uo fears but that the country "tvill have good
reports of your conduct.
I am your friend and well- wisher,
JAMES n. CAELETON,
Colonel Fint California Volunteers, Commanding.
Hbadqttabtees District of Southern California,
Los Angeles, Cat., October 17, 1861.
Maj. Richard C. Drum,
Assistant Adjutant-General, U. S. Army, San Francisco, Cal. :
Major : Inclosed please find General Orders, No. 2,» l¥om these head-
quarters in relation to the movement of troops to San Bernardino and
to Fort Yuma. Also a copy each of a letter to Mtyor Ketchum,t a let-
ter to Colonel Andrews,| and a letter of instructions to Lieutenant-
Colonel West.§ The six companies designated in the orders marched
from Camp Latham twenty miles toward their destination yesterday,
and are now en route. To-day 1 caused the horses of the squadron,
First U. S. Cavalry, at Camp Fitzgerald, to be transferred to the squad-
ron. First Cavalry California Volunteers, remaining at Camp I^atham.
Will the general authorize the transfer of the Sharps carbines, sabers,
&c., in tbe hands of Davidson's squadron for rifles to be used on ship-
board nntil that squadron reaches the Statest
1 am, major, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JAMES U. CARLETON,
Colonel First California Volunteers, Commanding.
Was. Department,
October 18, 1861.
flis Excellency L. J. S. Titrnet,
Acting Governor Washington Territory:
Sir : Your communication dated Olympia, Wash. Ter., September 2,
has been received. The withdrawal of the force of regular troops from
the District of Oregon has been supplied by authority from this oflBce'
to raise, in the State of Oregon, one regiment of cavalry of volunteers,
and one regiment of volunteer infantry in Washington Territory. Col.
Justus Steinberger has been appointed colonel of the volunteer regi-
ment of infantry to be raised in your Territory, and is fully authorized
to raise, organize, and muster it into the service of the United States
for three years or during the war.
Very respectfully,
THOMAS A. SCOTT,
Acting Secretary of War,
•Seep. 659.
tSee Carleton to Ketchnm, October 15, p. 661.
t See Carleton to Andrews, October 16, p. 661.
i See Carleton to West, October 16, anU.
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664 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. ICha». Lxn.
Headquabtbrs Department of the Pacipio,
San Francisco, October 18, 1861.
Commander B. F. Sands, U. S. Navy,
Commanding U. S. Coast Survey Steamer Active,
Harbor of San Francisco, Gal..
Sir: The general commanding the department acknowledges with
great pleasure the valuable services rendered by the U. S. Coast Survey
Steamer Active, under your command in the transportation of troops
and supplies from this city to San Pedro, Cal.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
BICHD. C. DEUM,
Assistant Adjutant- Oeneral.
Special Orders, ) Hdqrs. Department op the Pacipio,
No. 197. J San Francisco, October 18, 1861.
M^or Lovell's command will be relieved at the new post on Eel River
by Company A of the Third California Volunteers; the latter will ar-
rive in this city in time to embark for Humboldt on the steamer of the
22d instant. The depnty quartermaster-general and acting commissary
of subsistence will secure the necessary transportation and supplies.
By order of Brigadier-General Sumner:
EICHD. C. DEUM,
Assistant Adjutant-Oeneral.
Santa Barbara, October 18, 1861.
Officer in Command of the Forces
OF THE United States at Los Angeles :
The nndersigned most respectfully beg leave to represent that in their
judgment the safety of loyal citizens of the United States residing in
the coanty of Santa Barbara is in great peril. It is well known that
the great bulk of the population of this county consists of native Call-
fomians and Mexicans, none of whom have ever been supposed to enter-
tain a sincere attachment to the Government of the United States.
During a few days past, since the news of the reverses of the Federal
forces at Lexington, bodies of men have collected at night and in the
open day who cheer for Jefif. Davis and Beauregard and make no con-
cealment of their warmest sympathy with the rebels. Some of the
leaders of the native Californians who control the masses at their will
openly declare their sympathies to be with the South. It is believed that
some of these have secretly tampered with and stirred up the general
mass of the native Californians and Mexicans, and it seems certain that
a serious collision mnst result between them and loyal Americans unless
a company of soldiers is sent here without delay. The Californians have
a cannon and all the rifles which were formerly possessed by a mili-
tary company here. The Americans are not well provided with arms,
nor is there any union among the Americans. Indeed, some Ameri-
cans are avowed friends of the rebels, and do much to inflame the
native Californians and Mexicans. The population of this county is
about 4,000. The total number of Americans, counting men, women,
and children, is less than 300. If one or two companies of soldiers are
sent there will be no outbreak, probably. They will at any rate forma
nucleus around which loyal men can rally. Earnestly entreating
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CHAP. LXn.] COERESPONDENCE UNION AND CONFEDERATE. 665
prompt action in the premises, as delay may prove not only dangerous,
but fatal to not only the i)eace of this place but to the lives of loyal
Americans^ we dispatch this by a special messenger, G^rge Stone,
under-sheriff of this county.
Very respectfully,
F. J. MAGUIRE,
County Judge.
CHAS. E. HU'SE,
IHstriet Attorney.
CHAS. E. COOK,
County Clerk.
THOS. DENNIS,
Sheriff.
[Indonement.]
Hbadqttabtees District op Southern California,
Los Angeles, Col., October 20, 1801.
Respectftilly forwarded for the consideration and orders of the gen-
eral commanding the department.
My own opinion is it would be better to put San Diego County (at
least so much of it as includes the Colorado Biver), San Bernardino,
and Santa Barbara Counties under martial law, and so order it that all
malcontents and all open sympathizers with the South be tried by a
military commission. Unless this be done the troops wonld be power-
less to stop seditions language.
JAMES H. CARLETON,
Colonel First Cavalry California Volunteers, Commanding.
Office Indian Aoent, Warm Springs Reservation,
Dalles, Oreg., October 18, 1861.
Captain Whittlesey,
Commanding Fort Dalles, Oreg. :
Sir : I am informed that on the 15th instant a band of Snake Indians
came into the reservation and drove off 100 head of horses, the property
of friendly Indians on the reservation. The Indians report two of
their men missing, supposed to be killed or captured. Owing to this
late incursion of the Snakes upon the friendly Indians, I am compelled
to make a requisition u])on you for a detachment of men to assist in
retaking the property already stolen, and to protect the reservation
from further depredations. Without protection the Indians will not
remain upon the reservation, and the property of the Government wUl
be unsafe.
I remain, respectfully, your obedient servant,
WM. .LOGAN,
Indian Agent, Oregon.
[First indanement.]
Headquarters,
Fort Dalles, Oreg., October 19, 1861.
Acting Assistant Adjutant-General,
Headquarters District of Oregon, Fort Vancouver:
The within communication from the Indian agent is respectfully for-
warded for the action of the commander of the district. While I
feel convinced of the necessity of keeping a picket of fifteen or twenty
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666 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. (Chap. Lxn.
men at the Warm Springs Reservation for the defense of the reserva-
tion Indians against the Snakes, yet having just recalled the detach-
ment of Company B, First Cavalry, in conformity with orders, and
holding my commard in readiness to be relieved from duty here by vol-
unteers, I do not feel authorized to act in the premises. An expedition
should have been made against the Snakes in question this fall, but
this could not well be done at this late setison, and not at all without a
larger garrison at this post than one small company. I would respect-
fully suggest that one company of the California volunteer infantry
about arriving at Fort Vancouver be sent here at once, with orders to
throw out a detachment of twenty men to guard the Warm Springs lies-
ervation for the winter. The company of Oregon cavalry ordered to be
mustered in here makes no progress, and cannot be counted upon for
the defense of this frontier at present.
Very respectfully, &c.,
J. H. WHITTLBSEY,
Captain, First Cavalry, Commandir^ Pott.
[Second indorsement.]
Headquabtbbs Distbict op Obeoon,
Fort Vancouver, November 1, 1861.
By oversight, this was not sent to department headquarters at an
earlier day. It is now respectfully forwarded.
A. CADY,
Lieutenant- Colonel Seventh Infantry, Commanding District.
WiLLABD's Hotel, October 19, 1861.
Thomas A. Scott :
Deab Sib : While at Altoona last evening I received the following
dispatch, which may be of interest:
The Pacific telegrapli line completed to Utah. A dispatch from Brigham Yonng,
dated Great Salt Lake City, October 18, to J. H. Wade, president of Pacific Tele-
graph Company, at Cleveland, Ohio, congratnlates him and his associates upon the
success of the enterprise, and expresses his devotion to the constitutional Govern-
ment of the United States.
The line from San Francisco to Great Salt Lake City is nearly com-
pleted, and direct telegraphic communication between the Atlantic and
the Pacific will no doubt be established by Ist of November.
Very respectfully,
ANSON STAGES.
Genebal Obdees, ) Hdqes. Depabtment OP THE Pacific,
No. 28. ) San Francisco, October 20, 1861.
Brig. Gen. E. V. Sumner having been recalled for duty in the East,
the command of this department, in obedience to the instrnctionsof the
General-in-Chief, devolves on Col. George Wright, of the Ninth Regi-
ment of Infantry.
By order of Colonel Wright:
B. C. DRUM,
Assistant Adjutant- General.
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cbap. lxu.] correspondence — union and confederate. 667
Reabquastbbs District of Southern California,
Lo8 Angeles, Cal., October 20, 1861.
Messrs. F. J. Maouire, Charles E. Huse, Charles E. Cook, and
Thomas Dennis,
Santa Barbara, Cal. :
Gentlemen: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of yonr
coinmanication of the IStta instant asking for troops to be stationed at
Santa Barbara to prevent trouble between Union men and those who
openly sympathize with the Sooth. At the present moment, in conse-
quence of movements that have to be made to enable the regular troops
to come in to the coast preparatory to their embarking for New York, it
is impossible to send any of the volunteer force under my command to
Santa Barbara. I will forward your communication to department head-
quarters for the consideration and orders of the general. Meantime I
beg you will rest assured that I have at heart the welfare and safety of
all good Union men in your county.
I am, gentlemen, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JAMES H. CABLETON,
Colonel Mrat Vali/omia Volunteers, Commanding.
Fort Chttrchill, Nev. Ter., October [20], 1861.
The Adjutant,
Fort Churchill, Nev. Ter. :
Sir: I have the honor to report that in obedience to orders A*om
headquarters Fort Churchill, dated September 21, 1861, I left this post
on the 23d of September with Company A, First Cavalry, and arrived
in Ruby Valley on October 5. I saw the chief of that valley, who is also
principal chief of his tribe, which includes all Indians within fifty or
sixty miles of Kuby Valley. He expressed himself to be perfectly
friendly toward all whites, and promised that none of his tribe should
interfere with them in any manner whatever. I find that all the Indians
in the Territory are perfectly destitute of provisions. They usually
lived during the winter on pine nuts and grass seed, together with what
little game they could kill. There are no ])ine nuts this year, and all, or
nearly all, of their grass has been cut by the stage company or citizens
living on the road. The chiefs and also the Indian agent tell me that
unless Government gives thein something to eat tliey will starve to
death this winter. If any outbreak occurs it will be because they are
driven to it by starvation.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
E. M. BAKER,
First Lieutenant, First Cavalry.
Headquarters Department of the Pacific,
San Francisco, October 21, 1861.
Brig. Gen. Lorenzo Thomas,
Adjutant- General U. 8. Army, Washington, D. C. :
General: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of a commu-
nication from the Assistant Secretary of War, dated on the 21st ultimo,
inclosing a letter from C. E. Bennett, of San Bernardino, Cal., addressed
to the Secretary of State. The measures which were taken by General
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668 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Chap. LXIL
Somner to secure the quiet and peace of the District of Sontheni Cali-
fornia have thus far produced the most happy results. When I left
Los Angeles on the 15th instant everything was perfectly quiet, doubt-
less attributable in a great measure to the presenceof our troops at the
various points. After the withdrawal of the regulars there will remain
in the southern district of this State a regiment of infantry and a bat-
talion of cavalry, fifteen companies in all, the whole commanded by
Col. James H. Garleton, an experienced officer, and well acquainted
with that country and the inhabitants. The progress of events in the
southern section of that State, as well as in the adjoining Territories,
will be carefully observed, and an additional force promptly advanced
if necessary.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
G. WEIGHT,
Oolonelf U. 8. Army, Commanding Department.
Heasquabtebs Depabtment of the Pacific,
San Francisco, Gal,, October 21, 1861.
Brig. Gen. L. Thomas,
Adjutant- General U. 8. Army, Washington, D. C:
Genebal: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of a copy of
your communication dated on the 24th ultimo, and addressed to Col.
Thomas B. Cornelias, Hon. B. F. Harding, and B. F. Maury, esq. The
District of Oregon, and indeed the whole Department of the Pacific,
have been stripped of all the clothing we had to supply the volunteers
now in service, and there are no arms suitable for cavalry service
remaining in store. We are now making clothing of all kinds by con-
tract in this city; it will be of an excellent quality, and cost but little
more than the clothing received irom the East.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
G. WRIGHT,
Colonel Ninth Infantry, Commanding.
San Fbanoisco, October 21, 1861.
His Excellency John G. Dowwbt,
Governor State of California, Saoramento, Cal. :
There is no authority to receive volunteers for the artillery.
E. V. SUMNER,
Brigadier-Oeneral, U. 8. Army, Commanding.
Headquabtbbs Depabtment of the Pacific,
San Francisco, October 21, 1861.
Col. James H. Gableton,
First California Volunteers,
Comdg. Southern Dist. of California, Los Angeles, Cal. :
Sib: The colonel commanding the department desires the troops at
San Bernardino and Los Angeles under orders for the East to be con-
centrated at New San Pedro certainly by the Ist proximo. These
troops will sail on the next steamer from this port, and it is desirable
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CHiP. Lxn.] CORRESPONDENCE — UNION AND CONFEDERATE. 669
that everything sboald be in readiness for embarkation. Mr. Went-
worth, superintendent of Indian affairs, wishes to visit several of the
Indian tribes living on or near King's River, and will call upon you for
an escort, which, if practicable, the colonel desires yon to foroish.
The colonel thinks a small mounted escort will be safficient.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
KICHD. C. DRUM,
Assistant Adjutant- Gejieral.
Headquarters,
Camp near San Bernardino, Cal., October 21, 1861.
Assistant Adjutant-General, U. 8. Army,
Headquarters Department of the Pacific, San Francisco, Cal. :
Sir : Yesterday three companies of cavalry (California volunteers),
aggregate 272, reached this place for duty in this section of the conn-
try. To-day Companies A, D, and F, Fourth Infantry, aggregate 169,
will leave this place for San Pedro, Cal., in obedience to department
orders. So soon as transportation shall be furnished I shall leave this
post with Companies G and K, Fourth Infantry, and Company E,
Ninth Infantry, for San Pedro, Cal., in obedience to department orders.
I applied to district headquarters several days since for transportation,
and am looking daily for its arrival.
Respectfully, your obedient servant,
W. SCOTT KBTCflUM,
Major Fourth Infantry, Commanding.
Hdqrs. First Cavalry California VoLtTNTBERS,
Camp Carleton, October 21, 1861.
Col. James H. Carleton,
Commanding Los Angeles District, Los Angeles :
My Dear Colonel: I arrived here yesterday morning about 12
o'clock, being the fifth day after leaving Camp Latham. I found it
necessary, in order to follow your instructions about avoiding the Coco-
muogo Desert, that I should camp on the Santa Ana River about ten
miles from San Bernardino on the night of the fourth day. My camps
throughout the march were favorably located with plenty of ftiel and
good water, and my men arrived at Gamp Carleton, with a few excep-
tions, in fine condition and good spirits. On my arrival at Major
Ketehum's camp I found it necessary to camp temporarily in the same
iuclosure with him. This I deemed advisable in consequence of my
being unable in the short time I had before the arrival of my command
to look out a suitable permanent camp — which when I have made the
selection of will bear the above name — as well as to be near him, that
I might with greater facility receive the supplies he may have left to
turn over on his departure for San Pedro, which he designs making
in two detachments, one of which left this afternoon intending to pass
over the Couomungo Desert to-night; the remaining three companies
leave here on the return of the train. Major Ketohnm came to the
conclusion of moving as above because, as he stated, there was not suf-
ficient transportation for his six companies. I have endeavored, in
accordance with your instructions to ascertain the exact amount of
sapplies Major Ketchum will be able to turn over to me, but as yet have
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670 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Chap. LXIL
uot been saccessiiil. His acting qaartermasier informa me he thinks
about ten days' rations, five of which were drawn this morning, the five
days' rations which I started with being out last night. The train
which left here to-day will not probably return in less than ten days,
and unless they make a good trip not so soon. Would it not be well to
start nie supplies by other wagons, for in case the train does not return
in ten days I will be obliged to go into this market and purchase, which
I would rather avoid. Doctor Dickey, whom I expected to find in the
employ of Major Ketchum, was not in his camp. The major was with-
out a surgeon, being unable to agree upon the pay with Doctor Dickey.
I had an interview with the doctor this morning. He will only agree
to remain in camp on the same pay as assistant surgeon. I could not
employ him to visit here once per day at a less price. What shall I do
about itt He consented to visit camp every morning at 9 o'clock to
attend to those men who really require medical service until I heard
from yon, at the rate of $50 per month, which is the usual price, as you
are aware, for daily visits. Major Ketchum has a very good flagstaff
which he will leave. As this is the headquarters of the First Cavalry,
will you not send me regimental colors 7 I hope you will as soon as
. x)ossible send the saddles left by the three companies now with me, as
whispers are already circulated among the men that they are to be
turned into infantry. That is the only thing I fear for a serious breach
of discipline. I hope, therefore, you will not only send my saddles on
the return of the train, but that the horses will be soon forthcoming
also. Should I be again ordered on a five or ten days' march before
they are mounted I fear the consequences. Of course no exertions
would be spared by myself, but should anything like a general mutiny
occur, overboard I go, whether my fault or uot. For God's sake do not
leave me long with this only cause of danger hanging over my head.
Captain Singer left the pistols belonging to his company at Camp
Latham in charge of Captain Fritz. Please send them by return of
train. I now h ave 4,0U0 rounds Sharps carbine cartridges, 11,000 rounds
rifle, and 11,000 rounds pistol. Major Ketchum took great pains to give
me all the information in his possession relative to the people in this
part of the country, together with written information received at
beadquart«rs iu San Francisco a long time since, all of which shall
receive my immediate attention. I wUl keep you informed of all that
takes place here.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
EDWARD E, BTRE,
Major First Cavalry California Volunteers.
Special Orders, ) Hdqbs. Department of the Paoipio,
No. 200. ) San Franeisco, October 32, 1861.
• ••••••
2. Col. A. J. Smith, Second California Cavalry, will detail a company
of his regiment to be in readiness to proceed to Fort Crook on the 26tb
instant. Upon the arrival of the volunteers the present garrison will
comply with paragraph 3 of General Orders, ISo. 23.
• « • • ' • • •
By order of Colonel Wright:
EICHD. 0. DRUM,
Assistant Adjutant- General.
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•cau-.lxn.) correspondence union and confederate. 671
Headquaetkes District ok Southern California,
Los Angeles, Cal., October 22, 1861.
Brig. Gen. L. Thomas,
Adjutant- General U. S. Army, Washington, D, C:
General : I have the honor to report that I have been ordered to
relieve Col. George Wright, Ninth Infantry, in the command of this
district. My address is Los Angeles, Cal.
1 am, general, very respectlully, your obedient servant,
JAMES n. CAItLP:TOX,
Colonel First California Volunteers, Commanding.
Headquarters District op Southern California,
Los Angeles, Cal., October 2J, 1861.
Adjutant-General Thomas, U. S. Army,
Washington, D. C. :
General: There has been established a new camp, garrisoned by
four companies of First Infantry California Volunteers, near Warner's
ranch, on the road hence to Fort Ynma, Cal. It is called Camp Wright,
and is commanded by Maj. Edwin A. Kigg, First Infantry California
Volunteers. The companies are Company D, Capt. Hugh A. Gorley;
Company E, Capt. Thomas L. Koberts; Company F, Capt. Washington
L. Parvin ; Company H, Capt. Henry A. Greene, First Infantry Cali-
fornia Volunteers. Please send to that camp and those companies
blank post returns, blank company returns, and snch other blank rolls,
returns, books, orders, &c., as are necessary. The nearest post-oflBce is
San Diego, Cal.
I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JAMES H. CARLETOX,
Colonel First Cali/omia Volunteers.
Headquarters District of Southern California,
Los Angeles, Cal., October 22, IStil.
Maj. Richard C. Drum, TJ. S. Army,
Assistant Adjutant- General, San Francisco, Cal.:
Major: I last evening received a telegram from you in these
words: "The troops at Fort Yuma will sail from San Diego as directed
on the Ist of November. By order," &c. The commander of the
department, General Wright, is aware that it will be impossible for
the troops at Yuma to be relieved and reach San Diego by the 1st
proximo, so I conclude the telegram is incorrectly reported here; that
the original reads " as directed on the 1st of October." 1 have reports
of great scarcity of water on the desert. I have sent an express to
Colonel West and to Colonel Andrews, with letters in relation to the
passage of the desert, copies of which I herewith inclose. Would it
not be well to send down, say, ten more teams? This would save the
necessity of hiring transportation in all ordinary movements of troops,
or for post purposes. The mules could be kept as cheaply here, perhaps,
as above, and if they are on hand, and not required in the npi)er coun-
try, I would like to have them, but not if they have to be purchased.
Respectfully, &c.,
JAMBS H. CARLETON,
Colonel First California Volunteers, Commanding,
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672 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. (Cba». UUL
[Inolomixe No. 1.]
flEABQUABTEBS DiSTBICT OF SOUTHERN GALIFOBNIA,
Lo8 Angeles, CaL, October 22, 1861.
Lieut. Col. Joseph R. West,
En route to Fort Yuma:
I have received and forwarded Captain McMshon's resignation, bnt
it was not made in form and should have been directed to the general
commanding the Department of the Pacific. (See paragraph 1647.
Revised Regulations of the Army.) Leave the captain in arrest at
Camp Wright, if he would prefer staying there to going on with his
company, until orders in his case are received from department head-
quarters, provided he forwards through you his resignation, as required.
Otherwise let him go on to Fort Yuma. I send you the Revised Regu-
lations. Observe Article III and Article XXVI. Have yonr ofScers
and non-commissioned o£Qcer8 recite their tactics, commencing at the
beginning of the first volume and going through, seriatim, botb vol-
umes. Report at the end of each month the progress you have made.
It will be important that you at once send forward a party, even if they
make forced marches, to clean out the wells. Perhaps Garrillo and his
men and Dean can do this. To be certain that you have not too many
men and animals at a watering place at one time, you had better cross
the desert by companies, each one day behind the other. Send word
ahead to Colonel Andrews, that he may at once detach one of his com-
panies as fast as yours, one by one, arrive. The companies meeting
you can, if you have an understanding with Colonel Andrews, so over-
lap their marches with yours as not to bring two companies at the same
water at once. You had better go with the advance company, that you
may send back words of advice to those in the rear. All this is to be
done only in the event that the waters on the desert have disappeared
and the wells become filled. Should this not be so, of course your
troops can keep together. I feel great anxiety that your men make the
march without sufi'ering. Better march mostly by night from Vallecito
on. Great forecast and care must be exercised by yourself in this mat-
ter. Have the men drink heartily before setting out on a march and
hnsband their canteens of water. I desire you wOl report to me all the
details of how you managed this matter and give me your views as to
the best method for troops to cross the Yuma Desert. Do this after
you have become established at Yuma. Hadji Ali, the Turk who takes
this letter to you, can give you much information. Make use of him as
an expressman to Fort Yuma. Send him back as soon as you yourself
have arrived there.
Respectfully, &c.,
JAMES H. OARLETON,
Colonel First Oali/omia Vohmteers, Commanding.
Note.— Since writing the foregoing I have ordered Colonel Andrews
to send a company of infantry to help clean out the wells, commencing
on the east side of the desert. So let Had[ji Ali, the expressman, go on
without delay.
J. H. C.
[Inolosore No. 2.]
HeADQUABTEES DiSTBICT OF SOTTTHEEN CALIFORNIA,
Los Angeles, Cal., October 22, 1861.
Lieut. Col. Geoboe Andbbws,
Commanding Fort Yuma, Cal.:
Colonel : I am informed that the wells upon the Yuma desert have
become filled with sand and require cleaning out.
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Cbap. LXn.l CORRESPONDENCE UNION AND CONFEDERATE. 673
You will immediately send a party of men from Fort Yuma on the
road from the Colorado River toward Carriso Creek to open them
until the party meets the troops now en route for Fort Y'uma under
Lieutenant-Colonel West. The party you send may be one company of
infantry. Let it use the post teams now at Yuma for transportation.
This company can continue on to Camp Wright, near Warner's ranch,
and there await your arrival. The teams can remain at Camp Wright
until a party of recruits arrive from this place en route for Fort Yuma,
which will be in a few days. Send out water barrels and kegs to be
filled at the wells and left there for the advancing troops. There
must be no delay in this. Inform me by return express oi your action
in the matter.
I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JAMES U. CAliLETON,
Colonel First California Volunteers^ Commanding.
Hkadquabtebs Department op the Pacific,
San Francisco, Gal., October 22, 1861.
Lieut. Col. A. Cady,
Comdg. District of Oregon, Fort Vancouver, Wash. Ter. :
Sib : The steamer which leaves this city on the 26th instant will take
to Fort Vancouver five companies of the Fourth Kegiment of California
Volunteer Infantry, under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel Lee.
These companies will, the colonel commanding the department directs,
be stationed as follows : One company at Fort Vancouver, one at Steila-
coom, one at The Dalles, one at Hoskins, and one at YamhilL The
company for Fort Steilacoom will be designated by you on the arrival
of these troops at Vancouver, and will be kept at the latter post until
the arrival of the steamer leaving this place on the 7th of November.
A subaltern of this company will be sent overland to relieve Captain
Woodruff, in charge of the quartermaster's and commissary property,
so that on the arrival of the volunteer company there will be no delay
in the embarkation of Woodruff's command. On the arrival at Van-
couver of the steamer of the 7th, Company D, Third Artillery, and the
volunteer comi)any for Steilacoom will be sent to their respective sta-
tions. The artillery company will be left at San Juan, and the steamer
proceeding to Steilacoom will leave the company of volunteers and take
on board Captain Woodruff's command. On its return the steamer
will touch at San Juan and' take on board Captain English's company,
both commands coming direct to this city. This will give Captain
English time to turn over his command. Captain Black's company
and the headquarters of the Ninth Infantry (iion-commissioned staff,
band, &c.), and the company at the Cascades (Captain Van Voast) will
be sent on the return steamer to this city. The post at the Cascades
will be abandoned and the movable property sent to Fort Vancouver.
You will direct Lieutenant Wildrick io turn over to the assistant
adjutant- general at these headquarters on his arrival here all funds
pertaining to the adjutant-general's department now in his possession.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
RICHD. C. DRUM,
Assistant Adjutant- Oeneral.
43 B B — VOL L, PT r
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674 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. (Chap. LXII.
Headquarters Department of the Pacific,
San Francisco, October 23, 1861.
His Excellency John Whiteaker,
Qovernor State of Oregon, Salem, Oreg. :
Sir: The War Department having authorized Colonel Cornelias, of
Oregon, to raise a regiment of cavalry for service in that district, I
have the honor to request that your Excellency will suspend the enroll-
ment of the cavalry company at Fort Dalles, as requested in my com-
munication to your Excellency in the early part of last month, when I
was ill command of the District of Oregon.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
G. WRIGHT,
Colonel, U. 8. Army, Commanding Department.
Headquarters District of Oregon,
Fort Vancouver, Wash. Ter., October 23, 1861.
Maj. B. 0. Dritm,
Asst. Adjt. Oen., Sdqrs. Dept, of the Pacific, San Francisco, Gal. :
Major: I have the honor to report that I arrived at this place on
the 21st instant, and that I have this day relieved Col. B. L. Beall,
First Cavalry, in the command of the district.
I have the honor to be, your obedient servant,
A. CADY,
Lieutenant- Colonel Seventh Infantry, Commanding District.
Headquarters District op Oregon,
Fort Vancouver, Wash. Ter., October 23, 1861.
Maj. R. C. Drum,
Asst. Adjt. Gen., Hdqrs. Dept. of the Pacific, San Francisco, Cal.:
Major : I have the honor to report that Mjyor Curtis with Companies
A, B, C, D, and E, of the Second Infantry California Volunteers, arrived
at this place on the 2l8t instant in good condition generally. Measures
have been taken for the distribution of these companies, and they will
be soon sent to their respective destinations. Major Curtis with two
companies has been assigned to Fort Colville, and will leave here on
the 25th instant for that post This is the earliest date I find at which
he could be moved from here without incurring unnecessary detention
on the way. The delay has enabled him to put his command in more
complete condition than it was in when he left San Francisco. I have
been obliged, in view of present contingencies at Fort Dalles, to place
one of these companies at that post contrary to the tenor of my instruc-
tion as to the distribution of them. The necessity has arisen in part
from the removal of the guard from the Warm Springs Reservation to
join its company at The Dalles. The Snakes have availed themselves
of the opportunity to run oft' from the reservation about 100 horses
belonging to the fnendly Indians, as the agent reports to Captain Whit-
tlesey. I shall have the guard replaced at once from the company of
volunteers.
I have the honor to be, your obedient servant,
A. CADT,
JAevtenant- Colonel Seventh Infantry, Commanding District.
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CBAP. LXn.] COKKE8PONDENCE UNION AND CONFEDERATE. 675
San Fbancisco, October 23, 1861.
Colonel Oady,
Fort VttTicouver:
Sospeiid tbe enrollment of the cavalry company at The Dalles.
By order:
RICHARD C. DRUM,
Assistant Adjutant- OeneraL
Headqxtaetees Department op the Pacific,
San Francisco, Cat., October 23, 1861.
Lieut. Col. A. Cady,
Seventh Infantry, Commanding District of Oregon:
Sib : The colonel commanding tbe department desires yon to give the
necessary orders suspending the raising of the company of mounted
volunteers by Captain Whittlesey. Tlie regiment to be organized
under Colonel Cornelius will, the colonel tliinks, be ample for the
whole country. If any men have been raised for this company the
colonel desires you to disband them.
Very respectfully, youi* obedient servant,
KICHD. C. DRUM,
Assistant AdjutantOeneral.
General Orders, ) Hbadquabtees District of Oregon,
No. 3. 5 Fort Vancouver, Wash. Ter., October 23, 1861.
Pursuant to Special Orders, No. 191, current series, from the head-
quarters of the Department of the Pacific, the undersigned hereby
relinquishes to Lieut. Col. Albemarle Cady, Seventh Infantry, the com-
mand of this district.
B. L. BEALL,
Colonel First Cavalry, U. 8. Army, Commanding.
General Orders, ) Headquarters District op Oregon,
No. 4. 5 Fort Vancouver, Wash. Ter., October 23, 1861.
Pursuant to Special Orders, No. 191, current series, from the head-
quarters of the Department of the Pacific, the undersigned hereby
assumes command of this district.
A. CADY,
Lieutenant-Colonel Seventh Infantry.
Special Orders, ) Headquarters District op Oregon,
No. 44. ) Fort Vancouver, Wash. Ter., October 23, 1861.
II. M%j. James F. Curtis, Second Infantry California Volunteers,
will, with Companies C and D of same regiment, proceed to Fort Col-
ville. Wash. Ter., via Walla Walla, and relieve Major Lugenbeel, Ninth
Infantry, in command of that post. The latter, being relieved, will
without delay repair with companies of the Ninth Infantry now under
his command to Fort Vancouver, Wash. Ter. Surg. I. Parry is assigned
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676 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Chap. LXn.
to dnty with Major Cartis' command, and will relieve the assistant
snrgeon at Fort Colville.
III. Capt. O. W. Smith, Second Infantry California Volunteers, will,
with Company A, same regiment, proceed to Fort Dalles, Oreg., and
report for duty to the commanding oiflcer at that post.
IV. Capt. J. C. Schmidt, Second Infantry California Volunteers, will,
with Company B, same regiment, proceed to Fort Hoskins, Oreg., and
relieve Captain Dent, Ninth Infantry. The latter on being relieved
will, without delay, repair with his company to Fort Vancouver,
Wash. Ter.
• ••••«•
By order of Lieutenant-Colonel Cady:
A. C. WILDRICK,
First Lieut., Third Artillery, Acting AaaUttant Adjutant- General,
Heaoqttabtebs Department op the Pacific,
San Francisco, Cal., October 24, 1861.
Lieut. Col. A. Cady,
Seventh Infantry, Commanding IHstriet of Oregon,
Fort Vancouver, Wash. Ter.;
Colonel : I wish you to keep all the clothing in depot at Vancouver
for issue to the regular troops east of the Cascades, when they arrive
at your headquarters. The troops from Colville, and more particularly
the escort with Lieutenant Mnllan, will arrive at Vancouver much in
want of many articles of winter clothing necessary for their comfort
on the trip to iN^ew York. The lieutenant in command of the escort
will remain on duty with it until the men join their proper companies,
when he will be assigned to duty with the Ninth Infant^ under orders
for the East.
Very respectftiUy, your obedient servant,
G. WEIGHT,
Colonel, U. 8. Army, Commanding Department.
Headquarters Department of the Pacific,
San Francisco, October 24, 1861.
Lieut. Col. Albemarle Cady,
Seventh Infantry, Commanding District of Oregon,
Fort Vancouver, Wash. Ter. :
Sir : The colonel commanding the department desires you to have
the horses and horse equipments pertaining to Captain Whittlesey's
company brought to and turned over at Fort Vancouver, and not to the
volunteers as directed. Assistant Surgeon Craig has been ordered by
the Secretary of War to repair to Washington. The order, therefore,
retaining him at Camp Pickett is revoked, and he will accompany the
movement as directed.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
RICHD. C. DRUM,
Assistant Adjutant-Oeneral,
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cbap.lxtl.) correspondence union and confederate. 677
Special Oedebs, ) Hdqes. Dist. op Southern California,
No. 10. ) Los Angeles, Gal,, October 24, 1861,
• ••••••
II. Oapt. John W. Davidson, First Cavalry, with his squadron will
march to New San Pedro on the 26th instant, or as soon thereafter as
pra«ticable, and report to Lieutenant-Colonel Buchanan, Fourth TJ. S.
Infantry.
JAMES H. CARLETON,
Colonel First California Vols,, Commanding Cavalry and Infantry,
[October 24, 1861. — For Baylor to commanding ofBcer C. S. troops
en route to Fort Bliss, relating to affairs in Arizona, &c., see Vol. IV,
p. 127.]
Special Orders, ) Hdqrs. Dist. op Softhern California,
No. 11. ) Los Angeles, Gal., October 25, 1861,
I. First Lieut. Benjamin C. Cutler, adjutant First Infantry, is
announced as acting assistant adjutant-general for this district. All
official communications from officers and soldiers serving within the
district wliich are intended for these headquarters will be addressed to
him. Those pertaining to regimental matters exclusively will be
addressed to him as adjutant First Infantry California Volunteers.
II. First Lieut. Lafayette Hammond, regimental quartermaster First
Infantry California Volunteers, is announced as depot quartermaster
for the district, and he will immediately relieve in his duties as depot
quartermaster First Lieut. Samuel McKee, First U. S. Cavalry. lieu-
tenant Hammond will also receipt for such public property as Capt.
John W. Davidson, First U. S. Cavalry, has on hand as commander of
Camp Fitzgerald.
JAMES H. CARLETON,
Colonel First California Volunteers, Commanding.
Special Orders, ) Hdqrs. Dist. of Southern California,
No. 13. ) Los Angeles, Gal., October 25, 1861.
I. Captain Roberts' company, of the First Infantry California Volun-
teers, will as soon as practicable proceed from Camp Wright to San
Diego, Cal., and relieve the company of the Fourth U. S. Infantry now
stationed at that post, and which is under orders to embark at San
Diego for New York on the steamer which will leave San Francisco for
Panama on the 21st proximo.
• ••••••
JAMES n. CARLETON,
Colonel First California Volunteers, Commanding.
Camp Wright,
Friday Evening, October 25, 1861.
Col. James H. Cableton,
Los Angeles:
Colonel: I prefer without form to give you as near as possible an
account of my progress in the present friendly note in preference to
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678 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Chap. LXn.
aiiyoflRcial communication. I have elsewhere given yon a journal of
the road. The celerity of our movements amounted to marching 140
miles in just one week. Is not that creditable for green troops f The
halt here has been the bother. The troops arrived here on W^lnesday,
23d, at 12 m. The train not until the following day. Then the train
that went to San Diego did not reach here until to-day. I was unavoid-
ably delayed thereby. However, I dispatched on yesterday Lieutenant
Benson with seven men, accompanied by Keene, the guide, to clean out
the wells. Hadji AH arrived at 9 o'clock last night. Finding myself
at liberty to do that very advisable thing, divide the command, I
moved off Captain Calloway's company with sixteen days' rations at 7
o'clock this morning. I follow with Dresher to-morrow, and Company
U comes on Sunday, the commissary's train on Monday. All three
companies will carry their baggage and sixteen days' rations. Then
there will be 1,400 pounds ammunition, 1,000 pounds clothing, and
38,600 pounds commissary stores. I make up Banning's contract as
follows: Company wagons, 6; ammunition and clothing, &c., 1; hos-
pital field and staff, 1; twelve, averaging 4,000 pounds each. Total, 20
wagons. I could not go forward with the first company, as there was
too much to arrange here to-day. Had I not been compelled to wait for
the train from San Diego I should have gone on with all to-day. Per-
haps it is better as it is. The changing of companies and repacking of
provisions has also involved delay. I wrote to Colonel Andrews last
night, giving him an exact account of my proposed movements, and
leaving him to time his accordingly. I expect to be at Fort Yuma by
theSth proximo, twenty days from Camp Latham. Changes considered,
is not this fair time I I shall rely on Jerked beef on the desert — in fact,
from here. Upon that article and the beans I shall reiwrt hereafter.
Both promise well. I shall endeavor to give you such information in
regard to our march across the desert as will prove useful in further
movements of troops. Carrillo's men have not turned up. In fact, he
cannot get any. 1 shall take him and his son to Yuma, when if he
proves no more useful than he has, J shall send him in with an express
to report to you for further action. Keene is worth a dozen of him. I
shall rely mostly for information as to the enemy upon the Indians up
the Oila and Colorado. You must bear in mind that should it become
necessary to evacuate the fort I have no train to accompany me thence.
I shall fight them to the bitter end sure, standing or running. The
enemy could send an advance party and clean out the wells, I suppose.
I am imagining all bis resources, perhaps making some for him. On
the entire road from the San Gabriel Kiver I have heard of gangs of
armed men, from three to ten in a party, making the best of their way
to the Coloratlo. Of course they had preceded us. I have given Major
Bigg a copy of your instructions to me that he may follow them in
detoining avowed rebels. I have made some presents to the Indians
here, and believe that they can be relied on to give the majjor information.
The camp should, in my judgment, be moved in to Oak Grove. Colonel
Andrews can halt here, and the major send him up the required sub-
sistence; the distance fifteen miles and road superior. That a paradise,
this a tophet. The news about Denver is glorious. Is not General
Wright now in our wayt However, we will all fulfill our destiny aa
you say, but I would be better pleased to hear of his being transferred
to a more active field. When you get the department and I the district,
there will still be fresh worlds to conquer.
In conclusion, I would say that I am fully impressed with the
responsibility of my command. Green troops and an inexperienced
commander could scarcely be more severely tested. I brace,myself to
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Chap. LXU.) CORRESPONDENCE — UNION AND CONFEDERATE. 679
the trial, and shall endeavor to meet each new trouble with another link
to let out. No doubt yon were aware of the delicacy of this expedition,
but I scarcely think to its full extent. Secesh looks ominous from the
other side, but I have no fears for the result. Captain McMahon
remains here. Elsewhere I forward his resignation addressed to Gen-
eral Wright. I send this by special express, and have given the rider
the assurance that he shall be paid the customary fee. I think it would
be advisable to have no more beans brought down from San Francisco
at all. Enough can be had in the district to supply the whole command.
I inclose Don Abel Steams' account for beefl His team driver claims
to have been delayed on the road one day by me. This is so, but Mr.
Stearns can well afford to pay him, as he has charged too mnch for
transportation. I have kept this letter open before me all this evening.
It is therefore rather desultory.
Yours, truly,
J. R. WEST.
Camp Weight,
San Diego County, October 35, 1861.
Col. jAlfES H. Cableton,
Gomdg. First Begt. Infantry California Volunteers, Los Angeles:
Colonel : I wrote to you the day that I arrived here, which, I suppose,
you received. I camped near Seuor Carrillo's house, where we now are.
The location for a camp here is a beautiful one. Water is plenty and
good and wood can be easily procured, but the climate is objectionable.
It blows terribly the greater portion of the time, and Doctor Prentiss
thinks it unhealthy. I have examined nearly every inch of the entire
ranch, and can find none better than this. The camp is situated about
one mile north of Carrillo's house and at the intersection of the San
Diego road with the road to Yuma. The only place that I know of near
here is Oak Grove (or Cable's), twelve miles from here. There is plenty
of water and wood at that place. I sent forward the teams in charge
of Lieut. E. S. Barrett, acting assistant quartermaster, to San Diego, as
per instructions from you. They returned to this camp to day with
commissary stores. Mr. Barrett reports no quartermaster's stores of
any description at San Diego. The train will leave again for San Diego
on the 27th. I am afraid that they will not be in a condition to make as
good time as before (seven days), from the fact that a number of the
mules are without shoes and cannot be shod either here or at San Diego.
There are no shoes or nails at either place. We are also short of pants
for the command. Colonel West takes 100 pairs from us here, which
only leaves seventy-one pairs. Blankets we have none at all, and one
blanket is not sufficient (in my opinion) to keep the men warm in this
climate. The nights are extremely cold, and becoming more so every
night. Complaints of sleeping cold are made by the men. We have no
woolen socks or drawers, and but 204 pairs of bootees. Overcoats also
we have none on hand. I would suggest that those articles be forwarded
as soon as practicable. The roads will soon be in a bad condition from
here to San Diego and transportation will be difficult. I would call your
attention also to the company property left at Camp Latham^ to be shipped
via San Diego. The companies — that is to say, Company I, Company D,
and Company F — brought but one pick, one spade, and one ax with
them, besides but a few camp-kettles and mess-pans. They are now
mnch in want of all those articles. I also forward a requisition for sta-
tionery, &c., for this camp. We have none of any kind here. I would
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680 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. (Chap. LXIL
also like to have blank clothing rolls, weekly reports, officers' pay
accounts, and what other blanks and papers you may deem necessary
for use here. The command here are in good health and spirits, and if
an opportunity occurs will give a good account of themselves. They are
improving rapidly in their drills, and, I am happy to say, orderly and
obedient to their officers. They stood the march remarkably well after
the first two or three days. Their feet blistered somewhat, but by fre-
quent bathing soon got well, and when our destination was reached were
in condition to undergo almost any kind of fatigue. Lieutenant-Colonel
West will give you the particulars of the whole command here and of
those alreaidy on the route to Fort Yuma. I find that the barley has
been nearly all bought up by speculators, and 4 cents per pound is now
asked for it here. Mr. Carrillo, to whom you referred me for barley, has
sold out to other parties, and of course cannot furnish anymore; but I
found a man, Samuel Warneck, who has 60,000 pounds of fine barley
and will sell to Government for 2J cents per pound. I will contract
with him for what we require and get him to hold the balance until I
can hear from you. His barley is superior to any that I have seen here.
The 2J cents is the price at his ranch, but we will have teams and men
enough to haul it. His brother also has some 10,000 or 12,000 pounds.
Your instructions in reference to this section of the country will be
carried out to the letter.
Respectfully,
EDWIN A. RIGG,
Major J Commanding Gamp WrigM.
P. S. — Stoves for the Sibley tents would be very acceptable.
October 25, 1861.
Deab Rigg: Send Roberts down at your earliest convenience by a
train going one of its regular trips for supplies. The telegraph is
through to the Stat«s. In a battle fought the 2Ist of October at Lees-
burg, Va., General Baker was killed while cheering on his men. I have
not heard yet how the battle went, but probably in our favor. Send
the express on to overtake West. As he returns write me all your
news. Keep your command ready to fight. Drill three times a day
and have all your officers recite tactics.
Truly, your friend, OARLETON.
Special Obdebs, ) Headquabtebs Disteict op Oregon,
No. 46. ] Fort Vancouver, Wash,. Ter., October 25, 1861.
I. Capt. J. 0. Schmidt, Second Infantry California Volunteers, will,
on taking command at Fort Hoskins, Oreg., detach a subaltern and
eighteen enlisted men to proceed to Fort Umpqua as promptly as ik)s-
sible and relieve the detachment of the Third Artillery now stationed
there.
• ••*•••
By order of Lieutenant-Colonel Oady:
A. C. WILDRICK,
First Lieut., Third Artillery, Acting Assistant Adjutant-Oeneral.
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Chap. LXII.] CORRESPONDENCE — UNION AND CONFEDERATE. 681
HEADQUAUTEBS DErAETMENT OF THE PACIFIC,
San Francisco, Gal., October 26, 1861,
Col. James H. CABiiBTON,
California Vols., Comdg. District of Southern California :
Sib : I am directed by the general commandiug tbe department to
acknowledge the receipt of a letter addressed by you to certain citizens
of Santa Barbara County and to say in reply that two companies of
volunteer infantry will be sent to Santa Barbara so soon as they can
be organized.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
RICHD. C. DRUM,
Assistant Adjutant- Oeneral.
Headqtjartees Disteict op Southern California,
Los Angeles, Gal., October 26, 1861.
M^j. Edwabd E. Eybe,
First Cavalry Gal. Vols., Comdg. at San Bernardino, Gal. :
Majob: I have received yours of the 25th instant. I do not wish
you to contract for forage, at least until you get your horses. Then, if
for purposes of speculation people raise the price unreasonably of for-
age, &c., I will not buy of them. 1 will move the troops or haul
supplies from some other localities. Buy only what you need from day
to day. As I before intimated, all bargains involving an expenditure
of public money, even to a dollar, must have your written approval.
The allowance or wood is greater than you can consume, so cause to be
issued by your quartermaster only what is absolutely necessary. I wish
you to have your rifle company drill according to Hardee in the manual
of the piece. I send you fifteen muster and pay rolls for your three
companies for October 31. 1 believe you have others on hand. Be
prudent with them, as when these are gone we shall have to rule what
we need till others come. Make out five rolls to a company — one to keep
in the company, one to send to department headquarters, one to send
to the Adjutant-General U. S. Army, and two for the paymaster.
I am, m^or, respectfully,
JAMES H. CAELETON,
Colonel First California Volunteers, Commanding,
Headquaetees Department op the Pacific,
San Francisco, Gal., October 26, 1861,
Lieut. Col. George Andrews,
Sixth Infantry, Commanding Fort Yuma, Gal,:
Sir : The general commanding the department desires you to conduct
your present command to San Diego, when you will turn it over to Major
Haller, Fourth Infantry, or the senior officer present. You will then
comply with the orders you have received from the Adjutant-General's
Office.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
RICHD. C. DRUM,
Assistant Adjutant- Oeneral,
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682 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. (Ciup. LXn.
Hbadquaetees Dbpabtmeht of the Pacific,
San Francisco, Gal., October 26, 1861,
Lieut. Col. A. Cady,
Seventh Infantry, Commanding District of Oregon,
Fort Vancouver, Wash, Ter. :
Sib : I am directed by the general commanding the department to
acknowledge the receipt of Mr. Kendall's letter,* protesting against the
removal of the regular troops from the District of Oregon, with Colonel
Beall's indorsement thereon. The general regrets the necessity for the
removal of these troops, but the orders from Washington are positive,
and must be obeyed.
Very reepectftilly, your obedient servant,
KICHD. C. DRUM,
Assistant Adjutant- Oenerai.
HbADQITAETEES DlSTEICT OF SOUTHEEN CALIFORNIA,
Los Angeles, Val., October 27, 1861.
Maj. R. 0. Deum, U. S. Army,
San Francisco, Cal. :
Ma JOE : I have received a letter from Lieatenant-Colonel West. He
had reached Camp Wright; his men in fine health and spirits. He (as
well as all others) agrees that the camp in that vicinity should be at
Oak Grove, fifteen miles this side of Warner's ranch, or preferably
at Temecula, a more strategic point, twenty-three miles and a half this
side of Oak Grove. It will shortly be very cold, with snow, at War-
ner's ranch. I beg to have authority to move Camp Wright to one of
these last-named ])laces, i. e.,Oak Grove or Temecula, as soon as practica-
ble after the companies of Colonel Andrews' command have passed into
San Diego. I inclose herewith an itinerary of Colonel West's march to
Camp Wright from Camp Latham, near Los Angeles, Cal. I also
inclose Captain McMahon's resignation. It must take place on the 31st
instant, because tliat is the date of the resignation he forwarded to the
Governor. (See paragraph 1647, Revised Regulations.) I would rec-
ommend that the beans needed at Gamp Wright and Fort Yoma be
bought at or near Warner's ranch, where they are abundant and
cheap^ and better than the American beans. I have written to Colonel
Babbitt to have the stoves for the Sibley tents sent at once for Camp
Wright and the camp near San Bernardino. They should be sent at
once ; also some blouses and trousers for the First Cavalry California
Volunteers. I inclose an extract from a private letter from Lieutenant-
Colonel West.
I am, major, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JAMES H. OARLETON,
Colonel First Infantry California Volunteers, Commanding.
Note. — Surgeon Letterman had been ordered to New San Pedro
before the receipt of your dispatch. Lieutenant Hammond had also
been ordered to relieve Lieutenant McEee. But I can find useftd
employment for Lieutenant McEee until it would be proper for him to
leave (for reasons known to the colonel commanding), as when the
regulars have gone I shall commence to move the depot to San Pedro.
J. H. C.
« See Kendall to Beall, October 8, p. 649.
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CHAP.LXII.) CORRESPONDENCE — UNION AND CONFEDERATE. 683
El Paso, October 27, 1861.
General H. H. Sibley, 0. S. Army,
Commanding Brigade for Arizona and New Mexico,
en route or at San Antonio:
Mt Dear Genbbal : A week since Jndge Crosby called on me in
reference to supplies for your brigade. I immediately took steps to
secure supplies of breadstuffs, the greater part of which must come
from Sonora, as there is great scarcity in the State of Chihuahua. I
sent for my Sonora agent to come to me here a month since, to meet
and see wbat would be required of me to furnish the Confederacy,
Tliis agent was to have left about this time with a proper escort from
Colonel Baylor, and some thirty to forty wagons, to commence hauling
supplies from the Sonora border to the Kio Grande, which would have
commenced to arrive at Fillmore by the middle of December. In the
meantime my mills will furnish from the limited supplies of grain here.
I have now some 40,000 to 50,000 pounds of flour, and will have 40,000
to 50,000 pounds more if the New Mexican troops do not succeed in
forcing Colonel Baylor to fall back beyond this place.
The flour I have here, and may make till I am interrupted, 1 am now
placing in a place of safety in El Paso, Mexico, as recommended by
Colonel Baylor in his letters, which I inclose. I shall do everything in
my power and all that is possible for a man to do in my circumstances
and situation to further the public service. This you well know, and I
need not assure you of the fact. You must especially heed Judge
Crosby's and Mr. Richardson's suggestions as to things here, and what
you and the commanding ofiBcers of the department must do to facili-
tate Mr. Richardson and myself to furnish supplies by procuring some
cash funds. I can command here now from $40,000 to $50,000, all or
most of which must go into Sonora immediately to pay for flour, &c.
As suggested by Colonel Baylor, I have engaged an express to go into
Sonora to learn if Sumner is actually coming from Calitbrnia via Guay-
mas or Fort Union. By the same express I will order the purchase of
more flour, beans, salt, beef, soap, corn, &c. I have there already some
10,000 pounds of corn and 300,000 pounds of flour, all for your brigade,
and waiting your movement. I inclose herewith my last letters from
Colonel Baylor.* His command is in peril; I hope God in Hia goodness
will so order things as not to make his retreat necessary from Arizona.
Our express from Sonora, with intelligence from Forts Yuma and
Guaymas, will be back in twenty days, when yon and Colonel Baylor
will be fully posted up as to Sumner and his movements, if he is mak-
ing any, toward Arizona from California. Be easy about your supplies ;
we shall get all we want from Sonora — what this valley cannot furnish —
until such time as you may be in full possession of New Mexico and
can avail of its resources or such part as the hungry Federals may leave
for your command.
Truly and sincerely, yours,
S. HART.
Valleoito, October 27, 1861.
Col. James H. Cakleton,
Commanding Southern District:
Colonel : Your courier of the 25th instant arrived here at 8 p. m.
Surgeon Prentiss is with me. I have one company (B). Company I is
• See foot-note, Vol. IV, p. 134.
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684 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [CHAP.txn.
one day ahead, and 11 the same distance behind. As the doctor is of the
opinion that the command can go through without him, and leaves a
very competent steward, he returns to-morrow, and will be at Camp
Wright at sundown. We are getting along finely. I left Camp Wright
at 7 a. ra. yesterday, but started this morning at 3.30 a. m. from San
Felipe, and reached here at 10 o'clock ; eighteen miles, and heavy road.
I leave again at 3 a. ra. to mon-ow, and shall go to Carriso Creek, eight-
een miles more, and heavy road. As soon as the weather gets too hot
for morning travel I shall commence my marches at sundown. The
• advance party of seven, under Lieutenant Benson, are doing well pre-
paring the water for us. He is to leave a note at each station for me;
I received the first one this morning. Captain Calloway I hear is get-
ting along finely, and Lieutenant MacGowan, with 11, is close at my
heels. I am within five hours' ride of each of them, and both have
instructions to communicate with me in case of difficulty. I am not
prepared to report definitely as to best plan of crossing the desert. So
far 1 favor the present mode. Am living on jerked beef. Would it not
be well to have 5,000 pounds of it always on hand at Camp Wright!
One company is enough in any one party, I think. I should mention
that the commissary train is coming along with Company H. Governor
Gaudara's two sons passed Warner's ranch six days ago. It strikes
me that if Major Eigg had a company of cavalry with him he could stop
all such characters. There are prowlers around ; six were within a mile
of Ifere yesterday, and seven at Carriso Creek on Thursday. I am
much obliged to you for the news ; it is most acceptable, but I shall
most anxiously look for that promised letter from yourself.
Yours, truly,
J. E. WEST,
Lieutenant- Colonel First Infantry California Volunteers.
Special, Orders, ) Headquabtees District op Oregon,
No. 48. S Fort Vancouver, Wash. Ter., October 2S, 1861.
Capt. E. B. Gibbs, Second Infantry California Volunteers, will with
Company E, same regiment, take post at Fort Vancouver, Wash. Ter.,
and report for duty to the commanding officer.
By order of Lieutenant-Colonel Cady :
A. C. WILDEICK,
First Lieut., Third Artillery, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General.
Headquarters Department of thk Pacifio,
San Francisco, Cal., October 28, 1861.
Col. E. D. TOWNSEHD,
Asst. Adjt. Qen., Edqrs. of the Army, Washington, D. 0. :
Colonel : I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your com-
munication of the 30th ultimo, also an extract from Special Orders, No.
160, of the same date from the Ileadquarters of the Army. On the 17th
instant five companies of the Second Infantry California Volunteers
left this place on the steamer for Oregon for the purpose of relieving
the regular troops at the most remote stations in that district. To-mor-
row five companies of the Fourth Infantry California Volunteers will
embark for Oregon and relieve the troops at Fort Dalles and the garri-
sons in the district west of the Cascade Mountains. After the with-
drawal of the regular troops from the District of Oregon, there will
remain, under the present arrangement, ten companies of volunteer
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Chap. LXII.] CORRESPONDENCE UNION AND CONFEDERATE. 685
infantry and one company of regulars (Third Artillery). The comi)any
of the Third Artillery now at Fort Vancouver will occupy San Juan
Island and the volunteer infantry will occupy all the posts in the dis-
trict now garrisoned by the regulars with the exception of Fort Cas-
cades. No more troops will be sent to Oregon for the present, and I
have suspended the enrollment of the volunteer company of cavalry at
Fort Dalles, as the recent call made by the War Department for a regi-
ment of cavalry to be raised in Oregon will, it is presumed, be ample
for any emergency likely to arise in that country. The District of
Southern California is under the command of Colonel Carleton. He
has ten companies of infantry and five of cavalry, and should it be nec-
essary an additional force can be thrown into that countiy with prompt-
ness. On the steamer which will leave here on the 1st proximo there
will embark at San Pedro the headquarters, staff, band, and six com-
panies of the Fourth Infantry, one company of the Kinth Infantry, and
two companies of the First Cavalry, the whole under command of
Bvt. Lieut. Col. E. 0. Buchanan, Fourth Infantry. The regular troops
from Fort Tuma will reach San Diego in season to embark on the
steamer leaving here on the 21st of November. I shall send forward
the regular troops to New York with the utmost dispatch as fast as
they reach the coast, without regard to regiments.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
G. WRIGHT,
Colonel, U. 8. Army, Commanding.
Headquarters Department op the Pacific,
San Francisco, Cal., October 28, 1861.
Col. Edward D. Townsend,
Asst. Adjt. Gen., Hdqrs. of the Army, Washington, D. C. :
Colonel : I beg leave, most respectfully, but earnestly, to request
that the General-in-Chief may be pleased to reconsider the second para-
graph of Special Orders, No. 160, current series.* I have served on the
Pacific Coast more than nine years; six of them passed in the dark
valleys of the Columbia Eiver, or in pursuing the savage foe in the
mountain fastnesses on the eastern borders of Oregon and Washing-
ten. Under these circumstances I appeal with confidence to the Gen-
eral-in-Chief, and pray that I may be ordered to service in the field.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
G. WRIGHT,
Colonel, U. 8. Army, Commanding Department.
Camp Wrioht, October 28, 1861,
Col. James H. Carleton,
Commanding California Volunteers, Los Angeles, Cal. :
Colonel: I received yours of the 25th instant. Captain Roberts'
company ^E) will leave today for San Diego. Your orders came just
as the train was ready to go, .and I have detained their wagons one day
longer to take him down, which will enable them to join the balance of
the train in time to return here with them. The command is getting
along admirably, and improving in their drill very fast. I will have
your instructions in relation to rehearsals attended to. I have had it
reported to me by good authority that a party of forty persons are con-
centrating at the Monte bound for Texas via Fort Yuma. They were
* See Septeni1)ei 30, p. 643.
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686 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Chap. LXII.
waitmg for parties to arrive from San Francisco to move. My inform-
ant states that irom what he could understand it was their intention
to pass out in detached parties of from one to five. They were very
inquisitive about the location of troops, &c. It is almost impossible
for me at this point to stop parties of this kind (unless they should pass
by on the main road) without some cavalry. They can get around me
by three different passes in small parties. I am as vigilant as can be,
and besides have a good deal of pride to be of service. I have no idea
of lying here doing nothing, and am extremely anxious to do some-
thing, even to capture a few of the enemy, bloodless though it be. I feel
the want of an interpreter that I can place confidence in very much. I
have no one here that I can use for the purpose that, in my opinion, could
not be used by any one who would pay well for their services. Ramon
Carrillo, I think, has not acted toward the Government in the way of
furnishing barley, liay, &c., as you expected him to do. In the first
place, he sold, after my arrival here, what barley he had on hand (or
pretended to do so) to other parties, and immediately the price of bar-
ley was raised to 4 cents per pound. Hay he also raised from 1 cent
to 4 cents per pound. I refused to purchase any more from him, and
have contracted for 50,000 pounds of barley at 2 cents, to be delivered
to me at his ranch, fourteen miles from here. I can have it hauled as
we require it by our own teams, and what is required for the teams
going to San Diego they can pick up there, being on the road. I have
also purchased four tons of good hay for $40 per ton at the same place.
I can now, I think, get all the barley that will be requiretl for our use
at reasonable rates. Beef he also asks 8 cents for, and I can, I think,
have it supplied at 6J — at 7 at most. We require more ammunition.
Cai)tain Greene's company (G) brought but 1,300 rounds. We have
altogether 8,000 rounds. Caps we are very short of. Company com-
manders report to me that only about three-fourths .of the caps will
explode, and about the same average with the tape. We are also
much in want of stoves. The weather is extremely cold, and stoves
would be very acceptable if we can get them. In reference to contracts,
will the orders be drawn on Quartermaster Hammond for payment at
Los Angeles f Please instruct me. Again, in reference to some cav-
alry. If I had a few good cavalry horses I could mount a few men for
scouting puri)oses from the command, or employ others. It would ena-
ble me to obtain information that I cannot procure in any other way.
For that purpose I would require a few revolvers. I suggest this to
yon for your consideration. I received a note from Colonel West this
morning, in which he states that two important persons passed ahead
of him, and must have passed here. He does not mention names. If
they passed here they have gone around through one of the passes or
cut-offs that I have mentioned. Oak Grove is a better location than
this. Everyone coming this way must pass there; besides, this is a
horribly dusty country. This camp to-day is scarcely visible 100 yards
from it for dust, and I am informed that it is nothing to what I may
expect. Colonel Wright's promotion was received in camp with every
satisfaction, and your own to the same rank, although to their personal
loss, they would rejoice to hear of. Have you received the document I
forwarded to Colonel Connor? General Baker's death cast quite a
gloom over the entire camp. I hoi>e by the time you receive another
communication from me that I will be able to report having had a
pow-wow with some gentlemen bound out of the State.
Very respectfully,
EDWIN A. RIGG,
Major, Comdg. Detach. Ist Refit. Inft. dalifornia Vofti., Camp Wright,
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CHAP. LXII.] COBBE8PONDENCE UNION AND CONFEDERATE. . 687
P. S. — I sent out Lieutenant Taylor with ten men to Agua Galiente
last night, hoping to intercept some one passing out through there, but
he reported all quiet. At 1 o'clock this morning I had an alarm; the
long-roll was beat, and with every soul in camp, ignorant of such an
intention, the companies were under arms in good order in eight min-
utes. I sent one or two off on a short scout, and deployed the others
around the camp. I was much pleased with their conduct, and am
satisfied that they are ready at a moment's warning for service.
RIGG.
Headquarters District op Southern California,
Gamp Latham, near Los Angeles, CaL, October 28, 1861.
M£y. W. Scott Ketchum,
Commanding Camp near San Pedro, Cal, ;
Major: I have received your note of this date. Lieut. Lafayette
Hammond, regimental quartermaster First Infantry California Volun-
teers and acting commissary of subsistence, is instructed to send at
once Mr. Hanson, the quartermaster's agent, to ^ew San Pedro to issue
such subsistence stores now on hand there as yon may require. By
Special Orders, No. 5, current series, the command of New San Pedro
is made independent of that of the District of Southern California.
It follows that Lieutenant- Colonel Buchanan's instructions about hard
bread and pork for your voyage east do not reach these headquarters.
If these stores are on hand at New San Pedro, yon shall have them.
If they are to be shipped from San Francisco exclusively for tlie use of
a command not included in this district, perhaps it would be well for
the commissary of that command to telegraph to San Francisco for the
subsistence stores he requires to have on shipboard. I say this, not
from a disinclination to do all in my power to oblige the command at
San Pedro, but because I tiear it might be indelicate for me to order
supplies for the command of another. I ordered four teams and an
ambulance to proceed to San Bernardino, to be a part of the transpor-
tation of your command to New San Pedro. I supposed, of course, the
ambulance went until I got your letter.
I am, m^jor, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JAMES II. CAKLETON,
Colonel First California Volunteers, Commanding.
Note. — If you will furnish me with the number of rations of hard
bread, iK>rk, &c., you desire to have placed upon the steamer at San
Francisco, and desire me to have it done for yon, I will do it with
pleasure.
J. H. C.
Special Orders, ) Headquarters District op Oregon,
No. 47. ) Fort Vancouve-r, Wa^h. Ter., October 28, 1861.
Pursuant to instructions from the headquarters of the Department of
the Pacific of October 23, 1861, the enrollment of the company of vol-
unteer cavalry at The DaJles is suspended.
By order of Lieutenant-Colonel Cady :
- A. 0. WTLDRICK,
First Lieut., Third Artillery, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General.
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688 ■ OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. (Chai-. LXIL
Headquakters Department of the Pacipio,
San Francisco, Oal., October 29, 1861.
Col. E. D. TOWNSEND,
Asat, Adjt. Oen., Hdqrs. of the Army, Washington, D. C. :
Colonel: Under instructions from the War Department dated Sep-
tember 28, 1861, 1 have the honor to report for orders to the General-in-
Chief. Again most earnestly requesting that I may be ordered to the
East,
I am, very respectfully, your most obedient servant,
G. WRIGHT,
Brigadier-Oeneral, U. 8. Volunteers.
Special Obdebs, ) Hdqrs. Department of the Pacific,
No. 204. ) San Francisco, October 29, 1861.
m • • • • • •
2. The troops in camp at San Pedro, Cal., will, upon the arrival of
the steamer Golden Gate, embark for the East.
• ••••••
By order of Brigadier-General Wright:
RICHD. 0. DRUM,
Assistant Adjutant- General.
San Francisco, October 29, 1861.
Colonel Blake, U. S. Army,
Port Churchill, N'ev. Ter. :
By order No. 23 your command, when relieved, with horses and horse
equipments will repair to this city and take post at the Presidio.
KICHD. C. DRUM,
Assistant Adjutant- General.
Los Angeles, Cal., October 29, 1861.
Capt. R. W. KiBKHAM, U. S. Army,
VommiHsary of Subsistence, San Francisco, Gal. :
Colonel Buchanan wants 12,000 rations pork and hard bread pat on
steamer that takes his command fi>om San Pedro. Send by Senator
40,000 rations subsistence stores for troops in this district.
JAMES H. CARLETON.
Note. — Captain Ketchum, commanding at San Pedro, wrote to the
undersigned a letter to which the foregoing is a reply, but afterward
the undersigned concluded to send for the rations, fearing the troops
might need them. The following is the basis of the calculation :
Colonel Buchanan's command, October 13,71; Captain Davidson's
command October 13, 113; Major Ketchnm's command, October 20,
350; total strength, 534; round numbers, to include lauudresses, serv-
ants, &c., 600; for twenty days, 1^,000.
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Chap. IXXL] C0EBE8P0NDENCE imiON AND CONFEDERATE. 689
HEADQtJAETBES DISTRICT OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA,
LoH Angeles, Cal., October 39, 1861.
Maj. Edwin A. Eigg,
Commanding at Camp Wright, near Warner's Ranch, Cal. :
Major : I have applied for authority to move your camp to Oak
Grove or Temecnla as soon as Colonel Andrews has gone to San Diego
and embarked. The command ft-om Fort Yuma is ordered to embark
for New York at San Diego on the steamer which is to leave San
Francisco for Panama on the 2l8t of November, 1861. Colonel Andrews'
command is to have your teams as its transportation from Camp Wright
to San Diego, so that Banning's train and ambulance can come on ftom
Camp Wright to San Pedro without dely. If a company of infantry
with transportation belonging to Fort Yuma reaches Camp Wright in
advance of Colonel Andrews' main command, you will continue it ou
without delay to San Diego with the Fort Yuma teams, with orders for
those teams to load at San Diego for your camp and return without
delay. When returned keep this transjwrtation, and when Colonel
Andrews comes use it with your own, if necessary, to transport the
colonel's command to San Diego. When the Yuma wagons again
return poaded, of course), yon will detain them at Camp Wright until
the arrival of a detachment of recruits which I shall shortly send to
Fort Yuma.
I am, major, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JAMES H. CAELBTON,
Colonel First California Volunteers, Commanding.
Note. — Send Private Cole, of Captain Gorley's company, by Ban-
ning's train for extra duty at the quartermaster's department at Los
Angeles.
J. H. C.
Sackett's Wells, Monday, October 29, 1861 — 3 p. m.
Col. James H. Carleton,
Los Angeles:
Colonel: We are progressing finely and have no difficulty about
water the way the command is divided. In fact, we have nothing to
complain of. The health of the command is mainly excellent. There
are about ten men riding in the three companies. I pushed ou in per-
son last night and overtook Captain Calloway, inquired after his wel-
fare and moved him once more in advance of me. Dresher joined me
at daylight this a. m. I gave Lieutenant MacGowan orders to keep*
within one day of me. I learn that he has fallen behind, too; I pre-
sume from yielding too readily to the solicitations of the wagon-master
for rest. 1 shall require him to close his gap between here and the
river. From this point all our marching is to be done from 6 p. m.
until we reach water. Both I and H are similarly instructed. Hadji
Ali is just in from the river. Colonel Andrews makes no reply to my
note. None was required, but I have no news, consequently I shall be
at Fort Yuma on the 3d proximo. The advance party, under Lieuten-
ant Benson, are doing excellent service. Properly provided for and
managed, 1,000 men can be marched across the desert without difficulty.
I shall send you an official report from Yuma. So far as I can glean
news from Sonorians coming this way, the Gaudara party is instigated
in the movement against Pesqueira by assurance of help from the
44 R R — VOL L, PT I
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690 OPEEATION8 ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Chap. LXn.
secession leaders at Tucson, whence it is rumored a party is already
moving to Gaudara's aid. This is all roadside talk, but it may contain
some truth. Will any such expedition require to make a dash at Fort
Yumat Let me hear from you, if you please, whenever convenient.
Yours, &c,
J. E. WEST,
Lieutenant- CoUmel, dbe.
General Orders, ) Hdqrs. Department of the Pacific,
No. 29. ) San Francisco, October 30, 1861.
• ••••••
lY. Surg. Bichard H. Goolidge, medical department, having reported
at these headquarters in pursuance of orders from the War Depart-
ment, is announced on the department staff. Surgeon Goolidge will
at^cordingly relieve Surg. Gharles McGormick, medical department,
when the latter will comply with orders received from Washington.
By order of Brigadier-General Wright:
R. C, DRUM,
Assistant Adjutant- General.
Speciax Orders, ) Hdqrs. Department op the Pacific,
No. 205. ] San Francisco, Gal, October 30, 1861.
1. The officers of the Regular Army appointed by the Governor to
positions in the regiments of volunteers called into service from the
State of Oaliforuia will, with the exception of Golouel Garleton (m^or.
Sixth Cavalry) and Lieut. Col. Benjamin F. Davis ^captain, First Cav-
alry), rejoin their respective regiments and companies as soon as others
have been selected to relieve them.
2. Capt. Benjamin F. Davis, First Cavalry, having tendered his
resignation as lieutenant-colonel of cavalry, California volunteers, will
join his company at San Pedro in time to embark with the same on the
steamer leaving this port on the 1st proximo.
By order of Brigadier-General Wright:
RIOHD. G. DRUM,
Assistant Adjutant- Oeneral.
Executive Office,
Salem, Oreg., October 30, 1861.
First Lieut. A. C. Wildriok,
Third Artillery, Acting Assistant Adjutant Oeneral :
Sir: Your communication of the 28th instant, containing Special
Orders, No. 47, has this day been received, and the order will be
promptly attended to.
Yours, with respect,
CHESTER N. TERRY,
Private Secretary.
Headquarters Department op the Paoepio,
San Francisco, Gal., October 31, 1861.
Col. E. D. Townsend,
Asst. Adjt. Oen., Hdqrs. of the Army, Washington, D. G.:
Colonel : I deem it my duty to submit to the General-in-Chief the
condition of affairs in the Southern District of California and the pru-
dential measures which I consider of vital importance in suppressing
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Chip. LIU; COEEE8PONDENCE — UNION AND CONFEDERATE. 691
any attempts of the rebel forces to gain a foothold on the Pacific Coast.
The U. S. troops in this department can repel any direct invasion of the
iState by the rebels, bat the adjoining State of Sonora, with a feeble
government an d sparse population, presents inducements of the strongest
kind for the rebels to march a force into that country and obtain pos-
session of the floe port of Guaymas. This once accomplished, it
destroys our commerce in the Golf of California and interrupts the
natural transit in and out of Arizona. The fondly cherished hopes and
aim of the rebels are to obtain a iwrt on the Pacific. Timely inter-
ference on our part will frustrate their designs. To protect Arizona
and reestablish the authority of the United States Government in that
country the occupation of Sonora is a military necessity. The amicable
relations existing between our Government and that of Mexico would
not necessarily be interrupted by our temporary occupation of Sonora;
the design and object would be apparent. At all events, Sonora is de
facto independent of the Central Government, and has been so for four
yeiirs; and I am assured by persons whose responsible positions and
reputation guarantee their assertion that the introduction of a force of
U. S. troops would be hailed with joy, and meet with the moral and
physical support of the entire population. We would not eiiter the
country as conquerors, but as friends, to unite with the government and
people in driving back the Southern rebels, who are now threatening
their country with ruin and devastation. I am informed by gentlemen
of high standing that the introduction of U.S. troops into Sonora
would be agreeable to the present governor — Pesqueira. Under all the
circumstances, to protect ourselves, I consider it imperative that we
should take the initiative in this matter. Sonora is weak and unable
tq resist a rebel force, and if our aid is withheld she will inevitably be
overrun — virtually conquered — and the rebels obtain possession of the
port of Guaymas. Let two regiments, one of cavalry and one of infantry,
with a light artillery battery, be promptly thrown into Guaymas, and
all wiU be well. A discreet and prudent commander would conciliate
the government and people of Sonora, and co-operating harmoniously
together, no rebel forces could enter the State. Peace and prosperity
would reign within its borders. Once occupy Sonora, and the re-estab-
lishment of our authority in Arizona would be a work of easy accom-.
plishment. The force necessary for the expedition is now on this coast,
and could be transported to Guaymas by steamers in a week's time.
I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
G. WRIGHT,
Brigadier- General, U. S. Army, Commanding.
Special Orders, ) Hdqes. Department of the Pacific,
No. 206. ) San Francisco, Cal, October 31, 1861.
1. Capt. Horatio G. Gibson, Third Artillery, having been transferred
to Light Company C, Third Artillery, will immediately proceed to the
East and join his company.
2. A company of the Second Regiment of Cavalry California Volun-
teers, to be selected by the colonel, will, properly mounted and equipped,
proceed overland to and take post at Fort Seward. M^or McGarry,
Second Cavalry, will accompany these troops and upon his arrival at
Fort Seward assume command of the same.
By order of Brigadier-General Wright:
RICHD. C. DRUM,
Assistant Adjutant-General.
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692 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. (Chap. Lxn.
Hdqbs. Detach. Fiest Eegt. Infty. Caijifoenia Vols.,
Camp Wright, October 31, 1861.
[CoL James H. Caeleton,
First California Volunteers, Commanding:]
Colonel: I have detained your expressman retoming firom Fort
Yuma twenty-four hours to send by him to you the monthly returns of
this post camp. I have reviewed, inspected, and mustered the com-
mand to-day, and forward by messenger all the returns I can furnish
with the limited number of blanks I have. I hope that you will find
them correct. I have no one here who is well posted in making out
returns, and errors may have occurred. I hope that you will forward
to me blanks of every description that I will require, also general
orders, all of which I am much in want of. The command is getting
along very well. The men are improving in their drill very fast. I
have been for several days drilling in skirmishing, which is a change,
and the command enter into it with much spirit. Your instructions in
reference to recitations I have not been able to pay as much attention
to as I would wish, because a great deal of my time has been taken up
with getting off Lieutenant-Colonel West's command, which left here
on successive days, also Captain Boberts' company for San Diego.
Captain Eoberta' company left here on the 28th instant, and the day
after I received your orders to send him on without <lelay I wrote to
you that I was much in want of some one that I could trust who spoke
the language (Spanish) of this neighborhood. If I could be famished
with some one to interpret for me it would be to the interest of the serv-
ice. I find that every one here is suspicious of one another, and all,
without one exception, have but one idea, and that is to make something
out of the Government. Carrillo raised the price of hay from 1 to>4
cents per pound as soon as he arrived here; or rather, left orders to do
it after he left with Colonel West. I refused to buy from him at that
price, and purchased from Warner four tons, at $40 per ton, and I
think can get more at the same price. The worst featnre in the whole
afTair was his major-domo telling me that hay or barley for my own
horses would cost me nothing. He may or may not have given such
instructions to him, but, nevertheless, it was done. I will have no
trouble about barley or hay either. The combination have quarreled
among themselves, and are willing to sell at fair prices. In reference
to beef, Mr. Wallace has no copy of his contract, and I have none
either, and cannot tell whether his contract was for twenty days or for
twenty issuing days, and as the latter closes out his stock I have given
him the benefit of the doubt. I have had a number of applications to
furnish me with beef, and have had them make them in writing. They
run all the way from 8J cents per pound to 6 cents to deliver at the
camp at any point from Oak Grove, inclnding the boundaries of War-
ner's ranch. My lowest bid is from Francisco O'Campo. I had it
reported to me on the evening of the 28th after dark that a party of
from sixteen to twenty men were encamped in the valley at Agua Cali-
ente, all mounted. I sent out Captain Greene with thirty men to hem
them in, whilst Lieutenant Hargrave, with twenty men, accompanied
by Surgeon Prentiss and a guide, crossed above them to close in on
them and capture them, but, much to my disappointment, and the com-
mand also, it turned out to be a false alarm. They had to return with-
out their game. Some loose horses had been roaming around, which
alarmed my informant, and it was easy to imagine them mountCMi.
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Chap, txil.) CORRESPONDENCE — UNION AND CONFEDERATE. 693
However, it bad a good effect on the command, as well as the comma-
nity aroand us. They see that we were not sent here to play, and if
there are any persons who are disloyal they keep very quiet. I hope
that I will have the pleasure of reporting to you very soon some tangi-
ble evidence of our vigilance. After detaining the express I am obliged
to send him on without all the returns. It has blown a perfect cloud of
dust to-day in camp, and several copies were so much disfigured by the
upsetting of inkstands, &c., that I would not send them. Inclosed
you will please find monthly reports from all the companies. I will
forward them the first opportunity.
Kespectfully,
EDWIN A. RIGG,
First Infantry Regiment, Commanding,
Headqxtarters Department op the Pacific,
San Francisco, Cal., October 31, 1861.
Col. A. J. Smith,
Commanding Second Cavalry, Camp Alert, Cal.:
Sir: The general commanding the department desires yon to have
the company directed in Special Orders, No. 206, to proceed to Fort
Seward (a new post being established on Bel River, in this State) in
readiness to start on Monday next. The route has not yet been deter-
mined on, and there is therefore no specific time stated for its depart-
ure. As soon as this is fixed you will be informed.
Very respectfdlly, your obedient servant,
RIGFID. C. DRUM,
Assistant Adjutant- Qeneral.
San Francisco, Cal., October 31, 1861.
Col. P. E. CONNOB,
Stockton, Cal.:
Send the two companies for Gaston and Ter-Waw on Monday's boat.
They will sail from here on Tuesday morning. Designate the company
for Gaston and the one for Ter-Waw. Hold the third company in
readiness for movement.
By order:
RICHD. C. DRUM,
Assistant Adjutant-General.
Fort Chuechill, Nev. Tee., October 31, 1861.
Maj. R. C. Drttm,
Asst. Adjt. Oen., Hdqrs. Dept. of the Pacific, San Francisco, Cal.:
Major : I have the honor to report the arrival of two companies of
volunteers to relieve this command. No return has been furnished to
enable me to make the necessary return of the same. The command will
leave here on the 2d November, or sooner if the public property can be
turned over.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
GEO. A. H. BLAKE,
Lieutenant- Colonel First Cavalry, Commanding Post.
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694 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. (Cbap. LXIL
San Fbancisco, Cal., November 1, 1861.
Col. P. E. CONNOB,
Stockton, Cal.:
You will send the three companies on Monday's boat. The third
goes to Fort Bragg.
By order:
RICHD. C. DRUM,
Aasistant Adjutant- General.
Headquaetbbs Department op the rAcipic,
San Francisco, November 1, 1861.
Major McGaeet,
Second Regiment of Cavalry:
(Through Colonel Commanding Camp Alert, Cal.)
Sib : I am directed by the general commanding the department to
inform you that the company of cavalry under orders to proceed to Fort
Seward will leave this [city] on the steamer Benicia on Monday, the
4th instant. From thence it will proceed to Long Valley, Mendocino
County, striking the main road from Petaluma to Ix)ng Valley at Santa
Rosa. The commanding oflBcer at Fort Seward has been directed to
send a pack train to Long Valley to transport your stores thence to the
fort. Should the pack train not be sufficiently large to take all your
baggage and stores at once, yon will leave a detachment with the
remaining portion until the return of the train. The wagon train will,
as soon after your arrival in Long Valley as possible, be sent back to
Benicia. You will examine carefully all instructions on record from
these headquarters, and execute the same so far as the means at your
disposal will permit. The general particularly desires you to keep him
constantly advised of everything important relating to our Indian
afTairs, and hopes that with the force placed at your disi)osal you will
be able not only to give the necessary protection to the inhabitants,
but also to unoffeudiug bands of Indians. On this subject yon will
find very full instructions on record at Fort Seward.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
RICHD. C. DRUM,
Assistant Adjutant- General.
Hbadqttabtebs Depabtment op the Pacific,
San Francisco, Cal., November 1, 1861.
Maj. Chables S. Lovell,
Tenth Infantry, Commanding Fort Seward, Cal.:
Sib: The general commanding the department directs me to inform
you that one company of cavalry will leave this city for Fort Seward
on Monday next (November 4). The general desires you to have a pack
train at Long Valley in time to meet this company, so that the wagon
train can return to Benicia from that point.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
KICHD. C. DRUM,
Assistant Ac^utant-OeneroL
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cbap.i.xn.] coebe8pondence — union and confederate. 695
Headquarters District of Obboon,
Fort Vancouver, Wash. Ter., November 1, 1861.
Maj. E. C. Drum,
Asst. Adjt. Oen., Hdqrs. Bept. of the Pacific, San Francisco, Gal, :
Major : I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt by this morn-
ing's mail of your letters of the 22d, 23d, and 24th ultimo, and of that
of the colonel commanding the department of the 24th ultimo. The
enrollment of men in the company of volunteer cavalry was suspended
on the receipt on the 28th ultimo of your telegram, and the disband-
ment of the company has been this day directed. As the disposition
of the companies now looked for, directed by your letter of the 22d,
conflicts in some degree with what I have already done, some explana-
tion as to that, and to what I purposed doing, may be necessary. My
letter of the 23d ultimo and orders of that and subsequent dates show
what I have done with the five companies received on the 2l8t ultimo —
two companies under Major Curtis to Fort Colville, one to Fort Dalles,
one to Fort Hoskius, and one retained here. I was governed as far as
possible by the general tenor and spirit of the oral instructions received
from the former commander of the department before I left San Fran-
cisco, the most distant troops to be relieved at once, &c. In this cate-
gory Hoskins was necessarily included, to allow of the relief of the
artillery detachment at Fort Umpqua as soon as possible, so that it
might join its company (D), designated for San Juan. The eruption of
the Snakes upon the Warm Springs Eeservation, a report of which met
me on my arrival here, made it necessary to place a company at The
Dalles at once, so that the guard could be replaced at the reservation
without delay. I wished also that this company should have the bene-
fit as largely as possible of the experience and local knowledge of the
present commander there, whom 1 did not intend to remove until the
arrival of the companies from Walla Walla. The company retained
here (E) was the smallest one of that battalion, being less than sixty
strong, and probably the least instructed, considerations which deter-
mined me. My purpose with regard to those now coming was to place
Lieutenant-Colonel Lee with two companies at Walla WaUa, one at
Steilacoom, one at Yamhill, and one at the Cascades. As that place,
however, is to be abandoned, I will retain it here until further orders,
though I think it would be a better arrangement to have it at Walla
Walla, where, from present indications, the largest force possible is
necessary. The same reasons make it desirable to have one of the field
officers at that station. Captains Black's and "Van Voast's companies
and the band, &c., of the Ninth, will be sent down by the Cortez,
which leaves on the 7th instant. It is probable that Captain Dent's
company will be in from Hoskins in time to go down, in which case it
will be sent.
I have the honor to be, your obedient servant,
A. CADT,
Lieutenant- Colonel Seventh Infantry, Commanding District.
Headquarters District of Oregon,
Fort Vancouver, Wash. Ter., November 1, 1861.
His Excellency John Whiteaker,
Governor of Oregon, Salem, Oreg. :
Sir : I have the honor to notify your Excellency that by instructions
this day received from the headquarters of the Department of the
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G96 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Chat. LXII.
Pacific the raising of the company of volunteer cavalry heretofore
called for haa been suspended, and the men, if any, already enrolled
are to be disbanded, the regiment to be organized under Colonel Cor-
nelius being considered amply sufficient for the whole country.
I have the honor to be. with much respect, your obedient servant,
A. CADT,
Lieutenant- Colonel Seventh Infantry, Commanding District.
Spkoial Orders, i IlEADQtrARTERS District of Oregkjn,
No. 50. ) Fort Vancouver, Wash. Ter., November 1, 1861.
II. The headquarters of the Ninth Infantry (non-commissioned staff
and band), Companies G and K, and such other companies of the same
regiment as may be in readiness, will embark on the steamer Cortez
heuco to Sau Francisco on the 7th instant.
• ••••••
By order of Lieutenant-Colonel Cady :
A. C. WILDRICK,
First Lieut., Third Artillery, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General,
Headquarters District of Oregon,
Fort Vancouver, Wash. Ter., November 1, 1861.
Capt. J, H. Whittlesey,
Commanding Fort Dalles, Oreg.:
Captain : The colonel commanding the district directs you to hold
yourself in readiness to repair to this post with your company on the
arrival at The Dalles of Captain Magruder's company Irom Walla Walla.
• ••••••
Respectfully, your obedient servant,
A. C. WILDRICK,
First Lieut., Third Artillery, Acting Assistant Adjutant-Oeneral.
Fort Hoskins, Oreg., November 1, 1861.
Lieut. A. C. WiLDRiCK,
Acting Assistant Adjutant- General, District of Oregon:
Sir: I have the honor to inform you that I shall leave this post en
route for Fort Vancouver on or about the 6th instant. I may be delayed
a day longer for the reason that the streams are high, and my party
from the Siletz block-house may be unable to reach this place by the
evening of the 5th. The block-house is thirty miles from this place,
and should never have a less garrison than twenty men. Captain
Schmidt will not be able to place a proper garrison at that post if he
sends a garrison to Fort Umpqua such as is called for by Orders, No.
46. The Indians are not quiet, and need looking after. I presume it
had escaped the colonel commanding that a garrison for Siletz had to
come from this post, or the garrison for Umpqua would have been
detailed from YamhUl.
Very respectflilly, your obedient servant,
F. T. DENT,
Captain, Ninth Infantry, Commatiding.
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Chap. LXII.] CORRESPONDENCE UNION AND CONFEDERATE. 697
Hbadquabtebs of TUE Arut,
Waahingt4m, November 2, 1861.
Brig. Gen. George Wright,
San Francisco, Cal.:
Send by telegram condition of yonr troops. Report by letter ftiUy
and frequently.
GEO. B. McCLELLAN,
Major-General, Commanding U. 8, Armi/.
Special Orders, \ Hdqrs. Department of the Pacific,
No. 207. ) San Francisco, Cal,, November 2, 1861.
A detachment, to consist of one sergeant, two corporals, and fourteen
privates, will be selected by the commanding officer, from the companies
stationed at Alcatraz, for service at Mare Island Navy- Yard. The ser-
geant will be instructed to report to the commandant of the yard.
Captain Kirkham, assistant quartermaster, will provide the necessary
transportation.
By order of Brigadier-General Wright:
RICHD. C. DRDM,
AssisUint Adjutant- General.
Headquarters Department of the Pacific,
San Francisco, Cal,, November 2, 1861,
Col. James H. Carleton.
California Vols., Comdg. Dist. of Southern California,
Los Angeles, Gal.\:
Sir: I am directed by the genwal commanding the department to
say that the suggestions contained in your letter of the 27th ultimo
relative to the removal of the camp from Warner's ranch are approved.
When the troops were sent to the ranch it was not the intention of the
general to keep them there during the winter. After the troops under
Lieutenant-Colonel Andrews have crossed the desert and marched on
San Diego, and you are assured that Fort Tuma is not in danger, the
general desires you to withdraw the troops from the ranch and place
them in camp either at Oak Grove or Temecnla, as in your judgment
may be best suited for a winter camp;
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
RICHD. C. DRUM,
Assistant Adjutant- General,
Special Orders, ) Headquarters District op Oregon,
No. 52. 5 ^o^t Vancouver, Wash. Tcr., November 2, 1861.
I. Captain Crowninshield's company (E, Fourth Infantry California
Volunteers) will take post at Fort Steilacoom, Wash. Ter., to which
place it will proceed by the steamer Pacific about the 11th instant, and
relieve the present garrison.
• ••••••
III. On being relieved by the company of volunteers, Captain Wood-
ruff, with Companies D and F, Ninth Infantry, will embark on the
steamer, on which he will continue until its arrival at San Francisco.
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698 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Chap. LXIL
IV. Captain Scott's company (D, Fourth Infantry California Volun-
teers) will first take post at Fort Yamhill, to which place it wiU proceed
with as little delay as practicable and relieve its present garrison, Com-
pany I, Ninth Infantry. On being relieved Company I will proceed to
this post, whence it will go to San Francisco by the first steamer after
its arrival. The quartermaster's department will furnish the necessary
transportation for the movements of these two companies.
By order of Lieutenant-Colonel Cady :
A. C. WILDBICK,
First Lieut., Third Artillery, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General.
(NovEMBEE 2, 1861. — For Baylor to H4bei-t, relating to affairs in
Calitbruia and Arizona, see Vol. IV, p. 149.]
Los Angeles, Cal., November 4, 1861.
Col. James H. Cablbton:
Mt Deab Sib : I have been put in possession of some facts this
morning which would appear to warrant the conclusion that men are
concentrating, or will soon meet, on the Colorado liiver. I believe my
information is reliable, and I also see in the Alta of the 26th ultimo a
letter from San Diego, which, taken in connection with what I have
learned here this morning, is quite significant. I believe there is a
party of twenty-five men now at El Monte. They have been there
some days, waiting the arrival of Showalter and others to proceed on
to the Colorado. I am quite unwell to-day or I would go to your camp.
K yon should be in town to-morrow I will endeavor to see yoa.
Yours, truly,
J. J. WABNBR.
FoET Yuma, November 4, 1861.
Col. James H. Cableton.
Los Angeles:
Deab Colonel: An official communication herewith will inform you
of our march and arrival here. I scarcely as yet comprehend my posi-
tion, but am exerting myself to that end. To-morrow I shall have
most of the ferry-boats under my control; one .thirty miles below I hope
to secure by Wednesday, and another twenty miles above in a few days.
The river is so low that it can be forded in many places. Indians swim
the animals of travelers, and some may escape me. Accounts from
Tucson and thereabouts are conflicting, and therefore unreliable. I
hear that Baylor is at Tucson with 200 men, and Van Dorn at Mesilla
with a larger command. Of course the outside talk is that they intend
to come here. I place no reliance upon it, however. They may or may
not. Carrillo is becoming more useful. I send him to Tucson by way
of Altar. He will be back in twenty days. My scouts now number
four, and are not idle. I shall send you an account of stores in a few
days. I have on hand 60,000 rounds of ammunition; provisions in
abundance. A good deal of work is needed to strengthen this position.
Were I commander of this district I would send here two 12-pounders
and a small corps of artillerists. Excuse the suggestion. I have four
12-poander howitzers and 150 rounds of shot and shell. My Greek makes
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CHAP. Lxn.) CORRESPONDENCE — ^UNION AND CONFEDERATE. 699
aD odd-looking letter of this, bat it is very interesting to those that
understand it. I shall begin drills of officers at the earliest possible
motnent. At present I am only devoting one hoar daily to company
drill, as the work on the defenses of the post mostly occupies the time.
"Will you be good enough to inform me whether you propose to keep up
an express and how often t For instance, I may avoid sending off a
si)ecial messenger if I know when to expect a regular one. I have
many things to write to you about, but matters are so indefinite as yet
that I cannot satisfactorily allude to them. Since writing the above
Mr. Yager has acquainted me with the fact that he once carried the
mail to San Diego weekly at $4,500 per annum, and is willing to renew
the service on same terms, or to Los Angeles for $6,000. I merely
mention the matter incidentally for your consideration. An allusion is
made elsewhere (in communication to adjutant) of a scout that I made
to Gonzales' Ferry. Unfortunately it was unsuccessful, as the game
had flown. While I was away from Dresher's command he searched a
messenger on the road and discovered the two letters which I in^slose
herewith.* I sent an emissary to Gila City yesterday, but there was
nobody there. They had all moved on. I shall keep on the alert for
foes of all numbers and kinds. Greenwade, at Temecula, is a rank
secessionist, giving aid and comfort to the enemy. The same may be
said of Weld, the factotum of Yager, on the other side of the desert.
I have omitted citizen employees from my post return, but will send
them on the next. It is bad policy to mention their names. I am much
in want of some envelopes. Company blanks are a scarcer article at
this post. I keep my letters open, and write as one matter or the other
suggests itself. Hence they are rather desultory.
Truly, yours,
J. E. WEST.
Lieutenant-Colonel, die.
Headqitabtkbs District op Southern Oalipobnia,
Los AngeleSf Cat., November 4, 1861.
Maj. Edwin A. Kigg,
Commanding at Camp Wright, Oal. :
Major: I have received your note of the 28th ultimo. If any party
of the size and character described attempt to pass you, stop it, search
the persons and baggage if you suspect them of being enemies of our
country, and cause them to toke the oath of allegiance to our Govern-
ment. If you find upon them evidence of their being disloyal, or of
their giving aid and comfort to the enemy, hold them in confinement
and report all the facts and all the evidence in each case to me. You
will not buy one dollar's worth of any kind of property of Mr. Carrillo,
or the people he sold his barley and hay to. Nor will you pay over 2J
cents for barley. If you cannot get hay for less than $40 I will send it
from San Francisco. Buy your beef from him who will sell it cheapest.
Make no bargains for beef for a longer time than a month, nor buy over
a fortnight's supply of barley or hay. Buy nothing from any person
who wishes to raise on his prices, the ordinary rates, because of the
presence of the troops. We can get all we want cheap from above, and
if worse comes to worst will move the troops before we will suffer impo-
sition. Buy nothing of Bamon Carrillo, since he has acted the way
he has. Yon must make no contracts without my approval first ob-
tained, when I have seen the written contract, unless it be for daily use,
* Not foond.
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700 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. (Chap. Lxn.
Tintil yoQ can hear from me. I have sent 10,000 rounds of ammunition
to you at San Diego by the Senator last night. Have it got at once.
I have written to have stoves sent to you. I will soon send you some
cavalry, say a lieutenant, a sergeant, a corporal, and twenty-five men,
starting to-morrow or next day. Try and have shelter for the horses.
The horses must be kept in fine condition if you have the hard service
you anticipate for cavaJry. Mr. Showalter and men of that stripe must
be searched for expected evidences of treason, and at all events they
must take the oath of allegiance besides. If they refuse, hold them
securely and report all the facts in the case, as I have before written.
We have had enough of the bullying and treason of such men. If
Judge Terry tries to pass, he must go through the same ordeal. There
must be no child's play with him. Keep your own counsel; act with
great circumspection, but with firmness. Put yourself in en rapport
with the Indians. They will give you much valuable information of
little parties attempting to c::Sge by you, I have sent you a forge,
muleshoes, nails, tools, and some clothing. You can now put every-
thing in service order and keep it so. Be ready at a moment's notice
to move on to the help of West. Your position is such at this critical
juncture that you must keep up a sleepless vigilance. Have your com-
mand in fighting order all the time, night or day. Keep me advised of
all you do. Much is expected of you and all your command, officers
and men. Drill, drill, drill, until your men become perfect as soldiers,
as skirmishers, as marksmen. Keep the command in good health. Look
after the messing every day yourself, and be sure the police and clean-
liness of camp is perfect.
I am, mt^or, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JAMES H. CARLETON,
Colonel First California Volunteers, Commanding.
Los Angeles, Cal., November 4, 1861.
Mt Dear Eyee : I received your kind note of the 30th of October this
morning. In case you find by a shrewd and careful set of traps, which
yon have the address to set, that the person alluded to in the copy of a
letter sent by Lieutenant Cutler is playing false to the Government
^Doctor B ) — in case you obtain good evidence to this end (and if
it exist you will obtain it, I am sure), then seize him quietly, search him
and his premises thoroughly for all papers going to prove his disloyalty,
and hold him securely until you hear from me. Obey no writ of habeas
corpus in his case after you have once seized him, as you will have in
your possession evidences of his guilt strong enough to justify his deten-
tion. I will uphold you in resisting the writ until you hear from me.
There must be no child's play in what we do in so flagrant a case as his
will be, holding the position he does. It is said the mail-carrier and
post-office people in your place are to be doubted. Is this sot If so,
then all important communications to me must be sent in by an officer
by stage, as yon have no horses. Lieutenant-Colonel Davis has resigned.
His resignation has been accepted by the Governor, and Davis has gone
home on the Golden Gate. Keep every string drawing; practice skir-
mish drill, and (judiciously as regards ammunition) target practice.
We may have use for your men at any day. It is not certain that an
attempt will not be made to come across the desert. See Alta; see
inclosed letter (Warner's).* Keep all these matters in your own bosom.
•Page 698.
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tiup. LUI.] COBBESPONDENCE UNION AND CONFEDERATE. 701
If Showalter comes to San Bernardino, or where you can get hold of
him, have him swear allegiant-e to the Government. If he refuse, hold
him good. I will send him to Alcatraz ; same of Judge Terry. Be on
the qui vive. There are plotters all about us, without a doubt.
Sincerely, yours,
JAMES H. CAELETON.
Note. — If any person fires into your camp, hang him.
IlEADQl'AKTKRS DISTRICT OP OREGON,
Fort Vancouver, Wash. Ter., November 4, 1861.
Msvj. R. C. Dbttm,
Asst. Adjt. Oen., Hdqrs. Dept. of the Pacific, San Francisco, Cal. :
Major : I have the honor to report that Lieut. Col. H. Lee, Fourth
Infantry California Volunteers, with Companies A, B, C, D, and E of
that regiment, arrived at this post on the evening of the 1st instant
(403 enlisted, 419 aggregate present). I have given the necessary
directions for the disposition of these troops, in accordance with my
letter of the 1st instant, viz. Colonel Lee with two companies at Walla
Walla, one company at Steilacoom, one at Yamhill, and one at Fort
Vancouver. I trust that this arrangement, under the explanations
already given, may meet the approval of the commanding general. Ko
medical officer accompanied these troops. I trust that the deficiency
consequent on the operation of General Orders, No. 24, will be supplied
as soon as possible. I have given no directions in regard to the move-
ment of the medical oflBcers from the relieved stations except in the
cases of Fort Colville and Camp Pickett, supposing that those inter-
ested would be governed by the terms of the general order above
referred to. I feel compelled, however, to retain Surgeon Brown here
as long as I possibly can.
I have the honor to be, your obedient servant,
A. CADY,
Lieutenant-Colonel Seventh Infantry, Commanding District.
Special Orders, ) Headquarters District of Oregon,
No. 63. ) Fort Vancouver, Wash. Ter., November 4, 1861.
I. Lieut. Col. H. Lee, with Companies A (Rowell's) and C (West's),
Fourth Infantry California Volunteers, will take post at Fort Walla
Walla, Wash. Ter., and relieve the present garrison. The command
will be in readiness to move at 8 a. m. to-morrow, and will proceed to
its destination with as much expedition as possible.
II. Captain Magruder, First Cavalry, when relieved will proceed to
this post with his command. The quartermaster's department will fur-
nish the necessary transx)ortation for these movements.
By order of Lieutenant-Colonel Cady:
A. C. WILDEICK,
First Lieut., Third Artillery, Acting Assistant Adjutant- Oeneral.
Special Orders, \ Headquarters District of Oregon,
No. 54. ) Fort Vancouver, Wash. Ter., November 4, 1861.
I. Company D, Third Artillery, will proceed by the steamer Pacific
abont the 11th instant to Camp Pickett, San Juan lalaiid, where it will
take jwst, relieving the present garrison. Company H, Ninth Infantry.
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702 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. (Chap. LXn
II. (/aptain English, Ninth Infantry, will with his company embark
on the steamer Pacific on its retnrn&om Fort Steilacoom, and will con-
tinue thereon until its arrival at San Francisco.
• ••••••
By order of Lientenant-Colonel Gady:
A. G. WILDRICK,
First Lieut., Third Artillery, Acting AsHstant Adjutant- Oeneral.
HEADQUABTEBS DbPAETMENT op THE PACIPIC,
San Franeiseo, Gal., November 5, 1861.
Brig. Gen. S. Wllliams,
Asst. Adjt. 6en., Army Headquarters, Washington, D. C. :
Troops in good condition. Cavalry regiment full. Infantry regi-
ments tilling up. Fifteen companies sent north.
G. WRIGHT,
Brigadier- Oeneral, U. 8. Army, Commanding Department.
HeADQUABTEBS DePAETMENT OF THE PACIFIC,
San Francisco, November 5, 1861.
Brig. Gen. Seth Williams,
Adjutant-Oeneral at Headquarters of the Army,
Washington, D. C. :
General : I have this moment received Major-General McGlellan's
dispatch of the 2d instant, calling for a report of the condition of my
troops. I have replied briefly by telegraph as follows: "Troops in
good condition. Cavalry regiments full. Infantry regiments filling
up. Fifteen companies sent north." The organization of the volun-
teer force called for from this State by the War Department will be
completed at an early date. The cavalry service is the favorite arm in
this country, and both regiments, the first of five and the second of
twelve companies, are full. It is confidently expected that the five
infantry regiments will be nearly filled up by the 1st of December.
The First Infantry is fully organized and is in the southern district of
the State. Five companies of the Second and five of the Fourth In&n-
try have already been sent to Oregon to relieve the regular troops in
that State and the Territory of Washington. Four companies of the
Third Infantry and one of the Second Cavalry have been sent to
relieve the garrisons of Forts Bragg, Seward, Gaston, and Ter-Waw;
one company of the Second Cavalry to Fort Crook; two companies of
same regiment to Fort Churchill, and one to Benicia Barracks. In the
Southern District of California Colonel Carleton is in command. He
has his own regiment, First California Volunteer Infantry, and the
First Cavalry, a battalion of five companies. Commands have alrea<ly
been sent to relieve the regular troops at Fort Yuma and at San Diego.
Colonel Carletou's intimate knowledge of the southern section of tliis
State makes it of the highest importance that he should remain there
in command.
As the War Department specially designated Colonel Carleton to
command the First Infantry California Volunteers, originally designed
for protection to the overland mail service, I have taken it for granted
that it was not intended to withdraw him from the volunteer service,
under the instructions from Adjutant-General's Office of the 3d of
October, 1861. Lieutenant-Colonel Cady, of the Seventh Infantry,
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CHAP. LXn.) CORRESPONDENCE — UNION AND CONFEDERATE. 703
Regular Army, ia now in command of the District of Oregon, having
been sent there by General Sumner to relieve Colonel Beall, of the
First Cavalry. The regular troops I shall send Bast as fast as they
reach the coast. Most of them will have sailed by the Ist of Decem-
ber; those from Oolville and Walla Walla will not get off quite so soon.
Should it be the wish of the Department to send volunteers from this
country to the East, I doubt not that the regiments would be filled
very promptly. The personnel is not surpassed by any troops we have;
all that is required is instruction and discipline.
Very respectftdly, your most obedient servant,
G. WRIGHT,
Brigadier- General, U. 8. Army, Commanding.
[Indorsement.]
Inform General W. that Colonel Oarleton and Colonel Oady will be
retained in his department; that his arrangements are approved.
Becommend to the Secretary that six picked squadrons of Califomians
be formed for service with the Army of Potomac, and four for service
in Texas; that two regiments of California and Oregon infantry be
raised for service here and two for Western Texas.
GEO. B. MoCLELLAN.
Headquarters Department op the Pacific,
San Francisco, Gal., November 5, 1861.
Col. Edward D. Townsend,
As8t. Adjt. Gen., Hdqrs. of the Army, Washington, D. G. :
Colonel : I have this moment received your communication of the
10th ultimo. Anticipating the wishes of the General-in-Chief, orders
were issued some days since for Company D, Third Artillery, now at
Fort Vancouver, to proceed to San Juan Island and relieve the company
of the Ninth Infantry.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
G. WRIGHT,
Brigadier- General, U. 8. Army, Commanding Department.
Headquarters District op Southern California,
Los Angeles, Gal., November 5, 1861.
Maj. Richard 0. Drum, U. S. Army,
Assistant Adjutant-General, 8an Francisco, Gal.:
Major: I send you copies of letters* received and written by myself
as the best account of what is transpiring in this district. I cannot
believe any force will attempt to come over the desert, but I want to
keep my command in as near a state of preparation for such an emer-
gency as could be exi)ected from raw troops. The camp at Warner's
ranch should be moved. I desire authority to change it to a warmer
and healthier point — say to Oak Grove or to Temecula. I have sent
Captain Fritz and one subaltern and thirty rank and file, First Cavalry
California Volunteers, to Owen's River. I have sent Lieutenant Well-
man and twenty-seven rank and file. First Cavalry California Volun-
teers, to remain a while at Camp Wright, to act as vedettes, scouts,
•See Eigg to Oarleton, October 25; Oarleton to Rigg and West to Carleton, Octo-
ber 29; Eigg to Carleton, October 31 ; Carleton to Kyreand Warner to Carleton and
Carleton to liigg, November i, ante.
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704 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Chap. LXII.
expresses, &c. I have sent thirty-five recruits, via Sau Diego (by
steani) and Camp Wrigbt, to fill up the companies at Fort Yuma.
I am, major, very respectfully, your obedieut servant,
JAMES H. CARLETOK,
Colonel First California Volunteers.
Camp Latham,
Near Los Angeles, November 5, 1861.
Col. J. H. Carleton,
Commanding First Infantry California Volunteers:
Sib : I inclose you extracts from a letter received by me from Assist-
ant Surgeon Raudle in reference to the climate at Gamp Wright, near
Warner's ranch.
Major Rigg requests me to ntate to Colonel Carleton through yon, my opinion as
to the propriety or impropriety of this commund remaining at its present position.
It is my professional and oflicial opinion that the command under Major Rigg ought
to be removed from this place as speedily as possible, for the following reasons :
First. The wind blows here a perfect gale (not a moderate breeze) more than half
the time, driving the dust in clnnds, and blinding the eyes of every one, and infil-
trating into every coffee pot, camp kettle, water bucket, &c. This has been the day
of general muster, and Major Rigg has pertinaciously and punctiliously discharged
all his duties, and the men have turned out with commendable zeal, notwithstand-
ing the gusts of wind and dust have prevented anything like cooking in camp. The
wind has blown so hard that a fire could not be made, and this is no nnnsnal
occurrence. Second. We are four miles from fire-wood, which is cotton wood when
we get it. Third. The water here is strongly impregnated with alkalL Fourth.
The weather is very cold now, and growing colder. Snow falls here a foot deep
frequently in winter, and sometimes remains a week on the ground.
The above extract contains everything touching the climate at War-
ner's ranch.
J. M, McNULTY,
Surgeon First Infantry California Volunteers.
Heaj)quaetees District op Southern California,
Los Angeles, Gal,, November 5, 1861.
Lieut. Col. George Andrews,
Sixth U. 8. Infantry, en route from Fort Yuma to San Diego:
Colonel: General Wright, commanding the Department of the
Pacific, has made arrangements for the troops under your command
from Fort Yuma to embark at San Diego for New York on the steamer
which will leave Sau Francisco for Panama on the 21st instant, and he
directs that there be nothing to interfere with your command being
entirely ready at San Diego when the steamer puts in to that port to
receive it.
I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JAMES H. CARLETON,
Colonel First Infantry California Volunteers, Commanding.
Headquarters District op Southern California,
Los Angeles, Cal., November 5, 1861.
Lieut. Col. Joseph R. West,
First Infantry California Vols., Comdg. Fort Yuma, Cal. :
Colonel : I have sent via San Diego and Camp Wright thirty-five
recruits for the companies at Fort Yuma. You will have them assigned
by lot to the difierent companies, so that each will have the same
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Chap. Lxn.] COREE8PONDENCE — UNION AND CONFEDERATE. 705
strength. Report to me how many more you will want to bring your
companies to the maximum number allowed by law. I shall fill your
companies first and those at Camp Wright next It is reported that
near low tide- water at the month of the Colorado people can ford the
river at " low water slack." The steam-boat men can tell you if this be
so. The Cocopah Indians will know all about it. So be on your guard
about that point, and also about the point near Pilot Knob, and the one
above the fort about which I spoke to yon. If you are sure that you
have all the boats, large and small, under your guns (and I advise you
to destroy all that you do not need), and are en rapport with the Indi-
ans, so they can give you information about the fords and people col-
lecting near them to cross, it seems to me you will have good control of
the river. Are the steam-boat men reliable? I hear the steam-boat has
gone to the mouth of the river for supplies. It would be well, I think,
always to have a trusty oflScer go down on her, and a few trusty men,
so if there be treachery, as to setting a force across the river below the
fort, this officer can seize the boat and bum her up. Your officer and
men ostensibly can go down "to see the Indians and to learn the
river." None need know of your instructions to the officer to destroy
the boat and, if necessary, shoot the officers in charge of her, in case of
treachery, but he who goes in command of the men; say such a man as
Lieutenant Mitchell. I have all sorts of rumors tcom your direction,
but do not believe them and do not get stamx)eded about you. I only
want you to guard all the points. This done, with your resolution and
sagacity, I have no fears of a surprise; and unless you are surprised
you will whip any forte coming from the direction of Texas. You wUl
see by letters taken by this express that Mr. Showalter with a party of
Texans from El Monte will attempt to cross the desert; so, too, doubt-
less. Judge Terry. Give mo a good account of these two men. They
will try to steal by you if possible; if not possible, they will try to bully
yon. In either event, give me a good account of them. The time has
gone by when matters are to be minced with such men — such open and
avowed traitors. For myself, if I were in command at Yuma and
they came there with armed men and would not take the oath of alle-
giance and attempted to show fight, knowing their political sentiments
as I do I slionld hang them both. Your duties are of a most responsi-
ble character. California expects that when her own troops are guard-
ing the approaches to the State there shall be no doubt as to how
efficiently the duty is done. I know you will keep on the alert, and
that your command will by night and by day be kept ready to fight at
a moment's notice.
Respectfully, your obedient servant,
JAMES II. OARLETON,
Colonel First California Yolvnteers, Commanding.
Special Ordebs, ) Headquarters District of Oregon,
No. 55. ) Fort Vancouver, Wash. Ter., November 5, 1861.
I. Captain Fitch's company (B, Fourth Infantry California Volunteers)
will, until further orders, take post at Fort Vancouver. The company
will move into quarters as soon as an opportunity is afforded by the
departure of one of the relieved companies.
• ••••••
By order of Lieutenant-Colonel Cady :
A. C. WILDRICK,
First Lieut., Third Artillery, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General.
45 R R— vol. L, PT I
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706 0PEKATI0N8 ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Chap. ixn.
Heabquabtebs Distbict op Southebn Califoenia,
Lot Angeles, Gal., November 6, 1861.
Maj. Edwin A. Eigg,
First Infantry California Volunteers,
Gonidg. at Gamp Wright, near Wamer^s Ranch, Gal. :
Majok: I send by Lieutenant Wellman 20,000 rounds of musket
ammunition for your command, thirteen Sibley stoves, ten camp kettles,
two hospital tents, and two sets hospital tent poles. Report to me how
much ammunition you have on hand for your infantry command when
you have received this. The 10,000 rounds I wrote to you as having
been sent to San Diego did not go down. I should think there could
be no mistake about your getting barley at 2^ cents and so wrote you,
but yon most have it even though you pay more. In the latter event
report at once to me, and I will send to San Francisco for it.
BespectAilly, &c.,
JAMBS H. OARLETON,
Colonel First California Volunteers, Commanding.
Hbadquabtbes Distbict op Southebn Calipobnia,
Los Angeles, November 6, 1861.
Maj. Edward E. Eyee,
First Cavalry California Volunteers,
Comdg. Camp Carleton, near San Bernardino, Gal. :
Majob : The colonel commanding directs that yon cause your quar-
termaster and commissary to forward at once to this ofiQce a full and
complete list of all quartermaster's stores and property now in his pos-
session, and all subsistence stores and commissary property now in his
possession, from whatever source they may have come. The colonel
also desires that you send to this office a list of all the ammunition you
have on hand, specifying the amount of each kind, particularly in
regard to the pistol cartridges, whether for revolvers army size or for
revolvers navy size.
I am, major, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
BEN. C. CUTLER,
First Lieut., First Infantry California Vols., Actg. Asst. AdjU Qen.
Camp Weight, November 6, 1861.
Ool. James H. Caeleton,
Commanding California Volunteers, Los Angeles, Gal, :
Colonel: I take advantage of Mr. Wallace's kindness to be bearer
of dispatches to you to give you the news from our little camp. Of
course we have not changed our locality since our arrival here except
to move farther to the northward, say one-eighth of a mile, to get on
to higher and drier ground. I have since my last communication to
you examined every corner and nook to better our position, and find
none but at Oak Grove. I have been there again and took a great
deal of pains to examine the locality in au entirely military point of
view, and am satisfied that it is the only point within fifty miles of here
where a perfect blockade can successftilly be had. The valley at the
northwest corner where the road (and the only one) enters the valley
is not more than half a mile wide, and can easily be closed up. But
there is no good place to camp near that point, say half a mile, where
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Chap. LXn.) COBBESPONDENCE — UNION AND CONFEDERATE. 707
any drill-ground can be had. But farther up the valley, near the house
of Mr. Gable, formerly Clark's, is a beautiful camp- ground and also fine
ground for drilling. With a few cavalry I can cut oflf any and every
person who approaches from the Los Angeles road and also flrom Fort
Yuma, or force them from ten to twenty miles to the north or south of
me to get by. There is a trail from San Bernardino that debouches on
the desert near Indian Wells that passes about ten miles to the north
of Oak Grove beyond the mountain, but a few mounted men could
easily close that up, supported by a few infantry. And then there is
but one other that I know of, and that is from Temecula to San Isabel,
on the San Diego road; from thence to San Felipe on the desert.
Making Oak Grove the headquarters would leave the San Diego road
open, but it is, in fact, open at present, and with my present force I
cannot well help it. The only outlet, however, is at Santa Isabel,
where a few men could intercept any one coming by way of Temecula,
or striking ofT at San Felipe and attempting to go to Los Angeles by
the same route. I simply throw out these suggestions for your consid-
eration. Now for this location. The valley is about eight miles wide
and can be passed without coming near me either through the Agua
Caliente Valley or around the San Joa6 Valley and by several trails
that start in this side of Oak Grove and pass both to the north and
south of me. I am exceedingly anxious to do some service, and know
that I was sent here by my Government for that purpose. I therefore
feel the necessity of being in a position where I can do it. I think that
many have passed me here that should not, and I could not help
myself notwithstanding my vigilance. Captain Roberts reports his
arrival at San Diego all well. He also asks for several teams to haul
wood for the winter, which cannot be spared until all the stores are
brought up from there. He informs me that wood for his use has to
be hauled a distance of twenty-seven miles. I received orders from
Lieutenant MacGowan to-day, a copy of which I inclose. The proceed-
ings of a court-martial held at this camp November 2 I also forward
to your headquarters. I would also like to have your orders respecting
Private Jones, of Company D, charges preferred by Lieut. John Martin,
of Company D, and in the hands of Adjt. B. C. Cutler. I would state
that the prisoner has behaved remarkably well since his confinement,
obeying orders to the letter. In fact, his conduct is commendable. I
have been compelled to place Gapt. Hugh A. Gorley in arrest, which
leaves his company without a duty officer, First Lieutenant Martin
being absent and Second Lieut. D. C. Vestal, acting as adjutant, act-
ing assistant quartermaster and acting commissary of subsistence. If
it were possible another lieutenant should be attached to each com-
pany. I have given the contract for beef to Francisco O'Campo for one
month, he being the lowest bidder, viz, 6 cents per pound, delivered at
any point within the boundaries of Oak Grove or Warner's ranch. He
comes highly recommended to me by an old acquaintance of mine, Capt.
George Johnson, of Fort Yuma. I have found him loyal, and in fact the
greater part of the information that I have received has been through
him, corroborated by others. As I informed you in my last, every man
here seems to be against his neighbor, and if all can be believed they are
a pretty set of scoundrels. 1 have found O'CamjM) the only man who
has expressed himself freely. If he has anythiug to say about any one
he does it, and gives himself as authority; if otherwise, he candidly
says his intercourse with them is so slight that he knows little, good
or bad, about them. The command are very much in want of blankets.
One blanket is not enough to keep the men warm in this climate, and
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708 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. (Chaf. LXn.
the result of sleeping cold is rheomatism to an alarming degree. The
command are getting along with their drill very well. In all light move-
ments they are progressing rapidly and enter into it with spirit. We
require quartermaster's tents for stores badly. Captain Bates sent me
a number of paulins from San Diego, but tents would be better if they
could be had, also carpenter tools and forge. The road to San Diego is
a rough one and the mules will have to be well shod to be serviceable.
I believe I have now given you a brief account of everything except
blanks, which we are out of entirely of all kinds.
BespectftiUy, your obedient servant,
EDWIN A. EIGG,
Major First Regiment Infty. California Vol*., Cotndg. Camp Wright.
Executive Office,
Salem, Oreg., November 6, 1861.
Lieut Col. A. Cady,
Commanding District of Oregon, Fort Vancouver, Wash, Ter, :
Sib: Your communication of the 1st instiant, relative to disbanding
the men in volnnteer cavalry, has this day been received and will be
attended to.
Yours, with respect,
CHESTER N. TERRY,
Private Secretary.
HE.ADQUABTERS DISTRICT OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA,
Los Angeles, Cal., November 7, 1861.
Maj. Edward E. Etre,
First Cavalry California Volunteers,
Comdg. Gamp Carleton, near San Bernardino, CaL :
Major : Your letter of November 4, 1861, was handed to me last
evening. Your men should be punished whenever they absent them-
selves from your camp without i>ermission from proper authority.
Have them tried by a garrison court-martial or a regimental court-
martial which you have the right now to order. In these times when
so grave an insult was offered to soldiers in the service of the United
States as the one offered to yoar men by the bully and desperado
who was knocked down, I am only surprised that they did not kill the
traitor outright. If the man who so promptly resented the insult to
himself and country is otherwise fitted for the place it would be well to
make him a non-commissioned officer. While yon mast discourage
rows and repress all disturbances and all breaches of the peace, still,
when the country is insulted through your men, I hope you will always
resent the insult on the spot in such a manner that the villain will
never offer another. I know well that in San Bernardino the civil
authorities are not respected and the administration of the civil law is
a farce, so that in a measure you come back to first principles. If then,
a traitor insults the country by treasonable toasts and your soldiers
have active patriotism enough to punish him well for it, I have not the
heart to advise you to repress their inclination to do so; only see that
this is not made a pretext for inflicting injury for other causes. Let
the case be a clear one, the punishment prompt and effectual. By and
by your men and the colors will be properly respected.
I am, major, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JAMES H. CARLETON,
Colonel First California Volunteers, CommoTuling.
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CBAt. LXII.J C0BEE8P0NDBNCE — ^UNION AND CONFEDERATE. 709
HeADQUABTEBS DiSTBIOT of SotTTHEBN GALIFOBNIA,
Los AngeleSf Oal., November 7» 1861.
Lient. Col. Joseph R. West,
Commanding at Fort Tuma, Gal, :
Colonel: A Mr. John F. Bilderbock, who came, as he says, from
Ohio to New Mexico, and thence with Mr. Eees last winter with cattle
to California, says there is a hay road which turns off about six miles
west (this side) of the Alamo Mucho, and another about three miles
east of the New River Station, on the road hence to Fort Yama. In
going eastward these roads lead off from the Fort Ynma road to the
right, and each leads to what is called Paddock's Old Ferry, on the
Colorado River. An old adobe house (or ruins of a hoase) marks the
siwt. Three miles below this point is Gonzales' Ferry. Here is a small
boat large enough to take one horse over at a time and large enough to
take over a wagon if in pieces. This point was an old Mexican crossing,
used by swimming over their horses and rafting over their effects before
the boat was put there, and could be so used again after yon have
destroyed the boat. The ferry is twenty-sixmiles belowthe fort. Cooke's
Old Ferry, belonging to Mr. Yager, who lives one mile below the fort, is
about six miles below Algodones. There is a near trail which leads to
it from Algodones. It is said Yager has taken his boat up to the house
he occupies from this ferry. Maybe he has, perhaps not; a small boat
and a skiff may still be in that neighborhood. At the Colorado mines
(or the Ripple), twenty-one miles above the fort, there was a small boat,
and is now, perhaps. This boat belonged to a blacksmith. Yager's
partner also had a boat there, and there, when the river is low, it can
be forded. The Cocopah Indaans cross the river on tule boats; these
carry two men. The Gocopah Indians live near the mouth of the river.
Respectfully, your obedient servant,
JAMES H. CARLETOK,
Colonel First California Volunteers, Commanding.
Headquabtebs,
Fort Yuma, November 7, 1861.
Lieut B. 0. Ctjtlee,
Post Adjt., Southern District of California, Los Angeles, Cat. :
Lieutenant : In compliance with Revised Army Regulations, 1861,
I have the honor to submit the annexed journal of the march of a
detachment of the First Infantry California Volunteers from Camp
Latham, Los Angeles County, to Fort Yuma, Cal., October 16 to
November 3, 1861, pursuant to Orders, No. 4, from headquarters
Southern District of California, dated October 14, 1861. In explana-
tion of the fact that it is not returned in the form prescribed by the
Revised Regulations, I have to state that a copy of that work was first
received by me when half the present march was accomplished, and
under circumstances that did not admit of its examination during the
remainder.
Your obedient servant,
J. R. WEST,
Lieut. Col. First Infantry CaUfomia Volunteers, Comdg. Post.
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710 0PEEATI0K8 ON THE PACIFIC COAST. ICuir.hXlL
[Inolosora.]
Journal of the march of Companies E, G, and H, First Infantry Cali-
fornia Volunteers, commanded by Lieut. Col. Joseph B. West, from
Camp Latham, near Los Angeles, Cal., to Camp Wright, at Warner's
ranch, San Diego County, Cal., pursuant to District Orders, No. 4,
October 14, 1861:
October 16, 1861. — Left Camp Latham at 11 a. m. by road to the right
of the cienega ; crossed the swamp two miles east of the road to Los
Angeles; passed Los Angeles two miles to the left. Reached Lagunita
at 0 p. m. Road fair, but wagons cannot cross the swamp other than
by the road to Ijos Angeles. Camping facilities at Laganita are good;
wood is furnished by the proprietor; water abundant for a large com-
mand. Weather on the march very warm. Distance, 18 miles.
October 17, — Left Lagunita at 7.30 a. m. ; marched six miles, by good
road, to San Gabriel River; the stream is about thigh deep and sixty
yards wide; water clear and cold; banks at ford easy of access; evi-
dences of miry spots elsewhere. Fine farms and vineyards bordering
the river. From San Gabriel River to Reed's ranch, nine miles, roads
sandy in some places, but generally good; no water last stretch.
Workman's ranch is passed on the left hand two miles before reaching
Reed's; water to be had there, and good camp, wood, &c. Good camp-
ing ground at Reed's; wood scarce; small stream of water, sufficient
for MO men and train. Weather very warm in daytime, nights cold.
Distance previous, 18 miles; distance to-day, 15 miles; distance in two^
days, 33 miles.
October 18. — Left Reed's ranch at 6.50 a. m.; good road to a small
settlement called San Jos^; distance, five miles; water good. Thence
to Ohino Ranch, eleven miles by good road ; water two miles after leav-
ing San Jos6 and two miles before reaching Chino, but intervening
stretch of seven miles without. Good camp at Chino Ranch ; wood and
water ample. Passed Chino two miles and camped on small stream
sufficient for 500 men and train; no wood; good grazing for animals.
Weather growing cooler. Distance previous, 33 miles ; distance to-day,
18 miles; distance in three days, 51 miles.
October 19. — Left camp two miles southeast of Chino Ranch at 6.35
a. m.; marched five miles to River Santa Ana; water all the way.
The river is about seventy yards wide and two feet deep at ford ; banks
easy of access and evidently fordable for a mile on either side of the
road ; water good. Thence by rolling and partially hilly road, without
water, to Greenwade's Station ; there good water, wood, forage, and
campground. Thence three miles by rather rough road to Teniescal;
fair camp, enough water for 500 men and train ; also wood, good graz-
ing ground. Weather pleasant. Distanceprevious, 51 miles; distence
to-day, 17 miles ; distance in four days, 68 miles.
October 20, — Left Temescal at 6.25 a m. ; thence five miles by rough,
hilly road without water to Lagunita; supply there scanty. Thence by
first part of road, hilly and rocky, latter part level and good, to Laguna
Grande. From Lagunita to Laguna Grande the distance is eight miles
and no water on the road. Water Insnfficient for more than 300 men,
and a water-hole for 100 animals, but notice must be sent in advance
to have a supply prepared. Wood abundant aud campground good.
Grazing fair. Weather warm. Distance previous, 68 miles; distance
to-day, 13 miles; distance five days, 81 miles.
October 21. — Left Laguna Grande at 3.40 a. m.; thence by superior
level road to Kline's, fourteen miles and a half; no water on the road.
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CBAf. 1X11.1 C0EEE8P0NDENCE UNION AND CONFEDERATE. 711
At Kline's an abandance of fine water, wood, forage, and grazing.
From Kline's to Temeciila, Indian village, six miles and a half by
good level road, with more or less of water. At Temecola large stream
of good water, easily passable; wood and forage abandant; grazing
and camp-groand good. Weather warm by day; night quite cold, with
heavy frost. Distance previous, 81 miles; distance to-day, 21 miles;
distance in six days, 102 miles.
October 22. — Left Temecula at 3.35 a. m. by broken hilly road and
difficult for teams, eight miles and a half, without water, and latter
part dusty and close to Negro Ranch, whore there was good supply of
water, grazing, and wood. Thence to Giftaler's by mountainous, rocky
road through canons, five miles; no water on the road; a dangerous
gorge, and could be used to a good advantage against an enemy. At
Giftaler's, the supply of water is ample, but of poor quality ; grazing
good and wood plenty. The ranch occupies a valley about two miles
square. Weather very warm. Distance previous, 102 miles; distance
to-day, 13J miles; distance in seven days, 115J miles.
October 23. — Left Giftaler's at 2.10 a. m. by ascending though easily
traveled road, without water, to Oak Grove; fine camp-ground, pleasant
valley and adjoining thick growth of oak trees; water, forage, and
grazing good. From Giftaler's to Oak Grove ten miles; thence fifteen
miles by easy rolling road through a finely wooded countiy to Warner's
ranch. Gamp Wright is locat^ just beyond the junction of the Los
Angeles and San Diego roads; water, forage, grazing, wood, &c., all
that is required for a large command. The climate is unfavorable;
very windy, with hot days and cold nights, and in winter said to be
very inclement and unhealthy. Arrived at Gamp Wright at noon.
Weather pleasant. Distance previous, 115^ miles; distance to-day,
25 miles; distance in eight days, 140^ miles.
Journal of the march of Oompanies B, H, and J, First Infantry Gali-
fornia Volunteers, commanded by Lieut. Gol. Joseph R. West, from
Camp Wright, near Warner's ranch, San Diego, to Fort Tuma, CaL,
pursuant to District Orders, No. 4, October 14, 1861.
Note. — This march is made by similar orders and in continuation
of the preceding one. Two companies were exchanged at Camp
Wright. Company I left en route on the 25th October; Company B
on the 26th accompanietl by the commanding officer, and Company H on
the 27th. An advance party of seven men had been sent forward on
the 24th October to clean out the wells, and the command was divided
to avoid any scarcity of water. This, in the opinion of the writer, is
the best way of crossing the desert with troops. Premising that no
more than 100 men and train should reach a watering place at any one
camp, the command should be divided into three divisions ; the imme-
diate commander should habitually remain with the center one. At
his option and without fatigue he can personally communicate with all
three within ten hours, and readily concentrate them if necessary. If
any larger force than 300 men is marching it should be subdivided into
parties of 300, with a special commander for each such subdivision.
The present command was fortunate enough to escape sandstorms,
which are represented as distressing and sometimes dangerous. There
was no surgeon attending, but no inconvenience resulted therefrom:
the health of the men was excellent. The rations embraced hard bread
and jerked beef. It is difficult to bake bread on all occasions on this
march, and beef cattle are not easily takim care of. Reliable persons
state that sheep can be driven over the <lesert without food or water,
and by being driven constantly will overtake troops at each halt.
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712 OPEBATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Chap. LXH.
Owing to the fact that most of the following marches were made at
night, little observation of the country was practicable. That it is a
desert, however, in the most comprehensive sense of the term, admits
of no doubt. From Yallecito to Fort Tuma a command shoidd com-
mence each march at 5 p. m. The road la easily distinguished and
traveled; the troops pack up more readily than at any other hour;
they avoid the heat of daytime, and march briskly to camp and rest.
October 36, 1861. — Left Gamp Wright, near Warner's ranch, with
Company B at 7.30 a. m. ; marched five miles over pleasant rolling road
and well-wooded country to a vineyard, called La Puerta, at which
found fine mountain stream, but no ground for a camp; thence by fair
road without water to San Felipe, eight miles. San Felipe is an old
overland mail station; forage left by the line exists there and the pas-
turage is good. Wood has to be hauled four miles; water neither over
abundant nor good; camp ground rather inferior. Weather very warm
and close. Distance, 13 miles.
October 27, — Left San Felipe at 3.30 a. m. by heavy hilly road to
Yallecito; road sandy through bottom-land, seven miles to first hill;
thence by broken road six miles, a great portion of which is a cafion
with but one wagon track winding between cliffs. A very small force
could here impede an enemy of far superior numbers. Latter part of
road more level until reaching another hill. On the left-hand side of
the road, about half a mile back, is a spring that affords enough
water for fifty men; thence a small rugged hill is surmounted and a
valley is reached five miles in length by heavy sandy road to Vallecito.
There is an old mail station in a narrow pass between two ranges of
hills; water in fair supply; no wood but mesquite bushes; pasturage
goodj and forage left by mail line. Weather warm. Distance previous,
13 mdes: distance to-day, 17 miles; distance in two days, 30 miles.
October 28. — Left Vallecito at 3.30 a. m.; marched nine miles by
heavy sandy road to Palm Spring; water in limited supply, and
requires to be prepared for a command; the locality could be used for
a camp. Thence by heavy sandy road to Carriso Greek, where there
is an old mail station with some forage, but there is no pasturage in
the vicinity. The country has now become a complete desert of most
forbidding asi>ect. The creek is a small stream, affording an abundant
supply of water of inferior quality; the bottom-land is filled with a
stunted growth of mesquite and arrow-weed. Distance from Palm
Spring to Carriso Greek is seven miles and a half. Weather intensely
hot. Distance previous, 30 nules; distance to day, 16^ miles; distance
in three days, 46^ miles.
October 29. — Left Carriso Creek at 11.50 p. m. October 28, following
the stream and constantly crossing it; road heavy and sandy; thence
over level road, with somewhat improved traveling, four miles to a
short, steep hill; thence a level plain with desert brash to Sackett's
Well; last part of road makes fair traveling; complete desert.
Sackett's Well when cleaned out affords a good supply of excellent
water; it is a mere water-hole, without any marks to distinguish it at
the distance of 200 yards; men must be kept away from the brink, as
it is liable to cave. Beached the well at daylight. Weather very
warm. Distance previous, 46^ miles; distance to-day, 17^ miles; dis-
tance in four days, 64 miles. Left Sackett's Well at 5.45 p. m., Ravel-
ing through a continuous desert; first five miles of road sandy; thence
better traveling to Indian Well. This is an old mail station entirely
deserted. The well is some thirty feet deep, water good, but not very
ample supply. Signal Mountain, a prominent landmark, bears south-
west, distant about fifteen miles. Beached camp at 11 p. m. Weather
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C«AP. Lxn.'i COBBESPONDENCB — UNION AND CONFEDERATE. 713
very warm in daytime. Distance previous, 64 miles ; distance to-night,
15 miles; distance in live days, 79 miles. The time is here called five
days ; that number of marches has been made, bat the time between
camps has been curtailed in order to travel by night hereafter.
October 30. — Left Indian Well at 5 p. m. for New River Station;
road a perfect level, over a barren, alkali plain, with a few patches of
mesquite; dusty and heavy for wagons. At New River, old mail sta-
tion, deserted. Deep well of inferior water; a lagoon within 400 yards
now affords a supply, but would fail after a long spell of dry weather;
it cannot be relied upon. This station is a precarious one for water.
"Weather very warm. Distance previous, 79 miles; distance to-day, 15
miles; distance in six days, 94 miles.
October 31. — Left New River Station at 5.10 p. m. for the Alamo:
road heavy, over barren flat. The Alamo is another old deserted mail
station; there is a well thirty feet deep, affording a supply of good
water. Animals can now make use of a lagoon, half a mile southwest
from the house. Within 350 yards of the house the road to Fort Yuma
branches off to the left; the right-haud fork leads to the Mariposa
ferry, thirty-six miles, and down the Colorado thirty miles from Fort
Yuma. That route can be used to advantage by any one acquainted
with the water lagoons, which are in thickets off the road and hard to
find by strangers. Weather warm. Distance previous, 94 miles ; dis-
tance to-day, 14 miles; distance in seven days, 108 miles.
November 1. — Left Alamo Station at 4.50 p. m.; road inferior. Gard-
ner's Wells (old mail station, but water has failed), nine miles; thence
by same character of road and country to Salt or Seven Wells, and
camped. Water plenty, but brackish; wood abundant. Weather
wjinn. Distance previous, 108 miles; distance to-day, 18 miles; dis-
tance in eight days, 126 miles.
November 2. — Left Salt Wells at 4 p. m. ; nine miles to Cooke's Wells;
first two miles and a half bad road. At Cooke's, water and wood good
and abundant. Thence fifteen miles to Pilot Knob; camped on the
bank of the Colorado at the foot of a mountain. From Cooke's the road
is mostly good, through a mesquite fiat, and latter part Indian gardens.
Weather more pleasant. Distance previous, 126 miles ; distance to-day,
25 miles; distance in nine days, 151 miles.
November 3. — Left Pilot Knob at 1.30 p. m.; road follows up the
River Colorado to Fort Yuma, distance ten miles. Road a good deal
broken first three miles and a half; reached the fort at 4.30 p. m.
Weather pleasant. Distance previous, 151 miles; distance to-day, 10
miles; distance in ten days, 161 miles.
Itinerary from Camp Latham, near Lot Angeles, to Camp Wright, near Wamer'e raneh,
San Diego County. ZKifanoe, 140i milee.
No. of
oamp.
'Name of oamp.
Dailjr
niUm.
Aggre-
gate
milea.
1 ! Lagnnita.
2 ~ ■■
3
4
5
6
7
8
Reed's ranch
Two miles beyond Chino .
Temescal
Lagona (iTande
TemeoDla
Giftaler'a
Warner's ranch
ToFortTuuia
18
18
IS
18 51
17
13
21
13*
81
103
IIU
imI
161
Total dlitauce.
3011
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714 OPEE/^TIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. (Ch4». LXn.
Left Camp Latham at 11* a. m., October 16, and arrived at Gamp
Wright October 23, 1861, at 12 noon.
Itinerary from Camp Wright; near ffamer't raneh, San IHege County, to Fort Fumo,
Cal. Diitanee 161 miU*.
No. of
camp.
Kune of camp.
DaUT
miles.
mllea.
1
San Felipe • •
18
17
si
15
U
18
25
10
IS
2
ValleoltoT.
SO
3
Caniao Creek .
J?
4
Sackett'a Well
5
Indian Wells
79
8
Kew Biver Station
94
7
Alamo Station
108
8
Salt or Seven Welle
12t
8
Pilot Knob
Ul
10
la
Left Camp Wright at 7.30 a. m., October 26, and arrived at Port
Yuma November 3, 1861, at 4.30 p. m.
J. R. WEST,
Lieut. Col. First Infantry California Vols., Comdg. Detachment.
Wab Depabtment,
Washington, Novemb&r 8, 1861.
His Excellency the Ootebnob of Califobnia:
I have the honor to reqaest that you will forward on the 10th, 20th,
and last day of each month to the Adjutant-General of the Army, for
the information of this Department, a fall report of the condition of
the volunteer recruiting service in yonr State, setting forth the number
of complete regiments for duty, the number nearly completed, and the
number in process of organization. The names of the commanders and
the arm of the service will be specified for each regiment. You are
further desired to comply with any request of the Adjutant-General of
the Army regarding the movement of troops from your State to any
army in the field, and to regard the same as coming directly from the
Secretary of War.
SIMON CAMERON,
Secretary of War.
Wab Depabtment, Novemher 8, 1861.
Lieut. Col. R. E. De Russt,
Corps of Engineers, or the
Seniob Officbe of Engineebs at San Fbanoisoo, Cai..:
Yon are hereby appointed the authorized agent of the United States
to purchase or acquire " Lime Point," at the entrance of San Francisco
Bay, Cal., for the erection of fortifications and other military purposes.
You are authorized to offer $30,000 for the land, and if .refused you will
commence proceedings under the law for condemnation.
THOMAS A. SCOTT,
Acting Secretary of War.
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Chaf. Lxn.] C0KEE8P0NDENCE UNION AND CONPEDERATK. 715
Special Orders, ) Hdqbs. Depabtment of the Paoifio,
No. 209. J 8an Francisco, Col,, November 8, 1861.
Col. Ferris Forman having received from the Governor of this State
the appointment of colonel of the Fourth Begiment of Infantry Cali-
fornia Volunteers -will proceed to Camp Sigel and assume command of
the regiment.
By order of Brigadier-General Wright:
EICHD. C. DRUM,
Assistant Adjutant-General.
Headquabtebs Depabtment of the Pacific,
San Francisco, Cal., November 8, 1861.
Col. Jaues n. Cableton,
California Vols., Comdg. Dist. of Southern California,
Los Angeles, Cal.:
Sib : The general commanding the department desires you to have
an express sent from Warner's ranch to your headquarters informing
yon of the time the command from Yuma passes en route to San Diego.
Upon the receipt of this information you will telegraph the same for the
information of the general.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
RICHD. C. DRUM,
Assistant Adjutant- General.
Headquabtebs District op Southebn Califobnia,
Los Angeles, Cal., November !), 1861.
Maj. Edwin A. Rigg,
First Infantry California Volunteers, Comdg. Camp Wright:
Majob: Your note of November 6, instant, I received last evening.
As soon aa Colonel Andrews' command arrives from Yuma give the
colonel all your wagons and your ambulance, if necessary, to move his
command from Camp Wright to San Diego. Not one of Mr. Banniug's
wagons can be used for this purpose, as they must come on without
delay to San Pedro. You will load Mr. Banning's train with the stores
and property of Gamp Wright and move that camp to Oak Grove, or
toTemecnla, if iu your judgment, after having surveyed the country,
the latter would be considered the best point, and direct your train to
return with supplies from San Diego to the new camp, which, by the
by, will retain its present name. Colonel Wright decided before he
left Los Angeles that Mr. Banning's train must not go to San Diego, so
use it to move your camp, provided you do not delay it. Have every-
thing packed against it comes up.
Respectfolly, your obedient servant,
JAMES H. CARLETON,
Colonel First California Volunteers, Commanding.
San Pbancisco, Cal., November 9, 1861.
Lieutenant-Colonel Blake:
(Care of N. L. Perkins, Folsom, Cal.)
March your command to Benicia.
RICHD. C. DRUM,
Assistant Adjutant-Oeneral,
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716 OPERATIONS ON THE PAOIPIC COAST. (Chap. LXn.
EtEADQUABTEBS DiSTEIOT OF OBBGON,
Fort Vancouver, Wash. Ter., November 9. 1861.
Maj. R. 0. Drum,
A»sU Adjt. Oen., Hdqrs. Dept. of the Pacific, San Francisco, Gal. :
Major: On the 7th instant I was called on by Messrs. Cornelias,
Maury, and Harding, of the State of Oregon, who exhibited to me a
letter of instructions from the Adjutant- General,* by which I learned
that they were authorized, as colonel, lieutenant-colonel, and quarter-
master thereof, to raise a regiment of mounted troops for the defense
of the frontier. The authority conferred on these gentlemen is ample
for all purposes necessary, and any failure in raising this force (and I
found them by no means sanguine of success) may be ascribed to causes
familiar to the commander of the department. I gave them such infor-
mation and advice as I best could, and assured them of my readiness
to aid them to the full extent of my power and means. As authorized
by the letter of the Adjutant-General, I mustered them into service
informally and administered the oath of allegiance. They had received
no blanks of any necessary kind, and will require those for mustering
in, both of field and staff, and of the companies, which I have to
request you will forward to me at once for them. Mr. Harding is made
the mustering officer, aud from what I learn of him the duties will be
faithfully and carefully performed. There was considerable disinclina-
tion on his part to take the position conferred upon him, arising both
from the state of hia health and of his private affairs, and he was
finally induced to act temporarily, on the suggestion that his services
were essential to prevent a falling through of the whole matter. My
advice to these gentlemen, in conclusion, was to look about and select
such careful, faithful, and energetic officers as might be suitable for
the companies, and wait a few days for further instructions. I will
endeavor to furnish them with such regulations relative to volunteers,
&c., as I can obtain from the published orders in my possession.
I have the honor to be, your obedient servant,
A. CADY,
Lieutenant- Colonel Seventh Infantry, Commanding District,
Headquarters,
La Mesilla, Ariz,, November 10, 1861.
Col. H. E. McCtTLLOCH,
Commanding Department of Texas, San Antonio, Tex. :
Sib: I have nothing new to report as to the movements of the enemy.
My spies report that there are sixteen companies at Fort Craig and
three within thii-ty miles of the fort, and that every effort is being made
to enlist the Mexicans, who are much divided on the subject of making
war upon Texans or of taking any part in the war at all. There t-xists,
too, disaffection among the regular troops, who have not been paid,
many of them for one year and a half. There is a large train at Craig
and quantities of supplies are being hauled there. All this would
indicate that the enemy intend to make a move of some sort. I shall
have them watched closely, and, should they come down, I have my
supplies at Bliss, and transportation ready to move it down to Quitman
or Davis, if necessary. I shall, with my mounted force, push to Santa
F^, and hold the country until the arrival of General Sibley. A party
of citizens from California, who have joined my forces, report great
excitement in Southern California. They know of no troops marching
* See September 24, p. 632.
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Chap. LXD.] CORBESPONDENCE UNION AND CONFEDERATE. 717
for Arizona, but say that Fort Tnma is being strongly re-enforced. I
am convinced that a strong force stationed in Western Arizona would
enable us to get hundreds of good Southern men, well armed and
mounted, who are anxious to join our cause, and this would enable us
to watch Sonora, and prevent United States troops from crossing that
State, and, what is of importance, open communication with Guaymas
and other posts on the Pacific, where we must, of necessity, get most
of our supplies. I will keep yon advised of all matters here, and act
as circumstances may direct.
I have the honor to be, respectfully,
JOHN E. BAYLOR,
Lieutenant- Colonel, Gomdg. Texas Mounted Rifles, P. A. C. S.
Los Anoelbs, November 11, 1S61.
Colonel Cabubton:
Dear Sir : For the past three days I have been confined to my room
and to my bed, or I would have visited yon at Gamp Latham. Parties
are, I am informed, passing here en route east toward Texas. One
party of about twenty left here on Saturday or Sunday, and another
small party arrived yesterday, as I am informed. Some of the men
have acquaintances in this city and have endeavored to get them to
join their party. I think it would be a good plan if some reliable per-
son could be induced to join them, and go with them as far at least as
Fort Yuma. Some of these men are still in town, and more are expected
in a day or two. I now think there is cause to fear an attack on Fort
Yuma. If my health will i>ermit I will go out to your camp in the
stage to-morrow morning.
Yours,
J. J. WARNER.
12 m. — I have this moment learned that Showalter is now in this
city. I have accordingly opened this letter to apprise you of the fact.
J. J. W.
Head<juarters Department of the Paoifio,
San Francisco, Cal., November 11, 1861.
Lieut. Col. A. Cady,
Seventh Regiment of Infantry, Comdg. District of Oregon,
Fort Vancouver, Wash. Ter.:
Sir : In reply to your letter of the 1st instant, wherein you state the
disposition made of the volunteer force under your command, I am
directed by the general commanding the department to say that your
action is approved.
Very respectAilly, your obedient servant,
EICHD. C. DRUM,
Assistant Adjutant- General.
Headquarters Dbpastment of the Pacific,
San Francisco, Cal., November 11, 1861.
Lieut. Col. A. Oady, .
Seventh Regiment of Infantry, Gomdg. District of Oregon,
Fort Yancouver, Wash. Ter.:
Sir: Captain Whittlesey's letter* with inclosed petitions having
been submitted for the consideration of the general commanding the
'See Logw to Wbittleeey, October 18, p. 665.
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718 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [CiUF.tXIL
department, I am directed to say that, notwithstanding the general
fully concurs with the representations made therein as to the importance
of retaining the regular troops in the District of Oregon, yet under the
existing orders from the War Department he cannot authorize a sus-
pension of their removal.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
EIOHD. 0. DBUM,
Assistant Adjutant-Oeneral.
Hbadquabtees Depabtment of the Pacific,
San Francisco, Gal,, November 12, 1861.
Col. James H. Oarleton,
Valifomia Vols., Gomdg. JHst. of Southern California,
Los Angeles, Gal.:
Sm: The general commanding the department has perused with
much satisfaction your communication of the 5th instant, and the
accompanying letters, and highly commends the activity of Lieutenant-
Colonel West, Major Bigg, and others, and the prompt measures adopted
for the preservation of order in the southern part of this State. The
general desires you to cause early requisitions to be made here for all
supplies the troops may require, except such as can be procured in the
neighborhood at reasonable rates. You will also, the general directs,
consider the propriety of at once strengthening the garrison of Yuma.
A comjMmy of cavalry would be of great service at that i)oint, if forage
can conveniently be had, and at a reasonable price. Instructions with
reference to the removal of the camp at Warner's ranch were com-
municated on the 2d instant.
Very respectfullv, your obedient servant,
BICHD. C. DBUM,
Assistant Adjutant-Oeneral.
Headquaetebs,
Fort Yuma, November 12, 1861.
Lieut. Ben. C. Cutlee,
Actg. Asst. Adjt. Gen., Southern Dist. of Galifornia, Los Angeles:
LiETJTENANT : I beg leave to represent to the colonel commanding
the Southern District of California that the commander of this post
should be provided with presents for distribution to the Indians. Their
aid is asked and required in obtaining information of the movements
of the enemy, and nothing bat pi'omises of good treatment and friendly
assurances can be offered in requital. The value of $1,000 in blankets
and leaf tobacco distributed among the principal chiefs would in my
opinion be ajudicions expenditure. I inclose herewith weekly return
of this garrison, also journal of my late march &om Los Angeles to the
post.*
Respectfully, your obedient servant,
J. R. WEST,
Lieut. Gol. First Infantry Galifornia Vols., Commanding Post.
* See p. 710.
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*p. LXIL] COBBESPONDENCE — ^UNION AND CONFEDEBATE. 719
Headquabtxbs,
Fort Junta, November 12, 1861.
eut Ben. G. Cutleb,
Adg. A$»t. Adjt. Oen., Southern Diat. of California, Los AngeUt :
Lieutenant : lu accordance with a x)6rsoDal coinmnnicatiou from
e coIoDel commandiDg the Southern District of California, I sabmit
e following statementii as to the defenses and supplies of this post:
Defenaes, — Some delay has been involved in getting possession of all
e boats upon the river. There is a boat at Gonzales' Ferry, some
irty miles below this ]X)st, which I shall have in my possession within
e next forty-eight hoars, either by negotiation or seizure. Another
>at is kept by a man named Winegar, sixteen miles above here. I
lall take steps to have it secured as soon as possible. All others on
6 river are in my possession except the steamer which has been
•sent twenty -four hours over time on a trip to the mouth of the river
r supplies. I am assured of the loyalty of the steaui-boat men, and
e no reason to question it. It is manifestly so much to Mr. Yager's
terest to be faithful to the United States Government that I credit
s assertions to that effect. He has cooperated with me in all my
Forts to promote security. Whenever there is any doubt about the
ielity of any i)erson I require them to take the oath of allegiance,
lis and keeping them watched is all that I can do until I have proper
ounds for taking them into custody. The Colorado is very low, but
ere are really no fords upon it that can be used by an armed force.
few travelers may partially wade and swim across in one or two
aces, but no munitions of war could be crossed in that way. The
ported ford at the mouth of the river remains yet to be inquired into.
Eifts could be constructed on the left bank out of cottonwood and other
ees, and should the enemy resort to that method at any point prop-
ly removed from this post I am at a loss to counteract it. Little has
)t resulted from my communication with the Indians. I have had
me informal interviews with one or two of the chief Tumas, and am
have a grand talk on the coming Sunday. As yet I have formed no
gh opinion of their efQciency as allies. The circuit of the Tumas is
nited. They are at war with the Maricopas and Pimas, consequently
ill not venture into the country whence our enemies are expected, and
e same cause prevents the receipt of news from the last-mentioned
ibes. I shall spare no effort toward being kept properly informed with
ich means as I can command. But I shall mainly rely for defense
K)n constant vigilance and preparation. In the latter respect every-
ing is to be done — organization, temporary field-works, preparation
ordnance and ammunition, drill of artillery detachments, &c.
Ithout wishing to cast any reflections upon the command which pre-
ided the present garrison, I cannot forbear the remark that a very
•eat improvement in its late defenses has been found necessary. Two
!poander or 18-pounder pieces with the requisite ammunition would
Id to the strength of the post, and I recommend that they be sent
>re as soon as possible.
Medical department. — The post surgeon states officially that the
edical supplies are ample for 300 men until May 1, 1862. He also
IS called my notice to the necessity of issues of antiscorbutics. By
y direction the acting commissary of subsistence has purchased one
onth's supply of potatoes, to be issued in accordance with Revised
rmy Begulations, but no such opportunity is likely to offer again,
id steps should be taken to supply the command either by sea or lana
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720 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Chap. LXn.
transportation. The health of the men is generally good. There are
no local diseases to be feared here, except such as arise from bad whisky
and diseased women.
Ordnance and ordnance stores. — I inclose herewith a copy of the list
turned over to me by the late commander. The four 12-pounder moon-
tain howitzers can only be used at short range against an assault.
Pieces of 12-x)ounder8 or 18-poanders planted on tbe hill on the other
side of the river wonid do us great damage. The howitzers and ammu-
nition need much preparation for active service. This is being done.
The supply of shell, shot, &c., is limited. I shall endeavor to increase
it by making canister out of musket buck-and-ball cartridges. For
muskets! have on hand 28,000 rounds and 11,000 expanding bullets, as
per list herewith; liJOOO brought with me and 6,000 in hands of com-
pany commanders. Total, 59,000 rounds ; an ample supply. With dili-
gence I trust soon to feel better satisfied with the condition of this
branch of our defense.
Subsistence. — I inclose herewith a statement of the acting commissary
of subsistence showing the condition of this department in a shape that
requires no comment at my hands.
Quartermaster's department. — Fnrther examination is needed into
supplies generally before a report can be submitted. I inclose requisi-
tion for clothing, of which there is great need. It is [for] the incom-
pleted quota of the three companies here for the first six months of their
service.
Supplies on the way. — I am not apprised of any. Those for which the
steamer has gone below are included in quantities on hand.
Be8i>ectfully, &c.,
J. R. WEST,
Lieut. Col. First Infty. California Volunteers, Commanding Post.
Headquartbes of the Army,
Washington, November 13, 1861.
Brig. Gen. George Wright,
Commanding Department of the Pacific :
Will you please order the necessary force (probably one or two regi-
ments), if possible under Colonel Carleton, to protect the Overland
Mail Eoute ; the number of troops to be employed is left to your dis-
cretion. Please confer with Louis McLane about the location of the
troops.
GEO. B. McOLBLLAN,
Major- General, Commanding TJ. S. Armies.
Headquarters,
Fort Yuma, November 13, 1861.
[Col. James H. Carleton,
Comdg. Southern District of California, Los Angeles:]
Dear Colonel: I have looked over my letter of yesterday before
closing the express this morning. It is rather seusational, but I see
nothing in it that reflection does not confirm. I have been over the
river this morning to have an earnest talk with Mr. Joseph Hooper and
his partner about the steamer's being so much behind time, now nearly
forty-eight hours. They are in no wise api)rehensive about her, but
attribute the delay to some accident. This idea is confirmed by reports
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Cbap Lxn.] COBBESPONDENCE XjmOV AND CONFEDEBATE. 721
of the Indians, who state that she was going down the river four days
after she left here. This implies an accident — ^perhaps the nidder
knocked off, &c. Of course I shall be aneasy antil I ascertain the
cause of the delay. I am throwing up one work 350 feet — faces on a
low hill west of and adjoining the Ibrt— and three smaller ones at dif-
ferent points. This gives us plenty of work. Also drilling all spare
time, and artillery detachment at it constantly. As Mose says, I shall
"spile" for a fight in about a week. Much was to be accomplished, but
I shall soon have matters all snug in my grasp and then hold them so.
There is a lull in all' excitement about attacks, but I am not inclined
thereby to relax vigilance. I think it would be quite worth while for
the Government to send down by sea to month of river the two pieces
of artillery that I have asked for. Somebody will be to blame, unless
greater efforts are made to hold this post, enemy or no enemy.
Yours,
WEST.
Heabquabtkbs,
Fort Yuma, November 13, 1861—8 p. m.
Col. James IT. Caeleton,
Commanding Southern District of California, Los Angeles:
Colonel : I believe that I can accomplish my present object best by
addressing you in person. Hadji Ali, the expressman, left here at 1.30
p. m., and the steamer was at the landing in one hour afterward, setting
at rest all anxiety on that account. I am so impressed with the policy
of holding this post securely, if held at all, that I am induced to
address you again on the subject, a different plan for re-enforcing it
having suggested itself since my letter of yesterday was written. For
this plan I am indebted to Captain Johnson, of the steamer Oocopah.
It is an economical one, and permits of the retention of the command
at Warner's ranch also. Captain Johnson is of the opinion (and leaves
here believing that he is prepared to contract with Government to that
end) that 300 men, with 150 tons of freight, two pieces of artillery, &c.,
can be landed here in ten days from San Francisco at an expense not
to exceed $20,500, viz : Charter a steamer to mouth of Colorado from
San Francisco to carry 300 men and 150 tons of freight, $10,000; pas-
sage 300 men from mouth to Fort Yuma, at $10, $3,000; freight, 150
tons, from mouth to Fort Yuma, at $50, $7^00; total, $20,500. If this
can be done it would, in my opinion, be a most judicious expenditure,
and would, I believe, secure beyond question the possession of this post
against any force the enemy can bring against it. Fort Yuma is a val-
uable position to be retained by the United States Government. It
has cost a vast amount of money, holds a large amount of stores, and
possesses great strategic importance, as you are aware. Its abandon-
ment would be equivalent to a loss of $1,000,000 by the United States,
and contrary to the spirit that dictates the holding of all Federal prop-
erty. I am not now conscious of any attempts to be made or projects
entertained by the enemy for getting possession of it. I am not alarmed
for the safety of my command, as the way of retreat is easy should an
overwhelming force advance upon me. But I see here a valuable posi-
tion, both in a military and moral point of view, at the mercy of such
a force as the enemy can bring against it, and I assume that it is my
duty to suggest that it be held securely, and how that shall be done.
Three companies of the five regiments raised in California subsequent
to our own could very probably be spared for the service. They are
46 B B — VOL L, PT I
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722 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [CB4».LXn.
either at or convenient to San Francisco. They conld be landed here
by the 12th to 15th proximo, should the department commander see the
justice of my views. With 600 men the post could be made a fortifica-
tion in a short time. Now its weakness consists in its many assailable
points, requiring a larger force for its successful defense than its present
garrison numbers. The three additional companies could be encamped
in the immediate vicinity of the post without detriment to their health,
I am told by the surgeon here. The 150 tons of freight and the stores
that I have notified you of as being on hand will amply provide for
them. They could be employed from the 15th of December to 16th of
April in defending and fortifying, and be withdrawn when the weather
became too warm, and leave the place stronger than it is now. Should
the enemy attempt the passage of the river I could dispute it with him
fifty miles up or down. Now I dare not leave it. Its extensive area
makes it indefensible unless occupied by a sufficient force, and if the
enemy plants heavy artillery across the river he would make it unten-
able, and I have no pieces to prevent him. If I have given satisfactory
reasons for the re-enforcement of the post (yon will remember that your
original order was for six companies), I believe that Captain Johnson
can take charge of the whole matter of transportation advantageously
for the Government. He is a responsible man, and can give security
for the performance of his contracts. I have no wish to assist him to
make money improperly. As a friend I should like to see him succeed.
I believe that he could facilitate affairs by contracting through to Fort
Yuma from San Francisco. The present project has been elicited by
asking him how it could be accomplished. The idea originated with
myself, the means from him. Every accommodation except quarters
exists for the additional force; they would be far more comfortable
than in any camp with the convenience of the post adjacent. In con-
clusion, I repeat that this is a weak and valuable post within the
enemy's reach. I have given my opinions why this is so, and it remains
for those having authority to adopt such course as they deem proper.
I see no pressing danger, and my honest convictions are that the enemy
is not likely to advance against it. He can come, and he can take i^
and it is against those two possibUities that I wish to secare the Gov-
ernment; but as long as I am here I shall do my best to hold it,
re-enforced or not.
Yours, very respectfully,
J. B. WEST,
Lieut. Col. First Infantry Oal\fomia Volunteers, Commanding Post.
Hbadquabtess District op Obboon,
Fort Vancouver, Wash. Ter., November 13, 1861.
M^j. B. 0. Drum,
Asst. Adjt. Oen., Hdqrs. Dept. of the Paoijic, San Francisco, Cal. .
Major : I have the honor to report that Company D, Third Artillery,
and Company E (Crowninshield's), Fourth Infantry California Volun-
teers, left this post yesterday to embark on the steamer Pacific for
their respective destinations, Camp Pickett and Fort Steilacoom. The
relieved garrisons of those posts, as also Company B, Ninth Infantry,
now here, having arrived on the 9th instant, may be looked for at Saa
Francisco by the Pacific about the 22d instant.
I have the honor to be, your obedieut servant,
A. CADY,
Lieutenant- Colonel Seventh Infantry, Commanding District.
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CHAF. LXII.) CORRESPONDENCE — UNION AND CONFEDERATE. 723
Adjutant-General's Office,
Washington, Sovetnher 15, 1861.
Brig. Gen. E. V. Stjmner : .
(Care of Quartermaster, No. 6 State street, New York.)
Bring all of yonr troops at ODce to this city.
By commaud of General McCIellan:
L. THOMAS,
Adjutant-Qeneral.
Headquarters Department of the Pacific,
8an Francisco, Gal., November 15, 1861.
Brig. Gen. L. Thomas,
Adjutant-Qeneral U. 8. Army, Washington, D. C:
General: At 11 o'clock this morning I received your telegraphic
dispatch of the 13th instant. On the 17th instant I shall forward the
return called for, as complete as oironmstances will admit of. In the
meantime, in order to keep the Department fully informed of the prog-
ress we are making in organizing the volunteers in this State, I will
give you a synopsis of the different regiments. The First Cavalry, a
battalion of five companies, has been filled and is lasted in the south-
ern district of the State. The Second Cavalry, consisting of twelve
companies, has been filled. Two of the companies are at Fort
Churchill, one at Fort Crook, one at Fort Seward, one at Benicia, and
the remaining seven are in camp four miles from this city. Both of the
cavalry regiments have their horses, but thus far they have only been
drilled on foot. They are undergoing a thorough course of disciplineand
instruction. The First Infantiy has been organized and is nearly full.
The regiment is stationed at Fort Yuma and other points in the soath-
ern district. The Second Infantry has its headquarters at the
Presidio, near this city. Five companies of the regiment have been
organized and sent under a field officer to Oregon, to relieve some of the
regular troops in that district. The remaining five companies will, I
think, be filled in the course of a month. The Third Infantry has its
headquarters near Stockton, in this State. Four companies have been
detached to relieve the regulars at Forts Ter-Waw, Gaston, Bragg, and
Seward. The remaining six companies will soon be filled. The Fourth
Infantry has its headquarters near Auburn, in this State. Five com-
panies of this regiment, under the lieutenant-colonel, have already been
sent to the District of Oregon, and the remaining five will soon be
filled. The Fifth Infantry is near the city of Sacramento. No detach-
ments have been made from this regiment.
The recruiting is progressing favorably. I think we can rely upon it
that all the regiments will be filled by the close of the year. A rigid
course of discipline and instruction has been instituted in all the regi-
ments; the ofBcers are generally enthusiastic and zealous in the dis-
charge of their duties, and are to be commended for their assiduity in
acquiring a knowledge of their duties. On the steamer which left here
on the 11th I sent no troops East; they conld not reach here in season.
On the steamer leaving on the 21st I shall embark three companies of
the Sixth Infantry, now at Benicia, and three of the Sixth and two of
the Fourth Infantry, at San Diego, the whole commanded by Colonel
Sea well, Sixth Infantry. I expect to send the last of the regular troops
in the department to New York on the steamer of the 11th proximo.
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724 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. IC»tt.LXlI.
I have nothing special to report. Everything is quiet to all appear-
ance, but we mast not relax in our vigilance nor be lulled into a false
security.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
G. WRIGHT,
Brigadier- Oeneral, V. 8. Army, Commanding Department.
(I]idorwmeot.J
Hbadquabtebs Department of the Pacifio,
San JVanowoo, November 16, 1861.
Assistant Adjutant-General,
Headquarters of the Army, Washington, D. G. :
The within communication, addressed to Brigadier-General Thomas,
after receiving his telegraphic dispatch of the 13th instant, is respect-
fully submitt^ to M^or-General McGIellau.
G. WRIGHT,
Brigadier- Oeneral, U. 8. Army, Commanding.
Special Orders, ) Hdqbs. Department of the Pacific,
No. 212. i San Francisco, Gal., November 15, 1861.
1. Col. Benjamin L. Beall will transfer the command of the First
Regiment of Cavalry to Lieut. Col. George A. H. Blake. Colonel Beall
win then comply with the instructions he has received from the A(^u-
tant-General's OfiQce.
2. M{y. Charles S. Lovell^ of the Tenth, and M%j. Franklin F. Flint,
of the Sixteenth Regiments of Infantry, will continne on duty with
the Sixth Infantry and proceed to the East on the steamer of the 2l8t
instant.
3. The following troops will embark for New York on the steamer
leaving this port on the 21st instant, under the command of Col. Wash-
ington Seawell, Sixth Infantry: Companies A, B, and H, of the Sixth
Infantry, now at Benicia; Companies E and I of the Fourth, and C, F,
and I, of the Sixth Infantry, at San Diego.
• ••••••
By order of Brigadier-General Wright;
RICHD. C. DRUM,
Assistant Adjutant-Oeneral.
Headquarters District of Southern Oalifoenia,
Los Angeles, Gal,, November 15, 1861.
M^. E. A. Rioo^
Gommandmg Camp Wright, San Diego County, Cal.:
Major: General Wright has directed that as soon as Colonel
Andrews' command has passed your camp for San Diego you will at
once send me an expressman stating the fact. I have directed quite a
large supply of stationery to San Diego by the last Senator for your
command. You can mnster the man who talks Spanish as a teamster
when you have discharged the one yon write about, but he must be a
teamster in fact I had but a moment to write.
Respectfully, your obedient servant,
JAMBS H. CARLBTON,
Colonel First Oalifomiu Volunteers, Commanding.
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CSui-. LXn.) COREESPONDENCE — UNION AND CONFEDERATE. 725
Hdqrs. Dbtaoh. IST Regt. Infty. Oalifoenia Vols.,
Camp Wright, near Warner'tf Ranch, San Diego County,
Southern Cali/omia, November 15, 1861
Ool. James H. Gasleton,
Commanding California Volunteers, Los Angeles, Cal. :
Colonel : I wrote to yon on the 13th instant informing you of the
aTrival at this camp of Colonel Andrews with two companies of troops
(infantry) from Fort Ynma, en route for San Diego — one company Fourth
Infantry, U. S. Army, Captain Dryer, and one company Sixth Infan-
try, Captain McCleary. Colonel Andrews turned over the command
here to Captain Dryer, and left on the morning of the 14th for Los
Angeles. I had written to you expecting that he would arrive there
before the express would get through, but he thought differently, and yon
will receive my communication of that date and this at the same time.
The train arrived as expected, and at an early hour this morning Cap-
tain Dryer's command left for San Diego. At 11 a. m. the balance of
thetroops came in fcova. Fort Yuma under command of Captain Bryant,
two companies of the Sixth Infantry, and will leave to-morrow morning.
They did not, as you seemed to expect from your last letter to me, bring
any of the teams belonging to the post. Banning's teams furnished the
transportation. I have, as instructed, discharged them here, but Cap-
tain Dryer thinks that he will not have transportation enough, and
thinks that he will employ one of Banning's teams to take him to San
Diego. I have informed him that if he employs extra transportation
he will have to do so upon his own responsibility. I have given the
whole command thirteen wagons, keeping the post teams to haul our
fael, and two teams (the mules broken down) to haul in hay and barley.
I furnished the express with two mules here, as you directed, and of
course have to take the ambulance mules (two). Colonel West took
one more with him firom the same team, leaving one here. Mrs.
MacGowau arrived here, and for her transportation I was obliged to
send the express mules in the ambulance to meet and change, but it
was not done, and the express takes mules from here. I would respect-
fully suggest that I should have here mules expressly for the express. I
am obliged to break a team to furnish him with a change, and even then
the animals are not in condition for the expressman's use. They are
working every day, and when he requires a change the animals that I
have to furnish are not in condition for the use of your express. I
mnst either spike teams, and thus cut short our transportation teams,
or I should have mules or horses for express use, and nothing else. I
released Captain Gorley, captain Company D, from arrest with a repri-
mand. He is now getting along very well, and doing his duty with
spirit and energy. It commenced raining here on the evening of the
13th and has kept it up, but moderately until last night at 9 p. m.,
when it commenced in good earnest, and from that time until this, mid-
night, it has rained incessantly. The two companies now here are
encamped with us. I am proud to say, without being accused of egotism,
that our companies lose nothing from comparison. Good order and quiet-
ness prevail through camp at this hour. The detachment of cavalry are
drilling and perfecting themselves for active service. I have not as yet
had occasion to use them much, except to cover the main road, but in
a few days their duties will be extended. I would again call your
attention to the fact that we are without pants for the men. As I
wrote to you in a former letter. Colonel West took 100 pairs of infantry
pants from here, leaving but twenty pairs of cavalry pants here for oar
Qse, which have all but some fifteen pairs been drawn or issued. The
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726 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [C«ap. LXH.
Tomainder I have ordered to be kept for absolute ase. Also the acting
assistant qaartermaster informs me that bat some seventy blankets are
invoiced to him. That number of blankets is not enough. The men
should have at least one pair of blankets in this climate. Without
blankets I am afraid that the men will be laid up with rheumatism.
The transportation will be sufficient without employing Banning's
teams.
Very respectfully,
EDWIN A. EIGG,
Major First Regiment Infantry California Vols., Commanding.
Hbadquaetebs Depabtuent of the Pacific,
San Francisco, Cal., November 15, 1861.
Lieut. Col. A. Cady,
Seventh Infantry, Commanding District of Oregon,
Fort Vancouver, Wash. Ter.:
Sib : The general commanding the department desires you to inform
him when the telegraphic dispatch of October 1, directing the recall of
the detachment under Lieutenant MuUan, was received at Fort Van-
couver, in what manner the orders were sent to Lieutenant Mullan, and
when they were received by him.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
RICHD. 0. DRUM,
Assistant Adjutant- Oeneral.
Obdebs, ) Headqitabtebs,
No. 78. ] Fort Walla Walla, November 15, 1861.
In compliance with Special Orders, No. 53, headquarters District of
Oregon, the command of the post is hereby turnedover to Capt. C. W. C.
Rowell, Fourth Regiment California Volunteers.
W. T. MAGRUDER,
Captain, First Cavalry, Commanding Post-.
Headquabtebs Depabtment of the Pacific,
San Francisco, November 16, 1861.
Acyutant-General Thouas,
Washington, D. C:
Received your dispatch of the 13th instant. It will be attended to.
G. WRIGHT,
Brigadier- Oeneral, U. S. Army, Commanding Department.
Genebal Obdebs, ) Hdqes. Depabtment of the Pacific,
No. 31. ) San Francisco, November 16, 1861,
1. Officers commanding posts or companies remote from these head-
quarters will make a careful investigation of the military resources of
the counties in their vicinity. It is believed that many articles of sub-
sistence for the troops, as well as supplies to bo furnished by the quar-
termaster's department, can be obtained at or near the location of the
troops.
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Chap. Lxn.] CORBESPONDENCE UNION AND CONFEDERATE. 727
2. Special reports on the foregoiog subject will be made as soon as
practicable by commanding officers, noting particularly the qnantity,
quality, and price of such articles as can be contracted for in the
country round their posts.
3. Organization of volunteer regiments and companies will not have
reference to any State organization, but will be in strict conformity with
General Orders, No. 15, of May 4, 1861, from the War Department, and
subsequent orders modifying the same.
By order of Brigadier-General Wright:
BICHD. 0. DRUM,
Assistant Adjutant-Oeneral.
SPECiAi Orders, ) Hdqrs. Department of the Pacific,
No. 214. ) Stm Francisco, Gal,, November 16, 1861.
• ••••••
2. The headquarters of the Third Begiment of Califomia Volunteer
Infantri^ will be established at Benicia Barracks. The companies of
this regiment will be placed in camp near the barracks.
By order of Brigadier-General Wright:
BICHD. 0. DRUM,
Assistant Adjutant-General.
San Francisco, Cax., November 16, 1861.
(Received 25th.)
Ool. James H. Oarleton.
Los Angeles, Gal.:
The troops to concentrate at San Diego will sail on the next steamer.
Send word to Andrews.
By order:
RICHD. 0. DRUM,
Assistant AdjutanUQeneral.
Hdqrs. Detach. 1st Reot. Inpty. California Yols.,
Gamp Wright, Warner's Ranch, San Diego County,
Southern Galifornia, November 17, 1861.
[Col. James H. Oarleton,
First Galifornia Volunteers, Gommamding :]
Colonel : Tour letter of the 9th containing instructions in reference
to Colonel Andrews' command was received this morning too late for me
to act. I had already given him transportation for his command, and
I suppose by this time he has arrived at Los Angeles in person. The
train arrived here just in time for him to get it without any delay, and
to-day they are all in Sau Diego. I followed your instructions and dis-
charged Banning's and Kitchen's train at once. Your letter received
today instructed me to take that train and move to Oak Grove or
Temecula, but too late — they had gone. I sent on a messenger to Oak
Grove, where I knew they would encamp the first night, and requested
Mr. Sanford to return here this morning in time to make the return
trip, thus not losing time, not feeling authorized, under your positive
orders to discharge them at tbis point, to order or employ them. Mr.
Sanford wrote to me that he would very much like to accommodate me
and my command, but that his teams could not do it; his animals were
worn out; and although he would like to accommodate me without extra
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728 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Cbaf. LXIL
charge, bat under the circnmstances it could not be done. I finaUy
concluded to employ him for one day, and sent Lieutenant Wellman
with a proposition to that efiect, but on his arrival at Oak Grove the
train had gone, and aa my instructions to him were not to follow unless
he (Sanford) was but a short distance on the road from that point, I
have missed the transportation and disarranged your plans, but from
no fault of mine, as I conceive. • Your orders not to employ, or rather to
discharge, their train upon their arrival here, were positive, but the
whole cause is the delay of your messenger. He has been nearly five
days on the road, and reports having broken down several horses.
Your calculation as to the time of arrival here of Colonel Andrews'
command was exact, and twenty-four hours earlier arrival of the express
would have found the train here, and our camp would now have been
at Oak Grove, just where I want to be at this particular time if the
information is correct which 1 have received from your informant. 1
will now have to remain here until our own train returns, which will
not be before the 20th and perhaps not before the 23d, as it has been
raining in torrents for several days. To day we have had a specimen
of the climate on this ranch. While I am writing (9.40 p. m.) the rain
is falling in torrents and the wind is whistling through the camp. If
we have any tents standing in the morning I will consider ourselves
fortunate. It will depend altogether upon the peg ropes and guys. It
was reported to me to-day that the messenger stopped, unsaddled, and
remained at Oak Grove for three hours. He must have pursued the
same course at other places on the route. The horse he brought in
here was entirely broken down, and I had to furnish him with another
to proceed to Yuma. Your communication of the 15th instant came in
this morning early, and as Oolonel Andrews' command has gone on and
you have been notified of it I will send him (expressman) back in the
morning to Los Angeles. My ofiicers are very busy getting their
returns in shape, but without proper blanks it will be difficult for them
to have them perfect. I forwarded the post returns to your headquar-
ters a few days since, as well as our weekly return. For several days
I had not paper enough in camp to make one out on, and finally had to
consolidate. I had sent to Lieutenant Thompson, acting assistant quar-
termaster, San Diego, several times for some stationery, but he would
not send it. I think from the reports of Acting Assistant Quarter-
master Vestal, Wagon-master Peale, and Sergeant Wheeling, both he
and Captain Koberts were anything but courteous. Major Haller sent
me some, which arrived to-day by the ambulance from San Diego.
Colonel West sent on the post ambulance with Mrs. Captain Dryer, and
as I had no mules for onr own I sent it on the San Diego ambulance with
her, and by instrnctions from him will keep it here until I hear from him.
I intend to send to Oak Grove a lookout for my friend, Mr. Sbowalter,
and wUl stop him if I can catch him, or anyone else whom I knoA' to
be as deeply dyed a traitor as he is. He has not the excuse that some
others have of being bom and educated in the South. He is a Penn-
sylvanian, and never lived in a Southern State in his life, and could
have no sympathies of a family nature to excuse him, and I want to see
him and a few more. If the party is as large as your informant thinks
it is we may have an opportunity to expend some extra cartridges. I
have an Indian prisoner here that I would like to have some disposition
made of or receive some instructions in regard to him. He has killed
several Indians lately, and the chiefs in council decided to hand him
over to me for safe-keeping until they could hear from the superintend-
ent of Indian afiairs. I addressed a letter to Mr. Baker, supervisor of
Indian affairs for the southern district, located at Los Angeles, but
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Cbap. LXn.) CORRESPONDENCE — UNION AND CONFEDERATE. 729
have not beard from bim. I would like to know from you what dispo-
sition to make of him. The Indians have heretofore tried their own
people, but they have learned that they have a new chief, and respect-
fully submit the case to him. At all events, I would like to be advised
whether I should hand him back to his people for trial, or what to do
with him. I was interrupted by a cry, "The hospital tent is down !"
and found it partially true. By lashing and tying it was kept from
coming down. We have had a stormy night of it. The guard tents
have blown down. OfBcers' tents, kitchen tents, tent in which I had
the ammunition, and a number of others were laid to the ground. It
was a gale, and the rain came down in torrents. I think that I have
never seen it rain harder. Our tents were all full of water. The men
were cheerful and worked hard all night. The morning broke with
but little change, excepting it did not rain so hard. The hills all
around us are covered with snow. Ice was formed on our tents and
ropes. We have had really a specimen of the weather I had reason to
expect. I cannot get away from here until our train comes up. We
managed to keep our sick from the weather by using all the blan-
kets we could find, the men cheerfully going without themselves. As
they were out all night and wet they had no use for them. It con-
tinues raining and haihng, but with less wind. We are preparing for
another stormy night. It is impossible for the company ofiBcers to
have all the returns ready that you require by this messenger. Their
tents are wet, and writing or ruling is almost out of the question. I
have directed them to forward to yon letters of explanation. 1 hope
this storm will blow over soon, or we will be in a bad fix. I called
your attention in a former letter to yon to Jones, of Company D,
against whom charges were preferred by Lieutenant Martin.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
EDWIN A. RIGG.
Los Angeles, November 18, 1861.
(Received 4 p. m. 25th.)
Maj. R. 0. Drum:
The regulars from Yuma left Camp Wright for San Diego on the
16th instant.
JAMES H. CARLETON.
Headquarters Department of the Pacific,
San Francisco, CaL, November 18, 1861. (Received 2oth.)
Col. J. H. Carleton,
Los Angeles, CaL :
Colonel West will take command of the district. Send for him to
come to Los Angeles. You will report here as soon as possible, with-
out awaiting West's arriv«al.
By order of General Wright:
RICHD. C. DRUM,
Assistant Adjutant-Oeneral.
Special Orders, ) Headquarters District op Oregon,
No. 67. i Fort Vancouver, Wtish. Ter., November 18, 1861.
Companies B and I, Ninth Infantry, will embark on the steamer
Pacific on her return from the sound and proceed to San Francisco,
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730 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Chjlp. Utn.
GaL The quartermaster's department will fttmish transportation for
two horses belonging to Surg. J. F. Head, who goes with this command.
By order of Lieutonant-Oolonel Gady:
A. G. WILDRICK,
First Lieut., Third ArtiUery, Acting Assistant Adjutant-OeneroL
Special Obdebs, ) Headquabtebs of the Army,
> Adjutant-Geneeal's Office,
No. 309. ) Washington, November 19, 1861.
1. Brig. Gen. George Wright, volunteer service, is assigned to the
command of the Department of the Pacific. He will retain in his com
mand the Ninth Regiment of Infantry, which is now under orders
transferring it to the Eastern coast.
By command of Major-General McGlellan:
L. THOMAS,
Adjutant- Oeneral.
Headquabtebs Distbict of Obeoon,
Fort Vancouver, Wash. Ter., November 19, 1861.
Maj. B. G. Dbum,
Asst. Adjt. Qen., Hdqrs. Dept. of the Pacific, San Francisco, Gal.:
Major : I have the honor to report that Gompanies B and I, Ninth
Infantry, are now leaving the post to embark on the steamer Pacific
for San Francisco. Gaptain English's command, from Gamp Pickett,
and Gaptain Woodruff's, from Fort Steilacoom, are now on board.
This completes the withdrawal of the Ninth, except the two companies
from Golville and the detachment with Lieutenant Mnllan. I have
received no official information in regard to the movements of these
commands, bat do not anticipate their arrival here until some time in
the ensuing month. The companies of the First Gavalry will commence
arriving here to-morrow, and may be expected to be in time to take the
steamer of the 27th.
I have the honor to be, your obedient servant,
A. GADY,
Lieutenant- Colonel Seventh Infantry, Commanding District.
Headquabtebs Department of the Pacific,
San Francisco, November 20, 1861.
Assistant Adjutant-Genebal,
Headquarters of the Army, Washington, D. G. :
Sib : On the 16th instant I had the honor to acknowledge (by tele-
graph) the receipt of Mf^or-General McGlellan's dispatch of the 13th.
I have recalled Golonel Garleton from his command in the southern
district, and as soon as be arrives I shall organize his command of at
least one regiment, for the protection of the Overland Mail Route. I
have conferred with Mr. Louis McLane, the agent, as to the most suit-
able point to locate the troops, in order to afi'ord the required protec-
tion. He suggests Simpson's Park, Ruby Valley, and Gamp Floyd as
the best positions to occupy. The first is 326 miles from Sacramento,
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Chaf. um.l CORRESPONDENCE — UNION AND CONFEDERATE. 731
Baby Valley 98 miles tvom Simpson's, and Oamp Floyd is 217 miles m
advance of Rnby Valley. Tbe weather for many days past has been
tempestaons in theextreme, and the snow on the mountains is reported
as very deep, and it may be next to an impossibility for the troops to
cross over with their necessary supplies. Were it not for the starving
condition of tbe Indians, no fears need be entertained of their commit-
ting any depredations. Twenty thousand dollars' worth of provisions,
annually distributed to the friendly tribes along this section of the
route, woald save the Government vast sams of money. The contracts
made last summer for the transportation of our sapplies from this place
to Ruby Valley were at the rate of about $400 per ton ; and at this
season it will cost mach more. Everything is quiet on this coast;
nothing of importance has transpired since my communication to the
Adjutant- General of tbe Army, dated on the IGth instant, a copy of
which was forwarded to the Headquarters of the Army. I have
removed the Third Infantry California Volanteers from Stockton to
Benicia Barracks. Four companies of this regiment are already at
their stations; the^remaining six have been organized, and are pro-
gressing favorably'in recruiting. Clothing for all the troops in.the
department is being made here. Very soon the supply will bo ample
and of a superior quality, at a reasonable rate. On the 9th I inspected
the troops at Fort Point, one company, Third Artillery, commanded by
Brevet Mt^or Austine, and on the 13th I inspected the troops at Aloa-
traz Island, two companies, Third Artillery, commanded by Major Bur-
ton. It aflbrds me pleasure to report that I found the troops in high
order. The armament of the fort, although incomplete, was found in
handsome condition, and ready for any emergency.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
G. WEIGHT,
Brigadier-Oeneral, U. 8. Army, Commanding.
Headquabtees Department op the Pacific,
San Franciaco, Gal., November 20, 1861.
Lieut. James P. Martin,
Seventh Infty., Gomdg. Go. D, Sixth Infty., Fort Bragg, Gal. :
Sir: The general commanding the department directs that you will
march your company to Mendocino and be prepared to embark without
delay on the return of the steamer Columbia from Crescent City.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
RICHD. C. DRUM,
Assistant Adjutant- General.
Headquarters Department op the Pacific,
San Francisco, Gal., November 20, 1861.
Lieut. Col. A. Cadt,
Seventh Infantry, Commanding District of Oregon:
Sir: I am directed by the general commanding the department to
say, in reply to yonr letter of the 9th instant, that such supplies as can
be furnished from Fort Vancouver without detriment to the service may
be issued to Colonel Cornelias or the quartermaster of the Oregon regi-
ment. This, of course, does not inclade horses or horse equipments.
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732 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Chap. LUL
If Colonel Cornelius desires to be furnished with clothing for his regi-
ment he will make a requisition on the deputy quartermaster-general at
these headquarters, when the general will give the necessary directioos
for having the clothing made in this city.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
EICHD. O. DRUM,
Asnatant Adjutant- OeneraL
Headqttaetbrs DEpabtment of the Pacific,
San FrancUoOf Cal., November 21, 1861,
Brig. Gen. L. Thomas,
Adjutant- Oetieral U. 8. Army, Washitigton, D. 0. :
General: I have this day forwarded to you by steamer a return of
troops of this department. It is made up of the latest reports we have
received. My troops are occupying a vast extent of country, extend-
ing from Yuma in the south to Colville in the north, a distance of about
2,000 miles over the route usually marched. The severe snow-storm in
the mountains has completely blocked up the mail route east; and it
will probably be several days before they can resume their regular
trips. In the meantime I shall avail myself of the telegraph and the
tri-monthly steamers to communicate with headquarters. Colonel Sea-
well sailed on the steamer to-day with three companies. Sixth Infantry.
At San Diego he will receive five additional companies. Mtyor Lovell,
Tenth Infantry; Major Flint, Sixteenth Infantry, and Brevet Major
Andrews, Third Artillery, I have placed on duty with Colonel Seawell's
command. The last steamer from Oregon brought down two companies
of the Ninth Infantry, and on the steamer now due I expect five more
companies of the same regiment. They will al I go East on the steamer of
the 1st of December. The companies from Forts Dalles, Walla Walla,
and Colville may be looked for by the 10th of December. Lieutenant
Mullan has 100 good men of the Ninth Infantry as escort to the Walla
Walla and Fort Benton wagon-road expedition. An order was sent
early in October for those men to join their companies, since which we
have heard nothing from them. The last general order I have received
from your office was No. 89, of 11th of October, a single copy only. I
have not yet received the Revised Army Regulations. I would suggest
that in sending out books and large packages, the ocean route be lued.
Quiet pervades the Pacific Slope.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
G. WRIGHT,
Brigadier- Oenerai, U. 8. Army, Commanding.
Headquarters,
Fort Yuma, November 31, 1861.
Lieut. Benjamin C. Cutler,
Actg. Atst. Adjt. Oen., Southern Diet, of California, Los Angeles:
Lieutenant : I have the honor to report as follows upon the cross-
ings of the River Colorado at points a4jacent to this post, and upon
the measures that I have adopted for their security: I found upon
assuming command that Mr. Yager had a ferry at Pilot Knob, ten miles
down the river. The boats used at that point have by my orders been
brought to the post, and are under my control. Mr. Yager's main ferry
is still one mile below the post. At that point I have constantly kept
a picket guard of thirteen men, under charge of an of&cer, and no one
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Chap. Lxn.] CORRESPONDENCE — UNION AND CONFEDERATE. 733
is permitted to cross the river unless by my orders. This ferry will be
removed immediately opposite the post as soon as a necessary road and
landing can be completed. The work will be finished by the first of the
coming week. The main crossing of the Colorado has been heretofore
done at Gonzales' Ferry, about thirty miles below this post, both by
Mexicans traveling to and from Sonora, and by all the parties of dis-
affected persons who were making their exit from California. For these
reasons, and also because the boats there could have been availed of
by an enemy designing to attack my position, I recently sent Capt.
William P. Calloway with a detachment, with instructions to either
send the boats up to the fort or to destroy them. The former course not
being feasible the latter was adopted. Although this ferry was located
in Mexican territory, and its owner a citizen of that Government, it
was such a disadvantage as in my judgment warranted the steps taken,
under orders from the district commander, to seize and hold all ferry-
boats on the Colorado River. The crossings below this post were, first.
Yager's main ferry, one mile down the river (this is about being removed
to the fort] ; second, Yager's Ferry at Pilot Knob (this has been discon-
tiued); third, Cooke's Old Ferry, six miles below Algodones (there has
been no boat at that point for several months); fourth, Paddock's Old
Ferry (has been for a long time obsolete) ; fifth, Gonzales' Ferry (broken
up as noted above). At the latter point travelers who wish to avoid
this post may resort to swimming their animals upon discovering that
the boats have been destroyed. There is scarcely an available ford
anywhere on the river below Fort Yuma. Casual travelers might ford
in one or two places, but no force could be crossed with either artillery
or provisions. This conclusion is formed from information deemed
reliable, and is corroborated by Captain Calloway, who proceeded with
his detachment on board the steamer Cocopah lOU miles down the river
and returned. At the Colorado mines, twenty miles above the fort, there
were three boats — one (Mr. Yager's, in a lagoon adjoining the river) I
had destroyed by that gentleman's consent. The other two, belonging
to parties residing in that vicinity, were brought here by a detachment
under Lieutenant Mitchell, sent out by my orders. At this last point
an enemy's force could be crossed by fording and using rafts. The
water is about breast deep, and there is enough dry cottonwood to fur-
nish rafts. At present I judge this to be the point whereat the danger
of an enemy's crossing is most to be apprehended. The roads diverg-
ing from the Alamo and New River Stations to Gonzales' Ferry have
been referred to in my previous communications. On my march here!
had some opportunities of examining them, and I find the information
then obtained of service. Any further measures that may suggest
themselves for the farther security of the crossing of the river shall be
promptly adopted.
Respectfully, &c.,
J. R. WEST,
Lieutenant-Colonel First Infty., Calif omia Volunteers, Gomdg. Post.
Camp Alebt, November 21, 1861.
Brigadier-General Wright,
Commanding Department of the Pacific:
General: We, the oflBcers of the Second Regiment Cavalry Cali-
fornia Volunteers, beg leave to respectfully submit for your consider-
ation and adjudication the following questions, which materially aifect
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734 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. (CmAp.Lxn.
tbeir allegiance to the General Government and their daties as officers
in the service of the United States:
First. Which are we to consider of paramount importance and aatbar-
ity, our allegiance to the Federal Government or that which we owe to
this Statet
Second. If our allegiance is primarily due to the Federal Govern-
ment, are we to obey orders directed to ns fit>m the State Govemmentf
Third. If our allegiance is due first to the State Government of Cali-
fornia, are we bound to obey the Federal Army anthoritieaf
Fourth. The oath of allegiance taken by each and all of as, as well
as by the men under our orders, was to the Government of the United
States of America, and utterly exclusive, even to abnegation of State
allegiance. Are we to be held by this oath, or was it of no effect f
Fifth. Are we to nnderstand that the Governor or any other State
authority of California is rightfully empowered to take charge and
control of such property belonging to the Federal Gk>vernment as may
be required for the nse and subsistence of the various volunteer corps
called into existence by tbe Federal Government for the suppression of
State rebellio J and treason t
Sixth. Has the Governor of California any rightful authority to fill
vacancies among theofficersof thisor anyothervolunteer regimen t,which
has been or may be called into the field by the General Government after
such regiment has been duly organized, accepted, commissioned, and
turned over to the Federal Government or its legally appointed agentsT
Seventh. If the Second Regiment Cavalry California Volunteers were
serving at the East, and vacancies should occur among its officers,
would those vacancies be filled by the dictatorial authority of the Gov-
ernor of California, or would the Federal authorities exercise that power t
The officers of the Second Regiment Cavalry California Volunteers
most earnestly disclaim the slightest intention to utter one word or
make one inquiry that can be construed as evincing any want of respect
whatever to tbe properly constituted authorities, either Federal or
State, always hoping that they will be the first to set a praiseworthy
example either as citizens or soldiers, but they find themselves involved
in the most serious and perplexing doubts, which materially impair
their usefulness and check the full expression of their loyalty and
devotion to their beloved country and her majestic cause. They there-
fore unite in respectfully asking their chief military commander on this
far-distant coast to solve these doubts and direct them aright.
Most respectfully submitted.
JOHK O. CEBMONY,
Captain Company B.
JAMES WINHE,
Captain Company O,
ALBERT BROWN,
Captain Company L,
(And 10 OTHEB OFFICEBS.]
SpEciAi, Orders, ) Hdqes. Depaetment of the Pacific,
No. 218. ) San Francisco, Cat., November 22, 1861.
1. The headquarters of the First Regiment of Cavalry will, until the
1st proximo, be established at Benicia Barracks.
• ••••••
By order of Brigadier-General Wright:
RICHD. C. DRUM,
Aasiatant Adjutant- General.
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chap. lxn.) c0bre8p0ndence — union and conpedebate. 735
Headquabtess Depabtment of the Paoifio,
8tm Franoiaoo, Cal., November 23, 1861.
His Excellency J. W. Nte,
Oovemor of Nevada Territory, Carson City :
Sib : I have received instructions from the Headqoarters of the Army
to send a regiment of troops, or more if I deem it necessary, to protect
the Overland Mail Bonte. The command will be under Oolonel Garleton,
and will move as soon as the necessary arrangements can be made. I
am informed that it is next to an impossibility for troops with their sap-
plies to cross the mountains at this time, and my object in addressing
Your Excellency is to obtain reliable data as to the practicability of the
route, and particularly as to the condition of the Indians and the prob-
ability of their committing depredations on the stock of the mail com-
pany. As soon as practicable I design to establish troops at Simpson's
Park, Buby Valley, and Gamp Floyd, and in the meantime is it within
your i>ower to issue such provisions to the starving Indians along the
route as may be necessary for their existence t I have an extra supply
of provisions at Fort Churchill, and although I am not authorized to
issue to Indians, except in small quantities, yet I should not hesitate
to sell it to the Indian Department, under existing circumstances, even
if the Department should not be in funds, not doubting that such a
course would be approved. I shall esteem it a favor to receive your
views on the subject, with any suggestions you may deenv pertinent. I
have been assigned to the command of the department and remain on
this coast. A service of more than nine years on the Pacific has famil-
iarized me with the whole country and also with the character and tem-
per of the inhabitants. The Union-loving people of this coast are vastly
in the ascendant, their fiat has gone forth, and no secession doctrine
can flonrish here. !Neverthele>ss it behooves us to be watchful at all
times. I shall not assume a threatening attitude, for the purpose of
warning our enemies to refrain from unlawful acts, but pursuing the
even tenor of my way, ever observant of impending events, and ready
at all times to enforce a due respect and observance of the Constitu-
tion and laws of our country; and if it becomes my duty to act, I shall
do so fearlessly, and without regard to personal consequences, feeling
assured that I shall receive the cordial support of every true and loytu
citizen on the Pacific Coast.
With great respect, I have the honor to be Tour Excellency's obedi-
ent servant,
G. WRIGHT,
Brigadier- General, U. 8. Army, Commanding Department.
Headquabtbbs,
Fort Bragg, November 23, 1861.
Assistant Adjxitant-Geneeal:
Sib: I have the honor to report to you that I have this day relieved
Lieut. James P. Martin, Seventh Infantry, in command of this post. I
have appointed First Lieut. Thomas S. Bridges, acting assistant quar-
termaster and acting commissary, and Second Ldeut. Joseph C. Morrill,
post adjutant.
J. B. MOOBE,
Captain Company B, Third Regiment California Volunteers.
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736 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. ICmir.l^XtL
Headqttabtebs Distbict of Southern Califoenia,
Log Angeles, Gal,, November 34, 1861.
Maj. R. C. Deum, U. S. Army,
A»si»tant Adjutant- General, San Francisco, Gal.:
Majoe : I have the houor herewith to inclose a copy of a letter which
I have just received from Lieutenant-Colonel West, commanding at
Fort Yuma.* A few days since I wrote a private letter to the general
commanding the department, in which I suggested sending by sea to
Yuma two IS-pounders, with ammunition, &c., and a supply of barley
for fifty picked cavalry, &c. I Rtill think this will be re-enforcement
enough. When I have filled West's companies to 1U2 each, and send
him fifty cavalry, he will have a force of numerical strength equal to
seven ordinary companies of regulars. It would seem that an officer
handling these men well, as West would be likely to do, they would
trouble a larger force travel-worn and with a formidable river in front
of them. As soon as I learn the barley is sent I will make arrange-
ments to cut some hay. Mr. Hooper informs me this is a good time of
year to get hay at Yuma.
Respectfully, your obedient servant,
JAMBS H. CARLBTON,
GoUmel First Gali/omia Volunteers, Commanding.
Wae Depaetment,
Washington, November 35, 1861.
His Bzcellency the Goveenoe op Califoenia,
San Francisco:
Sib: It is found by experience that competition by agents of States,
authorized to purchase arms, in competition with agents of the Gov-
ernment, is highly detrimental to the public service, as it advances
prices both to the States and to tlie United States, the loss of which
may ultimately fall upon the General Government. To avoid this com-
petition you are respectfully requested to withdraw all agents for the
purchase of arms, in order that the Government of the United States
may make all such purchases with the greatest possible economy, and
remove the present inducement for speculators to withhold arms from
the service. The arms will be distributed to the troops of the several
States as soon as received.
SIMON CAMERON,
Secretary of War.
Hbadquaetees Depaetment op the PAorPio,
San Francisco, Gal., November 35, 1861.
Capt. J. 0. Ceemont, and othee Offigees op the Second Reg-
iment Oalifoenia Volunteer Cavaxbt:
(Through Colonel Sims, Commanding Gamp Alert, Oal.)
Gentlemen : The general commanding the department has carefully
examined the subject submitted in your communication of the 21st
instant with reference to the organization of volunteer regiments, their
rights under the law, &c., and directs me to answer categorically as
follows : First. Your allegiance is first due to the General Government
' See West to Carleton, 13tb, p. 721,
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Chap. LXU.) CORRESPONDENCE — UNION AND CONFEDERATE. 737
Second. After U. S. troops of any description have been mastered into
the service the authority of the State government over them ceases
entirely. Third. Allegiance being first due to the General Government,
of course all are bound to obey the Army authorities. Fourth. Of
course all are bound by oath. Fifth. Certainly not. Sixth. He has.
(See section 3 of act approved August 6, 1861.) Seventh. Cannot say
what might be done, but the right and duty of the Governor to fill the
vacancies is positive law. It makes no provision for any other mode
of filling vacancies, no matter where the regiment may be serving. By
the plan of regimental organization for volunteers announced in orders
by the President, the adjutant and regimental quartermaster are to be
selected from the company oflBcers by the colonel. They are appointed
by him and reassigned to companies at his pleasure. After a careful
examination of the laws relating to tbe volunteers and the orders organ-
izing the same, the general is of the opinion that the appointment of
the regimental staff rests entirely with the colonel or other permanent
commander of the regiment, and that the Governor has nothing what-
ever to do with such appointments. These views were expressed by
the general to Colonel Smith, and with this understanding the colonel
appointed Lieutenant French regimental quartermaster, the colonel in-
tending to assign Lieutenant Wright to the company from which Lieu-
tenant French was taken for stafl' dnties.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
RICHD. 0. DRUM,
Assistant Adjutant- Oeneral.
Los Angeles, November 25, 1861—8^0 f. m.
Maj. R. C. Dbtim, U. S. Army,
Assistant Adjutant- Oeneral, San Francisco, Cal.:
Just got your messages of 16th and 18th. The troops were at San
Diego on the 21 st. Will send express to West to-morrow; also to Byre
to come here. I have a very sick fomily. If it is possible for me to be
spared till Senator comes, say so to-night.
JAMES H. CARLETON,
Colonel First California Volunteers.
Los Angeles, November 25, 1861 — 9.30 p. m.
Maj. R. C. Dbitm:
Shall I not order Ma,jor Rigg to Yuma by the express that goes for
West! It is important that he be here. Let M^or Fergusson go to
Camp Wright. Answer to-night.
JAMES H. CARLETON.
Headquarters District of Southern California,
Los Angeles, Cal,, November 25, 1861.
Lient Col. E. E. Eyre,
First Cavalry California Volunteers, San Bernardino, Cal.:
Colonel : Turn over your command to Captain McCleave and report
to me without delay.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JAMES H. CARLETON,
Colonel First California Volunteers, Commanding.
47 B R — VOL L, PT I
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738 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Chap. LXn.
Headquabtbes District of Southern California,
Los Angeles, Cal., November 35, 1861.
Lient. Ool. Joseph E. West,
First Infaniry California Vols., Gomdg. Fort Yuma, Cal. :
Oolonel: The following dispatch I have Just received. It did not
come sooner, as the wiies were down.*
I am entirely at a loss to know what the canse is of this sadden
change unlesM it be that General Wright is ordered East. Pray lose
uo time in getting here.
I am, colonel, very respectfully.
JAMBS H. CARLBTON,
Colonel First California Volunteers, Commanding.
Marshal's Office, Southern Dist. of California,
Los Angeles, November 25, 1861.
Col. J. n. Oarleton, U. S. Army :
Sir : I learn that probably Showalter's party will go by way of the
Mojave Eiver and Mojave Crossings. Peoples, one of the party, inti-
mated as mach sub rosa to a friend here. I think they left the Monte
yesterday. At least they have left here.
Very respectfully and truly, your obedient servant,
H. D. BARROWS,
U. 8. Marshal.
Headquarters Department of the Pacific,
San Francisco, Cal., November 25, 1861.
Lieut. Col. A. Cady,
Seventh Infantry, Commanding District of Oregon,
Fort Vancouver, Wash. Ter.:
Sir: The general commanding the department desires you to halt
M^)or Lugenbeel's command at Fort Vancouver. For the present they
will take post at that station.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
RICHD. C. DRUM,
Assistant Adjutant- General.
Headquarters District of Oregon,
Fort Vancouver, Wash. Ter., November 25, 1861.
Maj. R. C. DnuH,
Asst. Adjt. Oen., Hdqrs. Dept. of the Pacific, San Francisco, Cal :
Major : I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt by this morn-
ing's mail of your letter of the 15th instant, and to state, in reply
thereto, that the telegraphic dispatch referred to appears to have been
received at this place on the 7th of October, and that orders were
issued the same day by the commander of the district (Colonel Beall)
for the recall of the detachment with Lieutenant MuUan in terms as
follows:
III. The detachments from companies of the Ninth Infantry on duty as escort to
Lieatenant Mnllan's wagon-road expedition will be relieved and forthwith join their
respective companies.
I have no means to show in what manner the orders were sent to
Lieutenant Mullan, nor when they were received by him, as no official
* See Drum to Oarleton, November 18, p. 729.
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Chap. LXn.] CORRESPONDENCE — UNION AND CONFEDERATE. 739
report thereon bas beeu received fi-om him. Lieuteuant Wildrick,
Third Artillery, acting assistant adjutant-general at the time the
orders were sent, and who is now at San Francisco, can furnish full
particulars in regard to the transmission of the orders both to and
beyond Walla Walla.
I have the honor to be, your obedient servant,
A. CADY,
Lieutenant-Colonel Seventh Infantry, Commanding District.
Headquaetbrs,
Fort Ho8hin», Oreg., November 35, 1861.
Lieutenant Wildrick,
Acting Assistant Adjutant- Oeneral, Fort Vancouver, Wash. Ter.:
Sir: I am directed by the commanding officer of this post to make
the following statement: Prior to his arrival at this post the disaflfected
around this part of the country, as he learns, exulted in the withdrawal
of the troops, supposing that the garrison would be a little more favor-
able to their views. Finding it was not so they seem to have kept
pretty still until the garrison was reduced, whtm they seem to.be again
about to give some trouble. It seems by the statements made daily
and hourly tor the past few days that the late commander aided the
inhabitants in their nefarious designs on this garrison. Mr. Patton, a
packer in the Indian agency employ, came in and avers that when Mr.
Kewcomb was going away he distributed to the Indians guns and
revolvers and ammunition, and told them to fight for Jeff. Davis and
the Southern Confederacy. He says the Indians understand too much
about this matter, and that they have those arms, which he wishes us to
take away from them, as he thinks they will give some trouble by being
allowed to keep them, but we have no available force to recapture them,
as there are only twelve men at the Siletz blockhouse; not half
enough to guard it properly, as there is one year's supply of provisions
there, and as for this post there are only eight men for duty, with two
sergeants and one corporal. Lieutenant Watson and eighteen men,
with one corporal and two teamsters, having left this post on the 16th
for Fort Pmpqua. The peaceftil inhabitants of this valley are now
daily and hourly making reports to us of the disaffection prevailing
around us. Yesterday Mr. Wisner substantiated to us as follows: Mr.
Jerry Evans, of this valley, told him that Captain Dent gave him a box
of ammunition containing 1,000 rounds of rifle musket cartridges; that
he knew the said Evans to be a rank secessionist, and that Captain
Dent must have known so also when he gave him those cartridges. He
is also of the impression that there is more Government ammunition
than this box in this valley. He says that he and Mr. Allen went to Mr.
Evans and purchased the box of him for $20, but he would not deliver it.
Their object was to get it out of their hands and return it to the post,
being Government property falsely squandered. He also says that one
more reason was that he overheard the disunionists making menac-
ing threats against the garrison, such as, "Well, I have been up there,
and I think that we can take that garrison in one hour; there is only
five or six men about there." "How would you do it!" asks one. "Oh,
we would fire the buildings and shoot the officers as they come out,"
was his reply. Their constantly using those menacing threats against
this garrison and the loyal men in it induces me and Mr. Allen to make
this statement to the commanding officer. This afternoon Mr. Tateham
informed the commanding officer that very lately from 250 to 300 stand
of arms have been distributed to the traitors of this valley by, as he
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740 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. (CH*».LXn.
sapposes, Joe Lane and [the] Governor of the State; that he does not
consider the garrison safe, as he has overheard them also make threats
against it, such as, *' How easy it would be to take it and get all the
arms and ammauition in it. We know every nook in it and all the
hiding places about it," &c. These men do not wish their names to be
made public at present, as they are generally married through each
other, and are afraid of their own lives. An instance occurred to-day
to prove this. A young man came to the garrison and told us that he
was a Union man but his father was a secessionist. We are at a loss,
being strangers here, to know how to take these reports. They, how-
ever, emphatically declare that they could place no confidence in the
late commander, and learning that we were true to the dear old flag
they feel no diffidence in stating the facts, too. They say, moreover,
that all the associates of the late commander were with those men, and
that they believe that there is a deep-laid plot in this valley to make a
move of some kind before long. They ask for arms and ammunition,
but we cannot let them have either until we hear from you on this sub-
ject. To-day a citizen applied for twenty rounds, but the commanding
officer refused him, not knowing who he was. He replied that he was
a good Union man, and that he wanted them for self-protection. True
the garrison is in a helpless condition, as there is not sufficient men
here to garnson it projjerly. The men are on guard every other day
(only eight) until they are perfectly worn out, but what there is of them
can be relied upon. I do not consider that anything of the kind would,
be made until they have all their plans matured, which may take some
time yet; yet from what I can learn in case they do move they will
immediately attack the garrison for the purpose of securing the arms
and ammunition. They seem to be aware of the exact number of arms
and ammunition at this post. The commanding officer would respect-
fully request that in case that Messrs. Wisner and Allen get possession
of that box, that they be permitted by the colonel commanding to retain
it in their possession, or to pay them $20 and have it returned to this
post. There is at this ppst one 12-pounder and cartridges, shells, &c.,
about fifteen old flint-lock muskets (useless), eleven pistols nearly all
unserviceable, and forty (new) muskets (pertaining to Company B, Sec-
ond Infantry California Volunteers) in store, together with about 35,000
rounds of rifle-musket cartridges, 400 pistol cartridges, but they are all
poorly guarded. The commanding officer would request that these
eleven pistols be returned to the ordnance department for repairs, and
that about fifty good ones be furnished this post for the purpose of arm-
ing the men more efiectually. The teamsters going on detached service
retiuire one each. The express rider should have one, and the detach-
ment at the Siletz block-house should each be furnished with one.
You will please to give this due consideration, as at present things do
not look very pleasant in this vicinity.
Eespectfiilly submitted.
T. B. CAMPBELL,
First Lieut., Second Infantry California Vols., Post Adjutant.
Hbadquaetebs Dbpaetment op the PAcau^o,
San l'ranci$cOf November 26^ 1861.
Assistant Adjutant-Geiteral,
Headquarters of the Army, Washington, D. C. :
Sir: On the 22d instant I had the honor to acknowledge the receipt
of the dispatch of the 19th, from the headquarters of the Army, assign-
ing me to the command of this department, and further instracting me
Digitized by
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Chap. LXH.] CORBESPONDENCE — UNION AND CONFEDERATE. 741
to retain the Ninth Infantry nnder my command. Two companies
Ninth Infantry (G and K), with the non-commissioned staff and band,
arrived here on the 14th, and five more companies of the same regiment
reached here on the 22d. This command I liave concentrated at the
Presidio, San Francisco, to undergo a thorough courst^ of instruction.
The remaining two companies of the Ninth Infantry are en route from
Fort Colville, and I have ordered them to halt at Fort Vancouver. I
propose to send one of those companies to Gamp Pickett, on the island
of San Juan, and let the other remain at Fort Vancouver, the head-
quarters of the District of Oregon and the principal depot for that
command. Company E, Ninth Infantry, left this coast on the steamer
of the 1st instant for New York, with the command under Brevet
Lieutenant-Oolonel Buchanan, Fourth infantry. The company was
without any officer present belonging to it. The captain, Woods, is on
recniiting service East. Nothing was said in the telegraphic dispatch
about retaining any additional medical officers, but I have assumed that
I should anticipate the wishes of the General-in Chief by keeping three
assistant surgeons— Heger, Craig, and Taylor. Their services are nec-
essary in consequence of the retention of the Ninth Infantry. They
were selected after consultation with the metlical director. After the
company of the Ninth Infantry reaches San Juan Island the company
of the Third Artillery now there will be brought to this place and
posted in one of the fortifications in the harbor. I have ordered the
horses and horse equipments of the four companies of the First Cavalry
now in Oregon to be concentrated at Fort Vancouver. They have
about 200 horses, but a majority of them are old and unfit for hard
service. I would recommend that they be turned over to the volun-
teer cavalry being raised in Oregon, should tiie department design
fiimisfaing those troops with horses and equipments.
Very respectfiilly, your obedient servant,
G. WEIGHT,
Brigadier-Oeneral, U. 8. Army, CommavMing.
Special Orders, ) Hdqrs. Department op the Pacific,
No, 221 . s San Francisco, Cat., November 26, 1861.
1. The following troops will, should they arrive in time, embark for
New York on the steamer of the 30th instant, under the command of
Lieut. Col. George A. H. Blake, First Cavalry: Companies A, F, and
H of the First Cavalry ; Companies B and C of the Fourth, and D of
the Sixth Infantry. The deputy quartermaster-general will furnish the
necessary transportation.
• ••••••
By order of Brigadier-General Wright :
EICnD, C. DRUM,
Assistant Adjutant- Oeneral.
San Fbancisco, Cal., November 26, 1861.
Col. J. H. Carleton,
Los Angeles, Oal. :
Send Rigg to Yuma and Fergnsson to Wright. Come up in Senator.
By order:
RICHD. C. DRUM,
Assistant AdjutantOeneral.
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742 operations on the pacific coast. [caxr.zxxl
Headquarters District of Southern California,
Los Angeles, Gal., November 36, 1861.
Maj. E. A. Bioo,
First Infantry California Volunteers, Commanding Camp Wright:
Major: Proceed at once to Fort Yama and relieve Lieutentant-Col-
onel West in the command of that post. The officer next in rank
to yourself at Gamp Wright will have command of that camp until the
arrival of M%jor Fergnsson, First Cavalry California Volunteers, now
en route from San Francisco, Cal., direct. Colonel West will repair to
Los Angeles to replace the undersigned, now under orders for San
Francisco.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JAMBS H. CARLETON,
Colonel First California Volunteers, Commanding.
Special Orders, ) Headquarters District op Oregon,
No. 61. ) Fort Vancouver, Wash. Ter., November 26, 1861.
I. Companies H and I and the band of the First Cavalry, under the
command of Capt. J. H. Whittlesey, will embark on the steamer Cortez
to-day for San Francisco.
• ••••••
A. CADY,
LieutenoMt- Colonel Seventh Infantry, Commanding District.
General. Headquarters, State of California,
Adjutant- General's Office,
Sacramento, November 27, 1861.
General George Wright, U. S. Army,
Commanding Department of the Pacific, San Francisco:
General: In the month of July last General Sumner, then com-
manding Department of the Pacific, D. S. Army, ordered the seizure
of some fifty-seven stand of improved rifles belonging to the State of
California and then in Nevada Territory, being a portion of the State
arms sent there in May, 1860, at the time of the disastrous fight between
the citizens of that Territory and the Indians. Since that time General
Sumner made a verbal promise to turn over an equivalent number of
same style of arms to the State. I desire to know if any steps have
been taken at department headquarters in relation to the matter, and
whether an order can be obtained for the number of arms thus taken
upon the ordnance department at Benicia in favor of the State f
I have the honor to be, your obedient servant,
WM. C. EIBBE,
Adjutant- General.
Headquarters Department op the Pacifk!,
>> San Francisco, November 29, 1861.
Assistant Ad jut ant- General,
Headquarters of the Army, Washington, D. C:
Sir : Since my communication of the 26th instant, nothing of interest
has transpired within this department. At this moment (1 p. m.) it is
not probable that the steamer which leaves here to-morrow morning
Digitized by
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CHAP. LXn.) CORRESPONDENCE UNION AND CONFEDERATE. 743
will take more than the headquarters and two companies of the First
Cavalry. It is possible, however, that the two companies of the Fourth
and one of the Sixth Infantry may reach here in time.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
G. WEIGHT,
Brigadier- Oeneraly U. 8. Army, Commanding.
Headquarters,
Fort Ter- Waw, November 29, 1861.
Maj. R. 0. Drum,
Assistant Adjutant- General, Department of the Pacific:
Sib : In accordance with the direction of the general commanding, I
have the honor to report my arrival at this post on the 14th of Novem-
ber and its occupation by Company C, Fourth Infantry. The post was
turned over to me on the 20th of November by Capt. L. C. Hunt. I
found upon my arrival at Crescent City that the weather would not
permit the steamer to land near the wharf. I was compelled to land
my company in small boats under a heavy erpense of $2 per man ; and
also the transportation from Crescent City to the mouth of the Klamath
Biver of a small portion of my camp equipage cost me 8 cents per
pound. I am pleased with the post and hope to give satisfaction.
I remain, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JOHN H. MAY,
Comm^Miding.
Headquarters Department of the Pacific,
San Francisco, Gal., November 30, 1861.
CoMDG. Officer District of Southern California,
. Los Angeles, Cah:
Sir: The general commanding the department desires you to select
one company of infantry from the command near Warner's ranch and
direct it to proceed to Fort Yuma. You will also detail from the cav-
alry battalion three ofQcers and lifty picked men for service at the same
post. This latter force will not proceed to its destination until evidence
of the arrival of the forage at Yuma has been received. The general
has this day directed two IS-pounders, with implements complete and
a liberal supply of ammunition, and sixty tons of barley to be shipped
to Fort Yuma. You will be duly notified when these stores leave this
city.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
EICHD. C. DEUM,
Assistant Adjutant- General.
General Headqitarters, State of California,
\djutant-Geiteral's Office,
Sacramento, December 1, 1861.
His Excellency Abraham Lincoln,
President of the United States :
Sir : Pursuant to the requirements of the act of Congress of March
2, 1803, which requires the adjutant-general of the militia of ea<5h State
to make the return of the militia of each State to which he belongs,
with the arms, accouterments, and ammunition, to the President of the
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744
OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST.
[Chat. LXII.
United States annually, on or before the first Monday in Jannary of
each year, I have the honor to transmit herewith an abstract of the
annual return of the militia of the State of California for the year
1861.
I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
WM. 0. KIBBE,
Adjutant- General State of California.
Abstract of the aniMuiI return of the militia of the State of CaMfomia for the year 1861.
Major-eenerals
Brieaaler-generals
A<tJaUmt-^Denl
iDspeotor-general
QnartermuteTgeneral . . . .
Aldeo-de-csinp
Brigade majors
Brigade quartermaaten . . .
Cotunelfl
LieatenautKWloseU
Miuors ■
Adjutants
Quartermasters
Paymasters
Snrgeons
SareeoDs' mates
Captains ■
Lientenants
Scrgeant-miMors
Qoartermaster-sergeants .
»ergeaDt8
Corporals
Artificers
Frivates
Total commissioned
Aggregate
Number of divisions
Number of brigades
Number of re^ments ....
Nam Iter of battalions
Nnmlwr of oompauies. . . .
I
6
12
1
1
I
37
108
12
1
M
15
21
21
18
18
18
13
12
I
I
8
8
70
210
280
4,900
70
a
•,«ei
146,000
•
12
1
1
1
37
108
12
14
S8
18
24
24
18
21
21
a
7
aos
300
3
5,3«5
680
1£2,«61
0
12
1
2
75
Amu, aeooutermenta, and ammnniHon.
Ordnance and ordnance atores :
Brass —
6-pounder8 4
12-pounder howitzers 3
Iron, 6-pouuder8 2
Sponges and rammers 15
Bricoles and drag ropes 6
Trail handspikes 6
Ammunition boxes 6
Tumbrils or powder-carts 6
Seta of harness 24
MnslcetB 1,830
Cartridge boxes and belts 2,662
Bayonet scabbards and belts < 1,695
Rifles 1,137
Horseman's pistols 50
Swords 182
Sword Bcabbacds and belts 182
HaveiBacks 12
WM. C. KIBBE,
Adjutant- General of the Militia of the State of California.
Adjutant-General's Office, December 1, 1861.
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chaf. lxn.| coeeespondence — union and conpedeeate. 745
Headquabiebs Depabtmsnt of the Pacific,
San Francisco, Gal., December 2, 1861.
Hi8 Excellency J. W. Nye,
Qovemor of Nevada Territory, Carson City :
Sib : I have given instractions to the commanding officer of Fort
Charchill to transfer to you such amount of flour and bacon or pork as
you may deem necessary for issue to the Indians along the Overland
Mail Eoute. The commanding officer at Fort Churchill has been
directed to keep a supply of subsistence for his present command suffi-
cient to last until the end of July next. Although I am not authorized
by the regulations to dispose of these provisions except for cash, yet
under the pressing circumstances of the case I have not hesitated about
having them placed at the disposal of Your Excellency as superintendent
of Indian affairs for the Territory, and if you are without funds of the
Indian Department, the transfer can be made at Washington, which I
doubt not will be approved by our Government. It is probable that the
quantity of flour and meat which can be spared at Fort Churchill will
amount to at least 60,000 rations of the former and 40,000 of the latter —
possibly more.
With great respect, I have the honor to be, your obedient servant,
G. WEIGHT,
Brigadier- General, U. 8. Army, Commanding Department.
Headquaetees Disteict of Oeeoon,
Fort Vancouver, Wash. Ter., December 2, 1861.
Mjy. R. C. Deitm,
Asst. Adjt. Gen., Hdqrs. Dept. of the Pacific, San Francisco, Cal. :
Majob: I have been informed by Captain Magruder, First Cavalry,
since his arrival at this place that the orders for the recall of the detach-
ment of the Ninth Infantry with Lieutenant Mullan were received at
Walla Walla on the 18th of October; that having endeavored in vain
to obtain the services of an express, he had on the 20th fallen in with
a Mr. Owen, an Indian agent, who was about proceeding to his station
some distances beyond Lieutenant M| ullanj's camp, and who took charge
of the letter, promising its delivery on his arrival there. Mr. Owen
left Walla Walla on the 21st, and it was probable that he would lose
no time on his trip, as his train had left Walla Walla two or three days
before, and it was necessary that he should overtake and go with it.
It is a fair presumption that the orders did not reach Lieutenant M[iil-
lan]'s camp until after the 1st of November. As far as I can learn from
private sources Lieutenant Mfullan] was in winter quarters, and deemed
it impracticable for the detachment to get to this place this season. I
look for the companies here from Fort Colville some time next week in
time for the steamer of the 17th, they having started, as I learn pri-
vately, about the 18th nitimo. The companies of the First Cavalry
under command of Captain Magruder will leave on or about the 7th
instant for San Francisco.
I have the honor to be, your obedient servant,
A. CADY,
Lieutenant-Colonel Seventh Infantry, Commanding District.
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746 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. lCmAr.X.xa.
Headquartebs,
Fort Yuma, December 3, 1861.
Oapt. BlOHABD G. Dbuh,
A»»igtant Adjutant- General, Department of the Paoific;
Captain: I have received from Col. James H. Carleton, lately com-
maading Soatheru District of Califoruia, a copy of a dispatch, dated
department headquarters, November 18, recalling me to Los Angeles.
The oflScer assigned to relieve me at this post, Maj. Edwin A. Bigg,
First Infantry California Volunteers, will reach here on the 7th instant,
when I will immediately comply with the department order. You will
be good enough to say to the general commanding that the position of
this post is becoming daily more assured by work upon the defenses and
by perfecting means of acquiring intelligence of any contemplated move-
ment upon it. For the present there seems little prospect of the latter,
as I lately advised the district commander.
Respectfully, your obedient servant,
J. R. WEST,
lAeut. Col. First Infantry Oalifomia Volunteers, Comdg. Post.
Headquabtkhs Depabtment op the Pacific,
San Francisco, Cal., December 3, 1861.
Capt. E. A. Bowk,
Second Regiment California Volunteer Cavalry,
Commanding Fort Churchill, Nev. Ter. :
Sib: After setting aside a sufficient number of rations to subsist
your command to the 1st of August next, the general commanding the
department desires you to turn over to the Governor of Nevada Terri-
tory, ejs officio superintendent of Indian aflFairs, out of the surplus
rations, such quantities of flour and pork or bacon as the superintendent
may deem necessary for issue to the Indians along the Overland Mail
Route. Should the superintendent be without funds, the acting com-
missary of subsistence will take receipts in daplicate for the stores he
turns over. The actual cost with the transportation added will be
stated both on the invoices and receipts to facilitate the settlement of
these accounts in Washington.
Very respectfiiUy, your obedient servant,
RICHD. 0. DRUM,
Assistant Adjutant-Oeneral.
Heasquabtebs Depabtment of the Pacific,
San Francisco, Cal., December 3, 1861.
Lieut. Col. A. Cady,
Seventh Infantry, Commanding District of Oregon,
Fort Vancouver, Wash. Ter. :
Snt: The general commanding the department has this day directed
Col. Justus Steinberger to repair to Fort Vancouver and commence
raising and organizing the regiment of infantry authorized by the Sec-
retary of War. The general wishes you to give the colonel in the
performance of these duties the aid of your experience. You will give
Colonel Steinberger the use of any quarters which may be needed at
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CHAP, um.) CORRESPONDENCE — ^UNION AND CONFEDERATE. 747
■Vancouver, and fiarnish him with any supplies of clothing, arms, equip-
ments, &c., which may be available at that post or the depot, on the
requisitions of the colonel, without further reference.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
RICHD. 0. DEUM,
Assistant AdjuUmt-Oeneral.
Special Oedebs, ) Hdqbs. Department op the Pacipic,
No. 225. J San Francisco, Cal., December 3, 1861.
I. Col. Justus Steinberger having been mustered into the service of
the United States and specially authorized by the Honorable Secretary
of War to raise and organize a regiment of infantry in the Territory of
Washington and the country adjacent thereto, he will repair to Fort
Vancouver and take prompt measures to carry out the iustmctions
from the War Department dated October 18, 1861.
II. The commanding oflBcer of the District of Oregon will afford Col-
onel Steinberger every facility in his power to enable him to organize
his regiment.
III. Colonel Steinberger will, by frequent reports to the assistant
adjutant-general at department headquarters, keep the commanding
general ftiUy informed of the progress he is making in recruiting his
regiment.
By order of Brigadier-General Wright :
RIOHD. 0. DRUM,
Assistant Adjutant- General.
Fort Yuma, December 4, 1861.
Col. J. H. Carleton:
Sib : I reached this place last evening, and am pleased to find every-
thing wearing the appearance of activity and preparation for whatever
may occur in the unsettled condition of our country. I shall be com-
peUed to remain here two or three days in order to recruit my riding
animal, so as to get in over the desert. I met Mr. Fecnnda Gonzales*
(the proprietor of the ferry below the line) at Oarriso, on his way to
Ix>s Angeles. He was accompanied by his family. I shall take a trip
along down the river probably as far as the ferry, as I was informed by
a man of Gonzales' party that I could get over the river there by the
assistance of the Indians, and that my horse could be crossed (proba-
bly by swimming). There has been no information up to this date at
this pla.;e from Carrillo, who went to Tucson. I regret to hear that
you have been called to San Francisco. Hoping, however, that yon will
be able to do more for the peace of California from that point than at
Los Angeles, I must submit, and I trust that you have been appointed
to the command of at least the Military Department of California. As
I have nothing of pressing importance to communicate, I will defer any
account of my trip until my return to Los Angeles.
Wishing you health and rapid promotion, but to remain in California,
I remain, truly, yours,
J. J. WARNER.
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748 OPERATIONS ON THE PAOIPIO COAST. [Chap. Lxn.
Special Orders, ) Hdqrs. Dist.op Southern GAxiPORinA,
No. 18. ) Los Angeles, Gal., December 4, 1861.
In compliance with instnictions from the commander of the Depart-
ment of the Pacific, Maj. David Ferguason, First Cavalry California
Volunteers, will proceed without delay to Gamp Wright, near Warnei^s
ranch, and assume command of that post, receipting to Maj. Edwin A.
liigg, First Infantry California Volunteers, for all public property per-
taining thereto for which he is accountable.
By order of Colonel Carleton :
BEN. C. CUTLER,
First Lieut., First Infantry California Vols., Actg. Asst. Adjt. Gen.
Headquarters,
Fort Yuma, December 4, 1861.
Lieut. Ben. C. Cutler,
Adg. Asst. Afljt. Oen., Southern Dist. of Oalifornia, Los Angeles.-
Lieutenant : Colonel Carleton's short note of November 25 reached
me on the 2d instant. I cannot move until Major Bigg reaches here,
which I expect will be on the 7th instant. Unless I get a countermand
you may expect me at Los Angeles on Monday, 16th instant. Mean-
while, if I am in command of the district, yon will please conduct yoor
correspondence in my name, according to your best judgment. Per-
haps it would be well to inform the department commander by telegraph
when I shall probably reach the district headquarters.
Yours, respectfully, &c.,
J. B. WEST,
Tdeut. Col. First Infantry California Vols., Comnumding Post,
Headquarters,
Fort Yuma, December 4, 1861.
Lieut. B. C. Cutler,
IjOS Angeles:
Dear Sir : When this reaehes yon, if I am virtually in command of
the district (the recollection of previous disappointments prevents my
being confident), you will dispatch Hadji Ali, after one day's rest, with
an express for Camp Wright, with instructions to turn over his charge
to an expressman from this post, who will meet him there. You will
be particular to see that all letters and newspapers for thip command
and that at Gamp Wright are procured from the express and post
oflSces, and that they be properly sent to their respective destinations.
Many letters for Gamp Wright and San Bernardino come all the way
through here and have to be sent back. As I shall meet Hadji Ali at
Temecula, I expect you might send by him any important oommnnica-
tions addressed to me, also my private letters. Be good enough to see
that a letter directed to my wife, sent herewith, is supplied with a
proper express envelope to carry it through. I have nothing but old
ones.
Yours, very truly,
J. B. WEST.
Open all business letters addressed to me.
J. B. W.
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CHAP. Lxn.] COBtEESPONDENCE — UNION AND CONl'EDERATE. 749
BxBCUTiVB Department,
Carson City, December 4, 1861.
Brigadier-General Weight, U. 8. Army,
Commanding, San Francisco:
Sib: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your communl-
cation of the 22d ultimo. If you will give me an order, or rather cause
the commandant at Fort Churchill to deliver to me, as Indian superin-
tendent, such supplies as may be necessary to meet the immediate
necessities of the Indians, I will take charge of their direction in such
manner as to be entirely satisfactory, and undertake to insure peace
with all the tribes in this Territory. All they require is the occasional
distribution throughout the winter of such provisions as you have at
the fort. I entertain no doubt whatever of the propriety and necessity
of this move, and just as little that both the Department of War and
of Indian Affairs will be satisfied with the efforts made to insure peace
and happiuesss among the Indians. If yon desire me to do so I will
willingly share the responsibility with yon, and in my letters to my
Department will fully explain and set forth that there was no other
course to pursue. To march troops over the mountains and easterly at
this season of the year, and especially to transport supplies, would be
the next thing to impossible. With the arrangements you are undoubt-
edly prepared to make, I will guarantee protection to both the telegraph
and overland mail lines until spring, when both troops and transporta-
tion can find an easy passage over the snows of the Sierras. My Indian
agent is now out among the Pah-Utes, and reports all quiet, but a great
necessity existing for food. Such directions as you may think proper
to give shall be faithfully carried out. I am grateful that you are keep-
ing a good lookout for the secession element. It requires it. I am
trying to do so here, and have thus far succeeded in keeping it under
subjection. I have at the present time twenty soldiers from the fort
guarding the jail iu this place to prevent the rescue of a most desperate
and bloody villain — a leader of that tribe, and one who wakes up all
their energies to extricate. Doubtless Captain Eowe, who promptly
responded to my call, has reported" to you the facts, and I hope he will
be sustained in his efforts to second me in sustaining the laws and put-
ting down this secession propensity for butchering every one who dares
to be a Union man. I should have replied to yours eai-lier, but have
been afflicted with rheumatism to that extent that I could not write.
I shall at all times be happy to aid you in any way in endeavoring to
hold the great Western slope true to the old Constitution and Union,
and aid her along the pathway of her destiny. I am keeping one of
the Indian agents who belongs at the Hnmboldt until I hear from you.
With kindest regards and best wishes for your success, I remain,
truly, yours,
JAMES W. NYE.
While writing I am interrupted by the arrival of the agent from the
Shoshoues' country, who reports all quiet there.
J. W. SY1&.
Special Obdees, ) Hdqes. Depaetment op the Pacific,
No. 228. J San Francisco, Cal., December 5, 1861.
• •«••••
3. The following regular troops will, should they arrive in time,
embark on the steamer of the 11th instant, under the command of Mi^.
A. J. Smith, First Cavalry: Companies C, E, H, and I, First Cavalry j
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750 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Caip. LXn.
Companies B and G of the Fourth and D of the Sixth Infantry. Sur
geons Brown and Hasson and Assistant Surgeon Quinan will accom-
pany the troops on the 11th instant. The quartermaster's department
will furnish the necessary transportation.
By order of Brigadier- General Wright:
RIGHD. 0. DEUM,
Assistant Adjutant-Oeneral.
San Fbancisco, December 5, 1861.
General Weight:
(Care of Captain McAllister, U. S. Army, Benicia, Cal.)
Dispatch from Mt^or Bigg reports the arrest of Showalter and seven-
teen others.
EICHD. 0. DRUM,
Assistant AAjutant-Qeneral.
Wae Department,
December 6, 1861.
PEANOIS J. LiPPITT,
San Francisco, Cal. :
SiB: Your communication of August 16, requesting the acceptance
of your regiment of infantry, has been received. This Department
does not consider it expedient to accei>t your regiment for service in the
East whilst so many nearer to the field of action are anxious to be
enrolled for active duty.
I have the honor to be, very respectfully,
THOMAS A. SCOTT,
Acting Secretary of War.
FoET AT FoET PoiNT, Cal., December 6, 1861.
Mty. R. O. Detjm, U. S. Army,
Assistant Adjutant- General, San Francisco, Cal.:
Major : Pursuant to instructions firom the headquarters Department
of the Pacific, of December 5, 1861, 1 have the honor to report as fol-
lows: On the receipt of the telegraphic dispatch at the headquarters
District of Oregon, directing the recall of the escort on duty with Lieu-
tenant Mnllau's wagou-road expedition, an order to that effect was
written and addressed to the commanding officer of the escort to Lieu-
tenant Mnllan's wagou-road expedition. At the same time an order
was written notifying the troops in the district to hold themselves in
readiness to be relieved by volunteers, and a copy addressed to the com-
manding officers of Forts Walla Walla and Colville The above orders
were then inclosed with a letter of instructions to the commanding officer
of Fort Walla Walla, directing him to forward the communications for
Colville and Lieutenant Mullan's escort by express. The above package
was then inclosed to Captain Whittlesey, commanding Fort Dalles,
Oreg., with instructions also for him to forward it by express to Walla
WaUa, it having been reported that communication by water between
The Dalles and Walla Walla was very uiicertain. I do not recollect the
date of the orders, but think the dispatch reached Vancouver four or
five days subsequent to its date.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
A. 0, WILDRICK,
First Lieutenant, Third Artillery.
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Chap. JJOI.) CORRESPONDENCE UNION AND CONFEDERATE. 751
San Francisco, Oax., December 6, 1861.
Act Asst. Adjt. Gen. B. C Cutler,
Los AngeleSj Cat.:
Open all letters addressed to commander of district, and cany oat the
instmctions until arrival of West.
By order: EICHD. 0. DRUM,
Assistant AdjtUant-OeneroL
Headquarters Department op the Paoipio,
San Francisco, Cal., December 7, 1861.
Adjutant-General,
Headquarters of the Army, Washington:
Sir : I have made satisfactory arrangements for protection of Over-
land Mail Route without sending troops over a route now impracticable
— ^full particulars by mail. I propose to send Colonel Carleton with his
own regiment and the First Battalion of Cavalry with a battery of artil-
lery to re-open the southern mail route — recapture Forts Buchanan,
Thorn, Fillmore, and Bliss. The expedition to move as soon as practi-
cable, \ia Yuma. The troops are ready and anxious. Gaaymas should
be occupied, army and navy co-operating. I have the force to hold
the whole country this side of the Rio Grande. Please answer by
telegrat>h.
G. WRIGHT,
Brigadier- Oeneral, U. 8. Army, Commanding.
Special Orders, > Hdqrs. Department of the Pacific,
No. 229. ) San Francisco, Cal., December 7, 1861.
• ••••••
2. Captain DeMerritt's company, Second [California] Cavalry, will
remove irom Benicia Barracks to the arsenal, where quarters will be
provided. Captain DeMerritt will report to Captain McAllister, Ord-
nance Corps.
• ••••••
By order of Brigadier-General Wright:
richd. c. drum,
Assistant Adjutant-Oeneral.
Special Orders, ) Hdqrs. Dist. of Southern California,
No. 20. ) Los Angeles, Cal., December 7, 1861.
I. In compliance with instructions this day received &om the head-
quarters Department of the Pacific, the commanding officer at Camp
Wright will detach one company of infantry from his command and
direct that it proceed without delay to Fort Yuma, and report for duty
to Maj. E. A. Eigg, First Infantry California Volunteers, commanding
that post.
• ••••••
By order :
BEN. 0. CUTLER,
First Lieut., First Infty. California Vols., Actg. Asst. Adjt. Oen.
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752 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Our.hrn.
Headquabtebs Depabtment of the Pacipic,
San Francisco, Gal., December 7, 1861.
Lient. Col. Albeuable Gadt,
Seventh Regiment of Infantry, Comdg, District of Oregon,
Fort Vancouver, Wash, Ter.:
SiB: On the arrival of the two companies of the Ninth Eegimeiit of
Infantry at Fort Yancoaver, the general commanding the department
desires yon to designate one of them to proceed to San Juan Island
and relieve the artillery company stationed at Gamp Pickett. The
general desires the company selected for San Juan to be sent on the
steamer leaving this port on the 17th instant. When relieved by the
infantry company. Company D, Third Artilleryj will, as the steamer
returns, embark for San Francisco. On its arrival here it will take
post at Alcatraz.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
RIGHD. G. DEUM,
Assistant Adjutant- General,
Headquabtebs Depabtment of the Pacific,
San Francisco, Gal., December 9, 1861.
OOMMANDING OFFICEB,
Camp at or near Oak Grove:
Sib : The general commanding the department desires yon to hold
and keep securely guarded the state prisoners, Showalter and party,
until further orders.
Very respectfdlly, your obedient servant,
BICHAED G. DRFM,
Assistant- Adjutant- General.
Lieutenant Gutler will forward this by express to the oflBcer having
the prisoners in charge.
By order:
BIGHAED 0. DEUM,
Assiatamt Adjutant- General.
Headquabtebs Depabtment of the Pacific,
San Francisco, Gal., December 9, 1861.
Brig. Gen. L. Thomas,
Adjutant- General U. S. Army, Washington, D. 0,:
Geneeai, : I beg leave to submit to the consideration of the General-
in-Ghief the proposition to recapture the forts in Arizona and New
Mexico by a command to move from the southern district of this
State, with the exception of a battery of light artillery, which I am
now organizing. All the troops required for the expedition are in the
southern district. I have ordered a company of the Ninth Infantry,
regulars, to relieve the company of the Third Artillery at San Juan
Island ; the latter to come to the harbor of San Francisco. A company
of the Third Artillery will be designated for the battery. We have the
guns, horses, and equipments all ready, being those left here by Gom-
pany 0, Third Artillery (late Ord's battery). I have now m Southern
Galifomia the First Galifomia Volunteer Infantry, Golonel Carleton;
the First Galifomia Volunteer Gavalry, a battalion of five companies.
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Chap. LXn.) COKRESPONDENCE UNION AND CONFEDERATE. 753
under Colonel Byre. I estimate that this force, with the battery which
I propose to send, will amount to aboat 1,500 men. They are fine
troops and well officered, and under the command of Colonel Carleton,
an officer of great experience, indefatigable and active, the expedition
mnst be successful. I have never seen a finer body of volunteer troops
than those raised in this State. They are anxious for active service,
and feeling, as we all do, that we are able to retake all the forts this
side of the Rio Grande, 1 may be i)ardoned for urging the movement.
The difiBculties and delays experienced on the present route of the over-
land mail show us the absolute necessity for opening the southern
route; and why should we continue to act on the delensive, with Fort
Yuma as our advanced post, when we have tbe power and will to
drive every rebel beyond the Eio Grande! In my communication of
October 31, I submitted to the General-in-Chief the propriety of our
occupying Guaymas, the chief sea-port of Sonora, and I still think it
of great importance that we should do so, to prevent its falling into
the hands of the rebels. At that time I was inclined to make Guay-
mas my base of operations; now I think Yuma a better point firom
which to move. In anticipation of a favorable reply to the proi)ositions
I have made, I shall go on making arrangements to move promptly
when authorized to do so.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
G. WRIGHT,
Brigadier -General, U. 8. Army, Commanding.
[Indoracment.]
Adjxttant-General's Office, December 18, 1861.
If the movement in progress has not already been authorized, please
do so at once.
GEO. B, McCLELLAN,
Major- Oeneral.
Headquarters Department of the Pacific,
San Francisco, December 9, 1861.
Brig. Gen. L. Thomas,
Adjutant- Oeneral U. 8. Army, Washington, D. C:
General : Inclosed herewith is a copy of a dispatch • which was sent
to the Headquarters of the Army by telegraph on the 7th instant. I
also transmit a copy of a commnnicationt this day received i^om His
Excellency, J. W. Nye, Governor of the Territory of Nevada. The dif-
ficulties we should experience in attempting to march troops with their
supplies across the mountains at this time are fully set forth in the
Governor's letter, and the obstructions have been increased by a severe
storm during the last three days. After the receipt of Major-General
McClellan's dispatch, desiring me to send troops to protect the Over-
land Mail Route, I had several interviews with Mr. Louis McLane, the
agent in this city, and I was fully satisfied that by distributing a
moderate allowance of provisions to the Indians, who are in a starving
condition along the route, the mail would not be interrupted. I had a
large surplus of provisions at Fort Churchill, and under the circum-
stances of the case I have ordered that the flour and meat which can be
spared, retaining sufficient to last the command until the 1st of August,
* See Wright to Adjntant-Geiieral, 7th, p. 751.
tSee Nye to Wright, 4th, p. 749.
48 R R— VOL 1., PT I
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754 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Ciup.LXn.
be placed at the disposal of Governor Nye, ex officio superintendent of
Indian affairs. Anxious as I was to carry out the instructions of the
General-in-Chief by sending the troops, I have not acted in this matter
without due consideration, and after consultation and approval of
Governor Nye and the agent of the line, and I trust that my course
will be approved. On the (ith instant I inspected the arsenal at Benicia
and also the troops at the barracks. Captain McAllister has a company
of orduant-e men at the arsenal. I found it in high order. The store-
houses, magazines, shops, quarters, &c., were all critically inspected
and everything found in superior order. I next inspected the quarter-
master's department, under the supervision of Gapt°. T. Moore, and
found his books, papers, store-houses, and supplies all in good order.
At Benicia Barracks I reviewed and inspected six companies of the
Third Infantry California Volunteers, with one company of the Second
Volunteer Cavalry, the whole commanded by Colonel Connor. The
troops were in high order, well clothed, and presented a handsome
appearance. They are progressing rapidly in discipline and instruc-
tion. I also inspected at the same place a squadron of the First Cavaliy
(re^lars) commanded by Captain Whittlesey. This squadron has just
arrived from Oregon, and will embark on the steamer of the 11th with
two companies of the Fourth and one of the Sixth Infantry (regulars)
for New York. I shall then have remaining in this department but two
com])anies to go East, the squadron of First Cavalry now en route from
WaUa WaUa. Recruiting is progressing favorably, and by the end of
this month the regiments will be fall. All is quiet within this depart-
ment.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
G. WRIGHT,
Brigadier- Oeneral, XT. 8. Army, Commanding.
State op California, Executive Department,
Sacramento, December 9, 1861.
Brig. Gen. Georoe Wright, U. S. Army,
Commanding Pacific Division, San Francisco :
Sir: I have the honor of calling your attention to the inclosed copies
of communications received by me — one from G. H. Woodman, and
the other from Walter Van Dyke, State senator elect from the county
of Humboldt, both in relation to Indian hostilities in the coanties of
Humboldt and Mendocino. I sincerely hope you will be able to increase
the command in those localities, and thereby relieve the State from the
necessity of calling out troops which would ultimately be a charge to
the General Government. Experience has taught us that these expe-
ditions against the Indians, when under the control of the Federal Gov-
ernment, are attended with much less expense and not with the same
excesses as when conducted under the authority of the State. Know-
ing this, I have avoided calling out volunteers for this purpose since I
have been in office, and only in one instance have I done so, and only
then when Brig. Gen. E. V. Sumner positively informed me he had no
troops for this purpose at his disposal. As there are now plenty of
troops who will be inactive during the winter months, I hope you may
deem it expedient to dispatch a few companies to the disturbed districts.
I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JOHN G. DOWNEY,
Governor of California.
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OHAP-LXll.). CORRESPONDENCE UNION AND CONFEDERATE. 755
[IscIoBure No. 1.]
Napa, December 1, 1861.
Governor J. G. Downey :
My Dear Sir: We as citizens of Long Valley, Mendocino County,
Cal., have, times without number, asked of Yoiir Excellency, aecom-
panied with petitions and affidavits, some protection from your baud
which was in your power to give us relief, and have as often been neg-
lected. Eemeniber the last time I ever saw you, you gave me your hand
and said, "Unless the General Government assists you, I will give you
power to raise a company." Now, I will say Major McGarry passed
our place on his way to Port Seward. He informs me that he is satis-
fied that we need protection. I will say this fort is sixty miles from
our place. Before the major's arrival with his men — which was ninety-
Four men — there was near 100 in Fort Seward. Besides, there is a
company of sixty volunteers and thirty regulars ranging between
Humboldt and this fort, which makes it much worse for the citizens of
our community. We are perfectly satisfied with a company of Major
McGarry's men, and his men are anxious to come. The major informs
me all he is waiting for is orders from the commanding general, and he
will move forward to our relief immediately. As you have listened to
all our cries for help, I hope you may give this your immediate atten-
tion. I will state that the Indians are daily committing depredations.
They have killed two whites since I saw you.
Hoping this request may receive immediate attention, yours,
G. H. WOODMAN,
[Inclosnre No. 2.]
Ettreka, November 26, 1861.
His Excellency John G. Downey:
Dear Sir : I inclose herewith slips from the Humboldt Times of the
last two weeks, from which you will see that our Indian troubles are more
alarming, if possible, than at any former period. Through traffic with
lawless white men, waylaying travelers and plundering isolated houses,
the Indians have obtained a large number of effective fire-arms, and
many of them have acquired no. inconsiderable skill in their use. This,
as might have been expected, inspires them with greater boldness, and
now, as appears, they will attack a party of men or stand their ground
in an engagement, which was not the ease formerly. Ten armed Indi-
ans are capable of doing more damage now than 100 of their best war-
riors a few years since. Under such circumstances the Indians cannot
be allowed to remain where they are with any degree of safety to the
people of this part of the State. They must be disarmed and removed —
the sooner the better. The comi)any of volunteers mustered into serv-
ice under your order has nearly completed the period of enlistment, and
unless these volunteers are to be retained in service another three
months it is quite time some steps were being taken to supply their
place with U. S. troops. It will not do to think of abandoning the field
now unless we are prepared to yield up the whole northern part of
California to these savages. If you should deem it your duty, in the
first instance, to apply to the commanding officer of the U. S. forces on
this coast for the necessary means to protect the lives and property of
our citizens from hostile Indians, I trust you will be pleased to do so
without delay. Two companies could be used to good advantage — one
to ox>erate on Mad River and Kedwood Creek, the other on Van Dusen's
Fork of Eel River. Our only safety consists in vigorous measures this
winter. If the efforts which are now being put forth are not relaxed,
but rather increased, the most of the country infested by savages will
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756 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. IChap.LXIL
be cleared by spring. Some Indiana have come in and been sent to the
Klamath Beservation. Many others, it is understood, are anxious to
do the same. To facilitate the removal of snch, as well as those taken
prisoners, the Indian agent should authorize some suitable person to
receive them and convey them hence to the reservation. Good and
resijonsible men here would perform this service, if authorized so to do,
and rely upon future appropriations, if the agent is now destitute of
funds, which is reported to be the case. If not asking too much, I
would request ybu to call the attention of the proper agent to this mat-
ter. The expense of this business has been a heavy tax on our people.
I am authorized by Colonel Whipple to say that he will act as special
agent for the purpose of aiding in the removal of Indians if the agent
will recommend the payment of necessary expenses whenever the
requisite appropriation sliall be made. Upon the strength of this he
thinks he would have no difficulty in obtaining the necessary assistance
here for carrying out the object contemplated. You are aware, without
any indorsement from me, that he is every way qualified, having had
considerable experience in Indian affairs in this part of the State.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
WALTER VAN DYKE.
Headquabtebs,
Gamp Wright, Oak Orove, Cat, December 9, 1861.
Lieut. Ti. C. Cutler,
First Infty. California VoU., Actg. Asst. Adjt. Oen.,
Ildqrg. Southern District of California, Los Angeles, Cal, :
Sir: Your letter of the 6th instant conveying orders in regard to
prisoners taken by Major Eigg was received last night. The prisoners
will be held until iurther orders. I would respectfully urge, however,
that this command be relieved of these and such other persons as may
be captured as soon as possible, for the reason that the care of them
retstrds the instruction of officers and men in drill, &c. I am informed
that there is a trail leading from San Bernardino to the Coyote ranche-
ria, debouching on the desert, whereby parties can pass out of reach
of this command, but the command at Camp Carletou are in a position
to intercept any persons desiring to pass that way. I assumed com-
mand here this morning, having arrived last evening.
I am, sir, very respectfuUv, your obedient servant,
D. FEEGUSSON,
Major, First Cavalry, Commanding.
Headquarters Depabtmen,t op the Pacific,
San Francisco, December 10, 1861.
Brig. Gen. L. Thomas,
Adjutant- General U. 8. Army, Washington, D. C:
General, : The vast extent of this department renders it of the
grgateat importance that the extreme districts north and south should
' be mid^^he immediate command of officers of experience, skill, and
rank. In the north I have Lieutenant-Colonel Cady, and in the south
I have Colonel Garleton ; both of these gentlemen are fully equal to
any command, and I respectfully submit to the Department the pro-
priety of appointing thembrigadiers.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
G. WRIGHT,
Brigadier- Oeneral, U. S. Army, Commanding.
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oup. lxu.) corre8pondemce union and confederate. -757
Headquabtebs Department of the Pacifio,
San FranciacOj Cat., December 10, 1861.
Brig. Q«n. LoEENZo Thomas,
Adjutant-Qeneral U. S. Army, Washington, D. G. :
General : Our Overland Mail Route canuot be del>ende<i on. The
late storms of raiu and snow have almost entirely stopped the mail by
laud, and have driven me to the necessity of relying ptincipally on the
steamer express. For some weeks past I have received nothing from
headquarters. The large packages of orders from your oflice designed
for distribution in this department habitually fail to reach me. The
ouly reliable way is to use the express on the tri-mouthly steamers.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
G. WRIGHT,
Brigadier- General, U. 8. Army, Commanding Department.
Headquarters Department op the Pacific,
San Francisco, Cal,, December 10, 1861.
Brig. Gen. Lorenzo Thomas,
Adjutant-General U. S. Army, Washington, D. G.:
General: The troops in this department are distiibuted over such
a wide extent of country, and the communication with some of the
remote stations being very uncertain as to time, we have found it
impossible to prepare the tri-monthly reports required at your office
with promptness. Under these embarrassments 1 avail myself of every
opportunity to keep you well informed by letter of the position and con-
dition as well as the proximate strength of the troops on this coast. In
Oregon District I have two companies of Ninth Infantry, one company
Third ArtiUery, and ten companies of volunteer infantry. In the Cen-
tral District, embracing San Francisco and the northern portion of
California, I have three companies Third Artillery, one ordnance com-
pany, seven companies Ninth Infantry, one regiment volunteer cavalry,
and thirty companies of volunteer infantry. In the District of South-
ern California 1 have five companies of volunteer cavalry and a regi-
ment of volunteer infantry. The strength of the four companies Third
Artillery is about 350. The strength of the seven companies Ninth
Infantry is about 550. The strength of the ordnance at Beuicia is about
50. The strength of the First Cavalry (five companies volunteers) is
about 450. The strength of the Second Cavalry (twelve companies vol-
unteers) 1,000. The strength of the five regiments infantry volunteers,
3,500. Total, 5,900. The condition of the troops is good. They are
all under a rigid course of discipline and instruction.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
G. WRIGHT,
Brigadier-General, U. S. Army, Gommanding Department.
Headquarters Department op the Pacific,
San Francisco, Gal., December 10, 1861.
Brig. Gen. LORENZO Thomas,
Adjutant-General U. 8. Army, Washington, D. G,:
General: Col. Justus Steinberger, who was mustered into the serv-
ice at Washington City for the purpose of raising a regiment of infan-
try in the Territory of Washington and adjacent country, has reported
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758 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Chap. LXn.
to me. I have ordered the colonel to take post at Fort Vancouver, and
take prompt measures to commence the organization of his regiment.
I anticipate considerable difficulty in raising a regiment of infantry in
that country. The sparse population and the intense excitement caused
by the recent discovery of very rich gold mines may render it impossi-
ble to obtain such a large number of men. However, every possible
effort will be made by the colonel, and I have desired Lieutenant-Col-
onel Cady, the present commander of the District of Oregon, to aflford
him every facility in his power to carry out the wishes of the Depart-
ment. Lieutenaut-Golonel Cady, Seventh Infantry, is retained for the
present in command of the District of Oregon. His services are impor-
tant there, not only in preserving peace with the Indians, but in aiding
Colonel Steinberger in organizing his regiment. So soon as Colonel
Steiuberger shall have somewhat progressed in the organization of his
regiment and made himself acquainted with the wants and resources
of the country, I design to place him in command of the district. I am
not advised as to what success Colonel Cornelius is meeting with in
raising a cavalry regiment in Oregon, and as he was instructed to
report direct to the War Department, should it be found impracticable
to raise a full regiment of cavalry in that country to furnish their own
horses, I would suggest that the colonel's orders be modified, that a bat-
talion (two squadrons) be enrolled, and that the Goveniineut furnish
the horses and equipments. I have now at Fort Vancouver 220 horses
and equipments left by the First Cavalry (regulars). I have kept two
companies of the Ninth Infantry (regulars) in the District of Oregon.
One of the companies is posted at Fort Vancdliver, and the other will
relieve Company D, Third Artillery, on San Juan Island. I have also
now In that district ten companies of infantry (volunteers). With four
good cavahry companies the force will be ample for the present. We
are much in want of oflBcers. I beg of you to order out those belonging
to the Third Artillery and the Ninth Infantry on this coast.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
G. WRIGHT,
Brigadier- General, U. S. Army, Commanding.
Headquarters Department of the Pacific,
San Francisco, Gal., December 10, 1861.
CoL J. H. Cableton,
First Infantry California Volunteers,
Comdg. JMst. of Southern California, San Francisco, Cal. :
Sib : Immediately on your return to the southern district the general
commanding the department desires yon to send Showalter and party
under a competent guard to Fort Yuma, there to be held securely guarded
until further orders. The general positively forbids any person not con-
nected with our Army from passing beyond Yuma or crossing the Colo-
rado Biver without his special permission. All persons approaching
the southern frontier of this State will be arrested, and if the commander
of the forces is not fully satisfied of their loyalty to the General Gov-
ernment they will be held in confinement.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
BICHARD C. DBUM,
Assistant Adjutant-General.
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cttip. lxii.) correspondence — union and confederate. 759
Special Orders, ) Hdqrs. Department of the Pacific,
No. 231. ) San Francisco, Cal., December 10, 1861.
• ••••••
2. Having complied with orders from tbese headquarters, Col. James
H. Carleton will return to Los Angeles, Cal., aud resume command of
the district.
By order of Brigadier-General Wright:
EICHD. 0. DRUM,
Assistant Adjutant- General.
Headquarters District of Oregon,
Fort Vancouver, Wash. Ter., December 11, 1861.
Maj. E. C. Drum,
Asst. Adjt. Oen.,Hdqrs. Dept. of the Pacific, San Francisco, Gal.:
Major : Companies C and E, First Cavalry, under the command of
Captain Magrnder, will leave this place this evening by the steamer
Pacific for San Francisco. Companies A and C, Ninth Infantry, under
the command of Brevet Major Lugenbeel, arrived at this place Monday
evening, the 9th instant. The major reports that he has been delayed
since getting on the river by the casualties resulting from the flood.
He arrived at the Des Chutes landing on Thursday last, but the bridges
on Ten-Mile and Five-Mile Creeks having been carried away, he was
necessarily detained. On his passage from The Dalles a landslide, which
carried away or destroyed about eighty feet of the railroad, prevented
his company baggage from being brought along. It may be received
this week, but the want of it will detain the command until the next
steamer. Assistant Surgeon Heger arrived bere last evening from Fort
Steilacoom. I shall retain him here until the next steamer. The mails
north, east, and south are so deranged by the recent floods that no reli-
ance can be had in them, and particularly on the southern route, for two
or three weeks to come. I shall therefore for the present depend on the
steamers.
I have the honor to be, your obedient servant,
A. CADY,
Lieutenant- Colonel Seventh Infantry, Commanding District.
Special Orders, ) Headquarters District of Oregon,
No. 63. ) Fort Vancouver, Wash. Ter., December 11, 1861.
I. Companies C and E, First Cavalry, under the command of Capt.
W. T. Magruder, will embark on the steamer Pacific at 4 p. m. to-day
for San Francisco. Surgeon McParlin will accompany these troops.
• ••••••
A. CADY,
Lieutenant- Colonel Seventh Infantry, Commanding District.
Camp Carleton, December 11, 1861.
Major Fergusson,
Commanding Camp Wright, Cal.:
Major : It has been reported to me by a gentleman from San Ber-
nardino that there is a party organizing at the Monte and here to
attack you in order to release Showalter and his party. He says they
intend to attack your camp at night, and that they are armed with
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760 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Ceap.LXU.
shotgnns and revolvers, and that the party already nnmbers some
seventy-five men, who are bound to each other by an oath, and that
they have made a law amongst themselves that any one who should
not assist should suffer death. The man who told me this came to my
camp last night to inform me of this move, and he assures me that it
is so, and also promised to keep me advised if he can hear any more.
It may be true or false. I, however, thought it my duty to advise you,
in order for you to be on your guard. I have also sent word to Colonel
Eyre about it. No doubt if there is such a thing he will find something
out about it in Los Angeles with more certainty than I can here.
1 am, sir, very respectfully, &c.,
EMIL PKITZ,
Captain, First Cavalry, California Volunteers.
Headquabtees Depaetmeht of the Pacific,
. San Francisco, Cal., December 12, 1861.
Col. Ken6 E. De Eusst,
Chief Engineer Pacific Coast, San Francisco, Cal. :
Colonel: In view of the possibility of a hostile- force threatening
this city, I deem it my duty to take every measure in my power to
guard the approa^jhes by land and water. From your long residence
here in charge of the construction of the fortifications in the harbor, and
your knowledge of the surrounding country, as well as the distinguished
position you occupy in the Engineer Corps, all conduce in affording me
great pleasure in requesting of you a plan for defensive works.
With great respect, I have the honor to be. your obedient servant,
' G. WRIGHT,
Brigadier- General, U. 8. Army, Commanding Department.
Special Okdees, ) Hdqes. Department op the Pacific,
No. 233. ) San Francisco, Cal., December 12, 1861.
The counties of Sonoma, Napa, Mendocino, Trinity, Humboldt, Kla-
math, and Del Norte, in this State, will constitute a command within
this department to be known as the District of Humboldt, headquarters
at Fort Humboldt. Col. Francis J. Lippitt, Second Infantry California
Volunteers, is assigned to the command of the district and will proceed
to Fort Humboldt with the headquarters and two companies of his
regiment. Lieut. Col. James N. Olney, Second Infantry California
Volunteers, will proceed with two companies of the Second Regiment
of Infantry to Santa Barbara, Cal. One company of the same regiment
will take {)ost at Alcatraz. The companies in each case to be desig-
nated by the colonel. The quartermaster's departmentwill Airnish the
necessary transportation.
By order of Brigadier-General Wright :
RICHD. C. DRUM,
Assistant Adjutant- General.
Hdqrs. First Cavalry California Volttntebbs,
Camp Latham, near Los Angeles, December 12, 1861.
Miy. R. C. Drum,
Assistant Adjutant- General, San Francisco, Cal.:
Major : I have the honor to inclose hei-ewith copy of a letter received
from Captain Fritz, First Cavalry Califoruia Volunteers, commanding
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CHAP. LXn.) CORRESPONDENCE UNION AND CONFEDERATE, 761
Camp Oarleton, near San Bernardino, and my answer thereto. Liea-
tenant-Colonel West not having arrived, I took the responsibility of
acting in the premises.
Hoping my action may meet with your approval, I am, msyor, very
respectfully, your obedient servant,
E. E. BYRE,
Lieut. Col. First Cavalry California Vols., Comdg. Camp Latham.
[IncloBDTO Ko. 1.]
Camp Carleton,
Near San Bernardino, December 10, 1861 — 10 p. m.
Lieut. Col. E. E. Eyre,
First Cavalry California Volunteers, Camp Carleton:
Colonel: I have just been informed by Mr, C. E.Bennett, of San Ber-
nardino, that there is a party of seventy-five or eighty men fitting out
at the Monte and from here to attack Camp Wright, in order to release
Showalter and his party. They intend to attack the camp at night.
Mr. B. tells me he received his information from a messenger who was
sent here from the Mont« to consult with secession parties here and
raise money and arms. He also informs me that parties here and at
the Monte are sworn to support each other in this afiair, and on failing
to do so to suffer death. lie assured me that this is so, and that he has
it from a reliable source, and that he is certain that this move is intended.
True or false, 1 conceived it my duty to inform you of the fact. Mr. B.
will inform nie of all he can learn of this matter, and he says he will
keep me posted. Perhaps you can learn something of this at Los
Angeles. I therefore dispatch an express to you to-night. I would send
one to Cam]) Wright, bnt I have no soldier in camp sufiiciently familiar
with the route, but I will keep a good lookout, and if I can learn any-
thing further send Trittle as a messenger.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
EMIL FRITZ,
Captain, First Cavalry California Vohmteers.
[luclosuro Ko. 2.]
IIdqrs. First Cavalry California Volunteers,
Camp Latham, near Los Angeles, Cal., December 11, 1861.
Capt. Emil Fritz,
Commanding Camp Carleton, near San Bernardino :
Sir : Yours of the 10th instant received. You will without delay
dispatch a messenger to Major Fergusson, at Camp Wright, informing
him of the report of the intended attack upon his command, together
with all information you may have in regard to it. You will get aU the
information you possibly cau in regard to the rumor, and if you think
it reliable send fifty picked men with a captain and two lieutenants to
<Jamp Wright without delay. You will be very certain the information
you receive is reliable before sending the detachment of men.
I am, sir, respectfully,
E. E. eyre,
Lieutenant-Colonel First Cavalry California Volunteers.
Headquarters,
Camp Wright, Cal., December 13, 1861.
[Capt. Emil Fritz:]
Captain : 1 have just received your letter of yesterday in regard to
the threatened attack on this camp. We are watchful and ready for
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762 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. (Chap. LXn.
any attack. Nevertheless, my commaud is much reduced. I detached,
by order from district headquarters, Captain Parvin's company of
infantry to Fort Yuma this morning, and to-day, by the same authority,
had to detail a non-commissioned officer and eight privates to proceed
as an escort for Lieutenant Davis to Fort Yuma. My command is
reduced to two captains, three lieutenants, and 118 non-commissioned
officers and privates for duty. Rather a small force for our situation,
having twenty secession prisoners to guard. I therefore hereby make
requisition upon you for a company of cavalry for temporary duty at
this post, and would suggest that yon send scouts out to watch all
parties taking trails from the Monte and San Bernardino in this direc-
tion. If you feel authorized to send a company — that is, unless your
instructions and other causes prevent — I would urge you to send the
company at once. There is much going on in this neighborhood to
excite suspicion, and too much caution, vigilance, coolness, and discre-
tion cannot be exercised by us all.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
D. PERGU8SON,
Major, First Cavalry California Volunteers, Commanding.
Headqtjaetebs District of Southern California,
Los Angeles, Gal., December 13, 1861.
Lieut Col. Edward B. Eyre, -
First Cavalry California Volunteers:
Colonel: You will proceed without delay to San Bernardino, and
from the cavalry encamped near that town you will select one officer
and twenty-three men and march to Gamp Wright. There you will
unite to your party Lieutenant Wellman and the twenty-seven cavalry
now under his commaud. You will then have the prisoners now in
confinement at Camp Wright, who are known as Showalter and his
party, eighteen in all (or more, if there be more), transfer to you all
their horses and mules, arms and ammunition, equipage, provisions, &c.
For these you will give each man who may claim to own a part of this
property a receipt for such part, and make a careful inventory of all of
said proi)erty and a memorandum of what belongs to each man, if prac-
ticable, certified to by the man himself. You will then march these
prisoners, having with you the company of infantry now under orders
to move from Camp Wright to Fort Yuma, as far as Carriso Creek,
when, if you deem it perfectly safe for the company of infantry to guard
the prisoners from there on to Fort Yuma, you can turn them over to
the captain of that company and return to your post. If you do not
deem it perfectly safe, you will continue on with a part of your com-
mand to Fort Yuma, and there transfer the prisoners to Major Bigg,
taking his receipt for them, each man being named in said receipt, which
you will afterward transmit to me. As you return you will bring from
Camp Wright all the horses and mules, arms, &c., which you have
received from the prisoners. You must be on your guard against
attempts to rescue these prisoners, and against their rising on and over-
powering the men set to guard them. There must be no escape and no
rescue. The officers in charge of the prisoners will be held to a strict
accountability for them.
I am, colonel, your obedient servant,
JAMES H. CABLETON,
Colonel First California Volunteers, Commanding.
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Chap. Lxn.] CORRESPOITDENCE — UNION AND CONFEDERATE. 763
Headquarters District of Southern California,
Los Angeles, Cal,, December 13, 1861.
Maj. R. 0. Drum, U. S. Army,
Assistant Adjutant-General, San Francisco, Cal.:
Major: I have ordered the prisoners at Camp Wright to be sent to
Fort Yuma. Thoy have all taken some kind of an oath of allegiance,
prepared for their signature by Major Rigg, copies of which have been
sent to you by mail.* 1 believe they would take any oath to get clear
and cross to Arizona and Texas. It is respectfully submitted if it
would not be better to hold them as prisoners, notwithstanding their
having taken this oath, at least until all the matters suggested by the
general have been disposed of.
I am, major, very respectfully,
JAMES H. CARLETON,
Colonel First California Volunteers, Commanding,
Headquarters District of Southern California,
Los Angeles, Cal., December 13, 1861.
Maj. David Fergusson,
First Cavalry California Volunteers, Comdg. Camp Wright:
Major : If the company of infantry which has been ordered from
your camp to Fort Yuma has not left your camp let it remain in readi-
ness to move until further orders. If it has already gone when this
reaches you, send an express to stop it until Colonel Eyre arrives. It
need not return to your camp, but wait, say, at Vallecito, where there
is grass for the animals, until he comes.
I am, major, very respectfully,
JAMES H. CARLETON,
Colonel First California Volunteers, Commanding.
Headquarters District of Southern California,
Los Angeles, Cal., December 13, 1861.
Maj. E. A. RiGG,
First Infty. California Vols., Commanding Fort Yuma, Cal. :
Major : Inclosed please find an official copy of a letter from depart-
ment headquarters, dated the 10th instant, in relation to Showalter and
party.t Be very careful that these men do not escape, and be sure and
carry out the instructions in that letter in relation to persons passing
from this way beyond Fort Yuma, or crossing the Colorado, and in rela-
tion to persons coming to California from the other direction. Keep
me advised of all the steps you take in the premises.
Respectfully, your obedient servant,
JAMES H. CARLETON,
Colonel First California Volunteers, Commanding.
Headquarters Department of the Pacific,
San Francisco, Cal., December li, 1861.
Col. J. H. Carleton,
First Infantry California Volunteers,
Comdg. Dist. of Southern California, Los Angeles, Cal. :
Sir: I am directed by the general commanding the department to
acknowledge the receipt of your letter transmitting papers relating to
« See pp. 36-39.
t See Drum to Carleton, p. 758.
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764 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. (Chap. LXn.
the capture of Sliowalter's party and their designs, and to say, in reply,
that fi^m the intercepted letters it is clearly established what the char-
acter and purposes of this party were. The correspondence shows
that the oath of allegiance of such men is of no value. The general
desires you to guard these men with increased vigilance. He is now
more than ever satisfied of the propriety of keeping them prisoners.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
RICHARD C. DRUM,
Assistant Adjutant- Oe7ieral.
Headquarters District op Oregon,
Fort Vancouver, Wash. Ter., December 14, 1861.
Maj. R. C. Drum,
Asst. Adjt. Gen., JTdqrs. Dept. of the Pacific, San Francisco, Cal.:
Major: By Colonel Steinberger, who arrived last evening, I have
been apprised that several communications and orders from your oflBce
have been mailed to me relating to the retention here of Major Lugen-
heel's command and other matters. Ou tbis information I have deemed
it proper not to allow of the departure of the companies (A and C,
Ninth Infantry), nor of the medical officers, Assistant-Surgeons Heger
and Taylor, by the steamer Cortez, that leaves ou the 16th instant. It
is possible that I may receive by the mail in the course of the ensuing
week the letter referred to in time for such action as may be requisite,
though not in the present state of the California mail route I can
hardly consider it probable. I shall endeavor, however, to have every
necessary step taken so as to act at once in case I should be furnished
with instructions by the next steamer up from San Francisco. I have
received nothing from department headquarters since November 27, the
date of the receipt of General Orders, No. 31. Colonel S. exhibited to
me Special Orders, No. 225, of December 3, 1861, In common with
many others I much doubt of his success in raising even a respectable
fraction of an infantry regiment in this Territory.
I have the honor to be, your obedient servant,
A. CADY,
Lieutenant- Colonel Seventh Infa/ntry, Commanding District.
Headquarters,
Gamp Wright, Gal., December 15, 1861.
Lieut. B. C. Cutler,
Acting Assistant Adjutant- General,
Hdgrs. District of Southern California, Los Angeles, Cal.:
Sir: I have the honor to report the receipt of the note* of Colonel
Carleton, commanding the district, instructing me to retain Captain
Parvin's company if it had not left, or to send an express after him,
&c., if he had left. Caplain Parvin's company left here on the morn-
ing of the 11th instant, and I think encamped last night at Carriso
Creek. I immediately dispatched Hadji Ali after him with instructions
conforming to the directions of the colonel commanding.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
D. FERGUSSON,
Major, First Cavalry California Volunteers, Commanding.
* Soe Carleton to Fergusson, December 13, p. 763.
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Cbat. LXn.) CORRESPONDENCE UNION AND CONFEDERATE. 765
Headqttaetebs District of Southern Cax-ipornia,
Los Angeles, Col., December 15, 1861.
Maj. R. 0. Drum, U, S. Anny,
Assistant Adjutant- General, San Francisco, Gal.:
Major : The people in San Bernardino have raised the price on bar-
ley 100 per cent., and so, too, have the people in Los Angeles. 1
respectfully recommend that I have authority to move the troops at
San Bernardino to this cauip, and that until the people in this country
are willing to sell their produce, such as hay, barley, potatoes, &c., at
a fair price, these articles shouhl be bought and shipped at San Fran-
cisco. Besides now, since the election is over, there is no necessity for
troops at San Bernardino, and unless the place is put under martial
law they can be of but little service. Here I myself could see to their
instruction as cavalry, an important consideration just now. 1 respect-
fully apply for Capt. E. W. Kirkham as chief quartermaster for this
district. It is exceedingly important in the organization of trains, in
preparing supplies at different points, &c., and for other considerations,
to have a man of his ability and experience to assist me.
KespectfuUy, your obedient servant,
JAMES H. CAELETON,
Colonel First California Volunteers, Commanding.
Headquarters Department of the Pacific,
San Francisco, December 16, 1861.
Brig. Gen. L. Thomas,
Adjutant-General U. 8. Army, Washington, D. C:
General : As the forts at Fort Point and on Alcatraz Island are now
occupied by troops, I respectfully request that they may be named by
the Department.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
G. WEIGHT,
Brigadier-General, U. S. Army, Commanding.
[Indorsement.]
Adjutant-General's Office,
February — , 1862.
Eespectfnlly submitted to the Secretary of War, with the request that
he will designate names for the two permanent fortifications at Fort
Point and Alcatraz Island, harbor of San Francisco.
L. THOMAS,
Adjutant- General.
San Francisco, Oal., December 16, 1861 — 12 m.
Brigadier-General Thomas :
Two companies First Cavalry, two companies Fourth Infantry, and
one company Sixth Infantry, under Major Smith, First Cavalry, on
steamer to-day for New York.
GEO. WRIGHT,
Brigadier- General.
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766 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. (Chap. LXIL
Headquabibbs Department of the Pacific,
San Francisco, Cat., December 16, 1861.
Loms McLane, Esq.,
Agent Overland Mail Company, San Francisco, Cal. :
Snt: After my several interviews with you on the subject of the
protection of the Overland Mail Route, and a carefal consideration as
to the most judicious course to pursue, I have reached the conclusion
that the only feasible mode is to issue a moderate quantity of provisions
to the Indians along the route, who are in a st^arving condition. It is
next to impossible to send troops with their supplies over the moun-
tains at this time; the expense would be enormous. The mail route
must be protected, and I deem it my duty to act for the best interests
of the Government and the country. Under these circumstances, in
behalf of the Government I have to request that yon issue in the course
of the winter and spring to the Indians near your stations at and west
of Camp Floyd, not to exceed 250 barrels of flour and 50,000 pounds of
fresh beef, or equivalent in other articles of food. Feeling assured
that the agents of the company will procure the provisions economic-
ally, and issue them judiciously, I cannot for a moment doubt that the
Department will approve of my course, and that the company will be
reimbursed by the United States Government.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
G. WRIGHT,
Brigadier-General, U. 8. Army, Commanding Department.
Special Orders, ) Hdqrs. Department op the Pacific,
No. 235. J San Francisco, Gal, December 16, 1861.
1. Company A, Third Artillery, Lieut. John B. Shinu commanding,
will be sent without delay to Benicia Barracks, where it will be mount^
and equipped as light artillery.
By order of Brigadier-General Wright:
Assistant Adjutant- General.
RICHD. C. DRUM,
Headquarters Armt op New Mexico,
Fort Bliss, Tex., December 16, 1861.
His Excellency the Governor of the State op Sonora :
Sir: Upon assuming command of the military forces of the Confed-
erate States upon the frontier, I deem it of the first importance to
come, if possible, to a frank and candid agreement with the govern-
ment of the conti^ous Mexican States in regard to certain matters
which will necessarily concern the future relations of our respective
Republics. In opening communications with Your Excellency upon
these subjects, it is my first and most agreeable duty to assure you, as
I most sincerely do, that the governments of the Confederate States
and of the State of Texas are solicitous of cultivating with the Mexi-
can Republic, and the several States composing it, relations not merely
of peace, but of amity and good will. The maintenance of such rela-
tions is a manifest necessity to the political and commercial well-being
of countries whose common boundaries and mutual intercourse are so
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CBAF. LXn.J CORBESPONDENCE UNION AND CONFEDERATE, 767
extensive as those of the northern States of Mexico and the Confeder-
ate States. Nothing shall be omitted on my part to inaugurate and
preserve, as far as in my option, this policy of my Government, and I
entertain the hope that reciprocal motives will actuate yourself, sir,
and the other high functionaries intrusted with the public affairs of
the States of Mexico. Entertaining these views, I regret to be com-
I)elled to ask Your Excellency's attention to certain statements which
puri)ort to emanate from the pubhc journals of the City of Mexico and
Vera Cruz to the effect that by some treaty or convention entered into
within the last few months by the Central Government of Mexico and
the Federal Government of the United States, the right has been con-
ceded by the former to the latter to march troops and munitions of
war across the territories of the Mexican States for the purpose of
employing such troops and munitions in the war now pending between
the United States and the Confederate States. It is incumbent upon
me to ask from Tour Excellency an explanation whether or not such a
treaty or convention exists, or is/ecognized and respected by the gov-
ernment of Souora. If Your Excellency shall apprise me such a right
has been conceded to the enemy with whom my Government is at war,
and that such a right is respected by the government of your State,
the further doty will devolve upon me of informing Your Excellency in
a future communication of the consequences which are to be appre-
hended in case the United States shall attempt to avail themselves of
the facilities so afforded them to the injury of the States I have the
honor to serve. I consider it proper to communicate officially to Your
Excellency, as I have the honor now of doing, the fact that the forces
under my command have now and for some time have had full posses-
sion of the region of country known as Arizona, and comprising the
towns and settlements of the Mesilla Valley. It is no doubt a fact
well known to Your Excellency that the settlements of Arizona have
been long subject to frequent incursions from the hostile Indians who
infest the frontiers to the great injury of your people, as well as ours.
These Indians upon committing depredations within one jurisdiction
have been in the habit of seeking refuge within the other. It appears
to me that a system of co operation can be easily devised between Your
Excellency and myself by which, without the least offense or injury to
our respective governments or people, an ample retribution can be
inflicted upon these enemies of the human ra«e. I propose to you that
the troops of either government shall be at liberty to pursue them
within the territory of the other, the pursuing force to report as early
as practicable their purpose and strength to the nearest military post
of the country within which it shall have entereil. By concerted
action of our respective forces upon such a basis it would seem certain
that these predatory tribes can be effectually subjected or extermi-
nated. Shoiild this i)roposition meet Your Excellency's concurrence I
shall hold myself ready to embody it in any more solemn form that may
be preferred by you. During the operations of my army it may become
expedient to procure, by purchase from the market of Sonora, supplies
for my forces. In that case I entertain the hope that the comities rec-
ognized and practiced between friendly governments will be extended
to my agents, I would be pleased if Your Excellency would concede
to me the right, under such reasonable regulations as yon may desire,
of establishing a depot in the port of Guaymas, and of transit from
thence through the territory of your State, It is easy to see the
immense advantages which must in a very brief period accrue to your
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768 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. (Chap. LXU.
people from snch facilities, and I am prepared to give you, in any form
you may suggest, the amplest guarantees that they shall not be abused.
With high consideration, I am, Your Excellency's obedient servant,
H. H. SIBLEY,
Brigadier-General, C. 8. Army, Commanding Army of New Mexico.
Headquarters,
Fort HosMns, Oreg., Seeemher 10, 1861 — i p. m.
Colonel Oady,
Commanding District of Oregon :
Colonel: On receiving the inclosed dispatehes from the Indian
agent at the Siletz blockhouse, which is about thirty-flve miles from
the post, Capt. J. C Schmidt, the permanent coinnumder of this post,
immediately started with one-half the command (twenty-one men of
Company ]3, Fourth Infantry, included), at this post. I then immedi-
ately dispatehed an express to Fort Yamhill for more men to assist in
garrisoning this post, as we are led td infer that this move is a precon-
certed plan to withdraw the troops from this post so as to attack both
at once, as we are threatened every day.
I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant.
T. B. CAMPBELL,
First Lieut., Second Infty. California Vols., Commanding Post.
[Indognre Ko. 1.]
Siletz Indian Agency, December 16, 1861.
Commanding Officer at Fort Hoskins, Oreg. :
Sir : From recent information of a very reliable character, and from
personal observations, I am induced to believe that an outbreak is con-
templated among the Indians under my charge at no very distant day,
and in view of this fact, and for the purpose of warding off danger, I
would respectfully suggest that the military force at the block-house
here be immediately strengthened by at least twenty additional men.
Hoping that you will soon take such measures as necessary to assist
us, I am, yours, respectfully,
B. R. BIDDLE, Agmt.
[Indosoie Ko. 2.]
Siletz Indian Agency, December 16, 1861.
Commanding Officer at Fort Hoskins, Oreg. :
Sir : Since writing you this morning things have now come to a crisis.
The Indians are up and in arms. The military here attempted to arrest
two of the ringleaders in the disaffected tribe of Tootootna Indians,
but they made their escape. The force here is not sufficient, even for
self-defense. Send over more men immediately. If a few of the ring-
leaders were taken, I think tranquillity would be restored.
Yours, in baste,
BIDDLE,
Agent.
Headquarters Department of the Pacific,
San Francisco, December 17, 1861.
Brig. Gen. L. Thomas,
Adjutant- General U. S. Army, Washington, D. C:
General : Where the War Department require the officers of the
Army to renew their oaths of allegiance I have assumed that all who
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CBAP.LZn.) CORRESPONDENCE — UNION AND CONFEDERATE. 769
did so were bound to serve the Government at least during the rebellion.
Under these circumstances I have uniformly adhered to the practice
adopted by my predecessor and declined receiving resignations from
officers of the Regular Army. With regard to officers of volunteer
corps I have occasionally accepted resignations tendered not for any
want of loyalty to tlie (ioveniment, but for private reasons.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
G. WEIGHT,
Brigadier-General, U. 8. Army, Commanding.
Headquarters District op Southern Oalifornia,
Los Angeles, Cal., December 17, 1861.
Maj. E. C. Drum, IT. S. Army,
Assistant AdjutantOeneral, San Francisco, Cal.:
Major: The following articles it will take time to prepare, and if
they are not needed in this direction they will be needed on the Over-
land Mail Koute in the spring, so nothing will be lost by having them
procured at once. There should be prepared to ship to Fort Yuma two
sets of shoes each for, say, 1,200 mules. In round numbers, say 10,000
muleshoes. They should be hand-made shoes and fitted ready to set.
For this number of shoes there should be procured a plenty of horseshoe
nails of the proper size. The shoes should one by one be carefully
inspected by a practical shoer before they are boxed. Machine-made
shoes we have no time or appliances or coal to work over into proper
shape en route. There should be prepared to ship to Fort Yuma two
sets of shoes each for, say, 650 cavalry and artillery horses, including
officers' horses; say 4,400 horseshoes. These should be hand-made and
fitted ready to set. A plenty of horseshoe nails of proper size should
be sent with them, and each shoe before it is boxed should be inspected
by a practical shoer. I shall require 1,500 pairs of woolen overalls or
trousers, of strong material and well made, and 1,500 woolen blouses,
and 3,000 pairs of stockings, and 2,000 pairs of good strong shoes.
These should be made or be got ready to ship to Yuma. This is all the
clothing I desire to have at tliat point for supplying the troops while on
the expedition. Each article should be of the best material and sub-
stantially made. In a few days I will have prepared all the estimates
for the supplies I need.
Eespcctfully, your obedient servant,
JAMES H. GARLETON,
Colonel First California Volunteers, Commanding.
Note. — Nelson & Doble is the firm where the best horse and mule
shoes can be bought, those that are hand-made; they should have toes
of steel for the muleshoes. These have to be added by the smith in
working the shoes over ready to set.
Headquarters Department of the Pacipic,
San Francisco, Cal., December 18, 1861.
Lieut. Gol. James N. Olney,
Second Regiment California Volunteer Infantry,
Presidio of San Francisco, Cal. :
Sir: The position you are directed to occupy* with your command
is, in the opinion of the general commanding the department, one of
' Sco Special Orders, No. 233, Department of the P.iciflc, December 12, p. 760.
49 R B — ^VOL L, PT I
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770 OPERATIONS- ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Chap. LXU.
greatest importance, and requires on your part watchfulness and vigi-
lance. Nothing will contribute to these requisites more than by main-
taining a strict discipline in your command. You will establish'one of
your companies in or near Santa Barbara, and the other at such dis-
tance from it as you u»ay determine. You will take care that no
expenditures are made by your quartermaster or commissary not
authorized in regulations or orders from these headquarters. You will
take with you provisions sufficient to last your command to the end of
February next, and also 100 rounds of ammunition for each man. As
no wagons will be sent, you are authorized to procure such transporta-
tion as may be absolutely necessary previous to going into camp; after
that it is presumed no transportation will be required. The fuel
required will be delivered at your camp. You will be careful not to
exceed the regulated allowance of any kind of supplies. Should there
be any vacant buildings in or close to Santa Barbara suitable for quar-
ters that can be procured at reasonable rates, you will report the fact
to these headquarters for direction of the department commander. The
general desires you to keep him constantly advised of all matters relat-
ing to your command and the condition of affairs in the county in which
you are stationed.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
RICHD. C. DRUM,
Assistajit Adjutant- General.
H EADQ0ABTEBS,
Fort Churchill, Nev. Ter., December 18, 1861.
Maj. R. 0. Detjm, U. S. Army,
Asst. Adjt. Qen., Department of the Pacific, San Francisco :
Major : Again it becomes my duty to inform you that there has
been another draft upon this post for men by Governor Nye, of this
Territory. A copy of his request accompanying this (marked A) gives
you at once the cause. Governor Nye being at the post and desiring
dispatch, I started the twenty-five men and two teams (under the charge
of Captain McLean and Lieutenant Chipman, numbering in the aggre-
gate twenty-nine), on the morning of the 17th instant, with the inclosed
instructions (paper B*). By sending two teams, both lightly loaded,
they can keep up with the command and travel from twenty-five to
thirty miles a day. I furnished them thirty days' rations. The Over-
land Mail Company have agreed with Governor Nye to furnish forage,
as they have particularly asked for the force to be sent. I desire to
have the views of the general commanding the department in relation
to this matter, as it may become necessary to forward more supplies
in case the command remains there any length of time and the
movement meets with approval. As it will be perceived, my force is
pretty well divided at present, but if I have no further call on me for
men, 1 can keep everything in good order until spring, when we should
certainly have more men in this section of country. I would state,
further, that the Governor will start forward provisions to Ruby Valley,
and along the intermediate country for the Indians to-day, and it is to
be hoped that peace will be maintained without a resort to arms. The
difficulties apprehended grow out of the fact of the chief of the Ban-
nocks dying, and the Indian doctor being killed (as is the custom) for
letting him die. The doctor belonged to the Shoshones. This has
brought about a difficulty between the two tribes, and, as is generally
• Not found.
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Chap.LXII.] correspondence UNION AND CONFEDERATE, 771
their castom, each it is feared will commence committing depredations
on the whites, each laying it upon the other, so as to get the whites to
take sides for them. Ruby Valley is distant from this jjost about 260
miles. Good road, bat sandy.
Hoping to hear of your approval as above, I remain, very respect-
fully, your obedient servant,
EDWIN A. EOWE,
Captain, Second Cavalry California Volunteers, Commanding Post.
[Inclosure A.]
Executive Department,
Carson City, December 16, 1861.
Capt. Edwin A. Eowe,
Commandunt of Fort Churchill, Nev. Ter. :
Sir : I am informed there is serious apprehension of an Indian diffi-
culty at Ruby Valley. To prevent, if possible, such a calamity, you
will on receipt of this detail twenty-five soldiers, properly officered, to
proceed at once to Ruby Valley and report to Warren Wassen, acting
Indian agent, whom I have sent in advance to that place to act according
to circumstances.
JAMES W. NYE,
Governor of the Territory of Nevada.
Headqiiabtebs Department op the Pacific,
San Francisco, Oal., December 19, 1861.
Brig. Gen. Lorenzo Thomas,
Adjutant- General V. S. Army, Washington, D. C:
General. : On the 17th instant I had the honor to acknowledge the
receipt of your telegraphic dispatch of the 16th. I am now busily
engaged in throwing forward supplies to Fort Yuma preparatory to a
forward movement. Activity prevails in every department. I shall in
a few days move the Fifth Infantry California Volunteers, Colonel
Bowie, now encamped near Sacramento, to the southern district, to
take the place of the troops designated for the expedition. My com-
munications of the 9th and 10th instant, together with the returns
which will be forwarded by the steamer of the 21st, will give you the
strength of my command. Owing to the continued Indian disturbances
in the northwestern portion of the State I have found it necessary to
create the District of Humboldt, and have ordered Col. Francis J.
Lippitt, of the Second Infantry California Volunteers, to proceed to
Fort Humboldt with the staff and two companies of his regiment and
assume command of the district. With a commander on the spot, the
troops at Forts Ter-Waw, Gaston, Seward, and Bragg will act in con-
cert, and quiet will be maintain.ed. 1 have ordered a battalion of two
companies of the Second Infantry California Volunteers, under com-
mand of LieutenantColonel Oluey, of that regiment, to take post at
Santa Barbara, Cal. This I deem necessary to preserve quiet in that
quarter. The remaining company of Lippitt's regiment I have placed
on Alcatraz Island, under Major Barton, for instruction in heavy artil-
lery. In view of a possibility of a hostile force threatening this city
I have desired the chief engineer. Colonel De Russy, to submit to me a
plan for temporary defensive works. I shall then throw up field-works
to command the approaches, but we may be somewhat embarrassed for
the want of a sufficient number of heavy guns. The forts at Fort
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772 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. IChap. LXn.
Point and on Akatraz Island bavo in position about one-half of the
guns required for their complete armament. 1 deem it of importance
that the balance of the armament for these forts should be sent out as
soon as practicable.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
G. WRIGHT,
JirigadierGeneral, U. S. Army, Commanding. •
Special Orders, ) IIdqus. Department of the Pacific,
No. 238. ) San Francisco, Gal., December 19, 1861.
Companies G and E, First Cavalry, under the command of Capt.
William T. Magnider, will enibark for the East on the steamer of the
2l8t. Surg. Thomas A. McParlin and Asst. Surg. Pascal A. Quinan
will accompany this command. The quartermaster's department will
furnish the necessary transportation.
By order of Brigadier-General Wright:
ItlCHD. C. DRUM,
Assistant Adjutant- Oeneral.
Headquarters Department of the Pacific,
San Francisco, Cal., December 19, 1861.
Col. James H. Carleton,
First Infantry California Volunteers,
Comdg. District Southern California, Los Angeles, Cal. :
Sir: The general commanding the department directs me to inform
you that the proposition submitted for the consideration of the Gen-
eral-in-Chief, recommending the recapture of forts surrendered to the
rebels in Arizona, having been approved, you are desired to communi-
cate to these headquarters as early as possible a statement in full of
what is necessary for the complete equipment of the force to be placed
under your command. This force will consist of the First Regiment of
Infantry and battalion of First Cavalry California Volunteers, and a
battery of four light guns under the command of Lieutenant Shinn,
Third Artillery, The general has given directions for the transporta-
tion necessary for this movement to be forwarded to San Pedro, where
the trains will be organized under the immediate direction of Captain
Moore, assistant quartermaster, who will report to you for duty. Direc-
tions have also been given for the shipment to the mouth of the Col-
orado River of 200,000 rations of subsistence stores. The troops to be
employed on this expedition and now on duty in the southern district
will be relieved by the Fifth Regiment of Infantry and one or two
squadrons of the Second Cavalry California Volunteers.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
RICHD. C. DRUM,
Assistant Adjutant-Oeneral.
Headquarters District of Southern California,
Los Angeles, Cal,, December 19, 1861.
Capt. T. L. Roberts,
Commanding at San Diego, Cal. :
Sir : Have your company got in perfect readiness for important field
service connected with the re-establishment of Fort Mojave and of Fort
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CBAP. LXn.] CORRESPONDENCE UNION AND CONFEDERATE. 773
Baker at Las Vegas, on tlie Salt Lake road. Have a drill at the target,
three shots per man a day for ten days, commencing at 100 yards aiid
iiuiresising ten yards each day. Have also two hours' drill each day at
skinnish drill. Make a tabular report of every shot to me. Be careful
of your clothing; have it carefully mended, particularly the men's
shoes.
l{esi>ectfully, &c.,
JAMES H. CARLETON,
Colonel First California Volunteers, Commanding.
Headquabtebs Department of the Pacific,
San Francisco, December 20, 1861 — 3 p. m.
Brig. Gen. L. Thomas,
Adjutant- General U. S. Army, Washington, JD. C. :
General : My reports and returns already made, and which you will
receive with this, will inform you of the strength of my command. The
troops are in good condition, and improving in discipline and instruc-
tion. The country is generally quiet. In the southwestern portion of
the State the sympathizers with rebellion are numerous, and small
parties are constantly organizing with a view to pass the frontier; but
thus far we have defeated their attempts. The most stringent meas-
ures have been adopted and enforced to prevent the rebels from receiv-
ing any assistance from this country. I am now actively engaged in
preparing the means of transportation and all the supplies necessary
for the expedition which I am authorized to make under Coloud
(Jarleton.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
G. WRIGHT,
Brigadier- General, U. S. Army, Commatiding.
Headqttabtebs District of Sotjthebn California,
Los Angeles, Gal., JJecember 21, 1861.
Maj. Richard 0. Drum, U. S. Army,
Assistant Adjutant- General, San Francisco, Cal.:
Major : I have the honor to submit for the consideration of the gen-
eral commanding the department a memorandum of supplies (A) which
may be needed at San Pedro for 1,600 men while marching' from Gamp
Latham, Oal., to Fort Yuma, on the Colorado River; these supplies to
be purchased at San Francisco and shipped to San Pedro. They
amount to 87,8<S8 pounds of subsistence stores, including ten days
added for delays at Fort Yuma and contingencies on the route thither,
but not comprising five days in every seven of fresh beef to be driven
on the hoof. The memorandum also includes 300 six-gallon water kegs,
to be purchased and shipped as above; also 3,000 pounds of horse and
mule shoes, nails, &c., out of 8,000 pounds, which should be shipped to
San Pedro. On the memorandum marked A you will find that there
should be 441,000 pounds of barley shipped from San Francisco to San
Pedro, to provide forage for 900 mules and 550 horses for thirty days.
This calculation is adapted to a train of 150 wagons, 426 cavalry, and
125 artillery and officers' horses, and contemplates that the wagons shall
start with 3,000 pounds each, with contingencies of delays amounting
to ten days, as stated. Tlie memorandum shows that 102,000 pounds
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774 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. (Cbap.LXH.
of barley cannot be transported by these wagons. This quantity is
needed to complete the forage that will be consumed in the thirty days
above mentioned, and can be placed upon the route by the fifty teams
that will be needed in the district after the expedition takes the field,
or by private contract, as the general may direct. Bear this in mind,
that these supplies do not embrace one pound of subsistence or forage
to be u.sed after leaving Fort Yuma, except the item of 10,000 pounds
of pemmican. This article, as you know, is prepared from pound^ dried
beef and beef lard. It takes some time to prepare it, and I respectfully
ask immediate authority to make a contract for it. On thispointit wiU
be desirable to have a reply by telegraph.
I also have the honor to inclose memorandum, marked B, of supplies
required to be at Fort Yuma for a command of 1,600 men, independent
of its garrison, for an expedition of ninety days, exclusive of beef six
days in the week, which is to be driven on the hoof or purchased en
route. In the article of flour I have put down but one pound per
ration. To supply this deficiency of food I would recommend that the
ration of fresh beef should be increased to one pound and three-quarters,
more particularly as the troops will have neither beans, nor rice, nor
potatoes. I would respectfully suggest that fall rations for the com-
mand for ninety days should be shipped from San Francisco, the small
rations which we will leave behind us to be drawn upon afterward as
occasion may require. Further on you will note a suggestion connected
with this particular matter and that of an advanced depot. The total
weight of the subsistence stores to be transported, after excluding all
small rations and adding the pemmican, yon will observe to be 217,700
pounds. The ammunition for small-arms and artillery, hospital stores,
tools, clothing, and horse and mule shoes, &c., must be shipped by sea
and the Colorado to Fort Yuma; so must the 600,000 pounds of barley
noted on this memorandum B. How that forage is to be disposed of is
fully set forth on that memorandum. These calculations apply to 144
wagons, four ambulances, and two forges, and are based upon the sup-
position that 425 cavalry horses will carry the barley they require for
ten days, the men marching on foot. In this connection I would recom-
mend that three of these ambulances (the fourth is at Fort Yuma), of
the best Concord make, be purchased at San Francisco; those in use
here and at Benicia are all worn and will not stand the journey when
exposed to the dry air and hot sands of the desert.
You must know that when we leave a point ninety miles up the river
we shall leave there on deposit for return teams, &c., 64,000 pounds
of barley, and take with us 192,500 pounds, full rations for the entire
command for thirteen days. It is possible that quite a supply of
wheat raised by the Indians can be procured at the villages 200 miles
above the fort; perhaps wheat and com from the country on the right
of the road 80 or 100 miles farther on. If so, this will be lucky, and
figuring from this point something must be left to good fortune in this
respect. If in this we are disappointed, we must diminish the forage
rations so a^ to enable us to reach the proposed destination. If yon
add more wagons they must be used for the transportation of forage.
You will see that it is not contemplated to take any tents for the use
of the command. It is probable that in the country at the other end
of the route, particularly if we are successful, we shall be able to obtain
flour, beef, and salt, but it is not likely that small stores enough for so
large an additional force can be procured; so it is submitted whether
it would not be well to have a depot at the villages 200 miles above
Yuma, protected by two companies intrenched, the supplies for which
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CHAT. LXn.) C0ERE8P0NDENCE UNION AND CONFEDERATE. 775
depot and the companies to be sent from this coast and follow the main
movement as soon as practicable. With such a force in front the gar-
rison at Fort Yuma need not exceed two companies. The commander
of the deiwt at the villages should "be an uncommonly fine officer, and
the companies full and of the best material. Their intrenchments
might be garnished by two of the mountain howitzers from Fort Yuma.
There are two at Los Angeles. Subtracting the ii07,700 pounds of sub-
sistence stores noted on memorandum B from the ninety days' subsist-
ence stores to be shipped from Sau Francisco, as per memorandum C,
from this latter supply there will be left at Fort Yuma, which at once
can be forwarded to the depot 200 miles above, 15,600 pounds of pork,
56,600 pounds of flour, 22,630 pounds of beans, say 1,000 gallons of
vinegar, say 1,500 pounds of candles, say 6,000 pounds of soap, and
621 pounds of salt. It would be well to bear this in mind. Yourself
and Major Burton and other artillery officers can determine better than
myself how much artillery ammunition should be sent with the expe-
dition. There should, in my opinion, be at least enough for two
engagements. I wish you to telegraph at once to Washington to learn
from the last ordnance returns from that Territory how much artillery
ammunition was in store at the depot there, say on the 30th of September
last. If they answer by telegraph that there is a good supply, you can
then telegraph to the A^utant-General to order by mail at once what
you think 1 may need to provide against contingencies, to be sent down
within striking distance of my command. Through the same channels
of communication the commanding officer in that Territory can be
ordered to send down to the same point subsistence stores and forage
if he has them, or can procure them, for say thirty days. This will
provide for a wide enough margin of time and for accidents to enable
us, if possible, to accomplish the purposes of the expedition.
I require to be sent immediately to San Pedro Sharps carbines for
three companies, say 255. I require 185 navy revolvers and 50 sabers
and belts, 255 carbine slings and swivels, and the other necessary
accouterments for 255 of that arm. The navy revolvers should have
the corresponding number of holsters to be worn on the saber belts.
I propose that only half of the cavalry, the most expert and best-
mounted men, should be armed with sabers. Two companies have
them already. There should be prepared and shipped from Benicia by
sea to Fort Yuma 138,000 rifled musket-ball cartridges, and 6,000 buck-
shot cartridges for the musket; the weight of the buckshot to corre-
spond with that of the ball for the same arm. I wish that you would
be sure and have these buckshot cartridges prepared, as I want them
for especial purposes; also send 66,000 Sharps carbine cartridges. Be
sure and have the number of percussion caps sent correspond with the
number of musket and carbine cartridges. Send likewise by sea, as
above, 40,000 rounds navy revolver cartridges. ' Please direct Captain
McAllister to ship with the ordnance stores to Fort Yuma an adequate
supply of extra swivel bars, swivel-bar screws, tumbler screws, a few
hammers, &c. He understands well what I need in this respect. The
rifles in the hands of three companies of the First Cavalry are worth-
less as weapons for mounted men. The sixty revolvers, army size, at
present in the hands of one of the companies, 1 shall issue to teamsters.
They are unfit for cavalry. The other four companies have each sixty
navy revolvers and lack twenty-five per company. From this you will
see why I need the additional 185. Please take my requests in this
letter in lien of formal requisitions, and do me the favor to issue your
orders accordingly. It would be well to have half of all supplies
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776 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. (Chap. UOL
marked "Mojave Expedition," and the other half "Fort Baker, Las
Vegas, Salt Lake Road." I would suggest whether it would not be
well, for certain reasons which will be obvious to you, to have the bat-
tery of guns, the artillery ammunition, and dismounted cannoneers
go by sea to Fort Yuma, the horses and men of the battery who ride
them to come to San Pedro, and go thence by laud to Fort Yuma as
cavalry. I would suggest that 5,000 pounds of presents for Indians,
to consist of tobacco, knives, small looking-glasses, vermilion paint,
beads^ needles, and linen thread, awls, iron arrow-points, fish-hooks
and lines, hoes, a few scarlet blankets for the chiefs, &c., should be
purchased and shipped by sea to Fort Yuma— one-half to bo distributed
to the Indians on the Colorado, the remainder to the Indians at the
villages 200 miles above — and 10,000 yards of manta, i. e., shirting
calico, &c. With this purchase wheat. Would it not be well to have
no payment made to the troops until after they leave Fort Yuma, and
then, say, only two months!
The firm of Kelson & Doble, at San Francisco, furnish, it is said, the
best hand-made horse and mule shoes. In fitting the muleshoes be sure
and have them furnished with steel toes. Please have sent to San
Pedro 5,000 of the muleshoes and 2,200 of the horseshoes, which I
wrote to you on the 17th instant to have prepared. I shall need them
here to set the moment the mules arrive, and to use on the road to Fort
Yuma. The remaining 5,000 muleshoes and 2,200 horseshoes should
be shipped by sea to Fort Yuma, if they can be got ready in time,
otherwise to be sent down to San Pedro to go by land. Of course
a proper quantity of nails and a few dozen horseshoe rasps will be sent
with the shoes. There should be a small supply of stationery, blank
muster-rolls, blank regimental and company returns, &c., sent by sea
to Fort Yuma, without fail. If the Government has authorized the
seizure of Guaymas, as suggested by the general, it is worthy of grave
consideration whether that would not be a cheaper and better point of
departure, as the country far into the interior has an abundant supply
of meat and flour. If in this event the cavalry and artillery horses
and means of transportation were already there, then there could not
be much doubt on this point. If Guaymas belonged to us it would be
the point whence the military supplies for the southern part of the
Territory in question should, in my opinion, bo transported. As we
are now situated, in point of time I am inclined to the opinion that the
point of departure must bo Fort Yuma, and have made the calculations
accordingly; but this you will see involves a very heavy expense. I
allude to Guaymas for the reasons that if it is possible to make that
the base of our operations we first accomplish the important object, as
suggested by the general commanding, of securing that point against
the rebels, and we shall then have a much better country to march
through, with less desert to encounter, and more time to perfect our
arrangements. Grain, flour, sugar, and beef can be procured, also
vegetables, for troops along the route through Sonora, thereby dimin-
ishing the great cost of transportation and the embarrassments conse-
quent upon having so large a train, to say nothing of the risk of animals
perishing. It at once secures from the other side the most important
point on the Gulf— always accessible by steamer in five or six days from
San Francisco.
It could be so arranged, in case the general should wish to make
Guaymas the point of departure, that the cavalry and a certain amount
of transportation could move from Fort Yuma at the proper time to
form a junction at Tucson with the artillery and infantry sent by sea to
Guaymas, and directly northward through the most x>opulons part of
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CHAP.LXn.] CORRESPONDENCE UNION AND CONFEDERATE. 777
Sonora. (Measure on the map the land trausportatioD to Tacson,
respectively, from San Pedro, Cal., and from Guayiuas.) 1 have made
all the calcolatioDS herewith submitted with reference to passing
through our own territory, without knowing the plans of the general
or his authority in regard to Guaymas, and merely hazard these sug-
gestions in case Guaymas is to be held. Please get by telegraph this
information from Washington, and send it to me by mail, i. e., "from
Colonel Canby's reports what is the strength of the rebels now in New
Mexico and at Fort Bliss; what the description of the troops, and
where are they stationed!" You will see by memorandum 0 the
amount of forage, sabsistence stores, &c., which must all be at Fort
Yuma, except 250,000 pounds of barley, before the troops cross the
desert this side of the Colorado ; because it will not do to concentrate
the command at Fort Yuma until the supplies that they will consume
after leaving there have been actually deposited at that point, and all
risks of the river and accidents to the boat, &c,, have been overcome.
While this transportation is going on every preparation must be made
here, so that the moment I am apprised that these supplies have
reached Fort Yuma tlie march can be commenced. The quartermaster
should employ at San Francisco strong, energetic Union men as team-
sters. They should be armed with revolvers and the riflemen's knives
now in the arsenal at Benicia. I have said nothing about a military
chest for the expedition. Captain Kirkham will be able to tell the
amount of ready money which should be taken along in the quarter-
master's and commissary departments. The necessity of small coin
should not be overlooked ; for this purpose it can be specially prepared
in the mint. For all purchases to be made in Sonora we must have
specie. 1 shall send Surgeon McNulty to San Francisco, there to con-
sult with the medical director as to what hospital stores, &c.,are indis-
pensably required, and none other. On memorandum C it is noted to
send these stores by water to Fort Yuma. On consultation with Sur-
geon McNnlty I find, to avoid accidents, they had better be shipi>ed to
San Petlro to go overland.
Please have purchased for the expedition by the commissary at San
Francisco and shipped to Yuma two bsurels unground black pepper.
As the troops will carry no knapsacks, I wish to have straps prepared,
80 that each man can carry upon his back his blanket and great coat.
In case the getieral approves of the latter suggestion, I have asked
Lieutenant-Colonel West to have a pattern i)repared while he is in San
Francisco. I earnestly beg that the general will telegraph to Oregon
and have the horses that were turned in there sent to San Pedro for
the use of the First Cavalry. Those horses are accustomed to the noise
of arms and to the saber exercise and in other respects are well trained.
Some of them may be unfit for service, but eighty or ninety of the best
I require. They are doubtless American stock and better capable for
heavy men than the small California horses; besides, to supply this
number from this neighborhood we should have just so many unbroken
animals with whicii to commence a campaign. There should be twenty-
five good pack-mules in addition to those working in the train starting
with aparejos and laden with forage. These will doubtless be required
for expeditions to localities inaccessible to wagons. The aparejos are
in the depot here and at Fort Yuma. I observed among the public
wagons which came down on the Senator two metallic pontoon wagon
beds. If j'ou have more at Benicia, please have four additional ones
sent down for the use of the expedition. There should be two coils
lariat rope one-half inch in diameter come with these wagons; fifteen
coils, say five-eighths inch in diameter, should be shipped to Yuma for
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778 0PEBATI0N8 ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Cmf.LXII.
packing, for tlie use of trains, &c. I send Lieutenant-Colonel West to
San Francisco, to stay twenty days from the time he leaves here, to
assist either to carry ont the details of the present plau or any other
which the general may inaugurate.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JAMES H. OARLETON,
Colonel First California Volunteers, Commanding.
A.
Memorandum of supplies needed at San Pedro for 1,600 men on march (twenty days)
from Camp Latham to Fort Yuma.
FULL RATIONS,
Poonds.
Pork, 3 days, at 1,200 poanda per day net.. 3,600
Flour, 32,000 rations, of 18 ounces each do... 36,000
Beans, 16,000 rations do... 2,480
Rice, 16,000 rations do... 1,600
Coffee, 32,000 rations do... 8,200
Sugar, 32,000 rations gross.. 5,200
Vinegar, 32,000 rations do... 8,424
Candles, 32,000 rations — sperm do. . . 400
Soap, 32,000 rations , do... 1,472
Salt, 32,000 rations do. . 1,216
58,593
Exclusive of eighteen da^s fresh beef on the hoof. Add ten days for delays
at Fort Yuma and contingencies en route, increasing above 50 per cent, on
each item, including beef. 29,296
Total amount to be transported from San Pedro Vy land 87, 888
ADDITIONAL.
Pemmican pounds.. 10,000
Tents 760
Mess-kits 8,928
Field and staff, &o 1,250
Hor8eshoe8,a <&o 3,000
23,938
111,826
Add 300 6-gaUon water-kegs to be landed at San Pedro, 2 to each
of the 150 wagons ; hooped with iron ; well-seasoned wood.
KORAGE.
Time of march from Camp Lathan to Fort Yuma, twenty days:
900 mules daily 8,100
550 horses daily 6,600
Twenty days 14,700=294,000
Add ten days for delays at Fort Yuma and contingencies en route,
increasing above 50 per cent 147,000
441,000
Of this amount 150 wagons being loaded with subsistence stores,
&c., weighing :.. 111,826
Will carry of barley 338,174 338,174
Bequired to be placed on the road from Camp Latham to Fort
Yuma 102,826
JAMES H. CAELETON,
Colonel Firat California Volunteers, Commanding.
Headquabters District of Sodtuerx California,
Los Angeles, Cal., December tO, 1861.
a Eight thousand should be shipped to San Pedro, which leaves 5,000 pounds to
be sent before starting.
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CHAP. Lxn.] CORRESPONDENCE — UNION AND CONFEDERATE. 779
B.
Supplies inditpentablji required at Fort Tumafor a command of 1,600 me* (independent
of it* garrieon) for a period of ninety dagt, exolusive of beef lix day* in the uieek, to
be driven on the hoof or pnrchaaed en ronte.
Poands.
Pork for 1,600 men 13 weeks, once a week, is 1,200 ponnile per week, eqnal to . . 15, 600
Flour for 1,600 men for 91 days, 1 pound per man daily 145,600
Sugar for 1,600 men for 91 days, full rations 22,000
Coffee for 1,600 men for 91 days, full rations 14,500
Salt for 1,600 men for 91 days, not full ration 5,000
Vinegar for 1,600 men for 91 days, not fall ration 5,000
Total weight of provisions ■. 207,700
Some rice for sick not included; also a few candles.
Ammunition : Ponnds.
210,000 rounds musket and carbine for 1,400 men, 150 rounds
each 20,370
40,000 rounds Colt's revolver 1,200
Total weight small ammunition 21,570
Hospital stores, total weight 6,000
Tools : PoandB.
100 spades 450
lOOhandaxes 600
lOOhandpicks 650
Hatchets 200
100 shovels 650
2 crowbars 50
Smalltools .... 500
3,000
100 extra ax-helves.
100 extra pick-helves, to be supplied but not included in above weight.
Clothing: ~ PoiindB.
3,200 pairs stockings 900
1,500 blouses, including packages 2,000
1,500 pairs pantd, including packages 3, 030
3,000 pairs bootees 9,120
15,050
Horseshoes, niuleshoes, nails, &o 3, 000
Tents : Ponnde.
1 hospital 400
3 servants' 100
2Sibley 260
760
Pemmican, 10 days' rations for 1,600 men, at 10 ounces each 10, 000
Ammunition, &c., for artillery, not including that carried iu caissons 10, 000
MesH-kits, blankets, &c., for 16 companies, ^8 pounds each 8,928
Field and staif, baggage, &.C., books, records, &c 1,250
287,258
150 wagons retjuired for nearly 144 tons, of 2,000 ponnds each.
HEAD<il-ARTER8 DiSTKICT OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA,
Loa Angeles, Cal., December 20, 1861.
Note* of forage required at Fort Funui.
An advance train of 50 wagons to go up the river 90 miles, up and back, 9 days
in advance of main movement —
Ponnds.
Will carry of barley 150,000
Will consume of barley 22,500
Will leave on deposit 127, 500
Poondft.
150 wagons to same point with main movement will carry above-
named supplies and 1,000 pounds each of barley 150, 000
425 cavalry norses (men on foot) will take each 100 pounds 42,500
192,500
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780 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. (Chap. LXIt
Note* 0/ forage required at Fort i'litna — Continned.
ronnds.
Daily oongnmptinn, 900mnlo8 8, 100
Daily consximption, 550 horses 6, 600
14,700 Ponnds.
5 days goiu(; 00 miles up ri v«r, at 14,700 pniindn per day 73, 500
PonndB.
Si-noud deposit at point !K) miles up river 119,000
246,506
When the main movement leaves the point 90 miles up the river it will take
with it on 150 wagons and 425 horses 192, 500
Leaving on deposit for retnm trains, <Stc 54,000
Deposit needed at Fort Ynma for advance train 150,000
For main movement 192,500
To 1)0 consumed at Ynma and for return trains 257,500
600,000
JAMES H. CARLETON,
Colonel Firri California I'oliinieers, Commanding.
To contract tvilh Johnson for delivery at Fort I'uma.
Barley 600,000
SUBSISTENCE.
Pork, } of 13 weeks. 1,600 men, 26 days, net 1,200 poatids daily, gross- 51, 156
Flonr, 145,600 rations, 22 ounces each 200,200
Beans, 145,600 rations 22,630
Coffee, 145,600 rations 14,700
.Sugar, 145,600 rations 23,887
Vinegar, 145,600 rations 15,622
Candles, 145,600 rations 1,550
Soap, 145,600 rations 6,789
Salt. 145, 600 rations 5,621
Pickles 2,000
Syrup, 20 8-gaUou kegs 2,000
346,155
Ammnnition, small and large 31,370
Hospital stores 6,000
To<ds 3.000
Clothing 15,050
Horseshoes, mnleehoes, &.c 8,000
1, 009, 575
Shonld not the gnns and caissons of the battery go by sea, stores to be marked
one-half Fort Mojave, and one-half Fort Baker, Las Vegas, Salt Lake road.
ADDITIONAI. ARTICLES TO BE SENT BY SEA.
Five hundred gunny bags in which to pack pork at Ynma; 500 seamless gunny
bags, of capacity of 100 pounds of barley each, and to bo of sufTicient length to be
lai<l across a saddle conveniently. Each sack should have a substantial buckskin
string sewed on near its mouth.
JAMES H. CAKLETON,
Colonel Firit California Volunteers, Commaniiing.
Headquarters District of Caupornia,
Los Angeles, Cal., December SO, 1861.
Headqitabters District of Southern California,
Los Angeles., Cal., December 31, 1861.
Maj, Edwin A. Riog,
First Infantry California Volunteers, Comdg. Fort Yuma, Cal.:
Major: Take steps to ascertain from one Ithodes, who is in the
vicinity of Gila City with 200 head of beef cattle, what he will take
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CHAP. LXn.] CORRESPONDENCE UNION AND CONFEDERATE. 781
tor them. Your scouts, Keene and Costello, know him. Ascertaiu if
they are in good order, and let mo know the ])articular8 of their condi-
tion, number, and price. If possible see them yourself. If they can
be hiid cheap enough it will not be necessary for me to drive stock over
the desert for the Mojave expedition. You can say this tt> the owner.
Lieutenant-Colonel West inl'orms me that Yager had on hand some
seventy tons of hay which he was willing to sell at $55. This is a very
high price. As I may send a few cavalry to Fort Yuma to remnin until
the warm weiither sets in, buy it at that price if yon can not get it for
less. Tell him to cut some more if he can and haul it out to the mail
stations on tlie road across the desert — say to the amount of ten tons
to each station — commencing at Carriso Oreek, thence eastwardly on
the road to Yuma, if he is willing to plac;e it there at the price last paid
by the Overland Mail Company, according to the station at which it
was delivered. This will be an excellent job for him, and it will do to
feed my pack-mules and animals as I cross the desert on the Mojave
expedition. He can haul out a good deal, I am told, from the neigh-
borhood of Gonzales' Ferry and thereabouts. A man named Quirino
Garcia can tell him the best place to cut it. On these two points I wish
you to inform me at once by special express what can be done about
them. I can get along without either and will not submit to any extor-
tion. Send Keene to report to me the moment he returns. Practice
your men at target firing. You can use three rounds per day for that;
purpose, commencing at 100 yards and increasing to 200, firing kneel-
ing or off-hand, as each man would prefer to make good shots. Keep
an exact record of each shot in each company and report to me the
result. I wish you to send a scout who has good judgment about the
subject, preferably an officer, to Gonzales' Ferry by the other side of
the Colorado to examine the quality and extent of the grazing in that
neighborhood. Report the information to me at once. Practice your
men carefully two hours per day at the skirmish drill until further
orders. You will keep your own counsel about this and all letters
written to you on public business. Keep them under lock and key.
Iteport to me the moment the two field pieces and the barley for the
cavalry reach you. These articles left San Francisco on a steamer for
Gnaymas three weeks ago. They consist, I believe, of guns, ammunition,
barley, &c., of about sixty tons weight. Should Capt. George A. Johnson
be at your post tell him to send some one else down with his boat for
these stores, and to come on here himself immediately, as I wish to see
him. He must lose no time. You are to obey no writs of habeas corpus
issued for Showalter or either of his party, or for any other secessionist
who has been or who may be taken prisoner and confined at your post,
without orders from the general commanding the department,
iiespectfully, your obedient servant,
JAMES II. OARLETON,
Colonel First California Volunteers, Commanding.
Special Orders, ) Hdqrs. Dist. of Sotjthebn California,
No. 22. 5 Los Angeles, Cat., December 21, 1861.
Lieut. Col. Joseph R. West, First Infantry California Volunteers, will
l)roceed to San Francisco, Oal., on public business connected with the
movement of troops in this district. He will report at these head-
quarters in twenty days.
JAMES H. CARLETON,
Colonel First California Volunteers, Commanding.
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782 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. (Chap.LXII.
Washington, December 23, 1861.
(Received 9.10 p. m. 24th.)
Brig. Gen. G. Wright, U. 8. Army:
Your letter of November 5 received. Iletain Colonels Cady and
Garletou in yoar department. Your arrangements are approved.
L. THOMAS,
Adjutant- Oeneral.
Headquarters Department of the Pacific,
San Francisco, December 23, 1861,
Lient. Col. A. Cady,
Seventh Regiment Infantry, Gomdg. Dist. of Oregon,
Fort Vancouver, Wash. Ter. :
Colonel: The general commanding the department directs me to
Inform you that during the interruption of the overland mail by high
water all communications to these headquarters are to be sent by ex-
press companies. Colonel Cady will please notify the post commanders
in Oregon and Washington Territory accordingly.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
THOS. F. WRIGHT,
Lieut, Second Cavalry California Volunteers,
Aide-de-Camp and Acting Assistant Adjutant- Oeneral.
Hdqrs. First California Volunteer Infantry,
Camp Latham, near Los Angeles, Cal., December 23, 1861.
All persons who have been arrested or who may be arrested in this
State as secessionists or traitors to the country will be kept in confine-
ment at Fort Yuma until final action is had on each case. The garrison
of that fort will be at once increased to nine companies — one of artillery,
six of infantry, and two of cavalry. Its defenses will be strengthened
and some heavy gnns mounted, and it will be well supplied with ammu-
nition, provisions, and forage. It is reported that the Navajo Indians
obstruct the route from Albuquerque to Los Angeles, now important as
the only one on which the daily mail from the States can be carried,
that of the north being blocked up with snow, that of the south being
in possession of the rebels at its eastern end and on the Rio Grande.
These Indians are therefore to be brought to terms. An expedition,
consisting of seven companies, will move up the Colorado on Colonel
Hoffman's trail. Three of these companies (infantry) will reoccupy
Fort Navajo and re-establish the ferry. This force, as heretofore, will
draw its supplies from Los Angeles. The other four — three of cavalry
and one of infantry — will proceed on to Las Vegas, near the Potosi
mines, on the Salt Lake road, and establish a post at the old Mormon
fort. This is preliminary to the movement, already ordered, of troops
next summer to Fort Crittenden, near Salt Lake. The new post at Las
Vegas will be known as Fort Baker.
JAMES H. CAELETON,
Colonel First California Volunteers, Commanding.
Los Angeles, December 23, 1861.
Col. J. n. Carleton:
Sir: On the 21st of November I left this place (Los Angeles) and
spent the night at Mrs. Carpenter's ranch of Los Nietos, distont about
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Chap. LXn.] COREE8PONDENCE UNION AND CONFEDERATE. 783
twelve inilesl On tbe foUowiug day I reached Anaheim. Here I was
informed by a miner from the ranch of Judge Witherbee, in San
Diego County, that a few days previous a party of about sixteen
men, all well armed, had left that neighborhood and the. town of San
Diego ostensibly on a prospecting tour in the mountains near where
the State line passes the mountain range in its course from the coast to
the Colorado Kiver and Desert. Knowing that there is a trail leading
over the mountain at the point called the Jacumba Pass, and thinking
that possibly the information obtained might prove a thread that would
lead me to some rendezvous on the Lower Colorado, I continued on
toward San Diego, spending the night of the 23d at San Juan Capis-
trano, and that of the 24th at the residence of Col. C. J. Coutz, near
the mission of San Luis Rey, and distant from Los Angeles about ninety
miles, and forty from the town of San Diego. From information obtained
1 became satisfied that the above-mentioned party was less in number
than represented, and that it was in fact a prospecting party which
had armed themselves in order to intimidate or override the Mexican
authorities on the frontier, as the commanding officer, Don Matias
Moreno, had forbidden any parties under the pretense of mining coming
over the line into Lower or Mexican California. My health, which was
bad at the time of leaving Los Angeles, caused me to travel quite
slowly, making short journeys daily. On the 25th turned back from
Mr. Coutz's ranch, and traveled about twenty miles to Temecula.
Here I learned that there were two men, travelers toward Texas, who
had been waiting some days the arrival of their companions who were
expected from El Monte or Los Angeles.
On the following morning (26th) was introduced to the two travelers,
one of whom was a Mr. Sumner. The other man's name I have forgot-
ten. As they purposed traveling toward Warner's ranch we left in
company. Traveled very slowly. Discovered from Mr. Sumner that
he was desirous to avoid, if possible, the military post at Camp Wright.
Gave him all the information in my knowledge respecting tbe roads
and trails. Did not find him communicative respecting the object of
his journey to Texas, or the persons whom he expected to accompany
him. Said he might spend the winter on the Colorado River. My com-
panions having stopped at Giftaler's, I proceeded to Camp Wright,
where I spent the night with Major Rigg. Was treated with great
hospitality both by the major and all the officers of the command.
The officers and men appeared in an efficient state. Their drill and
discipline appeared good, yet as they were just forming the camp, not
yet having completed moving from finena Vista (Warner's ranch), the
opportunity of judging was unfavorable. Traveled twenty-one miles.
On the 27th proceeded to old Camp Wright, fifteen miles, and spent
the night with Lieutenant Vestal, who with a small number of soldiers
still occupied tbe camp. Was treated very politely by the lieutenant and
spent the night agreeably. On the 28th went to San Isabel, ten miles,
and stopped with Mr. F. O'Campo. Found him in communication with
Major Rigg and busily employed, both himself and servants, in affording
aid to the major in the prosecution of his plans. During the night Cap-
tain Greene, from Major Rigg's command, with about thirty men arrival
at the ranch. On Friday morning (29th) learned from a herdsman in
the employ of Mr. O'Campo that Showalter's party had been arrested by
command of Major Rigg early that morning. Major Rigg displayed a
good deal of energy and perseverance in this affair. In the afternoon
left Santa Isabel and traveled on a trail to San Felipe in company with
a Mexican to his residence at the Volcan, some six miles, where I spent
the night. Learned that Don Manuel Gaudara had arrived at Carriilo's
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784 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. (Chap LXn.
(Bnena Vista) on the day previous, but after my departure from that
locality. Wrote a note to Colonel Carleton inclosing it in one to Maijor
Kigg advising them of this fact. Intrusted the notes, which had no
signature, to an Indian, with small expectation that they would rea«h
their intended destination. November 30, left the Volcan and descend-
ing the mountain reached San Felipe, seven miles. Was informed
that (lovernor Gaudara left there on tlie morning of the 28th. Was
told that Sonorians on the road and i csiding in that neighborhood enter-
tained the idea that Oandara's visit was to see what prospect there
was of obtaining men and means in this State to assist him in restoring
himself to power in Sonora. Traveled to Vallecito, in all twenty-two
miles, and put up with Mr. Mulkins, who keeps the station-house with
the assistance of Mrs. Beard, his sister. Mr. Mulkins had been advised
by letter that Showalter's party had been captured ; and although he
was too unwell to take my horse to the stable, leaving me to feed and
stable my horse, he S])ent the night till a late hour in writing what
api)cared to be answers to two letters lying before him on the table,
and to which he frequently referred while writing, and which he burned
after completing his letters.
December 1, proceeded to Carriso Creek and took dinner with Sergeant
McClaggan, an old soldier and a good and true man. lie was glad to
see me, having known me in San I3icgo. At this place found Mr. Gon-
zales, whose ferry on the Colorado had been suspended by order of
Lieutenant-Colonel West, commanding at Fort Yuma. lie was (m his
way to the settlements of California with his fomily, household goods,
&c. He said that his lot had been a hard one, and that he intended to
lay his case before Colonel Carleton. In his company were traveling
some two or three Americans. Wrote a letter without signature and
inclosed it in one to the postmaster of Los Angeles, also without signa-
ture, and gave it to one of the Americans to put into the office on his
reaching Los Angeles. On inquiring of one of Gonzales' company
respecting the condition of things at the Gonzales Ferry, was told that
I would have no difficulty in crossing there, as the Indians had balsas
(rafts) with which they would cross me. Went on to Indian Wells,
some twenty-eight miles, and slept. Here I found Mr. Albright with a
mule team on his way to San Felipe. lie was in the employ of Mr.
Yager. December 2, traveled to Seven Wells, about thirty-five miles.
Met a number of Mexicans from Sonora. They were going to Cali-
fornia. Could learn nothing of importance from them. December 3,
reached Yager's and forwarded letters, &c., to Lieutenant-Colonel West
at the fort, distant one mile. On the morning of the 4tli visited the
fort. Was received by Colonel West with much hospitality. The men
composing the garrison were busily occupied in throwing up earth-
works at dift'erent points on the hill called Fort Yuma. Remained at
Mr. Yager's until the 10th, visiting the fort daily or riding up the river
where some herdsmen were engaged in collecting cattle. Directed my
attention somewhat to beaver hunting, and succeeded in securing the
capture of one through the aid of one of Mr. Yager's men, who living
near Gonzales' Ferry had come up and brought his traps at my solici-
tation. Went out with him and assisted in setting his traps, but noth-
ing was caught this time. From this man I became satisfied that there
was no rendezvous of men at or near Gonzales' Ferry, nor had there
been any such rendezvous. He had frequently and recently examined
the river on each bank for some distance below the ferry in search of
grass fields for hay-making. lie was so engaged at the time of my
arrival on the river. I saw men from the gold fields on both sides of
the Colorado River and in the forks of that river and the Gila, and I
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Otur. Lxn.] CORRESPONDENCE — UNION AND CONFEDERATE. 785
became fully satisfied that there were no bodies of men collecting on
either river. At Colorado City, opposite Fort Tnma, found an old
acquaintance, Jack Hinton, and made a new one in the person of Mr.
Hooper (a young brother of G. F. Hooper). Both of these gentlemen
are good and true Union men. While at the river a Mexican arrived
there from Warner's ranch. He told me that he was present at the
taking of Showalter's party, but from the place described by him as the
place where they were taken I at once discovered his falsity. I farther
learned that he was on his way to Cahorca via Sonoita, in Sonora. I
also suspected that there was an intention to deceive Colonel West as
to his destination. I immediately went to the fort and informed Col-
onel West. This man having left Warner's ranch after the arrival there
of Gaudara caused me to suspect that he might have been sent to
Sonora by Gaudara. Having been informed by Colonel West that he
was coming to Los Angeles and invited to accompany him, I left the
river on the 10th instant on my return.
On the morning of the 14th found Captain Parvin at San Felipe,
with his company of infantry from Camp Wright, on his way to Fort
Yuma. Keached Camp Wright (Oak Grove) this day, where I remained
until the ICth, waiting for my horse, which was at Santa Isabel. The
camp was on the alert, having been put in a state of defense as if pre-
paring for an attack. The Showalter party and some others were
detained at this camp as prisoners. I reached the Lagnna this evening,
where I overtook Colonel West. On the 17th reached San Jo8<;, and on
the 18th returned to Los Angeles. On the 4th I wrote Colonel Carleton
from Fort Yuma, advising him of my arrival out. There was nothing
worthy of note on the return. At Carriso Creek Mr. McClaggan
informed me that a few days previous (7th instant) a party of eight men
were seen at Indian Wells. As they were not seen at any other point
on the road, I conclude that they must have traversed the desert from
north to south, east of San Bernardino Mountain, and crossing the river
at the place where seen continued on toward Gonzales' Ferry or some
point still lower down the river. This route east of San Bernardino to
Indian Wells has frequently been traveled by parties on their way to
Sonora from this State. The appearance of the troops at the diflerent
posts and camps where I met them was, in my inexperienced Judgment,
good. Whether at permanent posts, temporary camps, or on the march,
I was most agreeably disappointed in the soldierlike bearing and deport-
ment of the volunteers. A detachment of cavalry, which I met on the
march between new and old Camp Wrighton the 27thofNovember, called
forth my admiration. Had it been marching in review or to the battle-
field their compact formation and perfect order could not well have
excelled that which they presented while marching through a broken
country over a winding, zigzag road lined with brush. There are some
men on the road whose patriotism is not 'above suspicion. There are
but few inhabitants on the river, and they mostly Mexicans, in whom no
great reliance could be safely reposed.
J. J. WAENEE.
Special Orders, ) Hdqrs. Depabtmbnt op the Pacific,
No. 240. J San Francisco, Cal., December 34, 1801.
• ••••••
2. Col. C. Sims, Second Cavalry California Volunteers, will designate
three companies of his regiment for duty in the District of Southern
50 R R— VOL L, PT I
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786 OPEBATION8 ON THE PACIFIC COAST, [Chap. LXU.
California. These troops will be in readiness to embark for Los Angeles
on the 28th instant ander the command of Lient. Col. George S. Evans,
Second Cavalry.
• ••••••
4. In compliance with instrnctions from the Adjatant-General's
OfBce, Maj. William Anstine, Third Artillery, is relieved from duty iu
this department and will proceed to Washington City,
u By order of Brigadier-General "Wright:
EICHD. C. DRUM,
Assistant Adjutant- General.
Headquabtees Department of the Pacific,
San Francisco, Cal., December 24, 1861.
Col. Feeris Porman,
Fourth Regiment Infantry California Volunteers,
Commanding Camp Sigel, near Auburn, Cal. :
Sir : So soon as Colonel Bowie's regiment is moved soath yon will
be instructed to take post with the he^quarters and five companies at
Camp Union, near Sacramento, Cal. As your command is suppli^ to
the 15th proximo, no additional supplies will be sent to Auburn.
Very respectftally, your obedient servant,
RTOHD. C. DBUM,
Assistant Adjutant- General.
Headquarters Department of the Pacific,
San Francisco, Cal., December 24, 1861.
George M. Hanson, Esq.,
Supt. Indian Affairs, Northern Dist. of Cal., Marysville, Cal. :
Sir: The Indian disturbances in the northwestern part of this State
render it absolutely necessary to take prompt measures to collect all
the Indians in that quarter and place them on the reservations set apart
for their homes. I have created the District of Humboldt and placed
it under the command of Colonel Lippitt, of the Second Infantry Cali-
fornia Volunteers. Colonel Lippitt will take with him the headquar-
ters of his regiment and two companies, and establish the headquarters
of the district at Fort Humboldt. The district which I have organized
embraces all the counties from Sonora to Del Norte, inclusive. Colonel
Lippitt will be instructed to act promptly and vigorously in removing
those Indians to the reservations, and I trust that the Indian Depart-
ment will be prepared to receive and subsist them when collected
together.
Very respectftiUy, y^ur obedient servant,
G. WRIGHT,
Brigadier-General, U. S. Army, Commanding.
Headquarters Department of the Pacific,
San Francisco, Cal., December 24, 1861.
Col. James H. Oaeleton,
First Infantry California Volunteers,
Comdg. Southern District of California, Los Angeles, Cal. :
Sir : I am instructed to say that the request contained in your letter
of the 15th instant is approved. The general commanding the depart-
ment desires you to move your troops to such points as you may deem
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Chap. LXII.] CORRESPONDENCE — UNION AND CONFEDERATE. 787
best. The general approves instructious contained in your letter to
Major Bigg relative to the Showalter party, as also those in your letter
addressed to Lieutenant-Colonel Eyre. The articles required for your
command will be forwarded as fast as possible.
Very resi>ectfuUy, your obedient servant,
EIOHD. O. DEUM,
Ansistant Adjutant- General.
Special, Orders, ) Hdqrs. Department of the Pacific,
No. 241. ) San Francisco, Gal., December 26, 1861.
1. Company K, Ninth Infantry, will proceed to and take post at the
fort at Fort Point. On its arrival Captain Van Voast will assume
command of the post.
• ••••••
By order of Brigadier-General Wright:
ItlCHD. C. DRUM,
Assistant Adjutant- Oeneral.
Headqxtarters Department of the Pacific,
San Francisco, Gal., December 26, 1861.
Capt. E. A. RowE,
Second Gov. Galifornia Vols., Gomdg. Fort GhurchiU, Nev. Ter.:
Sm : In reply to your letter of the 18th instant, regarding Indian
affairs in the vicinity of Fort Churchill, I am directed by the general
commanding the department to say that your action on the requisition
of Governor Nye is approved. Although the Governor of the Terri-
tory has no military authority over the troops stationed within its lim-
its, yet the general desires you to afford him every assistance in your
power, at the same time exercising a sound discretion in the matter.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
richd. 0. drum,
Assistant Adjutant- Oeneral.
Headquarters Department of the Pacific,
San Francisco, Gal., December 27, 1861.
Brig. Gen. Lorenzo Thomas,
Adjutant- Oeneral U. S. Army, Washington, D. G. :
General : In pursuance to instructions from your office, addressed
to Maj. William Austine, Third Artillery, I have ordered him to pro-
ceed immediately to Washington for examination by the retiring board.
I cannot part with Major Austine without expressing to the department
my high 'appreciation of his services as commander of the fort at Fort
Point for several months past. A few weeks since I critically inspected
the major's command, where I found everything in the highest order.
By his industry and activity the fort has been put in the best possible
condition to guard the passage of the Golden Gate. Major Austine
appears to be in very robust health, and I doubt not on his examination
will be found able-bodied and fully equal to the performance of any
duties which may be devolved on him. I should be very glad to have
a field officer of artillery to command at Fort Point. Although we
have but a small number of troops in the fort at this moment, yet the
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788 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. IChap. LXH.
necessity may arise of throwing in a heavy force, iu which event the
presence of an artillery ofBcer of rank wonld be of great importance.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
a. WRIGHT,
Brigadier- General, U. 8. Army, Commanding.
Special Ordebs, ) Udqrs. Department of the Pacific,
No. 242. ) San Francisco, Cal., December 27, 1801.
• ••••••
3. Maj. George W. Patten, Ninth Infantry, will proceed to Camp
Wright, near the Presidio, and assume command of the same.
By order of Brigadier-General Wright :
RICHD. C. DRUM,
Assistant Adjutant- General.
IIeadquabterb Department of the Pacific,
San Francisco, Cal., December 27, 1861.
Col. George W. Bowie,
Fifth Infantry California Vols., Comdg. Camp Union, Gal.:
Sir : The general commanding the department desires you to detail
a company of your regiment, the captain of which is a reliable man,
for important distant service. The company will leave Camp Union in
time to arrive in this city on the evening of the Slst instant. You will
see that the company is furnished with fifty rounds of ammunition for
each man, and also the necessary camp and garrison equipage. The
captain will receive special instructions on his arrival here. The gen-
eral desires yod to muster and inspect the company previous to its
departure. The necessary supplies of subsistence will be furnished
here.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
RICHD. C. DRUM,
Assistant Adjutant- General,
San Francisco, Cal., December 28, 1861.
General Thomas,
Adjutant- General U. S. Army, Washington, D. C:
Can I disregard writs of habeas corpus in case of political or State
prisoners?
G. WRIGHT,
Brigadier-General, U. 8. Army.
Headquarters Department of the Pacipio,
San Francisco, Gal., December 28, 1861.
Brig. Gen. Lorenzo Thomas,
Adjutant- General U. 8. Army, Washington, D. C:
General : A few weeks since I critically inspected the forts at Fort
Point and on Alcatraz Island. They were found, as I have already
reported, in high order. On the 21st instant I called upon the com-
mander of each of the forts for detailed reports of their armament,
supplies, &c. These reports • are herewith inclosed, and I doubt not
•Omitted.
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Chap. LXtl.] CORRESPONDENCE UNION AND CONFEDERATE. 789
will be interesting at Army Headquarters. It will be observed tbat the
number of guns in position is only about one-half of the number required
for the full armament. In case of a foreign war the attention of the
enemy would most certainly be directed to San Francisco as the most
important point on the Pacific Coast, and I hope that the guns required
to comi)lete the armament of the forts may be sent to this place as soon
as possible. I also take the liberty of referring yon to my communica-
tion of the 20th of September, 18W), from headquarters of the Depart-
ment of Oregon, and addressed to the assistant adjutant-general at the
Headquarters of the Army, by which it will be perceived that both
Oregon and Washington are defenseless.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
Qt. WRIGHT,
Brigadier- General, U. S. Army, Commanding.
Headquarters Department of the Pacipic,
San Francisco, Gal., December 28, 1861.
Col. James H. Carleton,
First Infantry California Volunteers,
Comdg. District of Southern California, Los Angeles, Cal. :
Sir: The general commanding the department directs me to say, in
reply to your letter of the 21st instant, that the suggestions contained
therein are generally approved. The light artillery company will be
'sent to San Pedro, whence they march to Tnma. The 200,000 subsist-
ence rations will be sent, as already ordered, via the Gulf of California.
The supplies for San Pedro will be sent forward as soon as possible.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
KICHD. C. DRUM,
Assistant Adjutant- General.
Headquarters Department of the Pacific,
San Francisco, Cal., December 28, 1861.
Col. Columbus Sims,
Second Cavalry California Vols., Comdg. Camp A lert, Cal. :
Sir : One of the three companies of your regiment designated for
service in the southern district will, the general commanding the
department directs, embark on the steamer Senator for Sau Pedro on
the Ist proximo. Lieut. Col. George S. Evans will accompany this part
of his command. The quartermaster will inform you of the exact hour
the troops will embark ; also when transportation is in readiness for the
other companies. The general directs that any officers or enlisted men
in arrest or confinement belonging to these companies will be sent with
their respective companies.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
RICHD. C. DRUM,
Assistant Adjutant-General.
Headquarters Department of the Pacific,
San Francisco, Cal., December 28, 1861.
Lieutenant-Colonel Oady,
Seventh Infantry, Commanding District of Oregon:
Sir: The inclosed communication was received yesterday and sub-
mitted to the general commanding the department for his action
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790 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Chap. Lxn.
The general desires yoa to instract the commander of the escort to
cross the monntaius as early in the spring as possible and proceed to
Fort Vancoaver, bringing with it all the means of transportation and the
supplies in their possession. It was not designed to relieve the escort
with volunteers.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
RIOHD. C. DRUM,
Assiatant Adjutant-Oeneral.
[Inoloaore.]
Hdqrs. Bscobt to Military Wagon Road Expedition,
Cantonment Wright, Big Blacifoot, November 6, 1861.
First Lieut. A. C. Wildbick,
Third Artillery, Acting Assistant Adjutant-Oeneral,
Fort Vancouver, Wa^h. Ter,:
Sib: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of Special Orders,
No. 43, dated headquarters District of Oregon, Fort Vancouver, Wash.
Ter., October 7, 1861, received November 4, 1861. I have made much
inquiry with reference to the practicability of taking either wagons or
a pack train over the Bitter Root Mountains this winter, and have been
invariably answered that it was absolutely impossible. I have there-
fore determined not to move until spring. The only way that the
mountains can be crossed is with snow-shoes, and neither the wagon
road nor the trail via Pend d'Oreille Lake will be practicable for trans-
porting either troops or stores before the 1st of March, 1862, and then
only by the trail. The road will probably be impassable for wagons
until the last of June or the first of July, while the road irom here to
Fort Benton is passable with but a short interval (in midwinter)
throughout the year. If I should move my command from here to join
their respective companies as soon as possible in the spring, it will be
necessary to abandon or sell all my wagons and some commissary stores;
I have the honor to await further orders on this subject. By Special
Orders, No. 50j dated headquarters Department of the Pacific, San
Francisco, April 8, 1861, Article 2, Lieutenant Mnllan is placed in com-
mand of the Walla Walla and Fort Benton road party. By Orders,
No. 1, dated Military Road Expedition, Gamp at Aspen Grove, Wash.
Ter., May 23, 1861, 1 am placed in command of the escort, since which
time I have acted as commander of the escort. I have the honor to
request to know who is considered in command of the escort at head-
quarters of the district, and whether an order coming to the command-
ing officer of the escort is intended for Lieutenant Mullan's action or
my own. I also have the honor to request that Article III, of Special
Orders, No. 43, headquarters District of Oregon, may be intepreled for
me, as it has received one interpretation, viz, that the escort is to
remain until relieved by volunteers, and another interpretation, viz,
that the escort is relieved by that order from further duty as escort, and
will proceed as soon as possible to join their respective companies. I
have the honor to request the interpretation at the headquarters of the
district.
Hoping that my action in this case will meet your approval, I have
the honor to remain, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
SALEM S. MARSH,
Second Lieutenant, Second Infantry,
Commanding Escort to Military Road Expedition.
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chap, uai.) coeeespondence union and confederate. 791
Special Obdebs, ) Headquabtebs Disteiot of Obegon,
No. 66. J Fort Vancouver, Wash. Ter., December 28, 1861.
I. Brevet Mayor Lagenbeel, with Companies A and O, Ninth Infan-
try, will autil further orders remain at Fort Vaucoaver, of which post
the major will assume command.
• ••••••
A. OADY,
Lieutenant- Colonel Seventh Infantry, Commanding Distriot.
Headquabtebs Depaetmeht of the Paoipio,
San Francisco, Cal., December 30, 1861.
Col. James H. Cableton,
First Infantry California Volunteers,
Comdg. District of Southern California, Los Angeles, Cal. :
Sib : The general commanding the department desires you to place
the company of Second Cavalry California Volunteers going down on
the Senator in camp near Los Angeles (Camp Latham),* where it will
remain until joined by the other two companies composing Lieutenant-
Colonel Evans' command. Lieutenant-Colonel Evans is directed to
report to you for instructions.
EICHD. C. DRUM,
Assistant Adjutant- General.
BtEADQUABTBBS DePABTMENT OP THE PAOEPIO,
San Francisco, Cat., December 30, 1861.
OoMDG. Officbb, Company A, Fifth Infty. Califobnia Vols.:
(Through Commanding Officer Fifth Infantiy California Volun-
teers, Auburn, Cal.)
Sib : The vessel on which your company will embark has as freight a
very large amount of Government property and stores, and the object
in sending your force is to provide a sufficient guard during the time
you are passing up the Gulf of California. The general is particularly
anxious that no cause of complaint should be given the Mexican author-
ities, and therefore desires that no one belonging to your command
should land at Guaymas unless absolutely necessary. When the stores
are transferred from the steamer to the sail vessels you will divide your
force and place a platoon on each schooner. On your arftval at the
mouth of the river, or wherever the second transfer may be made, you
will ascertain, if possible, the numberof trips the river-boat will have to
make, and then so dispose of your force as will enable you to send a suffi-
cient guard with each load. Having been selected for your discretion
and prudence, the general expects yon to afford every assistance in your
power in transporting and guarding the Government property, and, as
far as is consistent, to respect the authorities of the Mexican authorities.
Very respectfixlly, your obedient servant,
EICHD. C. DRUM,
Assistant Adjutant- General.
Adjutant-Genebal's Oppice,
Washington, December 31, 1861.
General Geoeoe Weight, U. S. Army,
San Francisco, Cal. :
You cannot disregard writs,
L. THOMAS,
AtfJutOMt- General.
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792 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Chap. LXIL
Headquabtbus Depaetmbnt of the Pacific,
San Francisco, Cal., December 31, 1861.
Brig. Gen. L. Thomas,
Adjutant- General U. 8. Army, Washington, 1). G.:
Genebal : Since my communications of the 19th and 2dth instant
nothing of importance has occurred in the department. I am throwing
forward supplies to Fort Tuma as rapidly as possible. To-morrow a
steamer will leave here for the mouth of the Colorado Biver, laden
with subsistence and other stores required for the movement of Colonel
Garleton's expedition. It is 2,000 miles to the month of the Colorado,
• at which point the stores must be reshippetl on small river steamers for
Fort Yuma. I have also embarked on the steamer a guard of one com-
pany of the Fifth California Volunteer Infantry, eighty-eight strong,
commanded by a reliable officer, who has received special instructions.
Additional supplies and means of transportation are also being forwarded
to San Pedro, the port of Los Angeles, Southern California, 450 miles
from this pIace,.firom thence to be sent by land to Fort Yuma, 300 miles.
I am gradually moving a portion of the Second Cavalry and the whole
of the Fifth California Volunteer Infantry to Southern California, to
replace the troops designated for Carleton's expedition. The latter will
not advance to Fort Yuma until advices are received of the arrival at
that place of the stores shipped by sea. The expedition of Colonel
Carleton is one of considerable magnitude, and, operating on a long
line remote from its source of supplies, cannot with propriety advance
from Yuma iintil fully prepared tor the campaign. Fort Yuma is being
fortified and will be securely held by a strong reserve. Under the
command of Colonel Carleton, an officer of skill, experience, and sound
judgment, we have the strongest assurance that the expedition will be
successful. The weather for many days past has been tempestuous in
the extreme. The floods east and north of this city have destroyed a
vast amount of property and almost entiiely suspended our mail com-
mumcatJons. The telegraph has not been in operation for several days.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
G. WKIGHT,
Brigadier- General, U. iS. Army, Commanding.
Office INi)iAN Affairs, Northern Dist. of California,
San Francisco, December 31, 1861.
Brigadier-General "Wright :
Sir : Your letter of the 24th instant was not received until yesterday.
It gives me great pleasure to know that you have adopted the only effi-
cient and certain means, in my opinion, of securing a permanent peace
in the northern district of this State, and to assure you, so far as I pos-
sibly can, I will co-operate in carrying out the purposes in view. It
is well known that I'have not been placed in means to employ a force
sufficient to collect and remove the more liostile bands of Indians that
inhabit the interior of Ilnmboldt and Mendocino Counties, where they
are so much complained of; nevertheless, within the last three mouths
I have succeeded in the removal of about 1,000 or more to the Klamath,
Nome Cult, and Mendocino Beservations from those counties. Permit
me to call your attention to the fact of the entire loss of everything on
the Klamath Reservation by the recent flood in that country, consist-
ing of buildings, fences, provisions, and products of every kind, leaving
over 2,000 Indians entirely destitute. This will show you the impossi-
bility of providing anything in that quarter at present for additional
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Cbap. i/xn.]
CORREfflPONDENCB— UNION AND CONFEDERATE.
793
Indians. Indeed, I am of opinion there is not more than a bare supply
on the other reservations for the Indians already there to suffice until
another harvest. Nevertheless, believing that our Government will
promptly meet the emergency, I will take the responsibility of saying,
send them on, for it is certainly cheaper to feed them than to fight
them. Nome Cult is the best provided for at present, therefore the
removal should be mostly made to that place. And at the same time
allow me to ask in behalf of humanity that orders be given the troops
as far as possible to avoid the shedding of blood, and prevent the kid-
napers and independent companies from their wholesale theft and
massacres, which they are now preparing for in certain quarters.
I have the honor to be, your obedient servant,
GEORGE M. HANSON,
Superintending Agent Indian Affairs, Northern Dist. of Gal.
Ahttraot from return of the Department of the Paeifto, Brig. Gen. George Wright, U. S.
Army, c(nniiiandtnj|i, for the month of December, lSf>l.
Present for
duty.
a
0.
1
£
IS
lleccs of
artillerj'
Comnuuid.
g
1
1
620
3,779
1
i
15
36
181
16
914
4,90«
10
i.oe:>
&,28S
IMatrict of OroiFon
"si
10
TrooiM serving iXL CalifDmiaaod NovadA. ....*....
11
Xot*l -- -
232
4,400
5,83«
0,301
81 1 ^1
Organization of troops in the Department of the Pacific, commanded by
Brig, Oen. Oeorge Wright, V. 8. Army, December 31, 1861,
DISTRICT OF OREGON.
Lieut. Col. Albemarle Cady.
FORT VANCOUVBR, WASH. TBR.
Bvt. Maj. PlNKNBY LUGKNBBKL.
2d ('alifomia (one company).
4th California (one company).
9th Uuite<l States, CompanieH A and C.
VANCOUVKR AR8EMAL, WASH. TER.
Capt. TUKODORE J. ECKRKSON.
Detachiueut of Ordnance, U. S. Army.
FORT COLVILLB, WASH. TKK.
Maj. James F. Curtis.
2d California (two companies).
camp PICKKTT, SAH JUAN ISLAND, WASH.
TER.
Lieut. Augustus G. Robinson.
3d U. 8. ArtUlery, Battery D.
FORT STEILACOOM, WASH. TER.
Capt. John C. Crowninsuield,
4th California, Company E.
FORT WALLA WALLA, WASH. TER.
Lient. Col. Harvky Lee.
4th California (two companies).
FORT DALLES, UREQ.
Capt. Charles W. Smith.
2d California (one company.)
FORT YAMHILL, ORBG.
Capt. Lyman S. Scoit.
4th California (one company).
FORT HOSKtNS, OREO.
Capt. John C. Schmidt.
2d California (one company).
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794
OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST.
[Chap. LXEL
Organixation of troops in the Department of the Paeifio, commanded by Brig. Gen. Oeorge
Wright, I'. S. Army, December 31, 1861 — Continued.
TROOPS SERVING IN CALIFORNIA AND NEVADA.
KORT TEU-WAW, CAL.
Capt. .)obn H. Maj'.
3d California (one company).
KOKT CROOK, CAi.
Capt. Henry B. Mellkn.
2d California Cavalry, Company C.
FORT GASTON, CAL.
Capt. WiixxAH M. Johns.
3d California, Company D.
fort BRAGG, CAL.
Capt. Jeremiah B. Moore.
3d California, Company B.
FORT HUMBOLDT, CAL.
Miy. Edward McGarbt.
2d California Cavalry (one company).
3d California (one company).
BENICIA BARRACKS, CAL.
Col. P. Edward Connor.
3d California (six companies).
3d U. 8. Artillery, Battery A.
BENICIA ARSENAL, CAL.
Capt. Julian McAllister.
2d California Cavalry (two companies).
Ordnance Detachment, U. S. Army.
PRESIDIO OF SAN FRANCISCO, CAL.
Col. Francis J. Lippitt.
2d California (two companies).
FORT POINT, CAX.
Capt. James Van Voast.
9th United States, Company K.
3d U. S. Artillery, Battery B.
CAMP WRIGHT, CAL.'
Maj. GBORtiE W. Patten.
dtta United States (six companies).
ALCATRAZ ISLAND, CAL.
Maj. Hknry S. Burton.
2d California (one company).
3d U. S. Artillery, Battery I.
camp alert, near SAN FRANCISCO, CAL.
Col. Columbus Sims.
2d California Cavalry (seven companies).
CAMP LATHAM, NEAR LOS ANGELES, CAL.
Col. Jambs H. Carlbton.
Ist California Cavalry (detachment).
Ist California (detachment).
NBW SAN DIEGO, CAL.
Capt. Thomas L. Robbrts.
Ist California (one company).
fort YUMA, CAL.
Miy. Edwin A. Rigo.
Ist California (fonr companies).
CAMP Carlbton, near san Bernardino,
CAL.
Capt. WiLLLAM C. Mbad.
Ist California Cavalry (two companies).
CAMP WRIGHT, NEAR OAK GROVE, CAL.
M%). David I^rgussom.
1st California (two companies).
CAMP SIGBL, NBAR AUBURN, CAL.
Col. Fbrris Fobman.
4th California (foar companies).
CAMP UNION, NEAR 6ACRAMBNTO, CAL.
Col. George W. Bowib.
5th California.
FORT CHURCHILL, NEV. TBR.
Capt. Edwin A. Rowb.
2d California Cavalry (two companies).
EN ROUTE, t
2d California (two companies), Lieat.
Col. James N. Olney.
•' Near the Presidio.
t From Sau Francisco to Santa Barbara,
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ch*i>. lxii.) correspondence union and confederate. 795
Headquarters Department op the Pacific,
San Francisco, Cal., January 2, 1862.
Col. G. W. Bowie,
Fifth Regiment California Volunteer Infantry,
Commanding Camp Union, near Sacramento, Cal. :
Sir : The general commaiidiug the department desires you to hold
your regiment in readiness to move to the District of Southern Califor-
nia at an early day. I will communicate the time of departure by
telegraph. The camp and garrison equipage pertaining to the head-
quarters and companies will be taken with the command.
Very respectftdly, your obedient servant,
EIOHD. C. DRUM,
Assistant Adjutant- General.
War Department, Adjutant-General's Office,
Washington, January 3, 1362.
His Excellency the Governor of Oregon,
Salem, Oreg.:
Governor : The Secretary of War requests that you will forward
to this office, at your earliest convenience, a return of the two and
three years' regiments and independent companies of volunteers fur-
nished up to this date under the authority of your State, setting forth
the strength of each regiment or independent company, and the respec-
tive arms to which they belonged when transferred to the General
Government. He further desires that you will forward a similar return
(or as complete a one as it may be in your power to render) of all two
and three years' volunteer troops raised within the limits of your
State upon what has been termed "independent acceptances." He
also requests that you will report the number of regiments or inde-
pendent companies now organizing in your State, the present strength
thereof, and the time at which they will probably be completed and
ready to take the field.
I am, Governor, very resi)ectflilly, your obedient servant,
L. THOMAS,
Adjutant- Oeneral.
Headquarters Department of the Pacipio,
San Francisco, Cal., January 6, 1862.
Col. Francis J. Lippitt,
Second Infantry California Volunteers, San Francisco, Cal. :
Sir : Inclosed you will receive a copy of Superintendent Hanson's
letter to the general commanding the department.* You are desired
to carry out as far as possible the suggestions contained therein. As
soon after you have established your headquarters as the weather will
permit, the general desires you to visit all the posts in your district
and take early measures to remove the Indians to the reservations as
soon as the superintendent is prepared to receive them. Full powers
are given you to use all the troops for the purpose above indicated and
maintaining the peace and quiet of the country.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
RICHD. C. DRUM,
Assistant Adjutant-Oenerai.
* See Hanson to Wright, December 31, 1861, p. 792.
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796 OPERATIOK8 ON THE PACIFIC COAST. (Chaj. LXIt
IIeadquarters Department op the Pacific,
8an Francisco, Cal., January 6, 1862.
First Lieut. J. B. Shinn,
Gonimandinff Light Gotnpany A, Third Artillery:
(Through Commanding Officer, Benicia, Oal.)
Sir: The department commander directs that you will proceed with
your battery to tlie Presidio as soon as you have completed your equip-
ment at Benicia. Sixty horses have been selected from tliose in charge
of Captain Ogden, assistant quartermaster, for your battery. You will
therefore, the general directs, bring bnt twenty horses with the company.
Very respectfully, your ob^ient servant,
RICHD. C, DRUM,
Assistant Adjutant- Oeneral.
Headqttartebs Department of the Pacific,
San Francisco, Gal., January 6, 1862.
Col. George W. Bowie,
Fifth Regiment Infantry California Vols., Sacramento, Cal.:
Sib: The department commander desires you to send one company
of your regiment to this city on Tuesday evening, 7th instant. This
company will embaik for San Pedro on the 8th instant. The provis-
ions required for this company after its arrival at San Pedro will be
]>laced on board the steamer by the commissary here. The company
win bring all its camp and garrison equipage.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
RICHD. C. DRUM,
Assistant Adjutant-General.
Headquarters Department of the Pacific,
San Francisco, Gal., January 6, 1862.
Mai. Edward McGarry,
Second Cavalry California Vols., Gomdg. Fort Seward, Oal.:
Sir : I am directed by the general commanding the department to
say that your action in removing the troops from Fort Seward to Hum-
boldt is approved.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
RICHD. C. DRUM,
Assistant Adjutant- General.
San Francisco, January 7, 1862.
Adjutant-G-bnebal :
The Governor declines to make appointments for the new regiments
of infantry and seven companies of cavalry until notified by War
Department. Please telegraph the Governor.
G. WRIGHT,
Brigadier- C^meral.
Headquarters Department of the Pacific,
San Frandsco, January 7, 1862.
Hon. M. S. Latham,
U. S. Senate, Washington, D. C:
Dear Sir: I have recently submitted to the War Department a
statement of the condition of affairs on this coast. On the whole we
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CBAt.hXn.\ COKRESPONDBNCE UNION AND CONFEDERATE. 797
are in a very satisfactory state, provided oar present statas is not dis-
turbed ; but should we get involved in a foreign war our entire sea-coast,
with the exception of ti^is harbor, is open to assaults. I have done all
in my power to strengthen the defenses of this city. The forts have
about 140 guns mounteid. This is bat little more than one-half of their
complete armament. I have urged the Department to have the balance
of the guns sent out as soon as possible. The chief engineer is now
preparing a plan for defensive field-works to command the approaches
to the city, should a landing be attempted by the enemy. Should we
become engaged in a war with any nation powerful on the ocean, this
is the only poiut on the Pacific coast where efi'ective resistance could
be made. I am aware that iu the present condition of our country we
cannot expect the Government to place the whole coast in immediate
condition to resist a powerful fleet, but give us plenty of heavy guns
and ammunition and we will try and do for ourselves.
The State is quiet and a large minority of the people loyal and true
to our Government. It is true that iu some portions of the State a
sympathizing element exists, but no overt acts to any great extent
have been committed. Their own interests, aided by the s^utary influ-
ence of a few regiments in their presence, serves to keep them loyal —
at least as far as appearances go. The volunteer troops in this State
are a fine body of men. I have about 6,000 of them, and I hope soon
to be able to report that they have done something for their country.
Inclosed herewith is a rough copy of a communication* which I
addressed to headquarters in September, 1860, when I was in com-
mand of the Department of Oregon, which will show you the defense-
less condition of the whole sea-coast of Oregon and Washington. I
pray that the united delegation from this coast will bring the subject
before the Department and Congress.
"With great respect, your most obedient servant,
G. WRIGHT,
Brigadier-Qeneral, U, S. Army.
Headquabtebs Defabthent of the Paoifio,
San Francisco, Gal., January 7, 1862.
Col. Geoege W. Bowie,
Fifth Regiment Infantry California Volunteera,
Commanding Camp Union, Sacramento, Col. :
Sib: The department commander desires yon to send two companies
of your regiment to this city for embarkation on the steamer Wright,
which sails for San Pedro on the 9th instant. The lieutenaut-colonel
of your regiment will accompany this force. The general desires yon
to designate one company of your regiment, the captain to be a reliable
man, to garrison San Diego. You will hold this company in readiness
to proceed to this city on the order of the general. The companies
proceeding south will each take their camp and garrison equipage and
three days' provisions, to be issued after lauding at San Pedro. Two
companies will be sent down on the 9th for embarkation on the 10th
instant. The companies will arrive on the evening previous to sailing,
and arrangements will be made by your regimental quartermaster to
keep them on board the steamer during the night they remain here.
The major will accompany this last detachment.
Very respectfiilly, your obedient servant,
BICHD. 0. DRUM,
Assistant Adjutant- Ocneral.
"Omitted.
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798 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. IChap. LXn.
Headquabtebs Depabtment op the Paoipic,
San Francisco, Cal., January 7, 1862.
Ool. G, W. Bowie,
Camp Union, Sacramento, Cal.:
Two companies will come down to-morrow and two on Tharsday to
sail for San Pedro on Tharsday and Friday, respectively.
By order:
RICHD. C. DRUM,
Assistant Adjutant-Oeneral.
Headquaetees Ninth Inpantby,
San Francisco, January 8, 1862.
Brig. Gen. L. Thomas,
Adjutant-Oeneral U. S. Army, Washington, D. C;
Genebal : I liave received from your office General Orders of 1861
from the War Department, Nos. 1 to 69, iuclnsive, and from 98 to 101,
both inclnsive. The intermediate numbers have not been received.
General Orders from the Headquarters of the Army, Kos. 1 to 15,
received, except Nos. 4, 5, 9, which are missing. M^^or Patten, Nint^
Infantry, arrived here on the 26th ultimo, and I have placed him in
command of the battalion of the Ninth Infantry at the Presidio. I
retain command of the regiment myself, with my headquarters in this
city. My returns, &c., of the regiment have been much delayed in
consequence of not receiving reports from the company (E) which went
East with the Fourth Infantry.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
G. WRIGHT,
Colonel Ninth Infantry and Brigadier- General, U. 8. Army.
Headquaetees Depabtkent op the Pacipio,
San Francisco, January 9, 1862.
Brig. Gen. L. Thomas,
Adjutant-Oeneral U. S. Army, Washington, D. C:
Genebal : Nothing of importance has transpired within the depart-
ment since my comnmuication addressed to yon on the Slst ultimo.
The Fifth Infantry California Volunteers, Oolonel Bowie, is now mov-
ing to Southern California. Three companies of the Second Cavalry
California Volunteers, under the lieutenant-colonel of that regiment,
have already been sent to the same point. This force will remain in
the southern district of the State after the advance of Colonel Carle-
ton. Oolonel Lippitt, Second Infantry California Volunteers, has moved
with his headquarters to Fort Humboldt, and assumed command of that
district. Colonel Lippitt has six companies of infantry and one of
cavalry, a force deemed ample to quell any Indian disturbances in that
quarter. Some weeks since serious apprehensions were entertained of
Indian outbreaks along the Overland Mail Route, but thus far quiet has
been maintained; the judicious distribution of provisions, to meet the
immediate wants of those Indians, has had a good effect. I have sent
two companies of the Second Infantry California Volunteers to Santa
IBarbara, about 400 miles down the coast; the battalion is commanded
by Lieutenant-Colonel Olney, of the Second Regiment, and is posted
at Santa Barbara to protect the loyal inhabitants of that district and
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Chap. LXlI.l CORRESPONDENCE UNION AND CONFEDERATE. 799
enforce the laws of the United States, My latest advices from the
District of Oregon contain no information of importance. The Indians
are qniet. This is the most severe winter experienced on this coast for
several years past. The incessant heavy rains, together with the melt-
ing of snow on the mountains, has swollen the rivers and streams,
overflowed a vast extent of country, and destroyed an immense amount
of property, and so obstructed our land mail-routes that we are forced
to resort almost entirely to the express companies. My troops are
mostly in tents or temporary huts, and although frequently very uncom-
fortable, have really suffered but very little. The men are well clothed,
well fed, and but few on the sick report.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
G. WRIGHT,
Brigadier- General, U. 8. Army, Commanding.
War Department, Adjutant-General's Oppicb,
January 9, 1862.
His Excellency the Gotrrnor op California,
San Francisco:
General Wright was authorized by the Secretary of War, December
2, subject to your approval, to raise a regiment of infantry and seven
companies of cavaliy.
THOMAS M. VINGENT,
Assistant Adjutant-Oeneral.
Headquarters Department op the Paoipic,
San Francisco, Cal., January 9, 1862.
His Excellency John G. DowifBY,
Governor State of California, Sacramento, Cal.:
Dear Sir: On the eve of your retirement from the gubernatorial
chair of the State of California, it affords me great pleasure to present
to Your Excellency my warmest thanks for the active cooperation and
assistance which Your Excellency has afforded the commander of this
department in organizing the volunteer force in this State, and to assure
Your Excellency that I shall ever recur with pleasure to the brief period
of our ofBcial and private intercourse.
With great respect, I have the honor to be, Your Excellency's obedient
servant,
G. WRIGHT,
Brigadier-General, U. 8. Army, Commanding.
Headquarters Department op the Pacific,
San Frandseo, Cal., January 9, 1862.
Lient. Col. R. E. Db Russt,
Engineer Corps, San Francisco, Cal. :
Colonel: Desiring to address a communication to the Governor of
this State on the subject of erecting lield-works to guard the approaches
to the city at as early a day as practicable, the general commanding the
department wishes to know whether you have completed your recon-
naissance for this purpose. Shonid the Legislature at its present ses-
sion take any steps in the matter, the general designs furnishing the
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800 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Chap. LXn.
State authorities .all tlie information on the subject in his possession.
The general requests you to suggest the amount of money which would
probably be required to place such works as you may think proper to
recommend in readiness for ^ecei^^ng their armament, based on the sup-
position that the greater iHnrtion of the labor will be performed by the
troops.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
RICHD. O. DRUM,
Assistant Adjutant-Oeneral.
Depabtmbnt Obdebs, ) Hdqbs. Humboldt Mil, Distbict,
No. 1. ) Fort Humboldt, January 9, 1862.
1. In obedience to Department Special Orders, No. 233, Col. F. J.
Lippitt, Second Infantry California Volunteers, assumes command of
the Military District of Humboldt, consisting of the counties of Del
Norte, Klamath, Humboldt, Trinity, Mendocino, Sonoma, and Napa.
2. First Lieut. John Hanna^ jr., Second Infantry California Volun-
teers, is hereby appointed acting assistant adjutant-general of Hum-
boldt Military District, and will be obeyed and respected accordingly.'
By order of Col. P. J. Lippitt, commanding Humboldt Militory
District:
JOHN HANNA, Jb.,
First Lieutenant, Second Infantry Gal. Vols., Aotg, Asst. Adjt. Oen.
Dept. Special Obdebs, ) Hdqbs. Humboldt Mil. Dist.,
No. 1. ) Fort Humboldt, January 9, 1862.
1. Until further orders Major McGarry, Second Cavalry California
Volunteers, will remain in command of the post of Port Humboldt.
• ••••••
3. Companies P and K, Second Infantry California Volunteers, now
at Bocksport, will remain there until further orders, constituting a
temporary post, under the command of Capt. C. D. Douglas, Second In-
fantry California Volunteers. Adjt. John Hanna, jr., Second Infantry
California Volunteers, will perform the duties of post adjutant of that
post.
By order of Col. F. J. Lippitt, commanding Humboldt Military
District:
JOHN HANNA, Jb.,
Acting Assistant Adjutant- General.
Headqitabtebs Dbpabtment op the Pacipio,
San Francisco, January 10, 1862.
Brig. Gen. L. Thomas,
Adjutant- General U, 8. Army, Washington, D. C:
Genbeal : I have nothing special to add to what I have already
communicated. By the steamer which leaves here to-morrow morning
for New York I send all the official documents which have accnmu-
lai:ed during the last ten days. The storm which has raged for many
days past has now become intensified. We are much in want of blanks
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Chap. LXn.] COEEESPONDENCE UNION AND CONFEDERATE. 801
of all kinds for volunteers. A requisition tras made some time since
on your office for a supply. I beg of you to send them out by the
steamer express; otherwise we shall never get them.
Very respectfully, yoor obedient servant,
G. WRIGHT,
Brigadier-Oeneral, U. S. Army, Commanding.
Adjutant-Gknebal'h Office,
Washington, January 10, 1862.
Maj. Gen. D. HuNTEE, U. S. Army,
Commanding Department of Kansas, Fort Leavenworth :
The Secretary of War says order Brigadier-General Denver, vol-
unteer service, to report at Wheeling, Va., for duty in Department in
West Virginia.
L. THOMAS,
AdjuUmt- General.
Hdqes. Fourth Infantey Oalifobnia Voluntbees,
Camp Sigel, Placer County, Cal., January 10, 1862.
Maj. E. C. Deum,
Asst, Adjt, Oen., Dept. of the Pacific, San Francisco, Cal. :
Majob : On Tuesday, the 7th instant, I dispatched two companies
g^ and H) of my regiment to Camp Union under the command of Maj.
enry Hancock, and am advised of their safe arrival at that place.
The balance of the command would have been removed before this time
but for the impossibility of procuring teams for transportation. Being
compelled to rely upon private teams, of course I cannot control them,
and they refuse to start in the present condition of the roads in the
storm which is now raging, and which has been continuous for the last
thirty-six hours. Besides, we hear from all quarters that the most sub-
stantial bridges have been carried off, and fears are entertained that
the bridge at Folsom, over which we must necessarily pass en route to
Camp Union, has been swept away. The streams about here are more
swollen than ever before known by white inhabitants. Under the cir-
cumstances I hope to be pardoned should I be compelled to remain
here longer than the time indicated in your letter of the 2d day of Jan-
uary, 1862. 1 have endeavored to communicate with you by telegraph,
and also tried to do the same with Sacramento and Folsom, but have
failed in each instance. A reply to this by telegraph or mail (both of
which are temporarily suspended) at your earliest convenience would
afford great satisfaction.
Very resi)ectfully, your obedient servant,
F. FORMAN,
Colonel Fourth Infantry California Volunteers.
Special Obdebs, ) Headquabtbbs Disteict op Oeegon,
No. 2. ) Fort Vancouver, Wash. Ter,, January 10, 1862.
I. Agreeably to instructions from the headquarters Department of
the Pacific, Company C (Bissell's), Ninth Infantry, is designated to pro-
ceed to Camp Pickett, San Juan Island, and relieve Company D, Third
Artillery. The company will be held in readiness to embark on th©
51 B B— VOL L, PT I
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802 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Cbap. LUL
Steamer which may be expected to start about the 12th or 13th instant.
Assistant Surgeon Taylor will accompany this command and continue
on duty at Camp Pickett.
II. Company D, Third Artillery, when relieved will embark on the
steamer on its return and proceed to San Francisco, Cal., where it will
take post at Alcatraz Island.
A. OADY,
Lieutenant- Colonel Seventh Infantry, Commanding District.
Hbadquabtees Department of the Pacific,
San Francisco, Cal., January 11, 1862,
His Excellency Leland Stanford,
Governor State of California, Sacramento City, Cal.:
Sir : In view of the jwssibility of our becoming engaged in a war with
a foreign nation, I have called on Colonel De Russy, the chief engineer
of the n. S. Army on this coast, to prepare and submit to these head-
quarters a plan for defensive field-works, to guard the approaches by
land to this city. As soon as Colonel De Bussy completes his recon-
naissance and fixes upon the points for the erection of the works^ I
shall take great pleasure in submitting the whole subject to the consid-
eration of Your Excellency. In case of a war with a maritime nation,
the immediate attention of the enemy would most certainly be directed
to this city, the great entrepdt of our possessions on the Pacific coast.
To prevent the ingress of ships of war, we have the forts at Fort Point
and on Alcatraz Island with 140 heavy guns now in position at com-
manding points. Batteries can readily be thrown up, and with such
naval force as could be concentrated in the harbor, it is believed that
this city woold be safe. The General Government has but a small
amount of funds at present available for defensive works on this coast,
bat I apprenend no embarrassment on this account, not for a moment
doubting that the loyal and Union-loving people of California will most
cheerfully respond to any call which may be made on them, whether
for men or money to defend their State fh)m foes without or traitors
within.
With great respect, I have the honor to be, Your Excellency's most
obedient servant.
G. WRIGHT,
Brigadier-General, U. S. Army, Commanding.
General Orders, ) Hdqrs. Dist. op Southern California,
No. 1. ) Los Angeles, Jamtary 12, 1862.
The undersigned will be absent from the district for a few days at
San Francisco on business connected with the public service. Lieut.
Col. Joseph B. West, First Infantry California Volunteers, will be tem-
porarily in command of the district, and will remain at New San Pedro,
where he will see that suitable provisions are made for the troops which
have already arrived at that point or which may arrive from above
during the absence of the undersigned. He will also see that the
means of Government transportation accumulating there are thoroughly
organized for the field. All disbursements in connection with these
matters will be made only by the order of Lieut. Col. Joseph R. West.
JAMES H. CABLETON,
Colonel First California VolunteerSj Commanding.
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Chap. LXn.] CORRESPONDENCE UNION AND CONFEDERATE. 803
Headquartkes Humboldt Military District,
Fort Humboldt, January 12, 1862.
Maj. R. C. Drum, U. S. Ariuy,
Aggistant Adjutant- General, Department of the Pacific:
Major : We landed here on the 9th instant in a> drenching rain. I
found the fort filled with the two contpanies from Fort Seward — oneof thg
Second California Volanteer Cavalry, the other of the Third California
Volunteer Infantry, Major McGarry, Second California Volunteer Cav-
alry, commanding, having been driven here by the want of provisions,
as has been already reported to you. As the ground about here was
everywhere in a state of partial inundation, it was impossible to put
my owu two companies into tents, so I directed Quartermaster Swasey
to hire buildings enough at Bucksport (about a quarter of a mile hence)
to furnish shelter for the troops and for his stores. Finding room at
the fort for myself and my staff, I established the command at Bucks-
poii; as a temporary post under Captain Douglas, and continued Major
McGarry in command at the fort. For particulars in respect to the
hire of the buildings and the state of the public property at this post
I beg leave to refer to Mr. Swasey's report by this express to Colonel
Babbitt. The horses of the cavalry company are at present entirely
unfit for service, being exhausted by continued short forage at Fort
Seward, and the great fatigue of reaching here over a route almost
impassable from the recent freshets. Some twenty of them, it is
thought, will have to be condemned; the remainder may be suflftciently
recruited in a month to be fit for service. If this should not be the
case, I may have to send tlie company into the field dismounted. From
all accounts the state of the roads (or rather trails) and of the creeks
is such that it will take thirty days at least of dry weather to make
active operations possible. I have some seven applications already for
new posts, and many more it seems are coming in. With the few
troops I have, if I establish any new ones it will be only in cases of
urgent necessity. The state of things in this district may be summed
up in a few words: There are several, perhaps many, thousands of
Indians scattered through the forests and mountain gulches with which
the whole country is covered. These Indians, or some among them,
are constantly committing depredations on the whites, stealing or kill-
ing their stock and occasionally murdering them — sometimes for ven-
geance, sometimes for the sake ivf getting their arms or clothing. There
are white men that associate with them, living with squaws, that are
constantly furnishing them with arms and ammunition, and sometimes
encourage and join them in their depredations and attacks upon the
citizens. These Indians are not divided into any considerable tribes
with resjjonsible chiefs, but are made up of numberless rancherias or
villages, in many cases speaking totally different languages. There
are so many of them, they are so scattered about, and so hard to find,
that to bring them all in by sending from time to time small i)arties or
independent detachments after them, it would take about as long as it
would to bring in all the coyotes or squirrels. On the other hand, there
are many whites that are constantly killing Indians, often making up
parties for that purpose, and as they generally find th»'m in their ranch-
erias, they kill as many of the womeu and children, perhaps, as bucks.
Individuals and parties are, moreover, constantly engaged in kidnap-
ing Indian children, frequently attacking the rancherias, and killing
the parents for no other purpose. This is said to be a very lucrative
business, the kidnaped children bringing good prices, in some
instances, Mr. Hanson tells me, hundreds of dollars ai)iece. In decid-
ing what is to be done, the question of which are the aggressors in this
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804 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Chap. LXn.
chronic warfare — the Indians or the whites — is entirely immaterial. It
is plain tliat they never can live together in peace. The Indians must
be all removed for their own sakes and for the sake of the whites, and
the sooner they are removed the better. The Klamath, the Nome
Cnlt, and the Meiidocino Eeservations are all too near. The Indians
carried thither have all soon retnrned to their usual haunts — at least
all the wild and more dangerous ones — and these return worse than
they went, having acquired the taste for beef and learned to covet
many articles they were before ignorant of. If they could be all trans-
ported to the Tejon Reservation, or, still better, to one of the Santa
Barbara Islands, they could never return hither again. The only ques-
tion is how to bring them in. This can never be done, in my opinion,
by isolated operations by independent detachments — at least it would
require years to do it, the sacrifice of many lives, and of much treasure.
I have not yet had time to consider the subject maturely, but I cannot
help thinking that the object might possibly be accomplished in a cer-
tain way in a very short time — say three months. My plan would be
a general and vigorous cam^iaign, combined as follows: The Coast
Eange which bounds this district on the east is in winter covered with
snow, which is so deep in all the passes into the Sacramento Valley as
to constitute an impassable barrier on that side. In the ocean the
Indians would have an impassable barrier on the west also. If while
one body of troops was marching southwardly from the north in as
many detachments as the number of trails or the nature of the country
might require, another body should advance to meet them in a similar
manner from the south, say from Sonoma and Napa Counties, tlie
Indians (except a few straggling parties that might escape through the
intervals, and whose subsequent capture or destruction would not
require much time or effort) would be completely hemmed in, and would
be obliged to surrender, whether with or without fighting, and in either
case the object would be attained. A. small number of troops would
probably suffice to watch the few practicable passes that might exist
in the Coast Eange. By means of the telegraph, which extends as far
north as Weaverville, Trinity County, only about 100 miles from this
place, the operations of the different corps could be easily combined.
If operations be delayed till spring, when the Coast Bange will be clear
of snow, a much larger force will be required to guard the passes on
that side. As to what number of troops would be required to carry
this plan into execution I will be better prepared to report when the
traveling shall be sufQcieutly improved to enable me to reconnoiter
the country. To save time some other oflBcer might be employed to
reconnoiter the southern portion of the district. I would respectfully
suggest that between this plan and the passive policy of posts, which
can only keep the evil to a certain extent in check without eradicating
it, there is no alternative. The weather has now become cold and dry.
If it should continue so for two or three weeks it might be possible for
troops to take the field. Britton & Key's map of California of 18G0
was stolen from me on my arrival here. I have sent down for another
one. Meanwhile if you can send me a topographical or other full map
of this section of the country it would be highly useful to me.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
FRANCIS J. LIPPITT,
Col. Second California Vol. Infty., Comdg. Humboldt Mil. IHst.
P. S. — Of course, against a civilized foe acquainted with the art of
war the plan proposed would be very faulty, involving double exterior
luxes of operation and exposing the two corps to be beaten successively.
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Chap. LXII.] CORRESPONDENCE UNION AND CONFEDERATE. 805
But the Indians here are no more capable of such a combination than
the wild beasts of tlie forests. Shall I send copies of all my district
orders to yonr headquarters?
Headquabters District of Southern California,
Xew San Pedro, Cal., January 13, 1862.
Lieut. Col. E. E. Eyre,
First Vavnlry California Volunteers, Camp Latham:
On the 16th instant you will return to your command at Camp Carle-
ton, near San Bernardino, resuming your duties in accordance with the
instructions that you have already received from the district com-
mander. For your personal transportation make use of the ambulance
which you brought with you from Camp Wright, and return the same
to Camp Latham without delay.
Yours, &c.,
J. R. WEST,
Lieutenant- Colonel First Infantry California Volunteers, Comdg.
General Orders, ) Camp Drum,
No. 4. ) Neic San Pedro, Gal., January 13, 1862.
In accordance with instructions from the colonel commanding the
Southern District of Calilornia, this camp is hereby named and shall
hereafter be known as Camp Drum.
By order:
GEO. S. EVANS,
Lieut. Col. Second Cavalry Cal. Vols., Commanding Detachment,
Headquarters,
Fort Ter- Waw, Jantuiry 11, 1862.
Maj. E. C. Drum,
Assistant Adjutant- General :
Sir: Your communication of January 0 came duly to hand on the
13th instant. Tiiis post is located on the Klamath Iliver six miles
above the mouth and thirty miles from Crescent City on a flat piece of
ground. Said post ha-j been overflowed by the flood four times this
season, and took away seventeen buildings out of twenty, which com-
jjrise all the buildings of this post. I have received orders from head-
quarters to rebuild the post. The condition of the conjpany is as well
as can be expected under the <;ircumstances, having had rain nearly all
the time we have been here. It is nearly impossible to drill the com-
pany more than two or three times per week. The number of men is
fifty-flve, including officers and all. Nothing more.
I remain, your obedient and humble servant,
JOHN H. MAY,
Captain Company C, Third Regiment California Volunteers.
State of California, Exeoittive Department,
Sacramento, January 15, 1862.
Brig. Gen. George Wright,
Comdg. Dept. of the Pacific, U. S. Army, San Francisco:
General: I am gratified toackuowledgereceiptof yours of the 11th
instant, and desire to assure you that I fully appreciate the importance of
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806 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. (Chap. LXII.
a more perfect system of defense for the city and bay of San Francisco.
To this end I shall cheerfully lend my aid and shall be glad to receive,
at as early a day as possible, such communications as yoa may deem
advisable to place before me iu reference to the matter, that I may lay
the subject before the Legislature in time for their early action.
Most respectfully, your obedient servant,
LELAND STANFORD,
Governor of California.
Special Oudeus, ) IIdqes. Department of the Pacific,
No. 6. ) «S*rtn Francisco, Val,, January 15, 1862,
• ••••••
2. Lieut. Ool. Caleb C. Sibley, Ninth Infantry, having reported for
duty at these headquarters, is assigned to the command of the Presidio
of San Francisco.
By order of Brigadier-General Wright:
RICHD. C. DRUM,
Assistant Adjutant- Oeneral.
Headquarters District op Southern California,
Netc San Pedro, Gal., January 15, 1862.
Lieut. Col. E. E. Eyre,
First Cavalry California Volunteers, Gamp Latham :
Colonel: I have received news from Major Fergusson, at Camp
Wright, that makes it necessary for you to use all possible expedition
on your return to Camp Carleton. Major Fergusson finds it impossible
to provide forage at Camp Wright for his train and the detachment of
cavalry under Lieutenant Wellman. On your arrival at Camp Carleton
satisfy yourself whether you can provide tor ninety animals in addition
to those already there, and dispateh an express to Major Fergusson at
once with the proper information. On receiving favorable notice from
you Major Fergusson will send his train and Lieutenant Wellman's
detachment of Company B to San Bernardino. I have ordered the men
of Captain Shirland's company to return to Camp Latham. Report to
me without delay whether yon can provide tor the animals from Camp
Wright.
Tours, very respectfully,
J. R. WEST,
Lieutenant- Colonel First Infantry California Volunteers, Comdg.
Headquarters District of Southern California,
New San .Pedro, Gal., January 15, 1862.
Maj. David Fergusson,
First Cavalry California Volunteers, Camp Wright, Gal.:
Major: Tour two communications of the lltli and one of the 12th
instant have been received. Tour troubles in regard to forage appear
to arise from the fact of your having certain animals at your post which
can be sent to other localities without detriment to the service. The
nature of your difficulties may bo so changed by improved weather ere
you receive this as to make it imprudent for me to give you any positive
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Chap. LXII.] COREESPONDENCE UNION AND CONFEDERATE. 807
orders for their relief, with the exception of this one — that your camp
uinst not be moved from its present site nntil all other means fail. In
that you must exercise your judgment for self-protection. On receipt
of the present, if the difficulties iu regard to forage still exist, I would,
suggest to you to send Lieutenant Wellman with that portion of his
detachment which belongs to Company B, First Cavalry, to San Ber-
nardino; also to send the detachment belonging to Company C, First
Cavalry, to Camp Latham. This will relieve you of the horses. After
retaining two teams for camp purposes you had better send the balance
of your train to San Bernardino also. But you will not send either the
train or the cavalry to San Bernardino until you get information from
the commanding officer at Camp Carleton that they can be supported at
that point. I send an express to Colonel Eyre to-night directing him
to communicate with you on the subject without delay. Should he be
unable to forage the animals, then you may resort to the removal to
Temecula, or to such other means of relief as your judgment may dictate.
It is out of my jwwer to relieve your wants of trousers for your men, as
there are none in the district. Neither are there any means of sending
you stationery at present.
Yours, very respectfully,
J. R. WEST,
Lieutenant-Colonel First Infantry California Volunteers, Comdg.
San Fbanoisco, Cal., January 16, 1862.
May. Richard C. Drum, U. S. Army,
Assistant Adjutant-General, Department of the Pacific,
San Francisco, Cal. :
Major : Your letter dated 9th instant, expressive of the command-
ing general's wishes on the subject of erecting field-works to guard the
approaches to this city, was only received yesterday. In answer thereto
I beg leave to state that the Inclemency of the weather and bodily
indisposition have combined to render my attention to the examination
of the several localities involved in a reconnaissance of this nature
less perfect than I would desire it to be, and consequently that I am not
as yet quite ready to place before him a report such as he desires, and
which involves not only the avenues to certain localities but a number
of estimates. My time has recently, however, been much taken up in
the office with the studies of a permanent plan of defense for the
grounds on the hill in the rear of the fort at Fort Point. These stud-
ies I will lay aside for the present, and will take up at once the report
requested by the general commanding, which I trust will in a few days
be so framed as to give him the information he desires from this office.
With great respect, I am, major, your obedient servant,
R. E. DB RUSSY,
Lieutenant- Colonel of Engineers.
Headquarters Department of the Pacific,
ISan Francisco, Cal., January 16, 1862.
Col. Francis J. Lippitt,
ISecond Infantry California Volunteers,
Comdg. District of Humboldt, Fort Humboldt, Cal. :
Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your communi-
cation of the 12th instant, reporting the arrival of your companies and
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808 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Chap. LXn.
suggesting plans of operations, and to say in reply, by direction of the
general commanding the department, that the proposed plans are gen-
erally approved. As it will be impossible to make any eflfective move-
ment against the Indians until after the waters subside, the general
desires you in the meantime to acquaint yourself with the condition of
affairs in the district, of which you are expected to keep these head-
quarters constantly advised. The court requested has been ordered.
In consequence of the absence of Captain Ketcham, the men of his
company against whom charges have been submitted will not- be tried
before the court, but reserved for another, which will be ordered on his
return to his x)Ost.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
BIOHD. 0. DRUM,
Assistant Adjutant- Oetieral.
Headqtjabtees Disteiot op Obegon,
Fort Vancouver, Wash, Ter., January 16, 1862.
Capt. J. C. Schmidt,
Second Infantry California Vols., Gomdg. Fort Hoskins, Oreg. :
Captain: Tour letter of the 27th ultimo was received a few days
since. Your promptitude in repairing to the scene of trouble at the
Siletz is entitled to high commendation, and it is to be hoped that it
will have a good effect on the turbulent and disaffected of the Indians.
Should you be able to get possession hereafter of the ringleaders named,
it would be well to have them brought before the civil authority for
trial. I am not authorized to furnish subsistence to these Indians,
though they obviously require something of the kind. The means
should be supplied by the Indian Department, and I presume that the
agent at the block-house has made the necessary reports to the super-
intendent. The second detachment sent from Yamhill at your request
should be returned to that post without unnecessary delay. As the
box of ammunition you speak of is probably public property, it should
be taken up on the ordnance return, with a statement showing how it
came into your hands.
I am, captain, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
A. CADY,
Lieutenant-Colonel Seventh Infantry, Commanding District.
Headquabtebs,
Fort Yuma, January 17, 1862.
Col. J. H. Caeleton,
Commanding IHstrict of Los Angeles, Cal. :
Colonel: I inclose for your consideration a copy of a letter received
yesterday firom Mr. Clymer, superintendent of the Arizona Copper
Mines; also a slip received by Mr. Yager from Sonoita. Considering
the information valuable, substantiating, as it does, certain information
received by Messrs. Hinton and Yager, which I forwarded to you on the
morning of the 16th, I at once forward the inclosed. The steamer
Cocopah, Captain Johnson, arrived here to-day at 3 p. m. with barley
from the mouth of the river, the cargo of the schooner Lolita, which was
shipped from San Franciscoby way of Gnaymas, information of the loss
of a jwrtion of which (by the steamer Republic) I also forwarded to yon.
The steamer brings 1,000 sacks of barley. The ordnance is on another
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Chat. LXn.] CORRESPONDENCE — UNION AND CONFEDERATE. 809
vessel which was exi)ected to arrive at the moiith of the river to-day.
A portion of the guu carriages were thrown overboard, also ammuni-
tion, a fall statement of which I also forwarded to you by the express
which left here on the morning of the 10th. I also inclose a proposi-
tion from Mr. Yager to furnish the Government with beef-cattle for the
Mojave expedition ; also one for barley to be furnished at the several
stations on the desert from San Felipe to Sackett's Wells; also a propo-
sition from William Werninger to furnish hay and beef. If the contents
of the several letters, copies of which I have sent you, are true (I
have no doubt of it), the hay being cut and stacked at the general's
will fall into their hands, as well as all the balance which Keene
has or will contract for on that road, as well as White's wheat, unless
there are troops to protect it. It is only reasonable to suppose that a
force of the number mentioned would use or destroy anything which
might be necessary to subsist troops on through that country. A large
number of the men under Baylor are well acquainted with every inch of
the country, and with all the people and their sentiments, and from the
known sentiments of Ammi White, living at the Pima Villages, it is but
natural to suppose that he would be one of the first victims, particu-
larly as he is known to have a large quantity of wheat on hand, and
they in want of it. I feel a good deal of anxiety to hear from him.
Keene should be here, if nothing has occurred to him, from there on
the 23d, and will bring reliable news, although I have no doubt but
that Baylor with his command is in Tucson. If so, he will soon be
informed of hay being provided at the different points on that road, and
it would require bat a detachment from him to destroy it without fear
of being molested. A force of mounted men could come to the Colorado
and annoy this post very much without my being able to prevent it
with my present force of infantry. I have no fear of having to sur-
render it, although 1,000 is good odds. I will endeavor to give a good
account of my stewardship. If they do come, they could also destroy
the steamer on the way from the mouth of the river. I will send Cap-
tain Dresher down on her with a detachment of men to-morrow morn-
ing, with instructions to guard against any surprise whilst wooding or
otherwise, as well as to protect the ordnance wliich the boat will bring
up. The guns are now to this post invaluable, and at this critical
juncture the loss of the gun carriages, sponges, and ammunition is unfor-
tunate. If the colonel will excuse me, I would suggest to him that
shipping to Guaymas for reshipment to this post is, to say the least, a
very uncertain course to pursue. No dependence can be placed upon
the time that they will take to land goods at the mouth of the river,
besides the danger of their being lost altogether. Aside from the uncer-
tainty of their getting there, information of the character of her cargo,
&c., can be sent to Tucson oefore the vessel could arrive there, and a
party on the bank of the river could destroy her (steamer) with mus-
ketry. If shipments were made direct to the mouth of the river by
steam, the day of her arrival could be calculated upon with some cer-
tainty. The steamer Cocopah left here on the morning of December
26 and has just returned, making twenty-two days that she has been
gone, and only four days of that time has been running time. The
balance of the time has been consumed at the mouth of the river on
the lookout for the schooner.
January 18, the steamer left here to-day at 11 a. m. for the mouth of
the river. If all of the vessels expected there have arrived, the stores
will have to be landed on the wharf or slip, which will detain her for a
week. The hay which you directed me to have cut at Gila City, or
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810 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [CnAP. LXII.
haaled there from a point above, will be ready in a week; also ten tons
at Mission Camp, twenty miles above. I have made arrangements to
send a man to Tucson, by way of Sonoita. He is indorsed to me by
Mr. Hinton as entirely reliable. He is well known to Captain Johnson
also, who speaks of him in high terms. His father lives at Sonoita,
He will go there first to avoid ^ing suspected of having been sent into
that country, which will make a difference of one day in the time of
travel. He hSts no fears of meeting with any diflBcalty in going into
Tucson. He will communicate with Mr. Warner there, and bring back
to me information of the number and movements of Baylor's troops. I
have made arrangements for him to go on from here on an animal not
belonging to the Government; the brand would detect him, or he would
be suspected of having stolen it. From Sonoita he will take one of his
father's horses. His route will not be by the Pimas. He knows the
country well and will not travel by any regularly traveled route. For
his services I have agreed to pay him $75, and would desire yon to give
me some authority for it. It will take him twenty or twenty-five days.
I feel confident that this man will fulfill his mission, and that his report
will be not from hearsay or rumor, but from actual observations. We
are very badly in want of express animals for scouting purposes. Lieu-
tenant Taylor leaves in the morning for Gonzales' Ferry to destroy a
boat hid in that neighborhood, and also one three miles from the river
and twelve miles below. The boat near Gonzales' is large enough to
hold twenty men and the other ten. I have also information of there
being several canoes or dug-outs farther down, which I have sent for
the Indians to bring up. Pasqual, chief of the Yumas, will be here
on Monday to see me. I will try and have him keep a sharp lookout on
the river. I have instructed Captain Johnson to send a Cocopah from
below into the Maricopa country to collect what information he can
about troops moving in that direction. The two tribes, Captain John-
son tells me, are friendly, and that they can be depended upon. If I
had trinkets and blankets at this post to reward Indians with for serv-
ices it would be well. I, however, do not have the faith in Indian
friendship that many have. It has been my experience with them in
the Northwest — Sacs and Foxes and Sioux — to have them fear your
power to make them true to you. Presents are very well to add to it.
I am satisfied that an Indian only will be true, as a general thing, when
they know you have the power to punish them, and in a quarrel like
this between whites those who pay best can have their services. One
of the chiefs of the Gocopahs, Captain Sun, their great fighting man,
called to see me, and was very anxious to know if the Yumas were
to go with the troops to the Mojave. They are bitter enemies of the
Yumas, and in any figlii where the Yumas were engaged would take
sides against them. They have not forgotten their old feud, although
friendly now. I have already informed you that Yager cannot ftiruish
hay at the points designated, but will furnish what he can at Cooke's
Wells and the Alamo. His men are now cutting for Cooke's Wells and
he will commence hauling Tuesday next. On 21st he will deliver certain
ten tons at Cooke's, and has but little doubt but he can furnish the same
amount at the Alamo. Of course it will be hay that the animals can
eat. We have had a great deal of rain here, and if it had continued
would have washed away our quarters. The river is very high and
still rising. The oldest inhabitant has not, of course, ever seen a win-
ter like it here. Those who have lived here for ten years say that
more rain has fallen this winter than in any other year during their
residence here. The flat below the fort has been covered with water a
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Chap. LXII.i CORRESPONDENCE UNION AND CONFEDERATE. 811
great portion of the time. The trails and roads leading from the fort
in every direction have been washed so that they are hard to recognize.
1 forwarded to you the description and price of Rhodes' cattle at Gila
City; also a proposition from Yager. Fifty head of cattle for Yager
left San Felipe on the ICth instant. Yager can furnish any number it
he can have a reasonable notice. Whether Werninger is responsible
or not, I am not able to say, but Yager can do it. He is the only man
on this river that can furnish largely of cattle. Owning San Felipe, he
has the facilities for getting them here which others have not, and his
conveniences here for herding, corralling, &c., are on a large scale. He
is not disposed, either, to take advantage of sudden wants; for instance,
he was advised to hold his hay at $100, but said no, if the Government
wanted it, seventy tons, they could have it at the old contract price.
I also inclose a statement of subsistence on hand after issuing on Mon-
day, the 20th, for the following ten days. The prisoners, political, are
all safe. 1 have received a note from Captain Gorley, dated at Sack-
ett's Wells on the 16th instant. He was getting along very well. I
will send as directed the teams back that come in with him, but I would
call the attention of the colonel to the fact that the force here is much
larger than ever before, and that the quartermaster has but two teams
to provide wood with. The wood has to be hauled some distance now
on account of the rain, and it is impossible to get along with them. I
have one hauling hay, and should have two. The wagon hauling hay
to Gila City can only haul three loads of hay in a week. With more
teams much more could be procured. I also send return of ordnance
and ordnance stores issued and remaining on hand ending on the Slat
day of December, since which time there have been 4,0W rounds of
ball cartridges issued to companies. From the return you will find
that many articles are unserviceable and cannot be used. I also inclose
a requisition for ordnance stores (much needed here) for your informa-
tion. The inclosed return is a copy of my return forwarded to the
proper department on the 2d day of January. If any use is intended
to be made of these howitzers, it will be necessary to have my requisi-
tion filled. If you think you will require them, please forward the
requisition. Lieutenant Nichols and Doctor Prentiss left here this
morning for San Bernardino, with Doctor Dickey for guide. The doc-
tor has lived in Tucson and knows that country well. He is a sound
friend of the Government. I have letters on file here from General
Sumner, in which his name is mentioned. He will go to Los Angeles
to see you. As soon as he returns to San Bernardino I will have all
the pack-saddles and harness put in good repair for you. I believe
that I have now given you all the information that I have to commu-
nicate. Captain Gorley will arrive here on the 22d.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
EDWnr A. RIGG.
[Inclosuro Ho. 1.]
Arizona Coppee Mines, January 9, 1802.
[Maj. Edwin A. Rigg:]
My Dear Sie: Since I saw you I have been reliably informed by a
gentleman whose veracity is indisputable, that Colonel Baylor, com-
manding tho Southern troops at Mesilla, has appointed a resident of
Tucson receiver of coufl.scated property, and has written to the latter
place that he will march for Western Arizona with 900 troops for the
purpose of confiscating all property not belonging to citizens of the
Southern Couiederacy, as soon as General Sibley arrived at the Rio
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812 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. (Chap. LXn.
Grande to his relief, which' he anticipated in a few days after the date
of his letter. My informant, whose name I am not at liberty to give,
says that the citizens of Tucson are betting freely as to whetlier the
troops will or will not arrive. As for himself he has no doubt of their
intentions to come, as he saw Baylor's letter and is acquainted with the
appointed receiver. I can assure you that my informant is a man whose
word is reliable, but as I am precariously situated you will please be
kind enough to not connect my name with the foregoing information,
nor even the locality from whence you receive it, as myself and employes
are the only ones here that are jwst^d. The bearer of this knows
nothing about it, nor do I wish Lim to. I send some letters to your
care which I hope you will mail by the first expres.s, and if there is any
mail for me please send it by this man. If you have any papers that
you can spare, I will take it as a lasting favor if you will send me a few.
My respects to Captain Calloway, Mr, Kippen, and Yager.
Most respectfully, yours,
FEANK P. CLYMER,
Superintendent.
[Inclosnro No. 2.]
One thousand troops from Texas will arrive at Tucson in about two
weeks.
HALSTEAD.
[Indonement.]
The above slip was sent to Mr, Yager in a letter dated December 17,
1861, at Sonoita.
EDWIN A. RIGG,
Major First Infantry California Volunteers.
Wae Department, Adjutant-General's Office,
Washington, January 18, 1862.
Brig. Gen. G. Wright,
San Francisco, Cat.:
General : In answer to your communication of December 10, 1 am
directed to authorize you to modify the acceptance given Colonel Cor-
nelius to include only four comi)anies, should you deem the best inter-
ests of the service so require it. The Quartermaster-General, under
present instructions, cannot purchase any more horses, but those left
by the First Cavalry can be used for this regiment should you see fit so
to direct.
I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
GEO. D. RUGGLES,
Assistant Adjutant- General.
Headquarters Department of the Pacific,
San Francisco, Gal., January 18, 1862.
Brig. Gen. Lorenzo Thomas,
Adjutant- General U. S. Army, Washington, D. C.:
General: Since my communications of the 9th and 10th instant I
have been forwarding troops and supplies to the southern district
preparatory to the advance of Colonel Carleton's expedition. At this
moment it is utterly impossible for troops or supplies to move into
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Chap. LXII.] CORRESPONDENCE ^UNION AND CONFEDERATE. 813
the interior. Tlie unprecedented rains and storms which have con-
tinued uninterruptedly for the past six weeks have submerged and
saturated the whole country to such an extent that it is absolutely
impossible to move. This state of affairs unavoidably delays the move-
ment of Colonel Carleton. The elements are against us, but the troops
are in fine spirits, and I have spared no pains to protect them during
this inclement weather, and when an advance is made it will be by
troops well disciplined and inured to camp life. The suffering in the
interior of the State is beyond all present calculation. Many lives
have been lost. The city of Sacramento, the seat of government,
has been for some time entirely under water, and the State Legislature
has been compelled to adjourn. Many towns and villages have been
swept away, and stock and other property to a vast amount have
been destroyed. The inhabitants have been compelled to flee for their
lives, and a large number have sought this city, where they are
supported by charity. With regard to the military operations in this
country, they are at present suspended. My troops, except in the
District of Humboldt, have generally escaped the overflow. At the
small one-company posts of Forts Ter-Waw and Gaston most of the
buildings were swept off and some proi)erty lost. The pecuniary loss
is but little, and prompt measures were taken to forward the neces-
sary supplies to the garrisons. In the present condition of the country
we get no mails by land from any direction. The expresses on the tri-
monthly steamers hence to New York, and also to Oregon, afford us the
only means of communication. It is not improbable that many
packages of orders and blanks (the latter much needed by the volun-
teers) may have been sent by the overland mail within the last two
months, which will never reach their destination. I beg of you to send
a supply by steamer. The new regulations have never been received.
The only copy I have was purchased here. The country is quiet.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
G. WEIGHT,
Brigadier-General, U. S. Army, Commanding.
Headquarters Department op the Pacific,
San Francisco, Cal., January 18, 1862.
Brig. Gen. M. 0. Meigs,
Quartermaster- General U. 8. Army, Washington, D. C. :
General : I have this moment received a telegraphic dispatch from
Colonel Sibley, written by your direction on the 14th instant. I have
.just conversed with Colonel Babbitt on the subject of funds for his
department. It appears that Colonel Babbitt was advised by letter
from your ofllce on the 29th of November that the Treasury Depart-
ment had been requested to place $200,000 to his credit, and again on
the 3d of December that a similar request was made that $09,750
might be placed to his credit. The colonel has not as yet been notified
that the above-mentioned amounts have been placed to his orders by
the Treasury Dejiartment. Since I have been in command of this
department I have used the utmost economy consistent with the inter-
ests of the public service, but my troops are dispersed over a vast
extent of country, my extreme jwsitions being some 2,000 miles apart,
and during the last month I have been organizing a large expedition to
move from the southwestern frontier of this State, all involving heavy
expenditures for the transxiortation of troops and supplies, and, in
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814 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Chap. LXIL
addition, we have been compelled to purchase about 700 mules for the
same expedition. I have made contracts here for the manufacture of
all the clothing required for the whole army on this coast. This, with
the purchase of tents and camp equipage, and the indispensable outlay
in erecting temporary shelter and flooring the tents to preserve the
health of my men during a winter of uni)recedented severity, together
with the purchase of horses to mount 1,700 cavalry, will give you an
idea of the exi)enses necessarily incurred here. Still, Colonel Babbitt
is of opinion that if all his requisitions are filled he will have funds suf-
ficient to meet the demands against the Quartermaster's Department.
I feel that the expenses in this department are large. If my command
were concentrated it would materially reduce our money requisitions.
As it is, the necessities of the service must be met, and the Quarter-
master-General may rest assured that the expenditures will be made
economically. The incessant rains and storms for six weeks past have
entirely submerged the whole country. An immense amount of prop-
erty has been lost, as well as many lives. Our overland mail communi-
cations are interrnpted to such an extent that we must rely solely on
the express companies. It is quite probable that many important doc-
uments from the East will never reach us. I send all my mail matter
by the tri-monthly express on the steamers for New York, and I would
recommend that the same mode be adopted by the Department at
Washington.
Very respectfully, your most obedient servant,
G. WRIGHT,
Brigadier- General^ U, S. Army, Commanding.
Hbqbs. op the Army, Adjutant-Genkeal's Office,
Washington, January 30, 1862.
Brig. Gen. G, Weight, U, S. Army,
Commanding Department of the Paeific, San Francisco, Cat ;
SiE : Your letters of the 9th and 10th of December have been received.
The General-in-Chief fully approves the course you have pursued in your
administration of the affairs of the Department of the Pacific. A tele-
gram was sent you December 16 approving your proposition to recap-
ture the forts in Arizona and New Mexico, which was acknowledged by
you the next day.
I am, sir, very resi)ectfully, your obedient servant,
L. THOMAS,
Adjutant-General.
Headquaetees District of Sotttheen Califoenia,
New San Pedro, Gal., Jamiary 20, 1862.
Maj. E. A. RiGG,
First Infantry California Volunteers, Fort Yuma:
Your communication dated 10th instant has been received. As the
matter about recruits sent to your station has already been decided by
Colonel Oarletou's orders, I can give you no new instructions about
them. I presume that you have obeyed your orders implicitly. During
Colonel Carleton's temporary absence from the district I have no new
orders to communicate to you about placing supplies of hay on the
desert. Keene also has his instructions and is apparently acting on
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Chaf. LXn.] CORKESPONDENCE UNION AND CONFEDERATE. 815
tbem. I cannot entertain any proposition abont supplies to be fur-
nished upon the Tucson route, as you term it. None such are required
there, nor are they likely to be that I am aware of, and being entirely
in the confidence of Colonel Carleton and of the department com-
mander you can accept this conclusion as definite. You can do nothing
but follow out the instructions which you are already possessed of, and
you would do well to revise them, and be assured that you fulfill them
to the letter.
Very respectfully, &c.,
J. 11. WEST,
Lieutenant- Colonel First Infantry California Volunteers, Comdg.
General Headquarters State op California,
Adjutant-General's Office,
Sacramento, January 23, 1862.
General George Weight,
Comdg. Pacific Department, U. S. Army, San Francisco:
General : The following communication has this day been handed
me by His Excellency the Governor for reply, viz :
Office of Chief of Cavalry, U. S. Army,
n'aihington, V. C, November S7, 1861.
His Excellency the Governor of California :
Sir: Brigadier-General Stoneman, chief of cavalry, directs me to reqaest you to
furnish to this ofiSce a report of all the cavalry forces raised and organized in your
State, containing the names of the field and staff oflScers of regiments, the number
of rank and file, whether mounted, how armed and equipped and accoutered, where
stationed, by what authority they were raised, what arrangements, if any, have been
made for putting them in winter quarters, and any other information regarding them
you may think of advantage. Below I hand yon a list of organizations authorized
by the War Department.
I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, ,
A. J. ALEXANDER,
Acting Attintant Adjutant'Oeneral.
One regiment and five companies cavalry, authority given to
Col. E, D. Baker.
You will please furnish me with the data required by the following
interrogatories, viz: Whether mounted, how armed and equipped and
accoutered, where stationed, their condition as regards drill and discip-
line, what arrangements, if any, have been made for putting them in
winter quarters, and any other information regarding them you may
think of advantage,
And greatly oblige, your obedient servant,
WILLIAM C. KIBBE,
A (ijutant- General.
IlEADyUARTERS,
Fort Yuma, January 33, 1S63.
Col. James II. (Urlkton,
Commanding Southern ]>ixtrict, Los Angele.i, Cat.:
Colonel: I have the honor to report to you that Fort Yuma is now
an island. The river at this point commenced rising on the 20th
instant, and at I o'clock this morning reached its highest jwint. The
rise yesterday afternoon was so sudden that in three hours it rose from
its already high stage nearly nix feet, overflowing its banks and carry-
ing everything before it. C'olorado City is eutii-ely washed away; Mr.
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816 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [CBAP.Lxn.
Hooper's dwelling house and Captain Johnson's are the only biiildings
left standing on that side of the river. The rise was so sadden that
Mr. Hinton, Mr. Hooper's partner, could only save a portion of their
goods, and although I rendered him and others all the as.sistance in my
power, very little was saved. It was impossible to send many men t»
their assistance. Two boat loads (twenty men) passed over safely.
The boats not being able to return, I could send no more. The ferry-
boat dared not venture out for fear of being carried away. The prin-
cipal losers are Messrs. Hooper & Hinton ; store entirely washed away;
the steam-boat company's machine shop and store with contents washed
away; Mr. Samuel Wells, store washed away, and but a small portion
of his .stock of goods saved; Mr. Gage's billiard and ten-pin alley
entirely destroyed and entire contents lost. All of the dwellings on
that side of the river are washed away, including Mr. Jones', four miles
up the Gila. A boy of his was taken from a tree near the house this
morning, who had been there during the night. The whole country is
submerged between here and Pilot Knob and impassable for anything
but boats. Mr. Yager made a narrow escape. The water came up to
his house and corral, but did no damage of a serious nature. I felt
greatly alarmed for the safety of the Government hay at that point
(seventy tons). It, however, is all safe. The water submerged the
post water-works. I, however, had all the machinery taken out that
was movable, and it will be in working order again in a week. At one
time last night I was greatly alarmed for the .safety of the quartermas-
ter's and commissary store-houses, as well as the corral. I had all the
commissary stores placed in safety, also the most important quarter-
master's stores, including the hay in the corral. The men worked
bravely and deserve cred it for it. We continued working until 1 o'clock
this morning, when the water commenced falling; the water had then
nearly reached the corral. If the water had continued to rise one hour
longer as rajndly as it had for the same length of time preceding I fear
the adobe store-houses would have been destroyed. We will have no
difficulty in getting a sufficient quantity of water to supply the com-
mand. The reservoir was full at the time. We kei)t pumping until
the water covered the mules' feet, and I fortunately had the water carts
in good repair. We will have to economize on wood until the water
recedes from the flat. We were fortunate in having the three teams
brought by Captain Gorley here. Captain (Jorley arrived with his
detachment on the afternoon of the 20th, having in charge seven prison-
ers under general charges, and two political prisoners, Morgan and
Hamilton. The road between here and Pilot Knob has been impassable
for animals since the 21st instant. All communication iietween the fort
and Yager's has been with boats since that time. A large number of
cattle have been drowned between here and the Lagoon mines, and
all along the river to Gonzales'. Yager's wood wagon, twelve miles
below, has been carried away, and his stock, or a large portion of it,
drowned. He has, however, enough in his corral to meet any demands
upon him, besides fifty head on the desert coming over, unless New
Kiver or Carriso Creek are impassable. I feel alarmed about sixteen
men that were cutting hay eighteen miles from Gila City. It is scarcely
possible that they could be cut off, but may want provisions, and none
can be sent to them now. The Gila Kiver extends as far as the sand-
hills on the right and to the foot-hills on the left. It would be impos-
sible to send provisions to them before the river falls. They have
enough to last them for a week yet, and by that time I hope to hear
from them. I Avill send an Indian to-morrow morning to find them. I
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CHAP.LXn.J COBEESPONDENCE ^UNION AND CONFEDEKATE. 817
'expect to hear of the hay that they have cnt being all washed away.
I will know on the 26th whether my fears are resized or not; also
about Mr. Rhodes' cattle. Keene should be here tomorrow if no acci-
dent has happened to him. He has now been gone fourteen days; he
calculated to make the round trip in ten days. The steam-boat is
below, and them I am also anxious to hear from. If they have landed
the stores on shore, it is reasonable to suppose that they will be lost, or
a portion of them, if the boat itself is not in great danger. This unprec-
edented rise has been so sadden that no calculation could be made for
it, and everything has been swept away by its irresistible current.
The fear is that she will not be able to get wood and no place of shelter
to run into or to tie up to. Lieutenant Benson, who was with the boat
the last trip, thinks that her situation must be a critical one. I will
send one of the Indians down to-morrow in a boat to look for her, and
take Captain Johnson's news of the loss of their property here and, if
possible, bring tidings of her back. It will take a long time to get a
small boat back from there — at least two weeks in this current — and
since the overflow land communication is out off with the mouth of the
river; but if he is all safe he will return at once with a load of stores
for this post, and the vessels will have to lay there until he returns.
At this stage of water he certainly cannot land tbem there. As soon
as I can hear from him I will write to you, also in reference to all other
matters. The HoflFmau trail from here to Gaston at present is impas-
sable. The water yesterday between the i)08t and the lagoon (six
miles) in some places was fifteen feet deep. I took one man out from
his house (Larkiu) who was in water up to his middle. Two squaws
swam to the post from Eeed's — over a mile. The Indians, it is feared,
have lost all of their crops and taken to the high lands. Much suffering
must result to them. They are all off, and cannot come here until the
waters fall, which, however, I am happy to state, is going on rapidly.
The river has fallen four feet since 2 o'clock this morning. I send this
communication to you by an Indian who goes as far as Pilot Knob in a
boat with the Indian who goes to the mouth of the river. He will take
a horse from Pasqual (chief of the Yumas), and go on if the road is
passable for a horse; if not, he will go on foot as far as San Felipe,
from which place Mr, Gregor will have it forwarded to Camp Wright.
The San Bernardino route, I should think, would be best now for quick
communication to this point. I respectfully suggest this, from the fact
that both Doctor Prentiss and Lieutenant Nichols made quick trips
(four and a half days) fh>m there here, and Doctor Dickey thinks it
could be made in less time with ease. . The general court-martial has
met and adjourned for three days. No orders have been received here
in relation to the change of the judge-advocate, substituting Doctor
Meacham for Doctor Prentiss except a notice to that effect recalling
Doctor Prentiss. Captain Dresher is absent in command of a detach-
ment with the boat. I sent him instead of a junior because he was too
unwell for garrison duty. Lieutenant MacGowan, who is one of the
detail, is himself in arrest by Lieut. Col. J. B. West, leaving but five to
form the court. I would also respectfully call the attention of the
colonel to the fact that the charges against Jones and others have not
been sent here as yet. I cannot give you positive information about
the hay Mr, Yager expected to have at Oooke.'s Wells. He cannot hear
from that point until the water recedes, which, it is thought by him,
will take a week. We are now perfectly safe from any attack from any
enemy, being surrounded by water. As soon as I can get returns from
62 B B — VOL L, PT I
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818 OPEBATION8 ON THE PACIFIC COAST. (Chap. LXII.
my messengers I will at once forward to yoa an express with all the
information 1 can collect. The three wagons which arrived with Cap-
tain Gorley's command I will send back as directed as soon as they can
get over the road, which will be, in all probability, within a week.
Very respectftilly,
EDWIN A. KIGG,
Major First California Volunteer Infantry, Commanding.
Hbadqttabters Distbict of Southern Calipoenia,
Neto San Pedro, Cal,, January 24, 1863.
Lient. Col. E. E. Eyre,
First Cavalry California Vols., Comdg. Camp Carleton:
I have your two communications of the 20th instant. Improved
weather has probably changed the condition of affairs about Gamp
Oarleton for the l>etter, at least I hope so. Major Fergusson will act
according to the advice you have sent him. Colonel Carleton's return
is looked for to-morrow, and I will submit your application for leave
of absence to him. Should he not return as soon as expected I shall
send you word. Have made out and sent to me as soon as possible
after receipt of this an account in rations of the subsistence supplies
at your post after the issues to the close of the present month. Also
keep me advised of the facilities for procuring forage, pasturage, &c.
BespectfuIIy, &c.,
J. R. WEST,
Lieutenant-Colonel First Infantry California Volunteers, Comdg.
Headqtjabters District op Southern CALiPOEinA,
New San Pedro, Cal,, January 24, 1862.
Lient. Col. E. E. Eybe,
First Cavalry California Volunteers,
Commanding Camp Carleton, San Bernardino, Cal. :
I have your letter of 22d instant with reference to the scarcity of
forage in your vicinity. Should no other recourse suggest itself to you
in the meantime, on receipt of this yon will break up Camp Oarleton
and move with your command to Camp Latham, taking whatever road
your experience of the country may indicate as most likely to afford
forage en route. I understand, that there is (or was) barley at Coco-
mungo owned by one Dunlap; also at Chiuo Bancho by Robert Car-
lisle. Nearer this way, at Rancho San Jos6, it is possible a supply can
be obtained. Pending your movement send Mr. Coleman or a trusty
officer in advance to procure what you need* and prevent any extor-
tionate prices being charged. You will not fail to remember other con-
siderations on your march. Wood is indispensable, and the very wet
condition of the country generally should remind you to select the road
where transportation will be as easy as iwssible and good camps can
be secured. Beef can be had anywhere, and on that score yon should
have no trouble. Ton will have to load your train very light; perhaps
it would be imprudent to load more than 1,00U pounds to the wagon.
Ton can therefore dispose of your property as follows: Take with you
only such articles of camp and garrison equipage, including tents, as
are indispensably necessary. Store the balance safely and as economi-
cally as possible. Take all the subsistence with yoa that your train
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Chap. LXn.] COBEE8PONDENCE — tmiON AND CONFEDERATE. 819
can hattl, irrespective of what you may expect to meet on the road, as
yoa may find yourself hemmed in by water and be unable to reach
Gamp Latham. In the reduction of your subsistence supplies, as sur-
gested below, be sure and keep fifteen days' rations at your command;
that is, if you take five days' with you, leave ten days' in store at San
Bernardino to be sent back for in case of necessity. Should you leave
property of much value at San Bernardino, detach a trusty non-com-
missioned oflScer and leave him there in charge of it. If you have on
hand more than the fifteen days' rations above specified, and still have
an excess after relieving such distressed persons in your vicinity as
you may deem worthy of it, you may dispose of the surplus, provided
cost and transportation can be obtained for it, otherwise store it as
directed for other property. I have two-fold object in this. It may be
desirable for the people of San Bernardino to have an opportunity of
purchasing provisions in their present strait, and to realize upon any
surplus will at least save the Government the risks and expenses
incident to storage. Allow no sales or contracts involving expense
to be made without your own sanction. I have given the foregoing
instructions in entire ignorance of either the amount of subsistence
you have on hand or the means of transportation at your command.
Should they be impracticable you will take such steps for the safety
of your men, the animals, and the property in your charge as your
judgment may dictate. Apprise me without delay of what you propose
and can do, and keep me constantly advised of your movements.
Eespectfully, your obedient servant,
J. R. WEST,
Lieutentant-Colonel First Infantry California Volunteers^ Comdg.
P. S. — Resort to hired transportation if unavoidable, and it can be
obtained.
Headquaetees District op Southern California,
New San Pedro, January 26, 1862.
Maj. EicHARD C. Drum,
Asst. Adjt, Oen., Ihpt. of the Pacific, San Francisco, Cal. :
Major: I have the honor to inclose certified copies of the following
documents: No. 1, letter from Maj. E. A. Bigg, commanding Fort
Yuma, January 15, 18G2; Fo. 2, letter from Lieut. E. G. Taylor, report
of trip to Fort Gaston; No. 3, letter from Capt. George A. Johnson,
steamer Oocopah, to Major Bigg; No. 4, letter from Juan Robinson [&
Co.] to acting assistant (luartermaster. Fort Yuma; No. 5, statement of
jetsam by steamer Republic of Fort Yuma supplies ; No. 6, copy of
receipt for goods shipped on schooner Lolita; No. 7, letter from George
Martin to F. Hinton; No. 8, letter from Peter Brady to L. J. F. Yager;
No. 9, letter from Maj. E. A. Rigg, commanding Fort Yuma, January
12, 1862; No. 10, letter from Maj. E. A. Rigg, commanding Fort Yuma,
January 19, 1862. The foregoing relate to supplies en route to Fort
Yuma and to arrangements progressing under the direction of CoL
James H. Carleton. As that oflftcer will be at department headquar-
ters when the present reaches you, I have deemed it advisable that the
lull information should be furnished. Rumors that the rebels under
Baylor have occupied Tucson and propose to move westward are
referred to in Major Rigg's letters. Pending Colonel Carleton'a return
and resumption of the command of this district, should Fort Yuma be
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820 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Chap. Lxu.
threatened seriously I shall take prompt measnres to support it, as I
deem it important to hold it, iu view of its having been made the de^iot
for a large amount of supplies.
I am, major, very respectfully, &c.,
J. K. WEST,
Ideutentant- Colonel First Infantry California Volunteers, Comdg.
[iDcloflure Ko. 1.]
FoBT Yuma, January 15, 1862.
Col. James H. Caeleton,
Comdg. District Southern California, Los Angeles, Cal. :
Colonel: I forward the express, as directed by you, upon receipt of
intelligence of the barley which was shipped from San Francisco to the
month of the Colorado Eiver by way of Guaymas, The steamer Coco-
pah, Capt. George A. Johnson, left this port on the 26th of December
to meet the vessel, and to-day I have received a letter from him inform-
ing me of the arrival of the vessel, a copy* of which I inclose to you,
from which yon will find that the steamer Bepublic has met with an
accident. I also inclose copy of letter t received from Juan Robinson
' & Co., of Guaymas, directed to acting assistant quartermaster at this
I)08t, which will also explain what goods have been lost or thrown over-
board, and what shipped to the mouth of the Colorado Kiver on schooner
Lolita; also copy of receipt | for the cargo received on board of her, and
the lay days the vessel will be entitled to without damage. The steamer
can easily return in time to the mouth of the river if she arrives here
on the 18th to get the cargo out of her within the lay days stipulated
for. I also inclose the report § of Lieut. E. G. Taylor, whom I sent to
Fort Gaston, as directed by you. John Costello went with him as guide.
He knows the country well through to the Mojave, having been with
Colonel HofEinan when he went through, and he is reliable, I think, at
all times. Lieutenant Taylor's report will give you the result of his
observations. I received a note from Keene, dated Mission Camp, Jan-
uary 10, 1862, in which he suggests that ten tons of hay should be cut
and stacked at that point. Mission Camp is fifteen miles from Gila
City. He says it would bo well or advisable to cut eight or ten tons of
hay to be left at this point. There is plenty of it close at hand. It will
make the drive more evenly divided from Gila City to Antelope Peak
than grazing the animals at Pond Hill, which is some three miles and
a half below. I have ordered it to be done. The hay you wished cut
and hauled to Gila City will be cut at that point. I also inclose for
your information copy of a letter || received here by Mr. Hinton, from a
gentleman in Sonora ; also one fl received by Mr, Yager, from another gen-
tleman in Sonora, upon the same subject, the truth of which could easily
be ascertained if I were authorized to send a person to Tucson. Mr.
Yager will commence cutting the hay for Cooke's Wells to-morrow, and
will haul it there by tlie 10th of February. Some one will have to be
sent there to receive it and wateh it, or it will be used up by travelers.
If I am to send any one there, will the colonel please authorize me to
employ some one for that purpose, or will some one be sent there from
the other side? Mr. Yager has just come in, and he desires me to say
that he will put some hay at the Alamo, but how much he cannot yet
tell. He also desires me to say that he will have beef enough here for
any demand, and can also furnish any given quantity on foot at the
price named in my last — $30 per head, weighing from 300 to 600 pounds.
* See iuclosure No. 3. t See iDclosuro No. 6. || See inclosure No. 7.
t See inclosure No. i. i See inclosure No. 2. ^ See iuclosure No. 8.
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CHAP. LXn.] COERB8PONDENCE ^UNION AND CONFEDERATE. 821
The command is improving daily in target practice, and a company of
good sbarpahooters can be selected from them. The skirmishing and
bayonet exercise (the latter, however, the non-commissioned officers only
drill at) are progressing as well as conld be expected. They are ready
to march when ordered, and prefer it to lying in garrison.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
EDWIN A. RIGG,
Major, Commanding Post.
P. S. — Lieutenant Nichols, First Cavalry, has arrived here, recalling
Doctor Prentiss, substituting Doctor Meacham as judge- advocate. As
soon as their horses get the rest they require after hard travel, the doc-
tor will report as per instructions. I am of the opinion that Doctor
Prentiss and Lieutenant Nichols, coming as they have on the trail from
San Bernardino, but little traveled heretofore, the fact of their coming
in four days from San Bernardino is evidence of the route being a good
one for mounted men ; but the doctor thinks that a party of five or six
only could travel together.
E. A. R.
[iDclosnre Ko. 2.]
FOET Yuma, January 13, 186&.
Maj. E. A. RiGG,
Commanding Fort Yuma:
Sib : Pursuant to special instructions dated at Fort Yuma, January
10, 1862, 1 proceeded, accompanied by John Costello, as guide, to Fort
Gaston, on the Colorado River, via the Hoffman route. The following
is the result of my observations : From Fort Yuma to Hoflfman's camp,
on lagoon, six miles; good road to and plenty of wood and water at
camping place; no grass of any kind. From lake to the blufT, two
miles; no trail, deep sand, and very bushy. Thence the trail is plain,
good for about ten miles over a gradually ascending mesa, or table-
land. Thence five miles over a rough, broken country, washed out in
deep gullies and ravines; a range of black hills on the west and Chim-
ney Peak on the east. Some Gila grass in the ravines; plenty of wood
(mesquite and iron-wood), but no water; thence gradually descending
alongside of a ravine for about six miles, to a tank marked by a pile of
stones on the east side of the trail; plenty of water at this time; very
little wood, and no grass of any kind. The guide informed me that
the water dries up certain seasons of the year. Thence down along
the same ravine about one mile. Here the trail goes into the bottom
of the ravine. Thence down the bottom of the ravine, over deep sand,
for about two miles to small lake, with good water, the hills narrowing
in and forming a deep cation, in some places not over twenty feet between
bluffs. Thence the trail crosses a rough, steep rock ridge about one mile
from the base to the ravine on the other side. Trail over loose stones and
steep ground very difficult even for mules to pass. At the foot of the
hill on the north side is a tank of living water sufficient for all purposes;
very little wood, no grass of any kind. Thence two miles down the
ravine, over heavy sand to the Colorado River. Plenty of wood, but no
grass. Thence up the river about nine miles to grass. A very fine place
for camping for a small train, the grass being limited in quantity, say
about two acres of good grass; wood plenty. Nine miles farther up
the river is Hofi'man's, or Grass Camp. Here is plenty of good grass and
wood. Thence nine miles, to Fort Gaston, where there is considerable
Gila and bunch grass. The site of the old fort is on a gravelly bluff
about thirty feet in height. The trail up the river is generally good.
In some places, however, it is washed in gullies and ditcheS; which
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822 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. (Chap. LXU.
would require considerable labor to repair. The limited time prevents
a more explicit account of the route.
Bespectfully, your obedient servant,
E. G. TAYLOR,
Second Lieutenant, First Infantry California Volunteers.
RECAPITULATION.
Left Port Yuma January 10, 18G2, at 9 a. m. Arrived at the lagoon
at 10 a. m. of the same day ; arrived at the first tank 1 p. m. January
10; at the second tank at3 p. m; the Colorado River at 5 p. m; camped
for the night. Started at 7 a. m. the next morning; reached the first
grass at 8.30 a. m.; Hoffman's or Grass Camp, at 11.30 a. m.; Fort
Gaston, at 1.30 p. m. Returning, left Fort Gaston 2.30 p. m. Camped
that night at the first grass on the Colorado. Arrived at Fort Yuma
at 6 p. m. January 15, 1802.
E. G. TAYLOR,
Second Lieutenant, First Infantry California Volunteers.
[Indosure Ko. 3.]
Steajheb Cocopah, January 13, 1862—9 a. m.
[Msy. Edwin A. Rigg,
First Infantry California Volunteers, Commanding Post:\
Dear Rigg: Agreeable to promise I send an Indian with the news
of the arrival of the vessel. The Republic met with a severe gale of
wind from southeast off Monterey and threw overboard her deck load,
a list of which I send, and in consequence of the gale got short of coal,
making a long passage. The vessel that arrived to-day has 1,000 sacks
of barley, 300 sacks of flour. The balance of the Republic's freight,
as per bill of lading, is in two small vessels, and may be looked for
tomorrow, as the captain of this vessel says they would leave the next
day after him. The Panama is due in Gnaymas on the 15th, and will
be in the river about the 18th. On the arrival of the vessels contain-
ing the balance of the freight, guns, &c., I will leave for Fort Yuma,
which will bring me there about the 18th, unless something beyond
present knowledge turns up. I send letter and message to acting
assistant quartermaster. AH well.
Yours, truly,
GEO. A. JOHNSON.
(Inclosare Ko. 4.]
GuAYSLAS, January 2, 1862.
Acting Assistant Quartermaster,
Fort Yuma:
Dear Sib: On board the Mexican schooner Lolita I have shipped
to your order, as per captain's receipt inclosed, 1,423 bags barley, &c.,
sent by the Department of the Pacific by steamer Republic to this
jwrt, with orders to forward the same by first conveyance. There still
remains behind about fifty tons more of Government goods arrived by
same steamer, which will be sent per first vessel that can be freighted.
There are no vessels now in port. Please have some person on the
lookout at the mouth of river, that the vessel sent afterward may not
be detained.
I am, dear sir, your obedient servant,
JUAN ROBINSON & CO.
Please find inclosed note* of goods thrown overboard by the Republic
in gale off San Francisco, and included in general average.
* See inclosare No, 5.
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Chap. LXH] correspondence UNION AND CONFEDERATE. 823
[Inclositre Xo. 5.]
GuAYMAS, December 27, 1861.
Statemeut of jetsam of steamer Bepablic of goods destined for Fort
Yuma:
A. C. S., 34 sacks of barley; A. C. S., 1 barrel rice: A. C. 8., 1 barrel
powder; A. G. S., 3 wheels of gun carriages; A. C. S., 2 boxes siwnges,
&c.; <^)>) 1 box merchaudise; A. O. S., 56 boxes ammunition.
[InelosuTe Xo. 8.]
GUAYMAS, December 57, 1861.
Beceired on board the Mexican schooner Lolita from on board the
American steamer Republic from San Francisco, 1,423 packages, as per
statement at foot, to be taken to the mouth of the Colorado Kiver, and
there to be delivered alongside of the vessel within ten days after her
arrival, and $25 to bo paid to the captain for each and every day that
the vessel is detained beyond the ten days by the consignee, the cargo
being consigned to the assistant quartermaster of Fort Yuma or his
agent, for account and by order of Messrs. G. A. Johnson & Co., of
San Francisco.
A. C. S., 1,004 bags barley; A. C. S., 337 bags flour; A. 0. S., 45
bags beans; A. C. S., 10 bags hominy; A. C. S., 19 bags cofiTee; A. 0.
S., 8 bags salt; 1,423 bags.
Signed in triplicate.
G. BROWN.
[Inolosare Xo. 7.]
QuiTOLAQUiTO, JanvMry 9, 1862.
Mr. F. HiNTON:
Dear Sir: I have delayed this long in writing to you, as I have
nothing reliable to communicate. Your letter to Mr. Warner I have
not forwarded to him, as 1 was afraid it might fall into wrong hands.
Most of the Americans that pass this way are in favor of the South.
It is reported amongst the Mexicans, and 1 have every reason to believe
with truth, that there are now in Tucson over 1,000 Southern troops.
They have sent in orders to Sonora for 300 cargoes of flour, to be deliv-
ered at Tucson. Mr. Rathbonrue came from there to Sonoita about
four days ago, and as I am told states that Tucson is taken possession
of by troops in the name of the Southern States. If I receive any
information that I can rely on I will let you know at once. You will
oblige me by asking Mr. Mean to look at the machinery belonging to
the copper mines that lie outside of yoar store, and let me know what
kind of condition it is in, what it is worth, and if it could be made
available as a horse-power to work a small flonr-mUL Tell him he will
confer a great favor by letting me have the above information as soon
as possible. Inclosed you will find your letter to Warner. Clint.
Thompson will be in at the river in a few days. He wants to get into
California to bring out his father. He is very anxious to know if there
is any danger of his being stopped at the fort. If you think there is
please let me know. I explained your business to him as well as I
could. He regrets very much that any mistake should have occurred in
thematter. Hesaysthathewillpaytheamount you demand, and would
pay four times as much, if you require it, rather than forfeit your good
opinion. We are getting along here very well so far. I would like
very much that you would write to me and let me know the news on
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824 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [CHAP.LXIt
the river. If Guadalupe Orosco should go to you to buy wine please
let him have the best. I sent word to him to get some for his wife; she
is very sick.
Eespcctftally, yours,
GEORGE MARTIN.
[InoloanroHo. 8.]
Altae, January 1, 1862.
L. J. F. Yager,
Colorado Ferry, Cah:
Deab Tagee : There is a report here that 1,000 Confederate troops
(Texans) are on their way from Mesilla and occupy Arizona. I believe
there is some truth in the rumor, for the new saperinteudent of the
Poston mine, Major Lally, has not made his appearance, but is in the
Magdalena, waiting to see the turn events may take. Mr. Palatine
Robinson, of Tucson, posted up his notices at Arivaca and at Tnbac,
declaring the property of Colonel Colt confiscated in Arizona, and he
as a loyal citizen of the Sunny South should proceed to take possession
of it. Van Alstein, Colonel Colt's agent at Arivaca, objected. Pistols
were drawn; the usual compliments, "sons of b s; d d sons of
b— s," were interchanged, and the parties separated without blood-
shed. Van Alstein started off for Magdalena to see Major Lally, who it is
reported is waiting there to see the turn that events wiH take. If there
are 1,000 Texans in Arizona they will certainly confiscate Colt's mines
beyond a doubt, but I don't see how any of the Tucson gents will be
able to work it, for they have no means whatsoever. It will be a serious
drawback to the country if Colonel Colt's agents will not be allowed to
work the mines, for the other party will do nothing, I am very certain.
Your Mend,
PETER BRAJDY.
[Incloaare No. (.]
Hbadquaeters,
Fort Yuma, January lii, 1862.
Ool. James H. Gableton,
Commanding California Volunteers, Lot Angeles, Cal. :
GoiiONEL: This afternoon an Indian came up f¥om the mouth with
letters from Captain Johnson. Nothing has been seen of the vessel
with barley and guns that was shipped by way of Gnaymas. The
rumor or news brought by the other Indian that the vessel was in sight
is not true. I send you this by the escort who came with Doctor
Prentiss, which returns to San Bernardino by another road than the
one by Carriso Creek, and which will return to that point in five days.
Doctor Prentiss has not brought the approved copies of charges, and
the court is waiting for them. Some delay has occurred In getting a
vessel at Gnaymas, or some other accident to detain her ; she should
have been in before now. It is now time that news should be had of
the steamer which was to leave San Francisco on the Ist instant. I
have written to you in full detail by an express which left here this
morning in reference to arrangements made by Keene for supplying
hay, as well as propositions from Yager.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
EDWIN A. RIGG.
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CBAP.LXn.) COEBESPONDENCE— r-UNION AND CONFEDERATE. 825
[IiicI«eai«Ko. 10.]
Hbadquabtebs,
Fort Yuma, January 19, 1862,
Col. James H. Gableton,
Gommaiiding California Volunteers, Los Angeles, Cal.:
Colonel: I received yonr communication dated January 8 last
evening, and take advantage of Lieutemant NicLoIs and Doctor Pren-
tiss, First Cavalry, to write to you. I have forwarded to you by express
which should have reached Los Angeles on the 10th particulars about
cattle and hay. I have also forwarded to you by express on the 16th
ini])ortant news received here from Tucson. I will also forward to
you by tomorrow's express additional information received confirming
the other. There is now no doubt about Baylor being at Tucson with
1,000 men, and that Bobinson, of that place, has issued a proclamation
declaring all property confiscated which does not belong to unqualified
Southern men, including the Arizona Mining Company, Colonel Colt's,
and all others. Major Lally is at Magdalena waiting to see what turn
events will take before going to the mine. I have now fears that the
hay being cut from Gila to Stanwix will be destroyed. Some thirty
tons at GrinnePs will be sure to fall into their hands. They cannot
help but know of hay being put on that road. Ammi White, of the
Pima Villages, f):om his well-known loyal sentiments will be certain
to have his wheat confiscated unless he can be protected by troops. I
will send you copies by the regular express which leaves to-morrow
morning of the information I have received, but the truth of the troops
going does not admit of a doubt, my informant says. I have been
reliably informed by a gentleman whose veracity is indisputable that
Colonel Baylor, commanding the Southern troops at Mesilla, has
appointed a resident of Tucson receiver of confiscated property, and
has written to the latter place that he will march for Western Arizona
with 900 men ^troops) for the purpose of confiscating all property not
belonging to citizens of the Southern Confederacy, as soon as General
Sibley arrived at the Bio Grande to his relief, which he anticipated in
a few days after the date of his letter. He saw Baylor's letter and is
acquainted with the appointee. I send you this by way of San Ber-
nardino, so that in case of accident you would be certain to receive
the information.
Very respectfully,
EDWIN A. BIGG,
Major First Infantry California Volunteers, Commanding Post.
FoBT Bliss, January 26, 1862.
Hon. John H. Beagah:
Deab Sib : I know you feel a deep interest in whatever concerns
Texas, hence I trouble you with a short note. The mail after this will
no doubt carry to Bichmond the dispatch of General H. H. Sibley in
relation to my mission to the Governor of Chihuahua. My mission
was entirely successful. There is no doubt but that there had been
some understanding about marching troops through Chihuahua from
California. It will not now be permitted. This command now leaves
uo enemy on its flank. General Sibley has the honor through me of
having obtained the first official recognition of the Confederate States
of America by any foreign power. I was received, accredited, and
treated with as a colonel in the Army of the Confederate States of
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826 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. (Chap. LXll.
America. Uniformed as sucli, and wearing uiy sword, I was received
by the Governor at all our official interviews. Aa such he wrote me,
and as Brig. Gen. II. H. Sibley of the Army of the Confederate States
of America was his communication addressed, and as such was I
accredited to General Sibley. So you see we are fully recognized.
General Sibley has ordered me to Sonora upon a similar mission. I
find my former occupation comes back very readily. We have many
warm and influential friends in Chihuahua. It is a rich and glorious
neighbor, and would improve by being under the Confederate flag.
There are no such mines in the world as are within sight of Chihuahua
City, but not developed for want of a stable government. 1 leave in
the morning to join my regiment, now at Fort Thorn. The campaign
I view is over. There will be little or no lighting. We must have
Chihuahua and Sonora. I will write you my progress at Sonora. I
made the trip of (going and coming) COO miles to Chihuahua through
the Apache country with only an escort of six Mexicans, and finished
my negotiations in twenty-one days. Don't you think this does quite
well! With Sonora and Chihuahua we gain Southern California, and
by a railroad to Guaymas render our State of Texas the great highway
of nations. You are at liberty to lay this note, if you see fit, before
President Davis. He may not recollect me, but once knew me as aide-
de-camp and partner to our lamented friend General Busk. I trust the
news of the revolution in Kew Mexico is true. The Spanish invasion,
I found, had united all parties in Mexico. The Mexicans abhor the
Spaniards.
With great respect, yours,
.JAMES KEILY,
Colonel First BattaJion, Sibley's Brigade, Army of New Mexico.
Headqttartees District op Southern California,
New San Pedro, Cal., January 27, 1862.
Maj. R. C. Drum, U. S. Army,
Assistant Adjutant-Oeneral, San Francisco, Cal.:
The three companies of the Second Cavalry California Volunteers,
Lieut. Col. George 8. Evans commanding, and five companies of the Fifth
Infantry California Volunteers, Lieut. Col. Marcus D. Dobbins com-
manding, are encampt'd within a quarter of a mile of town at Gamp
Drum. Since their arrival from San Francisco it has been found impos-
sible to move them into the interior. The weather has been good for
the past five days and continues so, but the roads to Camp Latham and
Los Angeles are as yet scarcely more than passable for wagons without
any loads whatever. In connection with the movement of Lieutenant-
Colonel Eyre, First Cavalry, to Camp Latham, it would be injudicious
to send the troops from here to that point, as during very bad weather
fuel cannot be furnished there in the required quantity. Here the troops
are now well supplied with everything but wood (unless when that is sent
from San Francisco), as none can be brought in from the country on
account of the condition of the roads. Efibrts to bring wood from
Catalina Island have proved abortive also, and although the prospect
of obtaining a supply thence and from the country back of the place is
improving, no dependence can be placed upon the continuance of good
weather. For nearly a whole week it was impossible to send an em])ty
wagon one mile from camp, much less to bring in any loaded teams. At
same time communicatiou by water was entirely cut off. I am therefore
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Chap. LXH.] CORRESPONDENCE ^UNION AND CONFEDERATE. 827
coiistraiued to request that an estimate for wood, forwarded by this
steamer to the deputy quartermaster-general, be shipped without delay.
Every possible economy is being used to make the supply of fuel last as
long as practicable. I have the satisfaction to state that Camp Drum is
located on a dry sandy ridge, and that the troops are mainly in good
health and comparatively comfortable.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
J. E. WEST,
Lieutenant-Colonel First Infantry California Volunteers, Comdg.
IIeauquabtkrs District op Southern California,
New San Pedro, January 27. 1862.
Maj. KiCHARD C. Drum,
Asst. Adjt. Oen., Department of the Pacific, San Francisco:
Major : In connection with the state of affairs at Fort Yuma and
the rumored advance of the enemy to the western part of Arizona, 1
would respectfully recommend that a detachment of twenty artillery-
men and a subaltern (part of the battery company to be sent this way)
be ordered here by the return trip of the Senator, so that they can be
pushed forward promptly to Fort Yuma in case of any threatened
attack. The services of such a detachment would be of great value at
that post. The volunteers there, officers and men, can scarcely be
expected to be proficient as artillerists. In serving the heavy pieces
and in the preparation of ammunition it would be desirable to have the
services of more experienced soldiers.
KespectfuUy, your obedient servant,
J. E. WEST,
Lieutenant-Colonel First Infantry California Volunteers, Comdg.
Department op State,
Washington, January 28, 1862.
Hon. Edwin M. Stanton,
Secretary of War:
Sib : I inclose a letter to me of the 23d ultimo from Oroville, Butte
County, Cal., upon the subject of a military organization in that quar-
ter for the purpose of aiding the insurgents. The expediency of meas-
ures for counteracting such proceedings, and in particular of susi)ending
the writ of habeas corpus, is submitted for your consideration.
1 have the honor to be, sir, your obedient servant,
WILLIAM n. SEWAKD.
[Inclosure.]
Oroville, Butte County, Cal., December 23, 1861.
W. H. Seward:
Sir: As a loyal citizen it is my duty to inform you that there is
a company called the Home Guards, numbering 200 men, well armed,
organized in this town for a false purpose, giving parties and rais-
ing money from the loyal citizens, as they say, to equip the com-
pany, when in reality it is for the purpose of getting funds to start to
the South about the middle of February or beginning of March. Hav-
ing been a member of said company and learning their intentions, I
conceive it my duty to inform you of the event, and place the necessary
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828 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [CHiJP.I.rn,
stop to it at once. Yoa can refer to the postmaster of this place, who
well kuows these facts. It is their intention of going by the Galhoon
Pass. They have got agents out in the different counties raising men.
It is their iutention of equipping 2,500 men, and the manner they have
taken to get funds they will have ample means to accomplish their base
purpose, unless put a stop to at once by the strong arm of Government.
Your course in this unholy war meets the approbation of loyal citizens,
and it is their wish for Government to go on in the good work until not a
slave is left without freedom, as it has been the cause of this rebellion,
and since the cause is known remove it; do not suffer it to drag. I
think the appointment of Doctor Buffinan postmaster, Magalia, Butte
County, that the department was misinformed; he is expecting to go
as surgeon in the regiments now raising, who are expected to start 22d
of February or beginning of March to "Dixie." If ever the strong
arm of Government was needed it is now in putting down this organi-
zation of Southern sympathizers. In the present attitude of England
and the want of arms on this coast, to let this company get off it will
be ruinous to the State. I refer you also to D. W. Cheesman, of San
Francisco, also Doctor Green, of this place. Judge Barker, &c.
Respectfully, yours,
WILLIAM DANFORD.
' "S. B. — Since the arrest of Dan Showalter and party they intend
striking for the Arkansas line or Missouri.
W. D.
Headquabtebs Depaetment of the Pacific,
San Francisco, January 38, 1862.
Brig. Gen. L. Thomas,
Adjutant- General U. 8. Army, Washington, D. C:
From the latest and most reliable information, I am more strongly
than ever impressed with the importance, of an early and prompt occu-
pation of Guaymas.
G, WRIGHT,
Brigadier- General, U. 8. Army, Commanding.
Headqtjabtees Disteiot OP Southeen Calipoenia,
New 8an Pedro, Jwnuary 28, 1862,
Mfg. RiCHABD C. Deum,
Asst. Adjt. Gen., Dept. of the Facifie, San Francisco, Cal. :
Majoe : Referring to my communication of the 26th instant, I now
have to inclose certified copies of further advices received this morning
from Maj. E. A, Rigg, First Infantry California Volunteers, commanding
Fort Yuma.* You will observe that the intelligence of Baylor's advance
comes through four distinct individuals. Two of these persons, Brady
and Clymer, I have a slight personal acquaintance with, and believe
their statements entitled to credit, as far as their personal knowledge
extends. Baylor was expected at Tucson about January 1, and I con-
sider the probabilities of his moving against Fort Yuma sufficient to
induce me to take steps for its support. The troops that I propose
to move in that direction form part of Colonel Carleton's expedition and
will only be thrown forward so much the sooner. I send an express to
* See Bigg to Carleton, January 17, p. 806.
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CHAP.LXn.] CORRESPONDENCE — ^UNION ANtf CONFEDERATE. 829
San Diego to-nigbt, ordering Company E, First Infantry California
Volunteers, to march without delay to Warner's ranch. I shall go in
person toCampWright( star tin g to morrow ) wi th the i ntention of prepar-
ing the two companies of infantry there formovingoverthedesert to Fort
Yuma in connection with Company E. On reaching Camp Wright I
shall be governed by circumstances, and either push on at once to Fort
Yuma or await orders from Colonel Carleton, who I expect will return
to this district very shortly. The orders requiring me to remain at this
place during my command of this district were dictated by entirely
different circumstances from those existing at present, and in deviating
fi-om my particular instructions I consider that I am acting for the best
interests of the service. I leave the duties assigned to me (providing
for the troops arrived and arriving from above, and organizing a train
for the field) in the hands of Capt. Tredwell Moore, assistant quarter-
master, U. 8. Army.
Trusting that my assumption of responsibility will be favorably
received by the general commanding the department, I am, major, your
obedient servant,
J. E. WEST,
Lieutenant-Colonel First Infantry California Voltmteera, Comdg.
Headquarters District of Southern California,
New San Pedro, Cal., January 38, 1862.
Capt. Thomas L. Eoberts,
Comdg. Co. E, First Infty. California Vols., San Diego, Gal. :
Captain: Move with your company as soon as practicable, after
receipt of this order, either to Warner's ranch or to Temecula, as the
condition of the roads promises best. Take with you ten days' rations;
use the San Diego post teams^ putting eight mules to a wagon. Take
with you only two wagons. Leave all your surplus company property
at San Diego for future disposition. Eesort to hired transportation if
necessary if the post teams are unfit for service. On reaching Warner's
ranch or Temecula report in writing to Maj. David Fergusson, First Cav-
alry California Volunteers, commanding Camp Wright, for instructions.
EespectfuUy, your obedient servant,
J. E. WEST,
Lieutenant- Colonel First Infantry California Volunteers, Comdg.
Headquarters,
Fort Walla Walla, Wash. Tcr., January 28, 1862.
Brig. Gen. George Wright,
Commanding Department of the Pacific, San Francisco :
General : In compliance with General Orders, TSo. 30, of the Depart-
ment of the Pacific, respecting the military resources of the counties
in the vicinity of posts remote from headquarters, I have the honor to
submit the following report: I have made careful investigation of the
present and future ability of this portion of the country to furnish such
supplies as are needed at this post, both in the subsistence and quarter-
master's departments, and find that there are no supplies on hand by
any of the farmers or dealers in this section of the country. All of the
grain that was grown last year is now or will be by spring consumed.
Flour is worth now $20 per barrel; oats from 6 to 7 cents, and very
scarce; hay none on hand; barley not to be had; bacon 30 cents per
pound, none on hand, and very little being made; lard equally scarce;
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830 0PEKATI6NS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Chap. LXn.
beef 15 cents per pound, and none in the country fit to eat; beans none
to be had at any price; potatoes $1 per bushel, and difficult to obtain,
very few in the country; wood $30 per cord. I deem it unnecessary to
run through the list of articles consumed in the commissary and quar-
termaster's departments, as the Government cannot rely upon this
country for its supplies at this post. The hay and grain used in the
quartermaster's department can be contracted for for another year at
fair prices. The large amount of snow that has fallen this winter and
is now lying upon the ground will doubtless make the coming season
quite productive. All articles coming under the head of groceries can
be sent here much cheaper than they can be purchased. My commis-
sary purchased a little coffee a few days since at 37 cents i>er pound.
We shall need supplies in both departments by the Ist of April next.
Eequisitions have been made on the several departments for supplies,
and will probably reach here as soon as navigation opens. The unprec-
edented severity of the winter and the influx of strangers has
destroyed and consumed nearly everything in the country. Nearly all
the cattle have or will die before spring. Many men who had at the
beginning of winter from 300 to 400 head have not now over fifty or
sixty living. Fresh meat must be very scarce here in spring. The beef
consumed by the garrison at this time would not be eaten by the poorer
class of San Francisco. It must be worse in a month from this time,
and I doubt very much if it can be had at all.
I have the honor to be, sir, your obedient servant,
H. LEE,
Lieutenant- Colonel, Commanding Post.
Headquaetees Depaetment op the Pacific,
San Francisco, January 29, 1862.
Brig. Gen. L. Thomas,
Adjutant-General U. S. Army, Washington, D. C:
Gekebal : Inclosed herewith is a copy of a telegraphic dispatch
which I had the honor to transmit to you yesterday .• Also, copy of
extract from a letter from Mr. Thomas Bobinson, a resident of Gaay-
mas, Sonora. This extract was presented to me by Mr. Flint, of this
city, a gentleman of standing and reliability connected with the steam-
ship line between this place and Guaymas. From the best information
in my possession at this moment, I am disposed to believe that the views
taken by Mr. Bobinson as to the intended movements of the rebel forces
are in the main correct. The large force I am assembling in the south-
ern portion of this State, preparatory to an advance from Fort Yuma,
will doubtless cause the rebel leaders to deflect from their line of oper-
ations and, if possible, gain the port of Guaymas. To frustrate all such
attempts, 1 deem it of the first importance that a strong force should be
thrown into that city, aided by the presence of a few ships of war. I
propose to open a correspondence with the Governor of Sonora on this
subject, and I am assured by the best authority that our temporary
occupation of Guaymas, or any portion of the State, to protect it from
the inroads of the rebels, would be cheerfully acquiesced in by the
authorities and people of that country. The storm has somewhat
abated for a few days past. To-day it is raining again, and the roads
are not in a condition to advance my expeditionary forces to Fort Yuma.
However, it is only a question of time. We will be successful. I have
no special news from the District of Oregon. All was quiet from that
* See p. 828.
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CHAP. LOT.] CORRESPONDENCE — ^UNION AND CONFEDERATE. 831
qnarter when last heard from. The winter has been unusually severe,
and the navigation of the Columbia River entirely obstructed by ice.
The Legislature of California is now in session in this city, compelled
to abandon Siicramento temporarily.
Very respectfully, your most obedient servant,
G. WRIGHT,
Brigadier-Oeneral, U. S. Army, Commanding.
[iDclosnre.]
Copy of letter front Thomax Robinson, esq.
• • • Immediately on the receii)t of this please call upon General
Wright and state to him iu my name that by express received by me
to-day from Arizona, and from a most reliable source, 1 have the follow-
ing statement :
The Sonthem troops under Colonel Baylor, military governor, are expected at
Tucson within ten days, nnmbering 900 men. It is said they will immediately make
a strong and continued campaign on the Apaches. Reports say (which I fear is
very probable) they march into Sonora. In the meanwhile their headquarters will be
at Calabusa, on the line.' Agents to purchase flour, com, &c., are actually in the
Territory, under escort. Contracts for hay have already been given out. Brigadier-
General Sibley, C. S. Array, with 3,000 men, takes command in Arizona and New
Mexico, and will immediately attack the U. S. forces in New Mexico. The Southern
soldiers are full of fight. Only the other day 100 crossed the .lomado del Muerto,
drove in the pickets of the U. S. forces, and made forty prisoners.
These same reports were afloat here three days since, when I arrived,
and today they are confirmed. There is no doubt in my mind as to the
desires and iutentions of these Southern forces. What the devil do
they care for Arizona without 100 souls in it, and nothing worth hav-
ing there? They wish to march into Sonora, as is intimated from many
sources, and take quiet possession, for we are not at present in condi-
tion to resist, having just passed through a very sore trial, although
with success. If they once get possession of this State and its posts
the North may just as well give up the complete line through from the
Gulf of Mexico to Gulf of California, and it will require a sni)erior
effort then to rout them. This is no newspaper talk, but something
certain, and the only way to avoid a most serious and diflflcult position
is for the United States Government to send without a moment's delay
the necessary forces to act. Let me request of you to urge upon Gen-
eral Wright the necessity of this step. Let 1,000 men projierly equipped
be sent immediately to Guaymas, officered by gentlemen of prudence
and judgment, and I will see that they get through immediately to
Arizona. The Government and people will be too happy to see such a
friend coming to their rescue. If necessary let the general telegraph
to Washington for the necessary powers, but he must act promptly,
and I will guarantee his full success, and by adopting these measures
he will have acquired a victory which wUl be more than galling to the
South. • ♦ • I will take the contract for transporting troops and
equipments to Arizona and furnishing everything necessary. You are
aware the Congress of Mexico has given a cordial permit for transit of
troops through Sonora, and our State will be pleased to forward the
views of the United States Government or its representatives. You
can assure General Wright that all my influence and that of my friends
will be used in favor of his forces.
• ••»•••
Yours, sincerely,
THOS. ROBINSON.
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832 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Chap. LOT.
[Indorsement.]
Extract of letter from Tbomas Bobinson, esq., at Gnaymas, Sonora
State, Mexico, given to me by Mr. Flint at headquarters, January 28,
1862.
G. W.
Hdqrs. Foxibth Inpantby Califobnia Voluntbers,
Gamp Union, January 29, 1862.
Maj. E. O. Drum,
Asst. Adjt. Gen., Department of the Pacific, San Francisco, Gal. :
Major : I have the honor to report my arrival here on yesterday at
4 p.m., and have established, as per instructions, my headquarters at
this place. I left Camp Slgel with Captain Atchison's company (I),
non-commissioned staff, band, and hospital, &c., and arrived here as
above stated in good order.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
FEREIS FORMAN,
Colonel Fourth Infantry Galifornia Volunteers.
P. S. — I attempted to meet the steamer in time, but failed to do so.
F. F.
Headquarters District op Southern California,
Los Angeles, Gal., January 29, 1862,
Maj. R. C. Drum, U. S. Army,
Assistant Adjutant- General, San Francisco, Gal.:
Major : On my arrival at this camp today I learn from Lieutenant-
Colonel Eyre that the facilities for procuring forage at San Bernardino
have sufBciently improved with the fine weather to induce him to
remain where be is for the present. The roads from San Pedro to. this
camp are also in a condition that will admit of the five companies Fifth
Infantry California Volunteers being moved here by the end of this
week. As there will remain at Camp Drum only the four companies of
the Second Cavalry, the fifty cords of wood that I requested to be sent
forward by the Senator on her next trip need not be shipped. I trust
that this may reach you in time to prevent incurring the heavy expense
that would otherwise be involved. I shall push on to Camp Wright
to morrow morning.
Respectfully, your obedient servant,
J. R. WEST,
Lieutenant- Colon el First Infantry Galifornia Volunteers, Gomdg.
Headquarters District op Southern California,
Los Angeles, Gal., January 29, 1862.
Capt. T. Moore, IT. S. Army,
Assistant Quartermaster, New San Pedro, Gal. :
Captain: I inclose you a copy of the order for the movement of the
detachment of Fifth Infantry California Volunteers, now at Camp
Drum. Furnish Lieutenant-Colonel Dobbins with as many wagons as
are necessary up to the number of twenty. From what I have seen of
the road today eight mule teams can load 1,500 pounds. Put the train
in charge of Wagon-master Roundtree. Desi gnate two teams to remain
with the command for camp purposes. Six mules to each wagon will
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Cau>. Lxn.) CORRESPONDENCE — UNION AND CONFEDERATE. 833
be sufficient. Supply Lieutenant Hammond's requisition for subsist-
ence and forage as soon as possible, takiug every possible advantage of
the state of the roads. The First Cavalry are not likely to come here,
so that the consumption of barley will be no larger than at present.
Lieutenant-Colonel Eyre writes that he has a temporary supply.
Yours, very truly,
J. E. WEST,
Lieutenant- Colonel First Infantry California Volunteers, Comdg.
[luolosuxe.)
Special Orders, ^ Hdqrs. Dist. op Southern California,
No. 3. ) Los Angeles, Gal., January 29, 1862.
I. Lieut. Col. Marcus D. Dobbins, Fifth Infantry California Volun-
teers, with the five companies of his regiment now at New San Pedro,
Cal., will march for Gamp Latham, near Los Angeles, Cal., on Satur-
day, the 1st proximo.
II. The assistant quartermaster U. S. Army on daty at New San
Pedro will furnish the necessary transportation.
By order of Lieutenant-Colonel West:
BEN. C. CUTLER,
First Lieut., First Infty. California Vols., Actg. Asst. Adjt, Gen.
Headquarters District of Southern California,
Los Angeles, Gal., January 20, 1862.
Lieut. Col. M. D. Dobbins,
Fifth Infantry California Vols., Comdg. Infantry, Camp Drum :
Colonel : I inclose herewith the order for your movement.* Make
as early a start on Saturday morning after sunrise as xK>ssible. Wagon-
master Boundtree will show you the road. Encamp at Tomliuson's at
the close of the first day's march, where you can procure a 8ui)ply of
wood. Give him a receipt for the quantity used, and tell him to pre-
sent his bill to Captain Moore for payment. Keep your train well up
with your command, so that your men can render assistance in case of
the wagons miring. Move early the second day and observe the same
directions as to the train. Locate your camp on the opposite side of
the creek from Camp Latham. Lieutenant Hammond, regimental
quartermaster First Infantry California Volunteers, will designate the
spot that has been selected. The tent centers are already staked out.
Maintain your camp eutirely distinct from the troops now at Cami»
Latham, and confine your authority to your own detachment. You
will, however, ])rocure your bread from the post bakery on the terms
upon which it is already conducted; also send your sick to the Camp
Latham hospital department. In all other respects the two commands
must be kept as distinct as possible. Draw five days' rations before
you leave Camp Drum, taking hard bread in full for that time. The
supplies needed by your command at its new camp will be furnished
by Lieutenant Hammond on the proper requisitions. Captain Moore,
assistant quartermaster, will furnish you two six-mule teams for camp
purposes.
Respectfully, your obedient servant,
J. R. WEST,
Lieutenant- Colonel First Infantry California Volunteers, Comdg.
' See next, ante.
53 R R — VOL L, PT I
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834 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Chap. I-xn.
Headquarters District of Southern California,
Los Angeles, Gal., January 39, 1862.
Lieut. Col. E. E. Eyre,
First Cavalry California Volunteers, Comdg. Camp Carleton,
San Bernardino, Cal.:
Colonel: Yours of January 27 baa just been received, and iu reply
I am directed by Lieutenant-Colonel West, commanding the district, to
say to you that you will make no movement with your command, but
remain where you are for the present, there being every reason to
believe that the weather has finally become settled. You speak of a
wagon train coming from Camp Wright by the way of San Bernardino.
The lieutenant-colonel commanding desires me to say to you that upon
receipt of tliis letter you will at once send an express to Major Fergusson
directing him not to move his train from Camp Wright, and you will
at the same time inform Major Fergusson that he may expect Colonel
West at Camp Wright in two days from this date.
I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
BEF. C. CQTLEE,
First Lieut., First In/ty. California Vols., Actg, Asst. Adjt. 6en.
Headquarters,
Fort Bragg, Cal., January 29, 1863.
Col. Francis J. Lippitt,
Comdg. District of Humboldt, Hdqrs. Fort Humboldt, Cal. :
Sir : I have the honor to respectfully report to the commanding col-
onel that since my conversation with you on the steamer Columbia I
have learned further iu regard to Indians at Shelter Cove. Some days
since the Mr. Hamilton of whom I spoke to you sent a party of seven
men from his neighborhood (Punta Cuenaz) to Shelter Cove, for the
ostensible purpose of driving off his stock to a safer locality. Yet I am
quite satisfied the real mission was to murder Indians, as recent events
have shown. The party passed here yesterday on their return, and I
learn from one of them, a Mr. Wells, who seems to be a tolerably reliable
man, that after leaving here on their way up they met a party consisting of
four persons, among them one Harry Smith and Jackson, who brought
the news of the killing of Brisintine and a stock owner in Bear Har^r,
who were going to look after the stock. They learned from them that
they had attacked a party of Indians at the ITsal Biver and murdered
eleven of them. I say murdered, because they had not made any dem-
onstration against them, nor did they make any defense. Smith's party
claimed that these Indians had killed one or two horses a few days
before. I do not believe a word of it. The two parties meeting, joined
together and proceeded on to Shelter Cove. On arriving there they
found Brisintine and companion wellj no trouble with the Indians, and
learned from them that, having a desire to get this Jackson out of the
neighborhood, they one day went out together, sei)arated a little dis-
tance from Jackson, hid in the bushes, commenced discharging their
pistols and rifles, and Jackson, to their great satisfaction, ran and left
the place. Ho then came down here and told the story of the killing of
Brisintine and companiouj which has proven to be a downright lie, yet
almost everyone believed it here. I learn farther from Wells that the
Indians are doing scarcely any damage. He drove in Hamilton's
Ptock, counted it and found scarcely any of it missing, and conse-
quently left it there, considering it quite safe. Ue assures me that be
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CHAP. Lxn.) CORBESPONDENCE — UNION AND CONFEDERATE. 835
coald, with a party of fifteen men accustomed to Indian matters, exter-
minate all the Indians in that vicinity in a few days. You will there-
fore readily perceive that the stories of Indian depredations in this
vicinity are all bosh, and, as I before informed you, I really believe if
the Indians were properly treated by the white men they would not in
scarcely any instance trouble them. There seems to be a number of
men in this vicinity who desire to make an impression on the Govern-
ment by false reports, &c., that the Indians should be immediately and
severely punished. I believe they are governed by no other motive
than a desire to get employment as guides, packers, and business for
their horses, mules, &c. To accomplish this object they are ready to
and do commit dastardly acts to exasperate the Indians to retaliate, if
jwssible. For instance, here is a sample : While this party of Hamilton
and Smith's were on the trip above mentioned, they failed to even get
sight of an Indian at or in the vicinity of Shelter Cove, except one old
S(iuaw leading two children, when one of the party named Steve Shan-
non leveled his rifle and shot her dead while she was trying to get
away from them. This same Shannon last summer, while acting as
guide for Lieutenant Martin, former commander of this post, on an
expedition to drive in Indians to the reservation, took a child from a
squaw prisoner who happened to be a little to the rear of the party, tied
it to a tree, and shot it. Lieutenant Martin was so incensed when he
heard of it that he would have hung Shannon if he could. Such are a
sample of the acts that produce Indian depredations, and such are the
men who are anxious to be employed by the Government. We have no
power, either civil or military, to successfully prevent or punish these
acts of white men, yet we are constantly importuned to punish Indians.
I have thus elaborately explained to the commanding colonel the correct
]>osition of attairs in this vicinity. I deem it my duty to do so, inas-
much as you informed me that you intended to operate against the
Indians the coming summer. I shall endeavor to keep you informed of
all matters pertaining to Indian and military affairs in this vicinity. I
trust this action will meet your approval and such consideration as the
exigencies of the case require.
I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
J. B. MOORE,
Captain, Third Infantry California Volunteers, Comdg. Post.
Heabqtiabtebs Department of the Pacific,
San Francisco, Cal., January 30, 1862.
Capt. William H. Gardner, U. S. Navy,
Commanding at Mare Island Navy- Yard, Gal. :
Captain : From a conversation I have had with Major Leonard, who
lately visited the navy-yard, I am under the impression that the
detachment of soldiers stationed there are of very little, if any real,
service to you. I regret that I have not at this moment an officer to
spare to send up to take charge of them. If you do not deem their
presence essential at this time, I shall be very glad to return those men
to their companies, where they could be brought under strict disci-
pline. In case of emergency it would take but a few hours to send
troops to Mare Island either from this point or lienicia.
With great respect, I have the honor to be, captain, your most obedi-
ent servant,
G. WEIGHT,
Brigadier- General, U, 8. Army, Commanding.
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836 OPEEATIONS OK THE PACIFIC COAST. (Chap. LXU.
Wae Department,
Washington City, D. C, January 31, 1862.
Brig. Gen. LoEENZo Thomas,
Adjutant- General U. 8. Army:
Sib : By directiou of the Secretary of War I inclose herewith a copy
of communication received through the Secretary of State,* and request
that you will transmit the same to the commanding general in Cali-
fornia, with instructions to act in the premises as the public safety
may require.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
P. H. WATSON
Agsistant Secretary of War.
Headquabtbbs Department of the Pacific,
San Francisco, January 31, 1862.
Brig. Gen. L. Thomas,
Adjutant-General U. 8. Army, Washington, J). C:
General: I have but little to add to the information I have already
communicated to you as to the state of affairs in this country. The
weather has moderated, and there is a fair prospect that in the course
of two or three weeks the roads through the interior will be passable
for troops and supplies.
Very respeNCtfully, your obedient servant,
G. WEIGHT,
Brigadier-General, U. 8. Army, Commanding.
Headquabtebs Department of the Pacifio,
San Francisco, Cat., January 31, 1862.
Col. James H. Cableton,
First Regiment Infty. California Vols., San Francisco, Cal.:
Colonel : My proposition to the General-in-Chief to organize an
expedition under your command, to consist of your own regiment, the
First Cavalry Kegiment, and a light battery, to move from the south-
eastern frontier of this State, was immediately approved at headquar-
ters. The objects of the expedition you are fully aware of — the recap-
ture of all our forts in Arizona and New Mexico, driving the rebel
forces out of that country or capturing them, and opening the southern
mail route. Every exertion has been and is still being made to provide
your command with everything necessary to insure success, and hatl it
not been for the unprecedented continuance of the rain, which made it
impossible for the troops or wagons to move, an advance could have
been made before this time. The light artillery battery. Company A,
Third Artillery, commanded by First Lieutenant Shinn, is now at the
Presidio, and will be sent to yon as soon as the roads are passable.
Four companies of the cavalry and seven companies of the Fifth
Infantry have already been sent to your district. The remainder of
the Fifth will be sent down soon. I desire that you dispose of the,se
troops in the manner you may deem best calculated to preserve the
peace and quiet of the district. When you finally advance, the com-
mand of the District of Southern California will be devolved on Colonel
* Seo Seward to Stautou, January 28, with iuclusore, p. 827.
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CHAP. LXn.] CORRESPONDENCE — ^UNION AND CONFEDERATE. 837
Bowie, or the senior officer then present. I do not consider it neces-
sary to be more minute in regard to the object to be accomplished or the
mode of effecting it; with the first yon are well acquainted, and as for
the second, I take great pleasure in assuring you that I confide every-
thing to your well-kQown skill, zeal, and gallantry. I shall take occa-
sion to write to yon again before you commence your march, and give
you all the information possible.
Wishing you success, I am, colonel, yours, most truly,
G. WRIGHT,
Brigadier-Oeneral, U. 8. Army, Commanding.
Headquabtebs ITew San Diego Babraoks,
January 31, 1862.
Lieat. CoL J. E. West,
First California Volunteer Infantry, San Pedro:
Colonel : I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your order
and accompanying letter of the 28th. It is utterly impossible for me to
move with wagons, owing to the state of the roads, and from all the
information I can obtain the roads will not be passable for one or per-
haps two months. I send a party this morning to prospect a trail to
Warner's ranch, and if it is possible (and that means something) I
will start with a pack train, leaving my entire company property behind,
taking blankets and great-coats and nothing more which men will
have to pack. There is no other way for me to get out from this post.
I can go a more direct trail and much shorter to Fort Yuma, but as your
order restricts me to Temecula or Camp Wright I will endeavor to make
the latter, and if I do make it it will be without baggage and in alt
probability without tents. I can be ready to leave here Monday morn-
ing if my prospecting party returns in time. I had made up my mind
to try the trip blind, but upon further consideration concluded to ascer-
tain the condition of the trail, as the roads are impracticable, even for
pack-mules. I will be compelled to leave a number of men behind that
are unable to undertake the trip. I think if the trail is passable I can
make Warner's ranch in two and a half days. Some places my men will
have to swim for it, I expect. If you think it is not expedient for me
to take the course I have laid out you will have time to countermand
the orders.
Hoping that my actions will meet with your approval, I have the
hoQor to be, very respectfully,
THOS. L. ROBEETS,
Capt, Company E, First California Vol. Infantry, Comdg. Post.
Abjittant-Genebal's Office,
Wanhington, February 1, 1862.
Brig. Gen. G. Wbioht, U. S. Volunteers,
San Francisco, Cal.:
Your designation of Company A, Third Artillery, for the light bat-
tery is approved. Acknowledge receipt of this by telegraph.
L. THOMAS,
Adjutant- General.
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838 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Chap. LXH.
Commandant's Officb, Navt-Takd,
Mare Island, Cal., February 1, 1862.
Brig. Gen. G. Wbioht, tJ. 8. Army,
Commanding Department of the Pacific:
Sib: Yonr letter of the 30th altimo is received informing me of a
conversation held with Major Leonard, who recently visited this yard,
on the subject of the guard of artillery now stationed here. The guard
as they are, without an ofBcer, are, as you say, of very little, if any
real service in the protection of the public property, but as they were
ordered here at the request of the Honorable Secretary of the Navy, I
must beg leave to decline any recommendation as to the removal of the
detachment from the island. I am satisfied, however, that a force could
be placed upon the island in sufBcient time for all purposes of its defense.
With great re8i)ect, I have the honor to b<e, generaJ, your most
obedient servant,
W. H. GAEDFEE,
Commandant.
GiBNEBAL Obdebs, ) Hdqbs. Depabtment of the Pacific,
No. 4. J San Francisco, Cal., February 3, 1862.
I. Maj. Hiram Leonard, TJ. 8. Army, is hereby appointed provost-
marshal for the city of San Francisco.
II. A detachment of two sabaltems and twenty-five men will be
detailed from the Second Cavalry, at Camp Alert, and quartered in this
city, to act under the special orders of Major Leonard. The deputy
quartermaster- general will cause quarters to be prepared for the
detachment, as well as stables for the horses.
III. All soldiers visiting this city, either on pass or under special
orders, will immediately report at the oflBce of the provost-marshal.
By order of Brigadier-General Wright:
R. C. DRUM,
Assistant Adjutant-General.
Headquartebs,
Fort Yuma, February 4, 1862.
Lieut. Col. J. R. West,
First California Voltmteer Infantry,
Comdfi. Southern District, New San Pedro, Cal. :
Colonel : I have the honor to report to you that A:om information
received here I had reason to suppose that parties disloyal to the Gov-
ernment would attempt to cross the Colorado River somewhere in this
vicinity on the 28th of January. I had information of one more being
in the neighborhood of the Algodones. The information was given me
by an Indian. On the Slst of January I sent First Lieutenant Uargrave
to look for him. He found him near Pilot Knob and arrested him. His
name is Haywood Dickey, formerly a deputy sheriff of San Joaquin
County, Cal. After examining him and taking his statement I con-
cluded to detain him. A copy of his statement I inclose to the district
commander for his disposition (see Appendix A). Also respectfully
atk for instructions in reference to him. I also inclose copy of oath
administered to him (see Appendix B), and statement of Indian (see
Appendix C).
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
EDWIN A. RIGG,
Major First California Volunteer Infantry, Commanding Post.
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Catf . LXn.) COREE8PONDENCE — ^DNION AND CONFEDERATE. 839
Appendix A.
Statement of Haywood Dickey.
Fort Txtma, January 31, 1862.
My name is Haywood Dickey. I was born in Tennessee (Knox
County), a few miles below Knoxville. Left Tennessee on the 2l8t day
of April, 1850, for California. Arrived in San Francisco on the 20th
day of August, 1850. Since that time lived principally in Stockton.
My business has been teaming, and for some years was deputy sherifiT
of San Joaquin County, under John O'Neil. I had been so nearly the
time specified. John O'Neil went out of oflBce on the Ist of October,
1861. I then left Stockton to go to Texas by way of Los Angeles and
Fort Yuma. At the Monte, near Los Angeles, I heard of the arrest of
the Showalter party and changed my notions. I then started for San
Diego. I then concluded to go to the mines, forty miles from San Diego,
across the line into Lower California. From there I went to see Gov-
ernor Moreno for the purpose of procuring provisions. He had none,
or had none to spare. I struck across ftom there to Indian Well, on
the desert. An Indian guide (Yuma) came with me. The Governor
gave me some flour, perhaps five pounds. I arrived at the camp of
the ¥amas on the 27th. I came on horseback that far, and left my
horse with the Indians (an Indian called Antonio). From there [ went
to Yager's hay camp, and was employed by him or his foreman. The
only reason why I stopped was that I knew I could not get through.
I intend to go home as soon as I can. I saw one of the Showalter party
that you did not get. I saw some of them at San Diego. The names
of them I do not know, although I had some conversation with them.
I know personally Showalter, King, Wilson, Woods, Benbrook, Sands,
Roberts, Ward, Woods (both of the men by the name of Woods), Samp-
son, Rogers, Edwards, Lawrence, Rogers (both of the Rogers), Crowell,
Turner, Sumner, Chum, and I would have started within two days to
overtake them if I had not been taken ill. I left Stockton with a man
by the name of William Holland, Ward, who is now here, Jim Moss
and Hopkins, James and Henry, and two of the Ayers, Jim Dunlap,
and three others whose names I have forgotten. My sympathies are
with the South sure, and if I am compelled to fight I will take that
side. I do not think that the Government can stand divided. I am
twenty-eight years old on the 9th day of March, 1862. I do not think
that the State that I was born in had any right to secede, or rather,
I do not know whether the State had or had not, but my sympathies
are for the South. My opinion is that a portion of Showaltor's party
intejided to go on to join the Confederate Army. Ward told me that
he did not intend to go farther than Van Dom, in Arizona or New
Mexico. I am willing to take the oath of allegiance.
HAYWOOD DICK3Y.
Appendix B.
Copy of oath administered to Haywood Dickey^ at Fort Yuma,
January 31, 1862.
I, Haywood Dickey, do solemnly swear that I will support, protect,
and defend the Constitution and Government of the United States
against all enemies, whether domestic or foreign; and that I will bear
true faith, allegiance, and loyalty to the same, any ordinance, resolu-
tion, or law of any State convention or legislature to the contrary
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840 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Chap. LXIL
notwithstanding. And farther, that I do this with a full determina-
tion, pledge, and purpose, without any mental reservation or evasion
whatever: so help me God.
HAYWOOD DICKEY.
Witness :
FRANCIS S. MITCHELL,
First Lieutenant and Post Adjutant.
Sworn to before me this Slst day of January, 1862.
EDWIN A. BIGG,
Major First California Volunteer Infantry, Commanding Post,
Appknbix C.
Fort Ytjma, January 30, 1862.
Marto La Cruz was bom at the Al^odones, on the Colorado River.
My father was a white man; what nation I do not know. Was taken
prisoner by the Cocopahs and sold to an Englishman by the name of
William Hardy, who took me to Lower California (La Paz), where I
lived eighteen years. I am now twenty-five years old. Mr. Hardy
died two years ago, after which I returned to my people (the Yumas),
where I have resided ever since. The Governor of Lower California
(Moreno) sent for me three months ago. He gave me papers author-
izing me to have bad white men, Texans principally, from crossing the
Colorado River, and to advise him of any parties crossing into Lower
California; that they stole his animals. He gave me papers to the
head chiefs of the Cocopahs and Yumas, and told me that good men
would go to the ferry at Fort Yuma to cross, but bad men would want
to cross below there. I met a man who told me that be had friends
taken to Fort Yuma; that he was from Texas, and that he wanted to
fight to get even. The Governor of California told me to bring him to
the ferry at Fort Yuma; that if he was a good man he could cross
there, and if he was not that he should not cross anywhere. I gave the
man my papers, to keep them dry, but he said he lost them and could
not get them back. His horse gave out, and he heard of a party of
Mr. Yager cutting hay near Pilot Knob. He left his horse with the
Indians and he went to the hay party, and I came to the fort to report it.
HEADQtJABTEfiS,
Fort Yuma, February 4, 1862.
Lieut. Col. J. R. West,
Commanding District, Nexc San Pedro, Cal. :
Colonel : I received a letter fi-om M%j. D. Fergnsson (commanding
Camp Wright, dated January 30) on the 2d instant, in which he says
that Mr. Tibbetts iuforms him that as many as forty or fifty men armed
and mounted passed his house during the last six or seven weeks ; seven-
teen passed on the 9th of January. The major adds: "They avoided
this road and San Diego, and probably got over some trail leading into
the desert beyond Carriso Creek." They were heard of by parties
living on the coast road all along from Los Angeles to San Luis Rey,
but that nOiie has sufficient patriotism to report it in time. Tibbetts
says he was afraid of his life, being the only Union man in his neigh-
borhood. I fear parties are leaving Visalia and Mariposa without
being detected by the proper authorities. I think that it is practicable
for men of enterprise to cross the river during the nsnal stages of
water. Should the river be higli yet, it is likely the last party is down
below you firom thirty to sixty miles. This mast be a portion of the
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Chap. LXH.I CORBESPONDENCB — ^UNlON AND CONFEDERATE. 841
party that Mr. Olark telegraphed about. I do not think they have
crossed yet, and will keep a sharp lookont for them, and if possible
capture them. I will send the Indians oat to watch for them at once.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
EDWIN A. BIGG,
Major First California Volunteer Infantry, Commanding Post.
Headqtjabtbbs,
Fort Yuma, February 4, 1862.
Lieut. Col. J. R. West,
First California Vol. Infty., Comdg. Dist., New San Pedro, Cal.:
Colonel : I would respectfully call your attention to the fact that
the charges against twelve general prisoners have not been received
here, viz: Privates Glaucy, Carey, and Murphy, Company B, First Cal-
ifornia Volunteer Infantry; Jones, Miller, Finley, Sergeant Stedenfeldt,
of Company D, First California Volunteer Infantry; Fitzgerald, Com-
pany G, First California Volunteer Infantry; McCormick, Company I,
First California Volunteer Infantry; filankenship and Whitaker, Com-
pany F, First California Volunteer Infantry; and also Hastings, of
Company D. The charges are here against Dwyer, First Cavalry, but
the prisoner has not arrived. I also inclose, for the consideration of the
district commander, statement of Alvin Sanders (see Appendix D),
an American citizen en route to Los Angeles from Sonora. The steamer
Cocopah, Captain Wilcox, arrived here yesterday from the mouth of
the Colorado, bringing sixty tons of stores, principally barley and coffee.
One package of ordnance stores only has arrived. Nothing has been
heard of the guns or the steamer Republic's freight, except some bar-
ley and flour, of the arrival of which I have already informed Colonel
Carleton. I started the three wagons back to Camp Wright (that came
with Captain Gorley's detachment) yesterday morning. Since the over-
flow I have experienced some difliculty in getting a suflElcient quantity
of wood for the post. The wagon not being able to get the wood on
the flat, I am now having wood boated down the Gila River. A short
time, however, will dry up the roads so that wood can be hauled. I
have had all the pack-saddles and aparejos put in order as directed by
Colonel Carleton. I would also respectfully call the attention of the
district commander to the fact that there is no clothing at the post.
The command is very much in want of pants and blouses. Many of
the men, from the fatigue duty they have been obliged to perform dur-
ing the high water, carrying wood, moving the quartermaster's and
commissary stores, are almost naked. The water works have been
repaired and are again in working order. The recruits have been dropped
from the companies to which they were attached, and are commanded
by Lieutenant Mitchell as directed. The health of the command is
good, and their drills progressing as instructed by the colonel command-
ing. I have had the howitzers, carriages, &c., overhauled and repaired,
and to the best of my ability carried out all my instructions to the
letter. I entertain some fears that the small vessels on which we ship-
ped the guns have.met with some accident. Nothing had been beard
from them when Captain Wilcox left the mouth of the river.
I remain, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
EDWIN A. RIGG,
Major First California Volunteer Infantry, Commanding Post.
P. S. — I inclose, as directed by the colonel commanding, statement of
political prisoners in answer to letter addressed to commanding officer
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842 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Chap. LXIt
at Camp Wright by R. K. Dickey, dated at San Bernardino, December
2, 1861, in reference to horses in their possession ; also letter from R.
H. Ward, directed to the Hon. J. N. Ward, Merced County, nnsealed,
for his disposal.
E. A. R.
Headquarters Humboldt Military District,
Fort Humboldt, February 4, 1862.
Maj. R. 0. Drum, U. S. Army,
Assistant Adjutant- General, Department of the Pacific:
Major : Since my former letter the routes have become still more
impracticable. It has been raining almost without intermission, stop-
ping for three or four days ouly to cover the mountains and fill up the
ravines with snow, in some places to a very great depth. We are here
literally on jail limits, some two or three miles in extent, almost as
completely cut off from the world — nay, from the rest of my district —
as if we were on some desert island. Of course I have had but little
news from the interior. I have heard of an instance of Indian depre-
dations upon stock, and of the supposed murder by Indians of two or
three white men on Eel River. Since my arrival I have had no news
from Fort Bragg, the small garrison jit Fort Seward, nor from Fort
Ter-Waw, to which I wrote up for a report, by the way of Crescent City,
when the steamer was here before. The only news I have had from
Fort Gaston is a letter from Captain Johns, of the 5th of January,
received by me on the 14th, asking rather urgently for arms and pro-
visions, and speaking of expected Indian difficulties. On the 15th I
sent him a supply of both, including subsistence for his command of
forty-six men for sixty days, with an escort of eight men. The supplies
were packed on mules at Areata (the terminus on the bay of the trail
to Gaston), where they had been stored for some time under a contract
with JEin experienced and energetic train conductor. For the particu-
lars of the contract with him I refer you to Acting Quartermaster
Swasey's report to Colonel Babbitt by this mail. The conductor
expected to make the trip to Gaston, which is only about forty miles
from Areata, in about four days. Instead of that when last heard from,
two or three days since, they had not been able to get farther than the
Redwoods, some ten or twelve miles from Areata. In the direction of
Fort Seward the route must be still worse. Five or six weeks ago,
when the cavalry came down from there, their only means of crossing
some of the streams was by felling some lofty tree near the bank long
enough to reach across, on which the men and the entire baggage were
passed over, while the animals were made to swim. As it has rained
almost incessantly since then, it would seem to be impossible at pres-
ent to send any supplies to that point from here, even if a mounted
messenger could get through. Two or three days since some citizens
of Hydesville arrived here on foot, the trail being in such a condition
that they would not venture to take the journey on horseback. Hydes-
ville is on the route to Fort Seward, about twenty-two miles from here,
and the trail to it has been hitherto much more constantly traveled
than any other in the county. From information obtained from differ-
ent sources I am decidedly of opinion that Fort Seward should be aban-
doned. It is situated about eighty miles from here, near the boundary
of Mendocino County, on the farther side of Eel River. To reach there
it is necessary to cross several streams, which in the winter season
become roaring mouutaiu torrents; but the most important objectioa
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CHAP. LXn.] CORRESPONDENCE — UNION AND CONFEDERATE. 843
to its location is that it is entirely too far firom the settlements to afford
much protection to them. All acconnts agree that a post on Van
Dusen's Fork or Yager Creek (tributaries of the Eel River), some
twenty-five miles nearer here, would accomplish the object much more
efiectnally, there being in these neighborhoods many more settlers and
many more Indians.
Since the 20th of December Fort Seward has been garrisoned only
by twenty men, partly of the Third California Volunteer Infantry and
partly of the Second California Volunteer Cavalry, under Lieutenant
Davis, of the Second Cavalry. From estimates made by my direction
by Acting Quartermaster Swasey, based upon reports made to me of
public property left there, it appears that on the 20th of this month
they will be entirely out of all subsistence stores except about 1,000
pounds of flour, and that forty-four mules could tran8i>ort hither all
the Government property at the post. This number of mules belong-
ing to the Government Mr. Swasey thinks he might have ready for the
trip by the 20th instant. It may, however, be some weeks later before
the route is fit to be traveled. With their 1,000 pounds of flour there is
no danger of the garrison starving in the meantime, e8i>ecially as seven
oxen were left behind, and beef no doubt can easily be obtained in the
neighborhood. It is very doubtfhl whether any one could be hired at
present to take supplies there at any price — certainly, Mr. Swasey tells
me, not for less than 12^ cents per pound. In regard to breaking up
the post at Fort Seward, I shall take no steps till after this steamer's
return from San Francisco. But unless otherwise instructed from your
headquarters as soon after that as the route becomes practicable and
there are public mules ^nough here iu good condition I shall have the
garrison and the public property brought down to this post. I under-
stand that no buildings except two log huts, not completed, have been
erected there, the troops having refused to build anything but a bake
oven. If another post is to be established to replace it in some other
locality I think it better to wait until I shall be enabled by more full
information than I can now obtain and by an actual reconnaissance of
the country to select the site judiciously. The cavalry horses are
recruiting very slowly, having as yet no shelter. By the ]st of March
a dozen, perhaps, might be tit for the field.
The general court-martial for the trial of the Fort Seward mutineers
convened on the day appointed. Having ascertained that Lieutenant
Davis and three men, now at Fort Seward, are material witnesses for
the prosecution, witliout whose testimony the charges could not be
proved, the court adjourned over to next Saturday, and will, I presume,
continue to adjourn over trom week to week until those witnesses can
arrive. On the 30th of January it was officially reported to me by Cap-
tains Douglas and Ileffernan, commanding Companies F and K, Second
California Volunteer Infantry, that some eighty of their men were in
urgent need of shoes, some of tliem being unable, ftom the want of them,
to attend drills or do duty of any kind, and nearly one-third of Company
F being on the sick report for the same cause, Acting Quartermaster
Swasey having no shoes on hand of the numbers required, and having
reported that they could be htvd iu Eureka at $l.Gr> ])er pair, I directed
him to make the purchase, which was done, and the shoes were at once
issued to the two companies. By the aid of an old map and the infor-
mation I have obtained re8i)ecting the topography of the country and
the Indian tribes, I am enabled to fill out somewhat in detail the gen-
eral plan of camjjaign suggested in my first letter. The general con-
figuration and important features of the district will be found roughly
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844 OPEllATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. (CHAP.I.xn.
indicated in the inclosed sketch.* To complete the general idea intended
to be given by it, it is necessary to conceive of the western spurs of the
Coast Bange as sloping gradually down for some twenty miles till they
meet a serried column of mountain ridges running diagonally across the
ooontry. The general direction of these ridges (omitted in the plan for
the sake of distinctness) is shown by the streams that drain the narrow
valleys between them to be northwest and southeast, except in Mendo-
cino County, where they run neai'ly north and south. These ridges cover
the central portion of the district, an average width of, perhaps, twenty-
flve miles. The belt of land between these ridges and the coast, of an
average width of about twenty miles, is mostly covered with a dense
forest of redwood or fir. In the fine season the Indians are mostly roam-
ing over the whole country from the Coast Eange to the sea, at least to
the belt of forest skirting the coast; but in the winter season, from the
time the snow begins to be deep on the mountains, they shelter them-
selves in the narrow valleys between the ridges, along the banks of the
streams, where their rancherias will be found stationary until the snows
have melted away, when they scatter again till the following winter. In
the winter season, therefore, to find them it is only necessary to follow
up the streams from their months to their sources, as so many lines of
operations. From all this it is obvious that if the routes should become
practicable for troops and their baggage and remain so for a few
weeks, the snows still resting on the mountains, the proper plan of cam-
imign would be to send up a force of a few hundred men from the Lower
Russian River as a base, through the valley of that river to its sources,
thence down the various tributaries of Eel River to their respective
mouths, dividing for that purpose into as many detachments as maybe
necessary: this force to be met by another one, which, starting from
Klamath River as a base (I have heard no complaints of the Indians
in Del Monte), should push detachments up the Klamath, Trinity, Red-
wood, and Mad Rivers and their various tributaries, as also Eel River
and its northern branches. This latter force should be more numerous
than the former, having to furnish more detachments. A company or
two of cavalry with each of these corps would be very serviceable to
head off straggling parties, pursue fugitives, for the more prompt secur-
ing of passes, and other duties which properly belong to mounted men.
In addition to these two corps, two or three companies on the eastern
side of the Coast Range would probably furnish detachments enough to
guard the few practicable passes that may exist through those moun-
teins while they are covered with snow. The general character of the
Indians to the south of the Klamath, so the old residents tell me, is
treacherous and vindictive, but not warlike. Fighting only in ambush,
they are perhaps more dangerous than the bold mounted warriors of
Oregon. Comparatively few of them as yet are provided with fire-arms,
but they are constantly receiving both arms and ammunition through
the sqnaw men and other low vagabond whites. The Klamath Indians,
however, whose chief habitat is on both banks of the Klamath River,
are said to be far superior in intelligence and in bravery to the tribes
south of them. They are decidedly warlike and fight in the open field
man to man. Their headquarters would seem to be in Hoopa Valley,
which is a few miles only in extent and close to Fort Gaston. The num-
ber of warriors this valley can turn out is variously estimated from 300
to 500. Their principal mau-we-ma, or chief, is an intelligent man, and
having been taken down to San Francisco some years since to learn
the power and number of the whites, is said to be disposed to keep
* Not found.
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Chap. JJXL.] COEEE8PONDENCE — ^UNION AND CONFEDERATE. 845
his tribe, so far aa be can, from committing any depredations or hos-
tilities. The few old residents here I have conversed with agree in
the opinion that neither these Indians nor any of the others can be
brought in willingly to go upon the reservations. Nothing short of
actual force will do this, unless it be an impressive exhibition of it. The
Indians have been so often told that the whites were coming in great
force " to wipe them all out," without ever seeing any other ^fiUment
of this threat than an occasional raid by a party of armed citizens,
eitecting nothing but the slaughter of a few among them, mostly women
and children, that they have become stubbornly incredulous on the sub-
ject. It is highly desirable to avoid the bloodshed tbat would be caused
by a resistance on the part of the Indians. There is no more likely
way of doing this than by making such a display of force as to show
resistance to be useless. On the other hand the chances of success in
the entire campaign would be much increased by striking a vigorous
and effective blow at the outset. The wisest course, therefore, I con-
ceive would be as follows: Suddenly concentrate at Port Gaston a force
of, say, 600 men, regulars and volunteers, but all having the prestige
of regulars in uniform, drill, and discipline, the force to include a com-
pany of cavalry mounted and the mountain howitzer now at this post,
with a detachment to work it. Immediately have a field day to which
invite the man- wema at Hoopa Valley and as many of his tribe as would
come. I'jxercise Ihe troops before them in some showy and striking
maneuvers, battalion and skirmishing, including a few fires with blank
cartridges, and the discbarge of a few shells by the howitzer. After
this disjilay of what to them must appear an irresistible force, the
whole tribe, at least all the Indians in the valley, would probably yield
to the evident necessity and come in, on being told that if they did not
the entire force would be used to bring them in. But if they should
show a disposition to resist or to hesitate they would find the outlets
of the valley already secured by detachments of cavalry, and whether
they resisted or not, the result with such a force as I have named would
be equally certain. The moral effect of thus at one blow reducing to
submission the most warlike of the tribes would contribute powerftilly
to our success with the inferior races to the south of them, and when
combined with the pressure of the column from the south, making them
realize that they were hemmed in on all sides by a superior force, would
probably induce them to submit without resistance. But whetherthey
resisted or not, the final result would be the same — they would be all
brought in. As to the troops to be sent here in the event of a cam-
paign, I shall not presume, of course, to offer any suggestion, though I
should naturally prefer the six companies of the Ninth Infantry at the
Presidio, and my own company (G), at Alcatraz, if it could be spared,
with one mounted company of the Second Cavalry. If Oaptain Moore's
company at Fort Bragg should be left to cooperate with the southern
corps, these re-enforcements, together with the six companies already in
this part of the district, would amount in all to foinrteeu companies, and
making all deductions for garrisons, &c., at least 600 men in the field.
The next question is as to the disposition to be madeof the Indians when
brought in. On one point all opinions here are unanimous. If taken
to any reservation in this part of the State, all the more turbulent and
dangerous among them will soon find their way back to their usual
haunts. This I am told has always been the case, whether taken to the
Klamath, the Nome Cult, or the Mendocino Reservations (I have
marked on the plan the place as near as I can ascertain it of each of
these reservations with a small dotted circle). A resident near the
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846 OPEBATION8 ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Chap. Lxn.
Hoopa Valley for the last teu years, recommended to me as reliable and
intelligent, states that all the male Indians of some hundreds thai were
inveigled in some years since by General Kibbeand sent to the Mendo-
cino Reservation were back again on their old ground within two
months, to his personal knowledge. From the Tejon Reservation they
never could find their way back. I therefore earnestly recommend to
the department commander that this should be their destination. Sub-
sistence would, of course, have to be provided for the Indians as fast as
brought in. The Hoopa Indians could be sent down the Klamath in
canoes to Fort Ter-Waw, where they could be guarded and subsisted
until shipped on board a steamer or other vessel at Crescent City.
Fort Humboldt would probably be the most convenient depot of sub-
sistence and pla«e of shipment fur all the Indians to the south of the
Klamath. Bat in respect to all these matters, once at Fort Gaston I
could readily communicate with your headquarters by the way of Wea-
vervUle, only about forty-five miles from Fort Gaston, to which place
there is a regular mail from San Francisco as well as a telegraph. I^
unfortunately, of which there is now every appearance, it will be impos-
sible totakethe field until the snows are melted and the Indians scattered
again, the plan of campaign could still. I think, be successfully carried
out. The only difference would be that it would requii'e more time and
more troops, but would not this be better than waiting till next winter t
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
FRANCIS J. LIPPITT,
Colonel Second California Vol. Infty., Comdg, Mumboldt Mil. IHst.
Headquarteks Depaetment op the Pacific,
San Francisco, Cal, February 5, 1862.
Iba P. Rankin, Esq.,
U. S. Collector, San Francisco, Cal, :
Sir : My officer commanding at Fort Point reports to me that vessels
are constantly in the habit of passing in and out without any display
of colors. Would it not be well to have notice given that all vessels
will be required to hoist their colors on passing the forts T This would
avoid any delay of the ship. I do not wish to interpose any obstruc-
tions to the ingress or egress of vessels to this port, provided they are
engaged in the legitimate trade, and for the present I do not deem it
necessary to require more than a display of their colors. I suppose
that vessels arriving are examined by officers of the revenue service as
to their character and nationality.
With great respect, your obedient servant,
G. WRIGHT,
Brigadier-Oeneral, U. S. Army, Commanding.
General Orders, ) Hdqrs. Dist. op Southern California,
No. 2. ) Los Angeles, Cal,, February 5, 1862.
I. The undersigned hereby resumes command of this district.
• ••••••
V. Lieutenant-Colonel Evans, Second California Volunteer Cavalry,
in addition to his duties as commander of Camp Drum, is hereby
charged with providing for such troops as may arrive from San Fran-
cisco within the next four weeks. For this purpose he will make timely
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CHAP.LXn.] COEEESPONDENCE UNION AND CONFEDERATE. 847
requisitions for sach subsistence stores, forage, aud fuel as may be
necessary direct upon the proper departments at San Francisco. Lien-
teuant-Colonel Evans will liave supervisory control of all issues of Army
sup])1ies both at New San Pedro and at Camp Drum. No issues will
be made except on proper returns countersigned by hiiu.
JAMES JI. CARLETON,
Colonel First California Volunteer Infantry, Commanding.
Genekal Orders, \ Camp Drum,
No. 20. ) New San Pedro, Gal., February 5, 1862.
The undersigned hereby resumes command of this camp.
(JEO. S. EVANS,
Lieut. Col. Second Cav. California VoU., Comdg. Detachment.
IIeadquarters District op Sot'thbrn California,
Los Angeles, Cal., February 5, 1802.
Lieut. Col. J. R. West,
First Infantry California Volunteers, Camp Wright
{or more probably at Fort Yuma, Cal.):
Colonel: If, when this reaches you, you have gone beyond Camp
Wright, return without delay and assume command of that camp until
further orders. If you are already at Camp Wright, assume command
of that camp and remain there until otherwise directed. I desire that
you have the troops in that camp put into the highest state of efficiency
and kept ready for Held service at an hour's notice. Should Captain
Roberts' comjiany arrive at Camp Wright from San Diego, detain it
there as a part of your command. The ambulance which belongs to
Fort Yuma you will leave at Fort Yuma, if this letter does not reach
you until you have arrived there, otherwise you will have it sent there
without delay.
I am, colonel, respectfully, your obedient servant,
JAMES H. CARLETON,
Colonel First California Volunteers, Commanding.
Headquarters District of Southern California,
Los Angeles, Cal., February 5, 1802. (Received 14th.)
Maj. E. A. RiOG,
First Infantry California Vols., Comdg. at Fort Yuma, Gal. :
Major : Keep scouts uj) the river in the direction of Tucson to give
you timely notice of any advance from that direction of the rebel
force reported as being in Arizona. Keep the steamer and all other
boats, large and small, on this side of the river under a strong guard.
If necessary, defend your post to the last extremity, then if you are
obliged to give way, which is not at all probable, destroy it and fight
your way across the desert, filling up the wells between yourself and
your enemy as you fall back. Keep all the time on the qui rive, yet
do not be stampeded. You can whip any force that will menace you,
having, as you have, command of the river. I shall send you some
artillery ammunition aud some cavalry for scouts in a few days.
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848 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. (Chap. LXn.
Send Keene to report to me in one week after the express which takes
tiiis to yon leaves to return. Tou will of coarse keep me advised of all
you do, and all that is done by the enemy.
I am, major, respectfully, your obedient servant.
JAMES H. OAELETON,
Colonel First California Volunteers, Commanding.
San Francisco, Cal., February 6, 1862.
M%j. B. G. Drum,
Assistant Adjutant- General, U. 8. Army,
Headquarters Department Pacific, San Francisco, Cal. :
Sir: Since my last written communication, dated Port Towusend,
January 1, 1 have the honor to report that upon a full and careful can-
vass of Washington Territory west of the Cascade Mountains, with a
view to the raising and organizing the First Regiment of Washington
Territory Volunteer Infantry, I gave authority for the enrollment of
three companies within the Territory. From circumstances mentioned
in my former reports as presenting obstacles to recruiting in that dis-
trict of country, I am convinced that during the following four months
to fill these companies will exhaust the extreme capacity of the entire
Territory. The jieculiar severity of this winter season has rendered it
impossible to visit other portions of the District of Oregon. Its neces-
sity is obviated, too, by my very free conference at Olympia with mem-
bers of the Territorial Legislature, who were well informed ni)ou the
condition of all parts of the country, as well as information that I have
received from intelligent sources in the State of Oregon. I believe that
the only proper and practicable measures that can be taken for the
present in the District of Oregon toward recruiting for my regiment
are in progress there, and I am impressed with the propriety of at once
commencing the organization of companies in this city and State.
Since my arrival here on the 28th ultimo I am assured of the favora-
ble prospect of procuring four companies in this city, with the reasonable
expectation of at least two more from the interior of the State. I have
already selected some company officers and given authority to recruit
for my regiment in this city, and in view of the practical commencement
of its organization I have the honor respectfully to prefer to the com-
manding general the request that for the personal superintendence of
this organization I may be permitted temporarily to make my head-
quarters in this city instead of Fort Vancouver, to which latter place
I am now under orders from department headquarters ; that as an essen-
tial and positive requirement for the performance of the duties incident
to the raising of recruits, and the speedy and successful organization
of my regiment, authority may be given me to have at once mustered
into service my lieutenant colonel and major. I have made these
appointments of my field officers by virtue of the authority given me
by the honorable Secretary of War, heretofore submitted, and while I
deem their presence and assistance at regimental headquarters not
only of much value but of imperative necessity in the commencement
of the organization, I am convinced that to have them placed on duty,
with the full credit of their official position, is in strict consonance with
the intent of the authorization for this regiment. I have also reapect-
ftally to submit for the consideration of the commanding general that
the establishment of a depot for recruits for my regiment, convenient
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Chap. LXU.) COEEESPONDENCE — UNION AND CONFEDEEATE. 849
to the city, will serve a valuable purpose, giviug much assistance to
separate officers recruiting, and security to the enrollment und muster-
ing of men.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JUSTUS STEINBERGER,
Colonel, U. 8. Volunteers.
Heaoquabtebs Distbiot op Southebn Califobnia,
Los Angeles, Cal., February 7, 1862.
Maj. R. C. Beum, U. S. Army,
Assistant Adjutant- Oeneral, San Francisco, Cal.:
Majoe: I understood from Captain Kirkham that at or about this
time a brig would leave San Francisco laden with Government stores
for Fort Yuma. Please do me the favor to let me know the name of
this brig and with what cargo she is laden. This information is impor-
tant to my movements, as I shall have au expressman leave Fort Yuma
to notify me of the arrival of the vessel at the mouth of the Colorado;
and I can tell exactly the 8tat« of the supplies for the Mojave expedi-
tiou when her cargo comes to hand. I think it would bo well for Col-
onel Bowie to be here at as early a day as practicable to discipline his
regiment, five companies of which are now at Camp Latham.
Respectfully, your obedient servant,
JAMES H. OARLETON,
Colonel First California Volunteers, Commanding.
Headqxtaetebs Department op the Paoipic,
San Francisco, Cal., February 7, 1862.
Col. J. Steinbebgeb,
First Kegt. Washington Territory Vols., San Francisco, Cal. :
SiB: Your letter of the Gth instant with reference to the organiza-
tion of the First Regiment of Washington Territory Volunteers hav-
ing been submitted to the general commanding the department, I am
directed to say, in reply, that should you deem it necessary for the
speedy organization of your regiment, you will muster in such ofQcers
of the field and staff of the regiment as is essential for this purpose.
One of the field officers must be posted at Fort Vancouver, to superin-
tend the enrollment of such companies as may be raised in the District
of Oregon. As the companies reach the requisite number the first
lieutenant thereof can be mustered in, and the men, with this officer,
will be sent to Alcatraz Island, which will be the depot for the com-
panies raised in this State. The general directs that the headquarters
of your regiment shall be temporarily established in this city.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
RICHD. C. DRUM,
Assistant Adjutant- General.
Headquabtees Dbpaetment op the Paoipic,
San Francisco, February 8, 1862.
Brig. Gen. L. Thomas,
Adjutant-Qeneral U. S. Army, Washington, D. C:
Genebal : I have the honor to inclose herewith a (!opy of a com
muuicatiou from Col. Justus Steiuberger, dated on the tith instant, and
54 E E — VOL L, pt I
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850 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Chap. LXIL
the reply whicb I directed to be made on the 7th.* The instructions
from the War Department to Colonel Steinberger, dated on the 18th of
October, 1861, authorized the colonel to raise and organize a regiment
of infantry in the Territory of Washington and the country adjacent
thereto. Oolonel Steinberger's communication will inform you of the
embarrassments he has met with in raising men in Washington Territory
and in the State of Oregon. I cannot anticipate much success in rais-
ing foot troops for service in that country. The newly discovered gold
mines naturally draw off a large portion of the able-bodied men, and
when it is considered that a regiment of cavalry is now being raised in
Oregon, it cannot be expected that a regiment of infantry for home
service can be raised from a sparse population. The colonel is very
sanguine that he can raise a few companies in this city, and I have
decided to establish him temporarily here for that purpose. My action
in this matter is respectfully submitted to the consideration of the
General-in Chief. Colonel Cornelius, under instructions from your
ofBce, dated on 24th of September, 1861, was authorized to raise a reg-
iment of mounted troops in Oregon. I have a communication from the
colonel, dated on the 8th . of January, ultimo, iu which he asks foi*
clothing, arms, &c., for six companies, immediately, and says further
that he shall require supplies for four more companies in course of the
next two months. I beg leave to ask your attention to the latter por-
tion of the instructions to Colonel Cornelius. Thus far I have given
no orders or instructions to the colonel, as he was directed to rejmrt
and receive instructions direct from Washington. Now, as tlie regi-
ment will soon be ready for field service, it is highly important that it
should be under the direct command of the department commaader.
All of which is respectfully submitted.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
G. WRIGHT,
Brigadier- Oeneral, U. 8. Army, Commanding.
Headquaetebs Disteiot op Southeen Oalipobnia,
Los Angeles, Gal,, February 8, 1862.
Lieut. Col. J. R. West,
First California Volunteer Infantry, Comdg. Gamp Wright:
Colonel: Having assumed command at Camp Wright in compli-
ance with instructions dated at these headquarters, February 5, 1862,
you will order Major Fergusson, First California Volunteer Cavalry, to
report for duty at the headquarters of his regiment.
I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JAMES H. CARLETON,
Colonel First California Volunteers, Commanding.
Headquaetebs Disteiot op Southern California,
Los Angeles, Gal, February 8, 1862.
Lieut. Col. J. R. West,
First California Volunteer Infantry,
Commanding at Camp Wright, Gal.:
Colonel : If you can get good grazing and fuel and water nearer
Temecula, or even at the latter place, than you have at Oak Grove, you
* See p. 848, aud next, ante.
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Chap. UOI.J CORRESPONDENCE UNION AND CONFEDERATE. 851
are authorized to remove Camp Wright to that point. The few miles
lost in a military sense can soon be recovered. Exercise a sound dis-
cretion about supplying your command with barley. The grazing is
now so good you will hardly need purchase much hay. The garrison of
Camp Wright will be increa8e<l. What you lack of provisions or other
stores I must at once be informed about. I shall take care that troops
which are to join you have provisions enough to last them for some days,
to give them time to make known additional wants. Gather up the
raveled ends all around you and get your force in lighting trim. I have
every confidence in your forecast. As soon as I can do so I will write
you more fully. Stop all newspaper writers in your camp from com-
menting on the movement of troops in this district. Quiet, implicit,
and prompt obedience to orders must take the place of so much of this
debating society system now in vogue.
Bespectfully, your obedient servant,
JAMES H. OARLETON,
Colonel First California Volunteer Infantry, Commanding.
Headquarters Uistbiot of Soiitheen Oalifobnia,
Los Angeles, Cal., February 8, 1863.
Lieut. Col. E. E. Eybb,
First California Volunteer Cavalry, Comdg. Camp Carleton,
San Bernardino, Gal.:
Colonel : After conversing with some of my expressmen about the
great flood in the Gila and Colorado Rivers, which hivs covered the bot-
tom lands with mud, swept oft' hay, &c., I desire you will send Captain
McCleave to Fort Yuma with thirty rank and file picked men of his
company. If when he arrives there it is found that any grazing can be
found within twenty miles of the post, the captain will send back word
that the rest of his company will then follow him. I have but little
doubt but grass can be found up the Colorado, but of this I must be
sure. Lieutenant Harvey and Lieutenant Nichols will accompany
Captain McCleave.
Respectfully, &c.,
JAMES H. CARLETON,
Colonel First California Volunteers, Commanding.
IIEADQUABTEBS DlSTBICT OP SOUTHBBN CALIFORNIA,
Los Angeles, Cal., February 8, 1862.
Maj. E. A. RiGO,
First California Volunteer Infantry, Comdg. Fort Yuma :
Major : If the general court-martial recently convened at Fort Yuma
has adjourned sine die without trying Lieutenant MacGowan, First Cali-
fornia Infantry, release that officer from arrest and give him his appro-
priate duties under his commission. Forward to these head(iuarters
the amount of all kinds of military stores you have on hand at the end
of each ten days, commencing on the 15tli instant; that is, of ammuni-
tion, subsistence, forage, hospital stores, and also of your means of
transportation and the number of your intrenching tools. Keep me
advised of the condition of your defenses at the same time. In a word,
I wish through your reports to see exactly your condition. I shall
not expect that my instructions or orders to yourself are read by other
parties, nor will you permit any letters for the press to leave your post,
uor permit any discussions about the movements of the troops in this
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852 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST, [Chap.LXII.
district, nor any speculations to be made audibly in relation to such
movements. All that is desired, and this will be enforced, is prompt
and implicit and quiet obedience to orders. Commenting and caviling
belong not to the profession of arms. Reticence on the part of all is
what is looked for and expected and required. I send Captain McCleave
with thirty picked men of his company to act as scouts. If on his
arrival it is found that any grazing can be had within twenty miles of
your post where the remainder of the horses can bo sent which belong
to his company, I will order the balance of it over to report to you.
Having this additional force to act as scouts to prevent surprise, I now
order you to defend Fort Yuma while you have a man able to handle
his musket. If you want more re-enforcements let me know by return
express. I have no idea that Mr. Baylor will trouble you, but be on
your guard all the time. Lieutenant Harvey, First California Volun-
teer Cavalry, is sent over to drill some of your men at the guns.
BespectfuUy, &c.,
JAMES H. CARL ETON,
Colonel First California Volunteer Infantry^ Commanding.
HEADQUAETEES DiSTEIOT op SoTJTHEEN OALrPOENIA,
Los Angeles, Gal., February 8, 1862.
Capt. WltLIAM MoMULLEN,
First Infty. California Vols., Comdg. at Camp Latham, Cal. :
Captain: Have Company A, First Infantry California Volunteers, in
readiness to take the field at an hour's notice, the men to move in light-
marching order. Order Second Lieutenant Byuersou (if he has accepted
his appointment) to temporary duty with it. Lieutenant Wliittemore, of
Company A, may be temporarily attached to Company K, First Infantry
California Volunteers. Order Lieutenant Hammond with Mr. Hanson
to report to me. Have your own company, Davis', and Shirland's
ready for field service; such articles as the officers and men will not
want upon the desert have carefully packed and marked, and inven-
tories made of them. Order Captain Shirland with tei) picked men to
take the two political prisoners, Gilbert and Samuels, now in confine-
ment at Camp Kellogg, to Camp Carleton, starting from Camp Latham
at 5 p. m. to-day. The party will not stop in this town or at El Monte.
If it be necessary to prevent escape the prisoners will be ironed. They
will ride in the ambulance belonging to Camp Wright. Eiyoin upon
your officers that there is to be prompt obedience, with no discussions
about their movements, and no newspaper corres])ondence. If Captain
Willis can start, so as to camp this side of the cienega to-night, with
five days' rations and thirty rounds of ammunition, it will be welL
He can then send me an express at what time he can reach Los Angeles.
If by 10 a. m. to-morrow, with the men fresh for a day's march, so much
the better. Some wagons will be here from San Pedro by that time,
so that those with which he may start fi-om Camp Latham can return
to you. We will now commence seeing what kind of stuflF the First
Infantry California Volunteers is made of. I shall be very proud If all
this is done quietly, and with no fuss or confusion ; and above all without
other people dreaming of what we are about to do.
I am, captain, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JAMES H. CARLETON,
Colonel First California Volunteers, Commanding.
Note. — I have written a note to Lieutenant-Colonel Dobbins to
transfer the two political prisoners referred to to you.
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c»a». lxn.l correspondence — ^dnion and confederate. 853
Headquarters District op Southern California,
Los Angeles, Cal., February 9, 1862.
Capt. T. Moore, U. S. Army,
Assistant Quartermaster j New San Pedro, Cal. :
Captain: The trains for my expedition will be four in number, each
one to have fifty six-mnle teams and wagons, and each train to have
one wagon-master and three assistant wagon-masters. The wagon-
masters are to be the following persons, viz: Joseph Winston, now on
Lieutenant Hammond's pai)ers; William S. Veck, now on Lieutenant
Hammond's papers; Gabriel Allen, now on your own papers, and N. L.
Koundtree, now on your own papers. The pnblic service does not
reiinire, nor do I deem it necessary, to have any director of trains or
chief wagon-master; therefore you will not have any person employed
in either of these capacities. The assistant wagon-masters will be
selected by yourself from amongst the teamsters, and recommended for
the place to me. If I agree with you as to the qualifications and effi-
ciency I will confirm their appointment. You will issue property, so
that each wagon-master will bo responsible for his train; and you will
hold him responsible that it is properly cared for at all times, and
properly accounted tor at such periods as may be necessary to insure
the Government against loss, and to keep each team and wagon in
serviceable condition. As you have but one forge at Kew San Pedro,
you are authorized to employ Mr. Banning to shoe the mules which
came down on the Senator on her last trip. I trust you will leave no
effort untried to have these mules especially cared for and got ready
for field service. Send me an account of the quartermaster's stores,
means of transportation, and of forage and subsistence stores for which
yon are responsible, and which is now on hand. I am much pressed
with business, but I shall try to be down to inspect your trains, &c., in
a few days.
I am, captain, very respectfiilly, your obedient servant,
JAMES H, CARLETON,
Colonel First California Volunteers, Commanding.
Headquarters District of Southern California,
Los Angeles, Cal., February 9, 1862.
Lieut. Col. E. E. Eyre,
First California Volunteer Cavalry, Camp Carleton, Cal.:
Colonel : Detail a company of your regiment at once to repair the
road whicjh leaves Aqua Mansa and goes into the stage road hence to
Teraecula, about five miles this side of the latter place. Mr. Chapman
and Mr. Brown can tell you exactly which is the route thus indicated,
and about where the repairs will be needed. I understand the graziug
is good all along that road. This must be done at once in advance of a
train now between this city and Aqua Mansa, which train must meet
with no delay. Send the two political prisoners delivered to you by
Captain Sbirland, i. e., Gilbert and Samuels, to Camp Wright. See that
they do not escape. Have receipts taken for them at Camp Wright. If
you can spare the commander of Camp Wright subsistence stores for 100
men for thirty days send them forward by Mr. Veck's train, just alluded
to. If the teams belonging to Camp Wright are at your post, load
them with barley and have them return with Mr. Veck to that place.
Beport to me just what public stores you will have on hand of all kinds
when this is done, and also what your prospects are for forage. The
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854 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. (Chap. Lxn.
grass ought to be getting good in your neighborhood. Report if you
could do bett«r if stationed near Ghino Ranch. I wish to be informed
on all these matters fully. The political prisoners will be given in
charge to Captain Willis, who, with bis company, you will direct to
report to the commander of Camp Wright. Captain Willis' company
will accompany Veck's train.
Respectfully, your obedient servant,
JAMES H. CAELETON,
Colonel First California Volunteers^ Commanding.
Note. — Keep these matters to yourself, except in so far as it is neces-
sary to carry my instructions into effect. Keep the ambulance in
which the prisoners ride to Camp Carleton at that point.
J. H. C.
Headquabters District of Southern California,
Los Angeles, Cal., February 9, 1862.
M^. E. A. RiGG,
First California Vol. Infty., Commanding Fort Tama, Cal. :
Major: Send me word the moment the man returns whom you sent
on a certain mission referred to in your letter of the 17th of January.
If you need more wagons, get Mr. Veck to let you have what yon abso-
lutely require. I do not want the hay and barley consumed at the post
any more than can be helped. Those articles are there for other pur-
poses. Now the water has subsided, report the damage done to hay
which you had cut by the troops. If it is gone, is it possible to get
moret I know you can get it if anyone can do so. In case I want
Yager to get beef for me, how much notice would he want, and what
would he let me have it for a pound from Warner's ranch to Fort
Yuma, and while there and on my way up the Colorado? He can
name it in three prices to suit the three points. Be sure and'have all
the boats on the river, large and small, under your control or destroyed.
What will Mr. Yager furnish barley for at the different stations on the
desert named in your, letter of the 17th of January? You have my
authority to pay the secret agent whom you have sent to see Mr. War-
ner, at; Tucson, via Sonoita. Give the bearer of this a receipt for the
mule he rides. Give him $50 in money. You can get the money with-
out letting anyone know for what object. Have the bearer, Frederick
C. Buckner, then set across the river at night, unknown to anyone (as
he can at that time be disguised), and let him go on his mission. You
must not tell him of the man recommended by Hinton, whom you sent.
I have given him a cipher to write, the key of which he will communi-
cate to you. Record it and then label it with his name, and then lock
the key up. This will prevent anyone seeing it, and even though they
do they would hardly be any the wiser if you recorded only the key
and indorsed it with his name. You can ask him questions, but impart
no secret to hiui. Ho is to bo here again in one month. Let him have
a good horse or mule that has no Government brand.
I am, major, respectfully, &c.,
JAMBS H. CARLETON,
Colonel First California Volunteer Infantry, Commanding.
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chap. lxii] correspondence union and confederate. 855
Headquarters Department of the Pacific,
San Francisco, February 10, 1862.
Brig. Gen. L. Thomas,
AdjutantOeneral U, 8. Army, Washington, D. C:
General : For a few days past the weather has moderated, and we
have a fair prospect of being able to move over the roads in the inte-
rior by the end of the month. By the steamer from San Pedro, which
ivirived hero yesterday, 1 have advices from Colonel Carleton; he is
making every preparation to advance to Fort Yama as soon as the roads
are passable. This week I send down the light battery, Company A,
Third Artillery, and one company of the Fifth Infantry. I shall then
have but two more companies, and the headquarters of the Fifth
Infantry California Yolanteers, to send to the southern district It is
reported that a force of 800 men (rebels) are at or in the vicinity of
Tucson ; such a force could not for a moment arrest the advance of
Carleton. The Columbia River being closed by ice, I have no very late
intelligence from the District of Oregon ; when I last heard from that
quarter everything was quiet.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
G. WRIGHT,
Brigadier- General, U. 8. Army, Commanding.
Headquarters District op Southern California,
Los Angeles, Gal., February 10, 1862.
[Maj. R. C. Drum, U. S. Army,
Assistant Adjutant-General, Department of the Paeific:^
Major: Inclosed please find certified copies of letters* from Major
Rigg and accomi)anying documents, being the latest dates from Fort
Yuma. It seems that the guns shipped from San Francisco have not
arrived at Fort Y-uma, nor has any intelligence been received concern-
ing them. What shall be done with Haywood Dickey, a man taken
prisoner on the desert, and whose statement accompanies this letter!
I have forwarded the ammunition, three wheels, sponges, and rammers,
and fifty-six boxes of ammunition to replace that which was intended
for Fort Yuma and was thrown overboard. The remaining half of
(!ompany 1), First Infantry California Volunteers, will accompany the
train from (>amp Wright to Fort Yuma. Company A, First Infantry
("aliforiiia Volunteers, ninety-five strong, is en route from Camp Latham
to (.'amp Wright. Company G, Fifth Infantry California Volunteers,
l)roceeds tomorrow morning to San Fernando Hill, forty miles distant,
to repair the road at that point, which is in such a condition that no
one can go with a wagon from this valley to Fort Tejon, or out upon
the Mqjave desert, by that road. A company from Camp Carleton has
been ordered to repair tlie road between that point and Camp Wright
in advance of a train taking ammunition to Fort Yuma. Lieutenant-
Colonel West, commanding at Camp Wright, is ordered to have the
road repaired by troops from that point to Vallecito, 80 or 100 miles
beyond Camp Wright. Thirty cavalry have gone across the desert to
Fort Ynma on the new trail under Captain McCleave, where they will
be used as scouts. Lieutenant Harvey accompanies Captain McCleave
* See Eigg to West, February 4, pp. 838, 840, 841.
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856 OPEBAT10N8 ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Chap. LXn.
to drill the men at Fort Ynma at the gans. He was a sergeant in Step-
toe's battery during the war. If any grass can be found within twenty
miles of the fort, either up or down the river, the remainder of Oaptaiu
McCleave's company will be ordered to Fort Yuma. I do not wish too
many horses to be consuming the hay there before the expedition
moves. Major Bigg writes in good spirits, and does not ask for any
re-enforcements. He is directed to defend the post to the last extrem-
ity. Major Fergnsson is ordered to report to the headquarters of his
regiment at Camp Carletou. I shall increase Colonel West's command
as rapidly as I can get the troops away, should the condition of the
ground improve — now very miry. I have felt obliged to give Captain
Moore, assistant quartermaster at San Pedro, detailed instructions
which you will see in copies of letters to him, herewith inclosed.* I
have ordered Assistant Surgeon McKee, Fifth Infantry California
Volunteers, to Fort Yuma to provide against accidents. I have also
sent the two political prisoners, Gilbert and Samuels, to Fort Yuma as
directed by the general. Colonel Eyre, who has been a great sufferer
by the flood at Sacramento, desires to go there to look after his prop-
erty. I hope the general will approve of his being absent not to exceed
sixteen days from the time he leaves San Pedro. You can get a more
full idea of transactions in this district by the inclosed copies of letters t
and orders,! other than those named above.
I am, major, very respectftally, your obedient servant,
JAMES H. CAELETON,
Colonel First Califomia Volunteers.
Note. — Yon will see in a semi-oflBcial letter from Lieutenant-Colonel
Eyre, which accompanies the resignations of Captain Singer and Lieu-
tenant French, First Cavalry California Volunteers, that he has about
fifty horses in that regiment, which he reports as worthless. I should
like to receive the general's instructions in relation to them. It would
appear strange that they should be condemned as unfit for service so
soon after having been purchased, and yet it is evident that they will
not do for the expedition. The great fiood in the Gila has covered the
bottom land and grass with mud to a great depth. It is impossible to
foresee when troops will be able to pass over it.
J. H. C.
Headqttabtees Disteiot op Southern California,
Los Angeles, Gal., February 10, 1862.
Lieut. Col. J. E. West,
First California Vol. Infty., Comdg. Camp Wright, Cat. :
Colonel: Send with Veck's train the remaining half of Captain
Gorley's company of the First California Volunteer Infantry. The men
will take no tents. Those they will leave behind you will leave with
Company A, First California Volunteer Infantry, now en route to join
you. Transfer to the officer who is to go with the detachment of Cap-
tain Gorley's company, referred to above, the two political prisoners,
Gilbert and Samuels, whom you will have previously received. If there
be no officer of Captain Gorley's company at Camp Wright to go with
this detachment detail one, and instruct him to deliver those prisoners
without fail to the commanding officer at Fort Yuma. Fearing from
* See Carleton to Moore, February 9, p. 853.
t Not foand as inclosares.
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CHAP. Lxn.) CORRESPONDENCE — ^UNION AND CONFEDERATE. 857
what Captain Roberts has ■vn-itten that he will endeavor to reach Gamp
Wright without t«nts or baggage of any sort, which is creditable to his
zeal, I desire to know at the earliest practicable moment what he will
want when he joins you to make his men comfortable. Captain Willis'
company tents will be forwarded to him from Camp Latham in two
days from this date. Captain Roberts is instructed by the wail which
leaves San Diego to-morrow as follows: If he has not already left Sau
Diego when the instructions reach him he will await further orders.
If he arrives at Warner's ranch, or comes within your vicinity, you
will order him to join your force at Camp Wright. I say this from not
knowing where he is or where he expects to be. From what he writes
I suppose he will, if possible, endeavor to reach Camp Wright first.
The condition of the roads is such that once having le^ San Diego he
can hardly know when or where he is to come out on the road to Fort
Yuma. Look into your commissariat, overhaul your ammunition, and
inquire into the state of your supplies on hand, to be obtained in the
neighborhood, t&oi, and let me know the result and your wants as soon
as practicable. Bave the road inspected and repaired, if necessary,
from your camp to San Felipe. I believe Major Fergusson had the
canon put in passable order thence to Vallecito.
I am, colonel, very respectfully, &c.,
JAMES H. CARLETON,
Colonel First California Volunteer Infantry, Commanding.
Beadquaeters District op Southern California,
Los Angeles, Cal., February 10, 18(12.
Liuat. Col. E. E. Eyre,
First California Volunteer Cavalry, Comdg. Camp Carleton:
Colonel: If it be possible to get forage in your neighborhood for a
company of cavalry at Camp Wright, send Captain Meatl's company to
report forthwith to Lieutenant-Colonel West. Bave it move in light
marching order.
Respectfully, &c.,
JAMES B. CARLETON,
Colonel First California Volunteer Infantry, Commanding.
Beadquarters District op Southern California,
Los Angeles, Cal., February 10, 1862.
Lieut. Col. M. D. Dobbins,
Fifth Cal. Vol. Infty., in camp near Camp Latham, Cal. :
Colonel : I desire that you send Company G, of your regiment,
with Maj. Theodore A. Coult, Fifth California Volunteer Infantry, to
what is known as the San Fernando Mountain, on the road toward
Fort Tejon. The road which passes over that mountain is badly
washed by the recent rains, and is now impassable for wagons, so that
any military movement which the exigencies of the service may require
should be made beyond that point could hardly be accomplished.
Company G, Fifth California Volunteer Infantry, will repair the road
at that point and then return to your camp. Let Mjyor Coult have the
necessary tools for the men to work with. Some have been sent to
your quartermaster to-day; they should at once be put in good order.
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858 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Chap. LXn.
The company will take twenty days' rations and twenty rounds of
ammanition per man. Let it leave Gamp Latham to-morrow. The sick
and prisoners will not he sent.
Respectfully, your obedient servant,
JAMES H. CARLETON,
Colonel First California Volunteer Infantry, Commanding.
Hkadquabtebs Depabtment op the Pacific,
iSan Francisco, Cal., February 10, 1862.
Col. PBANCIS J. LiPPITT,
Second Infantry California Volunteers,
Commanding District of Humboldt :
Sir: Your report* on the condition of affairs in the District of Hum-
boldt having been attentively perused by the general commanding the
department, 1 am directed to say that while the plans suggested are
doubtless very good, yet you must not rely upon such an increase to
your force as is evidently contemplated in the report. The removal of
Indians and the establishment of their reservations is a matter belonging
entirely to the Indian Bureau. The superintendent of Indian affairs
for the northern district has selected a new reservation in the north-
eastern partof this State, which, it is thought, will be sufiQciently remote
from the settlements to prevent disturbance. The general approves
your suggestions relative to the abandonment of Fort Seward. The
matter is left entirely with you.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JtlCHD. a DRUM,
Assistant Adjutant-Oeneral.
General Orders, ) Hdqbs. Dist. of Sottthebn Califoenia,
No. 3. 5 Los Angeles, Gal., February 11, 1862.
I. The infantry companies which may be required to take the field in
this district, unless otherwise especially ordered, will always march
with knapsacks on. Each soldier will carry one greatcoat, one blanket,
one forage cap, one woolen shirt, one pair of drawers, one pair stock-
ings, one towel, two handkerchiefs, one fine and one coarse comb, one
sewing kit, one piece of soap, one toothbrush.
II. Each soldier will wear his uniform hat without trimmings, one
blouse, one pair trousers, one pair stockings, one woolen shirt, one pair
drawers, and may wear a cravat in lieu of the leather stock.
III. Each soldier, whether of cavalry or infantry, will have one can-
teen, one haversack, and one tin cup. In his haversack he will carry
one fork, spoon, and plate. He will wear a good sheath knife.
IV. Each company, whether of cavalry or infantry, will have only
enough mess-pans and camp kettles (in nests) for absolute require-
ments: also a few short-handled frying pans, some large tin plates for
the baking of bread, three large tin pans in which to mix bread, one or
two strong coffee-mills, a 6-gallon keg for vinegar, a few pounds of black-
grained pepper, four axes, four camp hatchets, six spades, six shovels.
V. Officers will not take mess-chests, or trunks, or mattresses on the
march. It is suggested that each mess of officers of not less than
* See Lippitt to Drum, February 4, p. 842.
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CHAP. Lxn.l CORRESPONDENCE — UNION AND CONFEDERATE. 859
three be provided with two champagne baskets covered with painted
canvas for their lueas farniture. These can be packed upon a mnle.
Their necessary clothing can be carried in a small hand-valise, or pair
of saddle-bags.
VI. The companies of the First California Volunteer Infantry will
drill with knapsacks on and with personal effects piuiked agreeably to
the above orders, from the date of the receipt thereof.
VII. The colonel commanding has observed that there has grown np
a habit of writing for the press about military matters and movements
by persons in the volunteer service in this district. This is not only
unprofessional, but is strictly prohibited. There must be neither dis-
cussions among military men nor any bat official letters written for
pablication, which have for their object the purpose of giving either
censure or praise to any person belonging to the profession.
By order of Colonel Carletou:
BEN. C. CUTLER,
First Lieut, First California Vol. Infty., Aetg. Asst. Adjt. Oen.
Headquarters District of Soitthern CALtFORNiA,
Los Angeles, Gal., February 11, 1862.
Lient. Col. J. B. West,
First Infantry California Vols., Comdg. Camp Wright, Gal. :
Colonel: Should the commander of Fort Yuma require of yon
any re-enforcements send them to him with all possible dispatch. I
have ordered that Captain Mead's company should join you if you can
provide for it. The grass about and beyond Temecula must be good.
I understand there is some hay this side of Temecula which can be
bought perhaps at a low figure, lloberts' company, of the First
Infantry, will be ordered to join you as soon as the road settles, and
also a company of the Fifth Infantry, which I have a«ked should be
sent to San Diego by next Senator. You will also have another com-
pany from Camp Latham. Pray have all these men put into fighting
condition, if they have to be drilled eight hours per day. I sent yoor
blankets and shoes by a wagon which left here to-day.
Bespectfally, your obedient servant,
JAMES H. OARLETON,
Colonel First California Volunteers, Commanding.
Headquarters District op Southern California,
Los Angeles, Gal., February 11, 1862.
Lient. Col. E. E. Etre,
First California Volunteer Cavalry, Comdg. Camp Carleton:
Sir: If the commander of Fort Yuma asks for re-enforcements from
yon, send them to him with all possible dispatch. Send the accom-
panying letter directed to Lieutenant-Colonel West by the first oppor-
tunity.*
I am, sir, very respectfully,
JAMES H. CARLETON,
Colonel First California Volunteer Infantry, Commanding.
"See Carletou to West, next, ante.
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860 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. (Cbap. LXDC.
[FEBEUAEY — , 1862.]
Brig. Gen. Geoege Weight, U. S, Army,
Commanding Department of the Pacific :
SiE: The undersigued, residents of the State of Oregon and Terri-
tory of Washington, east of the Cascade Mountains, would respectfully
represent that from reliable information we believe that there is a good
natural wagon road between Dalles City and the Salmon River mines,
via the emigrant road to Burnt Biver, crossing Snake Biver near the
mouth of Burnt Biver, and following up Payette Biver to a low divide
between it and Salmon Biver, thus greatly lessening the present trav-
eled route, and passing over a country well supplied with grass and
water. We are, however, prevented from using this route by the hos-
tility of Indians upon Payette Biver, which we believe can only be
neutralized by the establishment of a military post upon said river.
Not only wouki it make secure the travel to and from the Salmon Biver
mines, but would also prove a mostefScient protection to the incoming
emigration. With these facts in view, we would respectfully request
your attention to the subject.
H. P. ISAACS,
N. H. GATES,
J. H. DEAN,
[And 25 OTHEBS.]
Dalles City, February 11, 1,962.
General Geoege Weight, U. S. Army:
Deae Sie: You are no doubt in receipt of a memorial* signed by
many of our citizens asking for the presence of U. S. troops upon the
wagon road to the mines. I have taken considerable trouble to procure
information in regard to the avenues which might become available to
enable miners and supplies to rea<'h the new el dorado. We can go
with pack animals by a bad mountain trail from Grande Bonde direct
to the present diggings, but it would cost millions to make a wagon
road, and it is fully as difficult to get from Lewiston. By following the
emigrant road via Grande Bonde and Burnt Biver, thence to Payette
Biver, is some deviation to the south, but avoids all mountains, and
as soon as Snake Biver is crossed it is all mining country. All the
new discoveries are upon the South Fork of Salmon, and I have no
doubt will continue in that direction, which would make the proposed
road a central one. The steam-boat company will undoubtedly use all
tlieir influence to prevent this road being traveled, as they wish to
carry everything by steam-boat to Lewiston. I am so well satisfied of
the advantages of the proposed road that I would at once start teams
if I thought I would not be molested by the Indians. The Snake
Indians upon Payette Biver are the worst of the bnd. They murdered
the Ward family in '54, and many others whose names I have forgotten,
and no small party ever ventures to travel through tlieir country.
With the necessary security I believe the country upon Payette Biver
would be settled very soon, as the lands upon it are represented as
fertile and beautiful in the extreme. I will not dilate upon the advan-
tages the proposed road would give onr town, as I wish it to stand
upon its merits independently. We have had a winter of unexampled
severity, and stock owners will suflfer heavily. For the last forty days
* See next, ante.
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CHAP.Lxn.] CORRESPONDENCE UNION AND CONFEDEBATE. 861
it has been from 5° to 20^ below zero, aiid many lives have been lost
during that period. It is now begiuuiug to moderate, and I trust is
about to break up.
Bespectfully, yours,
H. P. ISAACS.
Headquabtees Department op the Pacipic,
San Francisco^ Gal., February 12, 1862.
Col. K. E. De Russy,
V S. Chief Engineer, Dept. of the Pacific, San Francisco, Cal. :
Colonel: The Governor of the State, with the chairman of the
military committee, has just called to see me on the subject of coast
defenses. A bill is now being matured in the Legislature making
appropriations, and these gentlemen are extremely anxious to have
something tangible to base their calculations on. I will thank you for
a report as to the points you have selected, or have in view, for field-
work to guard the approaches to this city, and also what amount of
money could be judiciously expended in their erection. As the Gover-
nor and Legislature have manifested much anxiety on this subject, I
shall be glad to receive your report as soon as possible.
With great respect, your obedient servant,
G. WRIGHT,
Brigadier-Qeneral, U. S. Army, Commanding.
IlEADQUARTEBS DISTRICT OP SOUTHERN CALIPOENIA,
Los Angeles, Gal., February 12, 1862.
Maj. E. A. RiGG,
First California Volunteer Infantry, Commanding Fort Yuma :
Major : Mr. Jones, the bearer of this, you will facilitate in his efforts
to cross the Colorado without being seen by his acquaintances at Fort
Yuma or in its vicinity. He goes on a confidential mission from me.
Have all the brush and undergrowth cleared off and burnt, so as to
have the ground clear tor at least 600 yards in all directions from the
tort. The political prisoners, Dickey, Samuels, and Gilbert, may help
do this work. It would be well to have a couple of hundred men put
at it in different parties under different officers, so as to complete this
work at once. Have all your boats secured firmly by chains to strong
lM>8t8 and locked (except when the boats are in use), with the keys of
the locks in the custody of the oflBcer commanding the guard over the
boats. This will prevent a stealthy or sudden enterprise having a pur-
port to cut your boats adrift. Have a strong guard over the boats, pro-
tected, if necessary, by a breast- work from shots from the opposite side
of the river, but open toward the front. I again remind you of the impor-
tance of keeping your own counsel. Let no one but myself know any-
thing about your business. Is Keene perfectly reliable? He went up
the river with an avowed secessionist, King Woolsey. Rhodes is repre-
sented as being another secessionist. Colonel Snively I know to be one.
Have an eye on these men, and if they are dangerous to have as neigh-
bors and spies, when you may be menaced from abroad by their friends,
seize them quietly and confine them, each by himself, until further
orders. We shall be obliged, I fear, to hang some of these fellows
before they can become awakened to the fact that the Government
forces on the Pacific Coast are in earnest. Our expressmen who cross
the river into Arizona to bring us information may be bribed by the
other side to carry letters or information or bring letters. You will
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862 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. (Chap. LXn.
guard against this. Should an expressman prove recreant to Ms trust,
be careful he does not escape until you get orders what to do with him.
Of course if you are attaclied and have no time for delay you will have
a commission examine into the matter, and if the person is guilty
beyond a doubt, shoot him. You are authorized to call on the com-
manders of Camp Wright and Gamp Carletou for re-enforcements if
you need them.
Keapectfiilly, your obedient servant,
JAMES H. OAELETON,
Colonel First California Volunteer Infantry, Commanding.
Headquarters District op Southern California,
Los Angeles, Cal., February 12, 1862.
Lieut. Col. M. D. Dobbins,
Fifth California Volunteer Infantry,
Commanding Camp Kellogg, near Gamp Latham, Cal.:
Colonel : Have your command put into the most perfect condition
possible for field service at an hour's notice. If it be necessary you
must drill them eight hours a day. Nothing must be left undone which
will insure efficiency and discipline and the most perfect subordination
amongst your men. Have your officers recite their tactics to you a cer-
tain number of hours each evening until further orders, and have your
non-commissioned officers do likewise to your adjutant, commencing at
the beginning of the book. Have the regulations in all that relates
to the duties of guards and of sentinels read every morning to both
guards before the new sentinels are posted. Have the Articles of War
read by each company commander to his company immediately after
inspection every Sunday morning until further orders. Make the grand
rounds yourself at certain hours during the night to see that your
guards and sentinels on post know their duties and execute them as
soldiers. Have that proper line drawn between officers and the rank
and file which is so necessary to insure subordination, respect, and
prompt obedience without cavil and without discussion. Teach your
men to have a soldierly bearing, to pay that deference and courtesy to
their superiors required by regulations. See personally each day to the
cleanliness of your camp, of the persons, arms, equipments, and messing
of your men. See that no more wood is burned than what is absolutely
necessary, without reference to the amount allowed by regulations,
which is far more than you need, See that the commanders of com-
panies attend to all their duties. I shall always take great pleasure in
doing all 1 can for the welfare, efficiency, and glory of the Fifth while
it is under my command, but they must do much for themselves.
I am, sir, respectfully, your obedient servant,
JAMES H. CARLETON,
Colonel First California Volunteer Infantry, Commanding.
Hdqrs. op the Army, Adjutant-General's Oppice,
Washington, February 13, 1862.
Brig. Gen. G. Wright, U. S. "Volunteers,
Comdg. Department of the Pacific, San Francisco, Cal. :
Sir : I have the honor to acknowledge receipt of your communicar-
tions of December 16, 17, 19, 20, and 28, 1861. Your measures are
approved by the General-in-Chief. The following communications
have also been received Scorn you: December 31, 1861; January 6, 8, 9,
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Chap. LXII.] correspondence UNION AND CONFEDERATE. 863
and 10, 1862. The coarse indicated in your letter of the 6th of Jan-
uary, concerning the payment of volunteers, is thie one which prevails
under existing regulations, so far as the rank and file are concerned;
but commissioned oi&cers can only be paid from the date of minimum
organization of their respective commands.
1 am, sir, &c., L. THOMAS,
Adjutant-General.
Confidential.] U. S. Engihebb Office,
San Francisco, Gal., February 13, 1862.
Brig. Gen. G. Wright, U. S. Army,
Comdg. Department of the Pacific, San Francisco, Cal. :
General: Yonr letter of yesterday finds me still unprepared to
make a full report upon the points which have been examined, selected,
and are to be recommended for the defenses of tbis harbor, but the fol-
lowing imperfect report will probably suffice to give to the Governor
and the military committee of the Legislature an idea of what should be
done to guard against tbe approaches to tbis city. At the Golden
Gate it is proposed in addition to the present defenses to place twenty
guns in a temporary battery on the beach between the wharf and the
fort at Fort Point, to construct the platforms of the lOgun battery on
the hill, and to mount ten 42-pouuders thereon immediately; to occupy
the cove at Lime Point, opfwsite Fort Point, with a battery of twenty
heavy guns, some of them to be used for hot shot. These would give
fifty efQcient guns more on the entrance into the harbor at the Gate,
and, including those at the fort at Fort Point already mouuted and to
be mounted, would give a total of 181 guns bearing on the pass. In
connection with Alcatraz Island, forming the second line of defense
within the harbor, it is recommended to construct a battery on Black
Point or Point San Jos6 of at least twenty heavy guns and one of ten
guns on Blunt's Point on Angel Island. These thirty guns, in connec-
tion with those on Alcatraz Island (77), would give 107 gnns on that line.
As an enemy would seek, if possible, to avoid this second line and to
pass through Kaccoon Strait toward the navy-yard and Benicia, it
would be well to establish batteries on thepoiut of Angel Island, called
Stewart's Point. There a battery of twenty or thirty guns would be of
great advantage, and finally to prevent the occupation of the anchor-
age, between the Island of Yerba Bnena and the city, which is at too
great a distance from Alcatraz to be reached from that point, guns
should be placed in position on Yerba Buena Island to command the
anchorage and to protect the city. With these defenses it is supposed
that until the permanent fort on Lime Point can be constructed the
harbor may be made quite defensive against a large fleet. As has been
before mentioned, a fleet iiight, instead of exposing itself to the heavy
fire of the second line, force its way up Raccoon Strait and aim a blow
at the navy-yard and the arsenal at Benicia. To guard against such an
attempt. Point San Pablo and Point San Pedro have been examined
and found good positions for batteries. They are within proper dis-
tances of each other and command the entrance of San Pablo Bay,
where the navy-yard is constructed and from whence it is supposed
there will always be some ships to co-operate with the batteries. This
synopsis or general view of the subject can hardly be presented as a
report, inasmuch as the number of guns at the several points indicated
may be changed when the ground or position becomes more or less
important. Indeed, it is presented as a plan for the general defenses
of the harbor of San Francisco. It becomes now important to exam-
ine the approaches to this city by land. Hature seems to have a strong
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864 OPEBATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Chaf. LXIl
barrier for the protection of tbis great city in locating the chain of
mountains called the San Bruno across a great portion of the peninsula
between the Bay of San Francisco and the Pacific Ocean. Commenc-
ing at Point San Bruno and extending to the San Pedro road, where
the San Jos6 road intersects it, is a continuous chain of impassable
mountains, with the exception of a narrow roadway lately cut out of
the rock side, which is called San Bruno turnpike.
This road is susceptible of being defended by sharp-shooters and a
few field pieces until they reach Visitation Point, a distance of about
two miles. On this point batteries should be erected to guard against
the enemy's occupying the Guadalupe Valley. On the other extremity
of these mountains, as has already been mentioned, the two main ave-
nues QT roads, the San Pedro and San Jos^, connect, and passing
around the spurs of the mountains on the west reach the ckty through
the extensive valley called the Bancho Bincon de las Salinas. It woiUd
become very important to establish batteries at and nfear the junction
of those roads. Good positions for that purpose have been observed on
the spurs of the mountains near the Abbey House, where the road passes.
As the San Mateo Valley intervenes between this road and the Pacific
Ocean, it will be necessary to est^ablish batteries near the Laguna de la
Merced to prevent the position from being turned by an approach on the
seashore.
The next important point to be protected by batteries will be on
the west end of the Black Hill near what is called Shear's Five Mile
House. From the Abbey House to Shear's two roads are constructed,
the one diverging from the other until they converge again and unite
at a point called Alemany's. From what has just been said of the
Black Hills it becomes evident that the city must be defended at these
important points by a series of batteries so placed as to command the
two main avenues leading to it and at the same time overlooking
the three principal and extensive valleys extending from the bay to the
Pacific Coast, within the chain of the San Bruno Mountains. In
the general plan of defenses for Fort Point and the Presidio there are
two heights in the rear of the fort which it is proposed to occupy by
permanent redoubts; the absence of suflScient appropriations has thus
far prevented their construction, but it is probable that some means
will be appropriated this session of Congress for an early commence-
ment upon them. These redoubts are intended to prevent an approach
on Fort Point by troops landing in the vicinity of Point Lobos and are
in consequence vevy much needed in the defense of that position. It
is believed, general, that the system of defense herein proposed to
guard against an enemy's approach on the city of San Francisco will
prove the most effective, and that the advantages that can be taken of
the positions indicated will be conducive of the greatest results with.
the smallest means of both men and materials.
With great respect, I am, general, your most obedient servant,
K. E. DE EUSSY,
Lieutenant- Colonel of Engineers.
Heabquastebs District of Southern Cai,ifoenia,
Los Angeles, Gal., February 13, 1862.
Lieut. Col. E. E. Eybb,
First Cavalry California Volunteers, Comdg. Camp Carleton:
Sib: Inform me how many days' subsistence you have on hand; how
many you sent with Mr. Allen's train, and the number of days' forage
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CHAP. LXn.] COBRE8PONDENCE — UNION AND CONFEDERATE. 865
for the horses of Captain Meacl's company, which yon sent on the three
wagons named in your letter. If you can do so, forward a part of thOr
18,000 pounds of barley which you say you would receive to-day to^
Camp Wright. See my letter to you of the 9th instant about detach-;
ing Captain Mead's company. If the route you indicated as being,
better than the Fegro Caiion proves to be so for the train, I shall
esteem it as fortunate on account of delays that the train was deflected
from the latter. How much barley for sale has tbe Mr. Cbapin who lives '
near One-Horse Spring! I regret to learn that Lieutenant Harvey
was obliged to return. If my note to you directe<l yourself and Cap-
tain MeiMi to come to this city it is wrong. I intended to say, as a per-
sonal favor to you both, that you might come. Please send me a copy
of tbe note.
I am, sir, respectfully, yoar obedient servant,
JAMES H. CARLETON,
Colonel First California Volunteers, Commanding.
Headquarters,
Fort Tuma, February 14, 1862.
Col. James H. Oarleton,
Commanding Southern District, Los Angeles, Cal. :
Colonel : Your communication dated February 6 was received this
day. I have the honor to inclose to yon a copy of a letter addressed to
me by Mr. Ammi White, who resides at the Pima Villages: also copy
of letter from Mr. S. Warner, dated Tucson, January 31, addressed to
Mr. F. Hinton, Colorado City. Mr. White has been to the post, and his
report of Governor Bayloi 's (as he is styled) movements can be depended
upon. His brother had just returned from Tucson. I also inclose state-
ment of O. Charles Ilayward, who confirms the report of Mr. White in
reference to Baylor's movements and inteutions. In a former commu-
nication to you I informed you of my having sent a man to Tucson for
the purpose of ascertaining tbe facts as to troops being there. I sent
an employ6 of Mr. Hooper in whom Mr. Hinton and Hooper placed
entire confidence. He went by way of Altar and Sonoita, Sonora, from
which place he struck off through the Papago country. He carried a
message from Mr. Hinton to Mr. Warner, with instructions to obtain
all the information he could about troops in that section of country.
His having been frequently sent into Sonora on business for Mr. Hinton,
his departure was not noticed. He brought back the letter from Mr.
WaiTier, a copy of which I have inclosed. He was absent twenty-two
days. He also confirms Mr. White's report in reference to Baylor's
command, with the addition that twelve men were in Tucson who said
that they belonged to Baylor's army, and that he intended to march to
Tucson until he heard of the number of troops at Fort Craig, but that
he would soon whip them out and then come on to protect the people
from the Apaches. He conversed with them frequently, and they
seemed to think that in a very short time they would have things their
own way in all Arizona. I have had another howitzer mounted and have
now five of them in good condition for service, two for mules or horses.
The gnns which were shipped on board of the Republic are still unac-
counted for. Nothing has been heard from them. The steamer Coco-
pah, Captain Wilcox, arrived on the 11th instant, and when the boat
55 R R — VOL L, PT I
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866 OPEEATIOirS on the pacific coast. [Ch4». I.III.
left nothing had been heard of the vessels with the balance of the
Bepubliu's cargo. The cargo of the steamer Panama had all beenlanded
at the Gridiron, and the captain assures me that he will have all of the
stores at the post in fifteen days. I have iustracted him to bring the
gnus and ordnance stores in preference if they should arrive. Bat I
&ar that some accident has occurred to them, or Mr. Sobinson, Ameri-
can consul at Guaymas, to profit by detaining them for his own vessel,
has detained them. I have received news of their being there (Guay-
mas) from persons living near Altar, Sonora. If Mr. Robinson has
detained those guns to make the freight for the schooner (to return for
them) he deserves being cursed for it, and from my knowledge of Amer-
ican consuls in small Spanish ports I am satisfied that as a general tiling
they will all sacrifice the Government interest to their own profit. If
he has not done so I am afraid that they are lost. The boats on the
river are all tied up at the post, except one or two that are in use at
the mines 100 miles up the river. Several broke adrift dnring the flood,
but I sent after them and had them destroyed. The Indians are keeping
a good lookout on the river above and below, and with the assistance
of Mr. White, at the Pimas, it is impossible to surprise the post, and
notified of their approach, I have no fears of having to evacuate or sur-
render. I think I can asisure the colonel commanding that no stampede
will take place in any event. Mr. White thinks it all important that
some officer of intelligence should be sent to the Pimas as soon as pos-
sible. They are extremely anxious to have some one go to see them.
The chief would like very much to come to the post, but he is afraid
that on his return he would be surprised by the Yumas and killed.
They are not ft-iendly. For the want of animals at the post I cannot
send out any distance in any direction. The party of men that I sent
out to cut hay near Gila Oity have returned, and I inclose the sergeant's
report. He has with his party cut and stacked near Mission Gamp
(three miles) thirtjr-five tons of hay, which can be placed [where]
required, with sufficient teams, in a very short time. Mr. White reports
the road good. He brought a wagon with him. Mr. Yager wdl com-
mence hauling hay to Cooke's Wells on Monday, 17th, and will require
some one there to receive it and watch it. He has now fifteen tons at
Pilot Knob. The roads have not been passable until now for teams,
but will be in good condition again in a very few days unless we should
have more rain. The command are much, very much, in want of cloth-
ing. Pants and blouses are very much needed. Some of the men are
nearly naked. The colonel will also perceive by our report (return)
that our sick list is large. The surgeon attributes it to want of sufficient
blankets during the cold and rainy weather we have had. Drawers and
shirts we are also entirely out o£ I have been practicnig the men
lately in firing with blank cartridges. I find that it is all important
that they should be drilled in loading and firing with cartridges, to
accustom them to their use with coolness and regularity. It would be
of great service if we could be supplied witli bugles for skirmishing. 1
have had the flat cleared off for battalion drill. During the high water
I was confined to the parade ground, which is too small for the skirmish
drill, yet they drill in it tolerably well. I have seen worse by older
troops. Any movement of a forward character will be welcome news
to them.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
EDWIN A. BIGG,
Major First Infantry California Volunteeis, Commanding Post.
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CHAP. LXU.] COBKESPONDENCE UNION AND CONFEDEEATE. 867
[luclosiire No. 1.]
FoET Yuma, February 9, 1862.
Maj. E. A. Bioo,
Commanding Fort Yuma:
Deae Sie : In answer to your inquiries in regard to the movements
of the secession forces in the eastern portion of Arizona, I have the
honor to say that my brother was at Tucson on the 17th of January
and conversed with a gentleman who had recently arrived from the Rio
Grande. At that time Governor Baylor was in command at Port
Fillmore with about 700 to 800 men. Ho was in expectation of re-en-
forcements, and wrote a letter and forwarded it to Tucson, that when
strong enough he should attack Fort Craig, and after its capture should
send 900 men to Tucson. Lieutenants Lord and Moore were in command
at Fort Craig with about 2,500 men. The secessionists had stolen from
them about 700 animals, driving them off in daytime with their herders.
Thomas A. Martin, a rebel captain, was killed in a fight with the
Apaches near the Kio Miembres. The Apatihes are very bad in the
vicinity of Tucson. An old and respectable resident of Tucson, MajoT
Ware, was murdered and robbed, and his body thrown in a well at
Blue Water Station, by a notorious Mexican, Juan Eobles. The dis-
tance from Fort Yuma to the Pima Villages is 180 miles, and from
thence to Tucson 93 miles, a good road. Ten mules have easily drawn
8,500 pounds to the Pima in ten days. Colonel Robinson and a man named
Washburn, residents of Tucson, went to the Sierra Colorado mine
(Samuel Colt's) and posted notices declaring it confiscated to the Con-
federate States, took possession, sold and earned away a large amount
of property, and wrote to Major Lally, at Magdalena (Colt's agent),
that if he came to Tucson he would be mobbed. They have since
abandoned it and gone to the Patagonia mine (Lieutenant Mowry's).
Two men were killed by the Apaches while engaged in removing the
boiler from the Sierra Colorado to the Patagonia. One was named
Hawley, from Texas.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
AMMl WHITE.
[IncIosoTO No. 2.J
Tucson, January 31, 1862.
[Mr. F. HiNTON, Colorado City:]
Deae Sie: Your favor of January 21 came to hand to-day. The
bearer leaves to-morrow. There is nothing of importance going on at
present outside of Indian depredations, which are very frequent. Our
latest news from the States is the President's message, and that came
by way of Guaymas. It is reported that troops arc coming from the
East and also from the West. We have that reiwrt. Protection is
much needed here, and I think it would be favorably received here
from any quarter, if it could be had without the horrors of a battle-
field. We are receiving some bullion from the mines since the rainy
season. Gold and silver coin have disappeared. I expect to see you
soon. If you have an opportunity I wish you would let me know if
you could furnish a small, well-selected stock suitable for this place,
and the range of prices.
S. WARNER.
[iDcIosure No. 3.)
Statement of 0. Charles Hayicard.
I was bom in England. Am a subject of Great Britain. I have
been living in Arizona for seven or eight years, off and on. My occu-
pation is that of a miner. I have lived most of the time at the Arizona
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868 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Chap.LXH.
4
copper mines. Was one of the first shareholders in that mine and had
charge of it. I was requested by Mr. Clymer to come on to see what
had become of a team that he had. sent down for provisions. I discov-
ered that he had been overtaken by the flood on the road between Gila
City and Grinnel's Station, and his wagon and contents washed away,
and came on to Colorado City. Ko interference has been had with the
Arizona mine by any parties whatsoeverj nor any indications whatever
of their doing so. I had au interview with Major Lally, at Tubutama,
abont forty or fifty miles from Magdalena. He was on his way to the
mine (Colt's). I heard that Washbam and Bobinson, of Tucson, hatl
published notices that the mine was confiscated to the Confederate
Government, but understood that they were confiscating on their own
account. I also heard that an express came through with news from
the Bio Grande; that it would be impossible for them (troops) to come
at present, on account of the raising of 2,000 troops in Ifew Mexico for
the defense of Fort Craig. These are rumors. The prevailing opinion
amongst the people there seems to be that any troops would be well
received who would give them protection from the Indians, Apaches,
coming from what source they may. My own opinion in reference to
the present difficulty between the ]North and South is that of my own
Government, a strict neutrality. I desire to return to the mine. My
interest is there, and my mission in this direction has been accom-
plished, and if possible I wish to send some provisions out to the mine.
At present they have none. We have had no sugar or coffee for some
time — iu fact, nothing but dried beef.
O. C. HAYWABD.
[Inoloenie No. 4.]
Fort Yuma, February 14, 1862.
[Maj. E. A. ElGO,
Commanding Fort Yuma:]
Major: In pursuance with instructions dated January 9, I pro-
ceeded with a detachment of ten men of Company F, First Infantry
California Volunteers, to a place fifteen miles above Gila City, Ariz.
Ter. Arrived there the 11th of January. I had five tons of hay cut
and hauled to Gila City, and placed in the Overland Stage Company's
corral. All of this was washed away by the overflow. In conformity
with subsequent instructions I had hay cut and stacked on the ground
where it was cut; in my opinion, about thirty-five tons.
Very respectfully,
WM. WHEELING,
Second Sergeant Company F, First Infantry California Vols.
Headquarters District op Southern California,
Los Angeles, Cal., February 15, 1862.
Maj. E. C. Drum, U. S. Army,
Assistant Adjutant- General, San Francisco, Cal.:
Major : I directed Captain Moore, assistant quartermaster, on the
6th instant to send one of the new ambulances (Dr. Goolidge's inven-
tion) to Fort Yuma with the train which took over the artillery ammu-
nition. I learned to-day that the ambulance had been tied behind a
wagon, and in this manner sent to that post; that this was done because
no harness for the ambulance had been received by Captaiu Moore from
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C*AP. I.xn.1 CORRESPONDENCE ^UNION AND CONFEDERATE. 869
above. Of coarse it will be as useless at Fort Ynina as so much old
lumber until liariiess is sent for it. Two of these ambalances have
been sent down; they have shafts and are drawn by one mole^ or two
mules, tandem. The harness has evidently to be made especially for
them. If it in intende<l for me to use these ambulances on the Mujave
expedition I beg you will cause the harness to be shipped at once,
separate from all other harness.
I am, major, respectfully, yonr obedient servant,
JAMES H. OAKLETON,
Colonel Fimt California Volunteers, Cotntnanding.
Headqttabtebs,
Fort Yuma, February 15, 1S62.
Col. James H. Oableton,
Commanding District of Southern California, Los Angeles, Cal. :
Colonel : Captain McCleave has just arrived from Camp Carleton
by the San Bernardino route and reports his detaehment of thirty men
at Pilot Knob. He came uj) himself for rations and barley and returned
again to-night. They will be in in the morning. He is accompanied
by your express, by whom I have receive<l your communications of Feb-
ruary 9. Your instruction in reference to him will be complied with
strictly. I also received a communication from yon, dated February 8,
by Captain McCleave. Captain McCleave reports Lieutenant Harvey
having been taken sick and sent back. I had made up my correspond-
ence when Captain McCleave arrived here, in which you will find copies
of letters from Mr. Ammi White, also Mr. Warner.* It seems ftom
their communications that a diversion has taken place in consequence
of the re-enforcements at Fort Craig. You will also please find report
of Sergeant Wheeling in reference to the hay cut above Gila City. I
wonld add, in addition to that, that twenty more tons could be cut at
the same place. Mr. Tfager reports to-night having twenty tons of
hay at Pilot Knob, and will commence hauling to Cooke's Wells on
Monday. He is now unable to place any barley on the desert, unless he
had time to get it irom San Francisco and haul it out from hero; or he
will haul from here for Uovernment at 1^ cents per pound to Cooke's
Wells, and 2^ cents to the Alamo. Beef he will furnish from Warner's
ranch or Camp Wright to Fort Yuma, killing every night, for 11 cents
per pound, contractprice at this post, and also famish what beef yon would
require here at the usual contract price, 11 cents per pound. He will
furnish beef cattle to you on foot, for use on your way up the Colorado
Kiver, for $25 per head, weighing from 250 to 400 pounds, in any quan-
tity from 25 to 200 head. He cannot kill on that route at a reasonable
price, because he has not force enough to drive them. He will require
fifteen days' notice to have any number over fifty head delivered here.
Since the high water he says that cattle inside have enhanced so much
in price that he cannot, as before proposed, furnish them for $22.50 per
head. In consequence of the overflow here he has lost a great many
cattle. Mr. Rhodes has sold out to him his stock. He also lost a num-
ber of his cattle by the flood. The general court-martial has not yet
adjourned. They are waiting for the charges (approved) from head-
quarters, but a few of them have been sent here. I wrote to the com-
mander of the district informing him of their not being here by the
express which left here on the morning of the 5th of February. Lieuten-
ant MacGowan has not been tried, consequently I will release him in the
* See incIosureH, Rigg to Carleton, 14th, p. 866.
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870 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. (Chaf. LXn.
morning, as instructed. I will send to headquarters of the district the
amount of military stores on baud, also subsistence, forage, hospital
stores, aud means of transportation. The colonel will find by my let-
ter, which was already written, that the howitzers are all now service-
able. We, however, require sponges, rammers, &c., a requisition for
which I forwarded last month. I have had the men practicing with a
few shell aud blank cartridges, but not knowing whether thus expend-
ing ammunitiou would be approved of by the commanding officer, I
expended but little in that way. We have no material here for making
cartridges, nor is there any on the river. I have lately practiced the
command in firing with blank cartridges in battalion — by companies,
by rank, by file, and by battalion. I deem it of great importance to
have them load and fire with cartridges, accustoming them to their
use. I found that it was absolutely necessary to do so, to have them
become familiar with their use and to give them confidence and
steadiness. In reference to grass for grazing, plenty can be had
within from eight to twenty miles of the post for 200 head of horses.
As soon as Captain McOIeave's animals are rested I will have him
examine it personally. I have no fears of being surprised at the post,
and will hold it to the last extremity against any force that may be
brought against it. With the force now here aud the guns in order,
we can give any force that can come against us suddenly a warm
reception.
Very resi)ectfully, your obedient servant,
EDWIN A. RIGG,
Major First Infantry California Volunteers, Commanding.
Headquaetebs District of Obeoon,
Fort Vancouver, Wash. Ter., February 15, 1862.
Maj. B. C. Dbxjm,
Asst. Adjt. Oen., Mdqrs. Dept. of the Pacific, San Frandsco, Cal. :
Major: I have the honor to report that Company C, Ninth Infantry
(BisselPs), left this post yesterday to embark on the steamer Cortez,
at or near Portland, for Camp Pickett. The arrival of the steamer the
previous day gave us the first opijortunity we have had since the receipt
in January of your instructions of December 7, 1861, to carry them into
effect. Assistant Surgeon Taylor went with the company. Actg.
Asst. Surg. B. S. Olds, who rejjorted on the 20th ultimo, and has nec-
essarily been detained here by the ice blockade, also proceeded by the
same opportunity to his post, Port Steilacoom, to which he was
assigned.
I have the honor to be, your obedient servant,
A, CADY,
Lieutenant- Colonel Seventh Infantry, Commanding District.
Headquabters,
Fort Yuma, February 16, 1862.
Lieut. Col. J. R. West,
Camp Wright, Cal. :
Colonel : I have just time to say that Captain McCleave with thirty
cavalry arrived here this morning all well. No fvirther news since Mr.
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CHAP. Lxn.] CORRESPONDENCE — UNION AND CONFEDERATE. 871
White was here. The diversiou created by those 2,500 New Mexico
troops at Fort Craig, under Lieateuants Lord and Moore, has changed
Baylor's plans.
Yours, truly,
EDWIN A. BIGG.
P. S. — No news yet of the guns shipped on the steamer Republic, and
I am afraid never will be.
RIGG.
FoET TiTMA, Cal., February 17, 1803.
Lieut. Col. E. E. Eyre,
First Cavalry, ComUg. Camp Carleton, San Bernardino, Cal. :
COLONEI,: In compliance with orders dated Camp Carleton, near
San Bernardino, Cal., February 10, 1862, 1 have the honor to submit the
following report of the route traveled over by the detachment under
my command from Camp Carleton to Fort Yuma, Cal.: Tuesday, Feb-
ruary 11, 1862, the detachment under my command, composed of Lieu-
tenants Harvey and Nichols, First Cavalry California VoluTiteers, and
thirty rank and file of Company A, First Cavalry California Volun-
teers, left Camp Carleton, Cal., at 8 a. m. After proceeding about
eight miles Lieutenant Harvey became so unwell I found it necessary
to order him to return to Camp Carleton. We all regretted this, but
none more than the lieutenant himself. Our route by San Gorgonio
Pass runs in a southeasterly direction, crossing a number of gulches
formed by the late rains. The country for twenty miles appears rough,
with mountains on either side. On the plain about twenty miles from
San Bernardino is very good grass for about five miles. The last of the
San Bernardino streams we crossed about fifteen miles ft-om town ; it
did not appear to be continual. We arrived at Cheatin's ranch, San
(iorgonio, at 5.30 p. m. Distance marched, thirty miles. From Mr.
Cheatin I purchased 1,640 i)onnds of barley at 1 cent per pound. By
weighing and measuring I found that one quart of barley weighed one
and one-half pounds. We fed this evening three quarts to each animal,
then turnetl them out to graze in charge of the guard. I then caused
twenty quarts of barley to be put into each man's saddle-bag and four
sacks weighing each eighty pounds put up for packing. There is no
more barley here for sale. There is little or no grass near this ranch.
I was told that there is good grass and water seven miles below in the
valley at the foot of the mountains on the right. Wednesday, 12th, at
midnight the horses were brought in and fed trom the quarts. I then
gave directions that each man would feed three quarts at a time until
further orders. This made the horses to carry six and two-thirds feeds
eiich. We started at 1.45 a. m., keeping down a valley for about eight-
een miles, and crossing White River, turned to the right in a southerly
direction east of San Gorgonio Mountain, having White River on the
left (this is a river without water). After leaving Cheatin's crossed a
fine stream (in about five miles) running from the mountains on the
leftj it is said to be snow water. We continued on nine miles to Agna
Caliente, arriving at 9.45 a. m. Here we found an Indian settlement
with grain growing in the fields. We halted on a stream of good water
half a mile below (bnt very little grass and that salt) until 2 p. m., then
proceeded to Toro's (an Indian rancheria, Toro being the name of the
chief). We reached this camp at II p. m. Ten miles back passed
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872 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. IChap. LXIL
Point of Bocks (this is a poiut wliicli exteuds farther into the bottom
than the others). One mile before coming to Point of Rocks found
water (brackish) in a large well in the bed of White River. As the
horses could not reach it, the men dipped it up in their nose-bags and
gave them suflBcient. At Toro's found plenty of salt grass and water.
Total distance marched today about fiftyflve miles, it being twenty-
eight miles from Agua Caliente to Toro's. Thursday, 13th, started at
7 a. m. Passed several rancherias this morning. Today traveling was
very heavy, and for several miles quite soft. The animals were much
fatigued, often going nearly to their knees in the mud. As it was
caused by the late rains it will dry up in a few days. We reached Lone
Palm Spring at 1.30 p. m., having marched for the last fifteen miles in
nearly an easterly direction. This spring is distant from Toro's about
twenty-three miles. We watered our animals, the water being strongly
impregnated with saline, and warm. Continued our journey to Dos
Palmas, nine miles, arriving at 4.30 p. m. Two and a half miles back
in the sand bluffs found guieta grass, which we appropriated for the
benefit of our stock. The road from the last spring (Lone Palm) is on
the opposite side of the valley from that on which we entered. We did
not feed barley this evening, there being an abundance of salt grass
and tules here. Distance traveled to-day, thirty-two miles. The
water here is similar to that at Lone Palm Spring.
Friday, 14th, started at 12 midnight and marched to Frink's Spring,
twenty miles, arriving at 6 a. m. Found here a quantity of tules or
reeds and a little salt grass. Water not so good as at last encamp-
ment. We remained two hours and continued our journey to a water-
tank in the mountains on the left, a distance of thirty-six miles, and
camped at 8 p. m. This tank is found in the rocks, is quite spacious,
and contains at present about 1,000 gallons of rain water (pure and
good). It is situated at the head of a canon and very difficult to find.
Opposite the moulh of this caQon stands a small mountain, detached
from the range of mountains, between which and the range the road
leads to the water. Our trail will be found there for a long time. This
is the last water before reaching the Colorado, from which, 1 believe, it
is distant forty miles, though it is estimated at thirty miles. Distance
traveled to-day, fifty-six miles. We had no grass at the water-tank.
Saturday, February 15, the, command started at 7.15 a. m., after finish-
ing our provisions and forage. Having marched about five miles we
halted and allowed our animals to feed on guieta grass, which is
abundant on this day's march. From here I took one of my men and the
citizen expressman (leaving the detachment in charge of Lieutenant
Nichols) and hurried on to the fort in order to procure rations and for-
age for the party on its arrival at the river. We reached the fort at
8 p. m., and having obtained the supplies required returned to Pilot
EInob, where we found our men (who had just arrived), at 2 a. m. on
Sunday morning, 16th instant. Distance marched, forty miles. There
was much time spent to-day in grazing. Sunday, 16th, at 7 a. m. we
were again in motion, en route to the fort, where we arrived at 10.15
a. m. The old road to the fort from this point has been washed away
in many places by the late fiood, which seems to have increased the
distance, which I judge is about nine miles. The men and horses stood
the trip well and proved that they were able to endure the fatigues of
the campaign. Lieutenant Kichols made an excellent guide. All the
way from Cheatin's to the Colorado is nearly of the same character,
being for the most part over gravel, with intervals of alluvial bottom
land. From San Bernardino it is without a hill, except one point
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CHAP.LXn.l CORRESPONDENCE UNION AND CONFEDERATE. 873
twenty miles from town. At present it would be difficult to bring
wagons over it without a strong pioneer party to dig down tlie banks
in the many channels made by the late raius. It would hardly do for
another party to follow us unless a pack train with barley would
accompany them for two days. Having marched a good deal by night
I was unable to see much by the way, though the light of the moon was
of the greatest assistance, but for which we could not have got along so
well. I think interested parties have represented this route as shorter
than it really is. You will notice we have marched slowly. This was
caused by the party being a good deal on foot, and in many places the
trail was covered with large gravel stones, which prevented iis from
moving at a quicker pace. The trip could be better made in seven
than in live days. This morning (February 18) I accompanied the
commanding officer (Mtyor Rigg, First Infantry California Volunteers)
across the river in search of grass. We succeeded in finding a good
quantity of the guieta species at a distance of from four to ton miles
from the fort, and I am convinced that a sufficient quantity is to be
found within a circuit of twenty miles around this post for a large
number of animals.
All of which is respectfully submitted.
I am, colonel, your obedient servant,
WM. McCLEAVE,
Captain, First Cavalry California Volunteers.
Headquarters District of Southern California,
Ja>8 Angeles, Cal., February IS, 1862.
Maj. R. C. Drum,
Assistant Adjutant- General, U. S. Army, San Francisco, Cal.:
Major: Agreeably to a snggestion contained iu my letter to you
dated December 21, 1861, 1 now submit for the consideration of the
general the following plan having reference to a base of operations for
a command of troops from California, which are destined to operate in
the southern portion of New Mexico. To have Fort Yuma the main
depot of supplies of ammunition, clothing, hospital stores, and of sub-
sistence stores, save the article of beef, and perhaps that of flour. The
garrison of that post to be two companies of the Fifth California Vol-
unteer Infantry. The supplies to be shipped by water from San Fran-
cisco. To have a sub-depot guarded by one company Second Cavalry,
and one company Fifth Infantry at the Pima Villages, with a train of
wagons plying between that point and Fort Yuma to keep up the
supply needed for the garrison at that point and for the troops in
advance to draw upon from time to time. This, too, will be one of the
stations on the Overland Mail Itoute when it is changed south. This
point is 200 miles in advance of Yuma. Fresh meat and flour can
doubtless be obtained in that neighborhood at fair prices. With these
two points fixed, a command of 1,600 men operating in advance, even so
far as Fort Fillmore and Fort Bliss, in Texas (opposite El Paso),conld
be supplied more certainly, more expeditiously, and more economically
than from the long and precarious line of land transportation of from
1,000 to 1,400 miles from Independence, Mo., to Fort Fillmore and to
Arizona. This would leave this expedition intact from that point, and
consisting of, say, 1,400 sabers and bayonets. The remainder of tiio
troops in this district I propose to leave, distributed as follows: Six
companies of the Fifth Infantry and three of the Second Cavalry at
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874 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST, (Chap. LXn.
Gamp Latham, under Colonel Bowie, the headquarters of the district
to be at that camp. A small train of wagons with indifferent mules
can keep this command supplied from New San Pedro. Hay can
here be got at a low figure if the contracts are let early, and wood at a
fair price. The price of barley the quartermaster's department can
control at San Francisco. I would post one company of the Fifth Cali-
fornia Volunteer Infantry at San Diego. Let it have three six-mule
teams to haul wood, &c., and supply It with subsistence and barley
from San Francisco. I would post two companies of the Second Infan-
try at Santa Barbara, to have three six-mule teams for the hauling of
water, wood, &c., to be supplied with subsistence, and with barley if
necessary, by water &om San Francisco. This in my opinion would be
the best method of posting the troops, considered from every point of
view. If during the summer months it becomes necessary for cavalry
to move down on the Mojave, or up toward Owen's Lake, or in the direc-
tion of San Bernardino, or of Lower Califomia, they can readily be
detached temporarily from Camp Latham. This, however, is a con-
tingency that will hardly arise.
All of which is respectfully submitted.
JAMES H. OARLBTON,
Colonel First Califomia Vohmteers, Commanding.
Headquarters District op Southern California,
Los Angelas, Gal,, February 18, 1SG2.
Mt«. R. C. Drum,
Assistant Adjutant-General, U. S. Army, San Francisco, Gal.:
Major : I have the honor to ask that I be furnislied with the follow-
ing amounts of money in coin (agreed on as not too large in amount
by Captain Kirkham and myself) for the expedition, to be used only
in the countries in advance of Fort Yuma. On this side of that
place drafts or certified accounts will doubtless do as well. I require
in coin for subsistence purposes at least $30,000. I require in coin for
quartermaster's department at least $50,000. The coin should mostly
be of a small denomination. Please have it transferred to First Lieut.
Lafayette Hammond, regimental quartermaster. First Califomia Vol-
unteer Infantry, as early as the 10th proximo.
I am, major, very respectfrtUy, your obedient servant,
JAMBS H. OARLETON,
Colonel First California Volunteers, Commanding.
Headquarters District op Southern California,
Los Angeles, Gal., February 18, 1862.
Capt. John Kellogg, U. S. Army,
Commissary of Subsistence, San Francisco, Cal. : '
Captain : You are aware that when the expedition leaves San Pedro
it is to take on wagons, to last thence to the Colorado River, 48,000
rations of subsistence stores. I cannot tell at this moment what is on
hand at that point, i. e., San Pedro, but you will see by returns in
Mt^or Drum's oflBce how many troops are serving in this district; how
many at Fort Yuma, including the political prisoners, and add to the
force here 200 teamsters. Please, therefore, see that the supply at Saa
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lAP. LXXr.l COERESPONDENCE UNION AND CONFEDERATE; 875
edro and Fort Yuma is adequate to the auticipated wants. I trust
311 will not require a formal requisition to tins end, as a few thousand
itions more at either point than absolute requirements might demand
OMT ■will be needed before the summer is over.
Respectfully, &c.,
JAMES H. CAELETON,
Colonel First California Volunteers, Commanding.
Headquarters District of Southern California,
"Los Angeles, Cal., February 18, 1862.
Maj. D. Feegusson,
First Cavalry California Volunteers,
Commanding at Camp Carleton, near San Bernardino :
Majob: The colonel commanding directs as follows: That shoald
Major liigg call upon you for re-enforcements, and you have not sufli-
cient public transportation, you will hire it; that you send 100 pairs of
infantry trousers to Camp Wright by the ^in which comes out with
the one now on the road from San Pedro to Camp Carleton,-and that
you be sure and send by the train now en route for Camx) Wright, and
whicb will pass your post in three or four days, the tents belonging to
Captain Mead's company. If Lieutenant Wellman has not taken all
the property and animals belonging to the Showalter party to San
Pedro, send the remainder to him without delay. The colonel com-
manding also directs that if, upon a close inquiry, yon find that it was
the fault of Captain Fritz or Lieutenant Guirado that a general prisoner
escaped from the party under Captain Fritz's command marching hence
to Camp Carleton, arresteither or both of those officers and put charges
against him or them. Tou will send out a party to repair the road
toward Temecala, through a canon, starting from Negro Banch toward
Temecula, to save the detour made by Veck's train. This party should
be under the charge of an eflScient officer. Tou will so arrange it with-
out delay that all the teams belonging to Camp Wright shall return to
that post laden with barley, to remain there, and that all of the teams
which belong to your camp return to your camp and remain there,
except when you want them to haul your own supplies. The result of
this will be that Colonel West will have his own fourteen teams to haul
his own barley with. (Send the foregoing paragraph quoted, in a letter
from yourself to Colonel West.) If you find it necessary feed your
horses on diminished rations, but not your mules. The colonel com-
manding also directs that the secession man in your neighborhood whom
the soldier struck over the head with a pistol, and whose name will be
made known to you by Doctor Dickey, you will cause to be arrested and
lield in confinement until further orders, and report to these head-
quarters the result. Inclosed herewith you will please find charges and
specifications against men in your command. Investigate these matters
carefully, have such of the men tried by a garrison court as the nature
of their ca^es will {lermit; such others as it may be necessary to try
before a general court you will have charges drawn up against them
iu proper shape and forward them to these headquarters. You will
send by return trains all the quartermaster's property which has accu-
mulated in your camp and which will not be needed iu the field, for
storage, to New San Pedro. Direct and invoice to First Lieut. George
D, French, Second Cavalry California Volunteers, acting assistant
quartermaster, Camp Drum, near New San Pedro, Cal. You will send
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876 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Chap. LXH.
to Captain McAllister, at Benicia Arsenal, such ordnance and ordnance
stores on hand as you do not need for field service. The 8,000 rifle
cartridges you can turn over to the quartermaster at New San Pedro
after you have received and armed all your companies with the Sharps
carbines. Tour leather you will want. You will send all spare cloth-
ing and camp and garrison equipage to Camp Wright, if it is fit for
service; otherwise send it to New San Pedro. Finally, the cx)lonel com-
manding desires that you so divest your camp of all that will not be
necessary for your men when they move, that when the order comes
for you to start the site of Camp Carleton will be but a bare piece uf
ground.
I am, major, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
BEN. C. CUTLEE,
Firat Lieut., First Infty. California Vols., Actg. Asst. Adjt. Oen.
San Bbrnabdino, Cal., February 18, 1862.
Col. .Tames H. Cableton,
First Regiment California Volunteers,
Commanding Southern JHstrict of California :
Sib : The undersigned having reason to believe that the troops now
stationed near this place are alK>nt to be withdrawn, and have not been
able to learn that others would be sent to replace theui, deem it a duty
to address you on this subject. As it is well known to yourself and
others that we have labored since the commencement of difliculty in
California faithfully in support of the Union cause, actuated solely
by patriotic motives, and we desire at this time to make known to you
the actual state of society here in order that means may be provided
for the protection of lives and property of Union men and to maintain
the supremacy of the laws. Immediately upon the arrival of the troops
here last fall the organized bands of secessionists apparently dispersed,
and their leaders left for the upper country for the purposes of avoid-
ing arrest as traitors and urging on this secession business in dift'erent
portions of this State, Samuel Kelsey, their captain, among the num-
ber. Since the arrival of the troops here secession proclivities have
been suppressed, except in cases of reported successes of the rebel
army, upon which occasions there have been strong expressions of heart-
felt satisfaction, together with repeated cheers for Jefif. Davis. But
within the last few days a marked change has been made manifest
among the secessionists here by increased number arriving in town,
secret consultations in different parts of the town from morning till
night, night expresses, insulting Union men, &c. There is evidently a
move of some kind on foot, the nature of which we have been unable
fo ascertain. Several days since Mr. James Ijeonard was on the Mojave
and reports having seen twenty-two armed secessionists and conversed
with them, and reports them gentlemen in appearance and bearing, and
well outfitted. One said: "A year will not pass before you will live
under the finest government the world ever saw, from the Southern
Confederacy." Two days ago Samuel Kelsey suddenly came in town.
We are unable to ascertoin how he came, or where he came from ; we
believe that he came from some other iwrtions of the State with the
above mentioned party or a similar one. Kelsey is now engaged with
his secession confederates, who from some cause appear to be regaining
their former confidence, and are more free to express their antipathy
toward the Federal Government. The secessionists as a class are
wholly destitute of moral principle, and are destitute of means, many
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CBAP. LXII.) CORRESPOIfDENCE — UNION AND CONFEDERATE. 877
of them characterized as desperadoes. It is the decided opinion of the
observing Union men here that, in anticipation of the removal of
the troops, Kelsey and others are engaged in reorganizing these seces-
sionists, and npon the withdrawal of the troops a blow will be struck
here, for the purpose of procuring of animals, provisions, clothing, &c.
This locality has been and will continue to be the rendezvous for the
secessionists. And there are a portion of the county oflBcers we cannot
rely upon or place any dependence in whatever. And without military
protection we have no protection at all. Not knowing the intention of
the commander of the department in regard to keeping troops here,
but knowing the state of affairs in this community so well, we deem it
a duty we owe to our families and to the Union men in this vicinity to
earnestly request that one or two companies may be stationed here.
Should you be unable to comply with this request will you be so kind
as to forward this letter to General Wright!
With sincere wishes for your success, we have the honor to be, very
respectfully, your obedient servants,
. A. D. BOREN,
County Judge.
DUDLEY K. DICKEY.
C. E. BEimETT.
[Indorwment.]
Headquarters Camp Carleton,
Near San Bernardino, February 19, 1862.
Eespecttully forwarded to the colonel commanding the District of
Southern California, with the remark that the lives and property of
the few patriotic citizens of this place will certainly be endangered
if left to the majority of the citizens, who are a disgrace and a reproach
to human nature, regarding no law, either human or divine. Troops
are absolutely necessary, in my opinion, to suppress open treason and
preserve even a show of peace.
D. FEKGUSSON,
Major, First Cavalry California Volunteers, Commanding.
Headquarters Camp Caeleton,
Near San Bernardino, Cal., February 19, 1802.
Col. J. H. Carleton,
Commanding IHstriet of Southern California, Los Angeles :
Colonel: I inclose herewith a deposition made by Dr. H. G. Whit-
lock, a resident of San Bernardino, revealing a secession plot which,
were it not for the timely arrival of troops in this section, would, accord-
ingto Whitlock's account, and that of other personsdeemed trustworthy,
have been put into execution. The contents of the affidavits were made
known to me in conversation previous to my having them deposed to.
That part of your instructions in the letter of the 18th relating to the
arrest of the "man whom the soldier struck on the head with a pistol"
will be fully attended to. I made a detail of Lieutenant Barrett and
one non-commissioned officer and nine men to perform the service last
night, but the night was so stormy, rainy, and dark that on account of
their not being acquainted with the road I delayed sending the party.
I understand the man's name who was strnck by the soldier is Chris-
well, living about nine miles from here; but there is another man wlio
struck a soldier over the head with a pistol, named William Ehodes,
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878 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Chap. Lxn.
'wbo has a warraut out against him, aud is supposed to be secreted in
Cbriswell's house. As there is some confusion existing in regard to the
"man whom the soldier struck" and the man that was " struck by the
soldier," and both are equally guilty, I shall take both if I find them,
and await your orders. Transportation will be hired as anthorized by
you if re-enforcements are called for by Major Kigg, provided it is
required. On inquiry I cannot find anything on which to base charges
against Captain Fritz or Lieutenant Guirado for the escape of the gen-
eral prisoner. A general laxity and want of a realizing sense of the
necessity of strict discipline probably pervades the volunteer service
which causes cases of this kind to occur, so as to make it impossible to
trace the neglect to one person who can be inade responsible.
Very respectfully, sir, your obedient servant,
D. FERGUSSON,
Major, Fimt Cavalry California Volunteers, Commanding.
[iDclosure.]
Statement '■of Br. H. 0. Whitlock.
About the 1st of July, 1861, 1 became aware of a marked change of
affairs in the mines — the arrival of many gentlemen, in appearance, with
the apparent business of mining, but none of them engaged in mining
or bought shares, as shown by the records, nor appeared to even examine
the localities in the vicinity of Bear and Holcomb Valleys — and my
observation being particularly attracted to this state of affairs by so
many strangers (probably 250 men) in a short time, 1 overheard remarks
Indicatiug a Southern proclivity and feeling, and also from one or two
remarks unguardedly made by a mining acquaintance while he was
under the influence of intoxicating liquor, my suspicions were aroused
that there were combinations of designing men for purposes inimical to
peace aud good order. I stated my suspicions to Mr. G. E. Bennett, who
arrived in the mines just at that time, and after careful consideration it
was deemed advisable that I should go and join this society, sect, or
whatever it might be. I then went to this mining acquaintance and
expressed a desire to co-operate with him aud his confederates. He
intimated that it was composed of men of Southern birth aud feelings
aud men friendly to the cause of the South ; designated the place of
rendezvous; the time was late in the night. I repaired at the time fixed
to the place appointed and was presented with the copy of an oath I
would be required to take — so binding nothing less than being shot for
betraying the secrets of this secret order. It caused me to hesitate, and
I turned back and told Mr. Bennett what I had learned. After delib-
eration and a careful consideration of the imperative necessity of know-
ing fully the plans of these designing men in order to frustrate them,
and as my grandfather fell in defense of his country at Fort Erie, and
my father was severely wounded at Buffalo, N. Y., and an uncle killed
in the service of his country, I deemed it my duty, if necessary, to
sacrifice my life, if need be, in defense of that liberty our forefathers
had so nobly bequeathed to us. And the next night I went aud joined
this secret body — this secession corps, as it proved to be — to reveal
their plans and plots and to frustrate the objects of their organization.
In order that no shadow of a charge of traitor to my country should
ever rest against my name, I asked Mr. Bennett to confide the whole
matter to Dr. D. R. Dickey and A. D. Boren, county judge, men of
fidelity and strong in their sui)port of the Union cause. I then learned
that there were similar lodges or clubs in all or nearly every town in the
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p. X.33I.] CORRESPOm)ENCE — UNION AND CONFBDEEATE. 879
rer balf of the State, and these strangers were representatives from
parts of the State to decide ou a plan of operations by which the
lol© shonld be governed. They hold meetings nightly and increased
numbers fast. I recollect in one day or night twenty- two new members
ned . Mr. Bennett visited me repeatedly, coming from San Bernardino,
lere he resided, to procure all the information I would be able to give
m concerning their numbers, meetings, plans, &c., and as soon as 1
ined. wrote to General Sumner and the officers at Los Angeles. It was
lally settled that these representatives should return to their respective
leaters of operations and report, that as soon as all could be in readi-
ess a general and simultaneous blow should be struck at the same hour
) commence, which was to be midnight, to strike well. The Union men
ere to b© spotted or marked, their names, places of residence, the
iroperty iu their possession, its value and place of deposit, and all who
^ere not for them were to be considered their enemies; that Northwn
nen, or Union men, as they were styled in the North, were attacking
Sonthern men and destroying their property in the East, and this body —
i^liis secession organization — claimed their right, urged it as their daty
bo retaliate here for the wrongs and oppressions they urged the South
was suffering east of the Eocky Mountains; with specious reasoning
convinced the ignorant and depraved. In short, they determined to kill
all Union men, take the principal part of the spoils, and if unable to
bold their own in the lower portion of the State to send the plunder and
spoils ahead and organize in this vicinity and follow, and they would get
away before it would or could be possible to organize and follow them,
and they would go to Souora and operate from there under General
A . S. Johnston, who, it was arranged, would precede them. Their mur-
derous plans were defeated by General Sumner sending four companies
of infantry here, and subsequently cavalry. Fearing that the troops
would not arrive in time, myself, Doctor Dickey, Judge Boren, and Mr.
Bennett decided that Mr. Bennett proceed as fast as possible to San
Francisco to urge the immediate transit of troops for this place. Mr.
Bennett left Holcomb Valley Saturday morning, and Wednesday night
arrived on the overland in San Francisco, and the troops barely got here
in time. A man named Brown from Sacramento was a very influential
man iu this bloodthirsty business. Samuel Kelsey was another leader,
and urged on this matter to a consummation. He was a captain.
William Ferguson, or Bill Ferguson, as he is called, and Bell or Beal
were hand in hand with Kelsey in their treason, wishes, and labors.
J. 0. Bogert (now senator) was not a particle behind either of the above
named in guilt, fie iised his influence, he used his time, he used his
talents like the others to urge on this scene of carnage and ruin; to
overpower the authorities and carry out the intentions to the letter of
this party. A man named Bettis and his wife rendered themselves
conspicuous among these traitors by their determined perseverance to
carry oat the schemes of this secession club. John Evertson and his
brother were likewise influential ; also Joe Ferguson, Farnsworth, Beard,
McCoy all worked to the same end faithfully. Kelsey stated in court
he was captain of a band of secessionists, and he testified to clear a
man charged with stealing a horse or horses that he took the horses in
obedience to his orders, in obeying his superior officer. I have seen
commissions made out by Kelsey purporting to give rank as first lieu-
tenant and second lieutenant, under authority of the Southern Confed-
eracy—commissions, he called them. Holcomb Valley was selected as
the headquarters, and a few had gone into camp preparatory to the com-
pletion of the secession programme when affairs took a turn in favor of
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880 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIKIC COAST. (Chap. LXn.
law and order. To enumerate the principal individnals, viz : J. 0. Bogert,
Samuel Kelsey, Bill Ferguson, Joe Ferguson, Beal or Bell, the two
Evertsons, Bettis and wife. Beard (who is a justice of the peace now
in the mines). Just before the arrival of the troops it was suspected in
the mines by some means that I was betraying them, and I had to leave
in the night, and arrived safely in San Bernardino, where I have lived
since. I was afraid to return to my business in the mines. Efforts were
made by the secessionists to induce me to leave town with different
individuals at different times, but I have succeeded thus far in escaping
injury. The secessionists are still leagued together, but now I am
unable to learn anything from them.
H. G. WHITLOCK.
Sworn and subscribed to before me, the undersigned, atCampCarleton,
near San Bernardino, Oal., this 19tn day of February, 1862.
D. FEEGUSSON,
Major, First Cavalry California Volunteers,
HEADyUABTEBS CAMP WEIGHT,
Oak Grove, San Diego County, Col., February 19, 1862.
Lieut. Ben. C. Cutleb,
Actg. Asst. Adjt. Gen., Bist. of Southern California, Los Angeles :
I regret to have to inform you that all of Company A, First Infantry
California Volunteers, with the exception of the non-commissioned offi-
cers and one private, refused to obey the order this morning to " drill
with knapsacks on." There are twelve men in the guard-house now
for the same oiiense, and with over one-half the command in a state of
mutiny I have not deemed it judicious to endeavor to enforce authority,
being fearful that little reliance can be placed upon the remainder to
that end. In fact, this refusal to do duty amounts to a demoralization
of the whole command; the scepter of authority being once cast down,
uo dependence can be placed upon any order being obeyed. Drills
must be suspended because orders to "drill with knapsacks on" can-
not be carried into effect, and I have no discretion in the premises.
Company G (Captain Greene) so far do their duty manfully, but I can-
not but conclude that it is now a matter of option with them also. I
have to request early instructions from district headquarters in the
premises.
Respectfully, your obedient servant,
J. B. WEST,
lAeutcnant- Colonel First Infantry California Volunteers, Comdg.
Headquabtebs,
Fort Tuma, February 19, 1862.
Col. J. H. Caeleton,
Commanding Southern District, Los Angeles, Cat. :
Colonel: Your letter per Mr. Jones was received to-day.* He will
be ready to proceed on his journey to-morrow. I had anticipated your
instructions to have the brush and undergrowth cleared off around the
fort. I had commenced cutting down the trees on the north side of
the fort when the overflow stopped it. The brush on the south and
" See Carleton to Eigg, February 12, p. 861.
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p. LXII.l C0BEE3P0NDENCE UNION AND CONFEDERATE. 881
itti'west side has been ulready cleared off, and on the west side of it
i inesqait« had been cut, but operations were stopped there also by
i flood- I will have a good force put to work again immediately and
isli it up. On the north side of the fort it is yet too swampy to do
icli witli it. You can depend upon everything being done as directed
promptly as possible. The soft, marshy ground on the north and
»rtbeast side of the post is a protection in itself against any attack
oiu tbat iMjint by any number of men. The boats are all secured, but
ill be made still more so as soon as chains can be procured. I con-
der them quite safe now, but chains, if to bo had, will make tliem
ill more secure. In reference to Mr. Keene being perfectly reliable,!
ave the opinion of Lieutenant-Colonel West, who knows him better
tian I do, that he is. My own opinion is that he is entirely too well
cquainted with everybody to effect any secret move, and is, in my
pinion, disposed to have himself known as the confidential agent of
he Oovernuient. His appearance anywhere in this neighborhood is
blways remarked, and from some quarters he is considerably patron-
zed. Costello, I have no hesitation in saying, is, in my opinion, per-
fectly reliable, ready and prompt to move, and ftom the time of his
arrival until his departure he confines himself to his quarters, and has
no intercourse with anyone unless spoken to. I have never yet seen
him address anyone. King Woolsey was on the river a short time
before I arrived. There is no doubt about his sympathies. Rhodes I
have met. He has invariably denounced the action of certain men in
declaring Arizona out of the Union, and asserts that they did not speak
the sentiments of nine-tenths of the people of Arizona. I have had
my eye upon him, nevertheless, but have never heard of any expressions
of a treasonable nature. Colonel Snively I have never seen, but have
his measure taken. Either of those men are powerless to do any injury
at present, and if circumstances should make it necessary I can pick
them up at any time. There are but few around the post now that
there is any doubt about. Hamlin, who lives a short distance below
Mr. Yager's, keeps a store, &c., although he took the oath of allegiance
before Colonel West, I have but little confidence in, but I have him
directly under my own observation, and he can make no move which I
do not know. I arrested a man from the Arizona mines yesterday and
hold him for instructions. His statement I forward to you by this
express. I do not think him very dangerous, but thought him much
better here than anywhere else for the present. Mr. Clymer, his
employer, is reliable. He was one of the first to inform me of the
movements of Baylor. A copy of his letter to me I forwarded with
others to district headquarters. He is obliged to be very circumspect.
He told me personally that he could not depend upon anyone around
bim. The circumstances are these in reference to tlie arrest of his
employ^, John Kilbride : Mr. Clymer sent in bis team for provisions for
the mines, sending at the same time the letter, a copy of which was
forwarded. On its return, near Grinnel's, during the night, whilst the
driver was sleeping, the flood overtook him, only awaking in time to
save his life, losing the wagon, which was washed ifato the river with
contents, saving only his mules. His delaying so long, Mr. Clymer
sent out a person named Hay ward to look after him. He came on here
to make arrangements for more provisions. I had him watched closely,
and wlien he was ready to start I stopped him. He states that he is an
English subject — a subject of Great Britain. On the same day Kil-
bride arrived with anotitier wagon for provisions. I permitted them to
go on and get their arrangements all made to start (Mr. Hay ward being
5(i B E— VOL L, PT I •
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882 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Chap. LXn.
ouly on parole not to leave until I gave him i^ermission), when I gave
lierniission to the wagon to start. I then had Mr. Kilbride confined
(after taking his statement), and sent Lieutenant Mitchell oat with liis
invoices, and overhauled him to see that nothing but provisions were
in the wagon, which proved to be the case. He also carried instructions
to Kilbride's driver from him to proceed on to the mine and say to Mr.
Clymer that he would follow in a short time, and to get through as fast
as possible. I was satisfied that Mr. Clymer had no provisions in hand
of any kind, and was suffering for them ; that he was our friend, and was
acting as such in forwarding information, &c., and in addition to that,
if I stopped the team with the animals — six in the wagon and eight
more that were saved from the flood, making fourteen in all — I would
have to feed them. After reflecting upon all the circumstances, I con-
cluded to send Mr. Clymer his wagon and provisions. The driver will
not know of Kilbride's arrest until he gets home. I have been minute
about this matter, because I was taking a responsibility that might not
meet with your approbation, though I trust it may. I have confined
Kilbride in a separate apartment from the other political prisoners, not
wishing any comparing of notes from difi'erent directions. The express-
man who started simultaneously with Mr. Jones has not yet arrived —
2 a. m. 20th. Your i nstructions shall be executed in reference to express-
man. Buckner, the man who came with Captain McCleavc, is supposed
to be in confinement. He left on the morning of the 18th at 3 o'clock.
He arrived here in the evening, and was brought in by the guard. I
would say to the colonel commanding that Mr. White does not place
much confidence in Mr. Warner, at Tucson, although Mr. Iliuton and
Hooper do. Mr. Warner does not know that my messenger was sent
by the commanding officer at this post. He was Mr. Hinton's messen-
ger to him.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
E. A, RI(5G,
Major First Infantry California Volunteers, Commanding).
Headqttarters Department op the Pacific,
San Francisco, February 20, 1862.
Brig. Gen. Lorenzo Thomas,
Adjutant- Oeneral U. 8. Army, Washington, D. C:
General : Since the 10th instant nothing of importance has tran-
spired in this department. The weather has been fair and the roads
are improving very fast. The troops are in good order, and those des-
tined for the southern district have mostly reached their destination.
Colonel Carleton is at Los Angeles making preparations to advance as
soon as the roads are practicable for wagons. I have no late news from
the north, but when I last heard from that quarter all was peace and
quiet. In this State we have i)eace, but I cannot say that we are very
quiet. For a few days past the glorious news of victory upon victory
which the wires have flashed across the continent has created the wild-
est delight and enthusiasm I have ever witnessed. Your telegraphic
communication to Marshal Babe, dated on the 18th and addressed to
me in cipher, was received at 10 p. m. same day, and yesterday morn-
ing I translated and placed it in the hands of the marshal.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
G. WRIGHT,
Brigadier- Oeneral, U. IS. Army, Commanding.
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Chap. Lxn.) CORRESPONDENCE — UNION AND CONFEDERATE. 883
Gbnebal Orders, ) Hdqrs. Department ok the Pacific,
No. 6. ) San Francisco, Cal., February 20, 1862.
Amidst the universal rejoicing of the patriotic and Union-loving
people on the Pacific Coast, incident to the brilliant victories achieved
by the Army and Navy of the United States, let us pause for a moment
to do honor to the memory of the chief of that illaatrious band of
patriots who established the liberties for the preservation of which we
are now battling. The 22d of the present month being the 130th anni-
versary of the birth of Washington, will be duly celebrated by the
Army of the Pacific. All labor will cease during the day, and at
meridian a salute of 130 guns will be fired from Alcatraz Island.
By order of Brigadier-General Wright:
R. C. DRUM,
Assistant Adjutant- Oeneral.
Headquarters Department ok the Pacific,
San Francisco, Cal., February 20, 1862.
Col. James H. ('arleton.
First Infantry California Volunteers,
Comdff. District of Southern California, Los Angeles :
Sir: The general commanding the department regrets to find that a
feeling of dissatisfaction has grown up between yourself and the quar-
termaster (Captain Moore) assigned to your headquarters. Your
instructions to Captain Moore contain nothing to which the general
can properly take exception, and it is possible that they are only felt
us a grievance by the captain for the reason that it has been customary
to leave such matters generally in the hands and at the discretion of
the quartermaster. The general trusts that everything may go on har-
moniously. Should it prove to the contrary, you will have to assign
Captain Moore to a position at the headquarters of the district and
provide a substitute for his staff duties.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
RICHD. C. DRUM,
Assistant Adjutant-General.
Headquarters District ok Southern California,
Los Angeles, Cal., February 20, 1862.
Maj. David Ferousson,
First Cavalry California Volunteers,
Comdg. at Camp Carleton, near San Bernardino, Cal. :
Major: I have received your letter of the 18th instant (with its
inclosures) in relation to a man in your neighborhood named Samuel
Kelsey, of whom it is alleged that he is a secessionist and an active
enemy of the Government of the United States. Question the parties
who make these statements very closely, and if you are then satisfied
that they make them solely on the merits of the case, and to sub-
serve no sinister ends and to gratify no private piques or personal ani-
mosities, then arrest and hold securely until further orders the said
Samuel Kelsey. Should a writ of habeas corpus be served upon you to
show cause why you hold him you will return upon that writ that you
hold him by my order. But under no circumstances must you obey
said writ until the general commanding the department has decided
upon the case. You must be aware that you are surrounded by a nest
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884 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Chap. LXU.
of designing men, and it will be well to be on your guard against being
imposed upon or against your credulity being taxed too far by one
party as against another. You are at liberty to send Captain Fritz
with thirty good men over to Lane's on the Mojave to arrest the seces-
sionists reported . as being in that neighborhood. Let him take eight
days' rations of subsistence. He can doubtless get barley and hay of
Lane. Give him sealed orders, not to be opened until he gets to Lane's.
In these instruct him very carefully what to do. He is not at all reti-
cent. His men need only know they are to march. Unless you take
these precautions, and send the party by night, mnners will carry intel-
ligence of your movements by trails across the mountains in advance
of the party. Issue more hay and less barley to your horses until
Fritz's return. Then report to me what your prospects for forage are.
I am, major, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JAMES H. CARLETON,
Colonel First California Volunteers, Commanding.
Headqitabters District of Southern California,
Lo» Angeles, Cal., February 30, 1862.
Maj. E. A. RiGG,
First Infantry California Volunteers, Oomdg. at Fort Yuma .-
Major: The paymaster will be at your post with funds to pay the
troops in the month of March. I am anxious to know the exact condi-
tion of your defenses; whether the 12 -jjounders have been received and
are in position and whether you have ammunition for them before that
is received which goes by Veck's train. That you keep yourself in a
state of preparation for immediate action and have spies and scouts to
give you timely notice of the approach of an enemy, I can have no
doubt. Much is expected from yourself and your command. The eyes
of California are resting upon you. If you are attacked, a successful
defense will give you all immense cretlit not only here but throughout
the country. The Mojave expedition will not be delayed on account
of the rebel forces reported as being in Arizona. Troops will move
from here across the desert direct upon that route as soon as trans-
portation can be gotten. Have all your packs in readiness, so that
when your mules come you can move up the Colorado with a part of
your present garrison if necessary. Can you get any Indian guides
from your post to the Mojave "Villages?
I am, major, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JAMES H. CARLETON,
Colonel First California Infantry, Commanding.
Headquarters,
Fort Yuma, February 20, 1862.
Col, James H. Oarleton,
Commanding Southern District, Los Angeles, Cai. :
Colonel : The steamer Cocopah has made another trip to the month
of the Biver Colorado and back. Captain Wilcox reports no news of
the guns shipped by the steamer Republic for this post by way of
Guaymas. It is nearly certain now that some accident has occurred to
them. No charges having been received here up to this date, I have
released Lieut. A. B. MacGowan from arrest and ordered him to duty
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Chap. LSII.] CORRESPONDENCE — UNION AND CONFEDERATE. 885
with his company. I reported to you by way of San Bernardino, in
charge of a sergeant of Captain McGleave's company, whom he desired
to send back, return of ordnance and ordnance stores on hand on the
15th day of February, The sergeant and corporal left here at 4.30
p. m., 18th instant. The colonel's order, in letter dated February 8, and
received on the 15th, will be carefully obeyed to the letter, as well as
all others contained in the same. Mr. Jones arrived here to-day. He
made the trip in six days from Los Angeles, If relays were placed on
that route, say, an animal at Kancheria DosPalmas (100 miles from the
post), Rancheria Toro (150 miles from the post), AguaCaliente (28 miles
farther on), Chapin Ranch (25 miles), an express could be sent into Los
Angeles in three days. Such is the opinion of Captain McCleave, First
Cavalry California Volunteers, also Lieutenant Nichols, First Cavalry
California Volunteers. Mr. Jones reports four men between him and
Captain McCleave's command. I will endeavor to find them. 1 sent
Captain McCleave this morning to where hay was stacked for the Gov-
ernment above Gila City, near Mission Camp, with instructions to
leave a guard of seven men at that point. Lieutenant fTichols by my
order accompanied Mr. Yager to look for grass. He returned this last
evening, and reports having found an abundance for several hundred
animals. I think, however, that they found the same grass that Captain
McCleave and myself discovered. I will see it myself in a few days,
so that there will be no mistake about localities. Captain Smith, Com-
pany A, Fifth Infantry California Volunteers, has notified me that he
will report fifty men of his company for duty at this post on the return of
the steamer Cocopali, which will be about the 23d instant. The bal-
ance of his company will remain to protect Government stores at the
(iridiron, and do escort duty on the boat passing up and down the river.
Captain Wilcox assures me that he will have all of the stores at the
post within ten days from this date, unless the balance of the Repub-
lic's cargo should arrive in the meantime.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
EDWIN A. RIGG,
Major First Infantry California Volunteers, Commanding.
Hdqrs. First Regiment Cavalry Oregon Vols.,
Portland, Oreg., February 20, 1862.
Ad.ttttant-Ckneral it. S. Army,
^ya8hington, D. G. :
Sir : In reporting to you the progress of raising a regiment of volun-
teer cavalry in this State, it is due to myself to state the reason which
has prevented my reporting sooner, and which also prevents at this time
the forwarding of the official returns of the regiment, and that is high
water and thecontmued severity of thewinter,whichhave prevented com-
munication with tlie different parts of the State for the past two months.
By the 1st of next mouth I hope to be able to forward all rolls, reports,
&c., of companies organized. By arrangement of parties commissioned
to raise the regiment, Lieutenant-Colonel Maury, in the southern por-
tion of the State, has raised two full companies, which are now in camp
near Jacksonville, He is confident of raising two more companies by
the Ist of May, B. F. Harding, mustering officer in charge of the central
part of the State, has raised one full company, which is now at Salem,
Oreg, Mr. Harding, as elsewhere advised, has been obliged to resign
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886 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [CHij.LXII.
his position in the regiment. In charge of the northern part of the State,
I have organized three companies, one at The Dalles, of forty men,
which, for the want of funds and the difBculty of procuring supplies for
them as recruits, I ordered to be mustered in with a first lieutenant in
command, and ordered him to report to the commanding ofQcer at Fort
Dalles, where his company is performing garrison duty and is supplied
at the post. I pursued tlic same course with the company recruited at
this place, who reported at Fort Vancouver.
The other company is stationed at Camp Barlow, near Oregon Gity.
These companies are recruiting steadily, and will doubtless be full by
the 1st of May, by which time 1 think the regiment will consist of eight
full companies. Major Drew is now at San Francisco with requisitions
upon the commander of the Department of the Pacific for clothing,
arms, and garrison equipage for the regiment, also for funds for the
recruiting service, the want of which has retarded enlistments. In
absence of further orders from the War Department, I shall, as soon as
the weather will permit, establish a camp in the central portion of the
State, where I shall assemble all companies, except those raised in
Southern Oregon, which will remain under Lieutenant-Colonel Maury,
at Camp Baker, near Jacksonville. The object will be for drill and
instruction, and the diificulty of obtaining forage will render it necessary
for the animals to be where they can graze. The quartermaster of the
regiment has this day forwarded estimates for funds, which 1 trust will
be forwarded immediately. The great losses which the citizens of this
State have suffered from the floods and severe winter render those
who are willing unable to furnish supplies without the certainty of
prompt payment. The mines north and east of this plac« are bringing
a large immigration from California, providing a ready market for more
than the country now aftbrda, which will render it extremely necessary
that he should be provided with funds to contract for supplies at fair
rates.
I remain, yours, very respectfully,
T. R. CORNELIUS,
Colonel First Regiment Cavalry Oregon Volunteerg,
Hbadquabteks District op Southern California,
Lo8 Angeles, Cal., February 21, 1862.
Lieut. Col. J. R. West,
First Infantry California Volunteers,
Commanding at Camp Wright, San Diego County, Cal.:
Colonel : I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your let-
ter of the 19th instant in relation to the refusal of certain privates in
Company A, First Infantry California Volunteers, to carry their knap-
sacks on drill. I have always regarded that company as one of the
finest I have ever seen in service — one of the first I should have chosen
to follow me into any battle where the integrity of the country or the
glory of the flag was to be maintained ; so you can judge how greatly
1 have been disappointed. It is hardly possible that it is a settled
purpose on the part of that whole company to set military authority at
defiance and constitute itself a judge of what shall be done and what
not. The men are intelligent men, and can at once see to what all this
would tend. Nor can it be possible the men refuse to obey orders for
the purpose of remaining behind to gain by the delays incident to a
trial before a general court-martial imnninity from the fatigues of a
hard march and from the danger of facing an enemy. The men are
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Cdap. LXn.J CORRKSPONDENCE — UNION AND CONFEDERATE. 887
hardy and brave and patriotic ; such a thought, therefore, would be
unjust to them. Now, the infantry require the soldiers of that arm to
drill with knapsacks on at quickstep, and even at the run. To accus-
tom them to this weight, to carry out and perfect them in their instruc-
tion, was one purpose of General Orders, No. 3, requiring the First
Infantry, my own regiment, to drill with knapsacks on. Another pur-
pose was this, and I want the soldiers to know it: We are about to
commence a movement with limited means of transportation over a
desert country. Unless the soldiers carry their knapsacks at the com-
mencement of the march, it will be impossible to transport a suffi-
ciency of food, of ammunition, of clothing; or of hospital stores. So
the purpose of the expedition will have to be abandoned, or the men,
like good soldiers, must be willing to sacrifice personal convenience for
a short time to attain an important object. Kead all this to those men.
Eead the Articles of War to them. Remind them of their oaths.
Give them one hour to reflect on the unhappy consequences of such
conduct. Let them see how unworthy it is of them as soldiers, how
degrading themselves as men, how much it reflects upon their company
and regiment, how disgraceful it is to California, to the flag, to the
country. If, then, any oiie man amongst them does not feel ashamed
of such conduct, and feel willing to obey orders promptly and cheer-
fully, the only alternative left is to have that man at once mustered out
of the service without pay. The country has a plenty of soldiers, and
California has enough of them even here, who stand ready to take his
l»lace and obey orders. Depend on that. I have taken some pains to
explain this matter, and have exercised a forbearance in the case
unusual in our profession, because I feel an attachment to the men of
my regiment, and I do not wish to see them dishonor the flag or dis-
grace themselves if I can help it. But I leave the issue to them, feel-
ing confident that the determination to which they will come, after a
sober second thought, will bo such as to cause them no regrets here-
after. There is one thing tbey can count upon: The colors of the
First Infantry of California will go forward, even though every man in
the regiment but one refuses to go with them.
I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JAMES H. CAKLETON,
Colonel First Infantry California Volunteers, Commanding.
[Indorsement.]
Headquabters District of Southern California,
lios Angeles, CaL, February 31, 18(lx\
Respectfully forwarded to department headquarters, with the hope
that tlie general will sustain my action in the premises, as we la<Jk time
now for the ordinary procedure by courts.
JAMES H. CARLETON,
Colonel First California Volunteers, Commanding.
Headquarters District of Southern California,
Los Angeles, Cal., February :.3, 18(13.
First Lieut. John B. Shinn,
Commanding Light Company A, Third Artillery,
Camp Drum, New 8an Pedro, Cal.:
Lieutenant : I am directed by the colonel commanding to say if
you have not alreatly done so, you will report for duty with your com-
pany to Lieutenant-Colonel Evans, commanding at Camp Drum. The
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888 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Chap. LXII.
colonel commauding the district has gi-eat confidence in the belief which
he entertains that you \rill leave no effort untried to put your horses
into the best possible condition, and your battery generally into the
best fighting triui, at the earliest practicable moment. To do this much
is left to your discretion, and a great deal expected from your perse-
verance, industry, and energy.
I am, lieutenant, respectfully, &c.,
BEN. 0. CUTLER,
First JAeut., First Infantry California Vols., Aetg. Asst. Adjt. Gen.
nEADQl^ARTKRK DEPARTMENT OF THE PACIFIC,
San Francisco, Cal., February 2i, 18(i2.
Col. James H. Carleton,
First Infantry California Volunteers,
Comdg. Dist. of Southern California, Los Angeles, Cal.:
Sir: In reply to your letter of the 18th instant, requesting to be
furnished with money in coin for the expedition under your command,
tlie general commanding the department directs me to say that your
request will be complied with. The general directs that the headquar-
ters of the District of Southern California will, when you leave, be
established at Camp Latham. The distribution of the troops in the
district suggested in your letter is approved, except that the garrison
of Fort Yuma still consists of three companies of infantry.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
EIOHD. C. DBUM,
Assistant Adjutant-General.
Headquarters Camp Wright,
Oak Qrove, San Diego County, Cal., February 24, 1862.
Lieut. Ben. C. Cutler,
Aetg. Asst. Adjt. Oen., Dist. of Southern California, Los Angeles:
I have receive<l the letter of Colonel Carleton in reference to the men
of Company A, First Infantry California Volunteers, who refused to
carry their knapsacks on drill, and have followed the instructions
therein contained. All have consented to obey the ordc with the
exception of thirteen privates. How am I to construe the expression,
"the only alternative left is to have that man (the disobedient) at once
mastered out of the service without pay." Is that an opinion as to
what ought to be done, or an order ttf do it! I have put those men in
the guard-house, and shall kee]) them for definite orders. Company G
are now all willing to obey the order.
Respectfully, vour obedient servant,
J. B. WEST,
lAexttenantColonel First Infantry California Volunteers, Comdg.
Headquarters Camp Wright,
Oak Grove, San Diego County, Cal., February 24, 1862.
Lieut. B. C. Cutler,
Avtg. Asst. Adjt. Gen., Dist. of Southern California, Los Angeles :
I have the honor to acknowledge receii)t of a communication from
yourself dated 21st instant, and of one from the colonel commaiiding
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CHAP. LXII.) COKBESPONDENCE UNION AND CONFEDERATE. 889
the district of same date marked semi-ofiQcial, relatiug to measures
which he wishes adopted to briug the infantry now here and the cav-
ah-y company at Temecula together into one camp. An objection pre-
sents itself to removing the infantry from here, viz, the interest of the
sick, who the surgeon considers would be much better off in the present
adobe hospital than in a tent. Hence I shall wait until to-morrow to
ascertain what success the acting assistant quartermaster has met in
eflbrts to procure forage at San Luis Rey for the cavalry. If he has
been successful I shall move the cavalry up here; otherwise the infantry
will be removed to a spot that affords good grazing. I cannot yet say
whether I can supply Captains Koberts' and Ffrench's companies, nor
can I yet determine how many companies of infantry and cavalry I can
supply with my teams. I shall give these matters earnest attention at
once and reply aS soon as possible.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
J. E. WEST,
lAeiitenant- Colonel First Infantry California Volunteers, Comdg.
Headqxtabtebs Humbot,dt Military District,
Fort Humboldt, February I'i, 1862.
Maj. R. 0. Drum, IT. S. Army,
Assistant Adjutant General, Department of the Pacific:
Major: By a ten days' tour of reconnaissance I have become con-
vinced, first, that the statements made to me in respect to the Indians
in Hoopa Valley were erroneous, and that it would be very unwise to
attempt to remove them from their present settlements, where they are
living in peace and amity with the whites; second, that to carry ont
the plan of operations suggested in my last letter to you it would
require a force vastly larger than is now available on the P<acific Coast;
third, that there is argent need of the immediate establishment of
posts in at least three different sections of this county for the protec-
tion of settlers. I have carefully selected the sites for these posts, and
shall send out to occupy them three of the companies now here the
moment I can obtain the necessary transportation, which will be about
a week at furthest. These companies will be directed to keep contin-
ually in the field one-half of their effective strength, for the purpose of
capturing the Indians, who will all be sent to this post, from which they
will be taken to such point as the department commander may direct.
Being pressed for time, I will write more fully by next steamer. It is
proper I should state, injustice to Captain Johns, commanding at Fort
CJaston, that I inspected his post very thoroughly, and found his com-
mand in a state of admirable discipline. There is no man in either
Company F or Company K, Second Infantry California Volunteers, fit
for the duty of hospital steward. As each of these companies is to
garrison a new jwst, I hope it will be possible to send me up two hos-
pital stewards by next steamer. I ajn obliged to inclose more charges
for a general court, several against men of my own regiment and one
against Lieutenant Daley, Second Cavalry California Volunteers. If
these charges are to be tried by the court already ordered, an addition
of several members would be expedient, as after a few days but three
out of the five members now at the post will be here. The judge-
advocate also (Lieutenant Hubbard) Mill have left with hia company.
When the witnesses in the mutiny cases in Captain Akey'f, couij)any
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890 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. (Chap. LXIL
have arrived Lere from Fort Seward, whicU will be iu about ten days,
the court will be ready to commence business, and Lieutenant Hubbard,
if he has already left, can be recalled.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
FRANCIS J. LIPPITT,
Col. Second Infty. California Vols., Gomdg. Humboldt Mil. Dint.
Fort Humboldt, February 24, 1862.
Mr. J. A. Hamilton, Mendocino City :
(Care of L. Woodward, Esq., ]'ostma8t«r.)
Sib: The colonel commanding the district directs me to acknowledge
the receipt of your letter of the 6th. Your application for a detach-
ment of twenty men to be stationed at Shelter Cove cannot be acceded
with at present. The policy the colonel commanding has found it nec-
essary to adopt throughout the district has compell^ him to refuse all
similar applications. As soon as practicable he will make a tour of
inspection aud reconnaissance iu your section of the country, and now
thinks it highly probable that a new post of an entire company on or
near Eel River at no great distance from Shelter Cove. When this is
done yon may rely on receiving such protection as you may need.
By order of Colonel Lippitt:
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JOHN HANNA, Jr.,
Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.
Headqitarters Department op the Pacific,
San Francisco, February 24, 1862.
Col. Thomas R. Cornelius,
First Regiment Cavalry:
Colonel: I have received authority from the War Department,
dated 18th ultimo, to modify the instructions given to you on the 24th
of September last, so aa to include only four companies, should I deem
the best interests of the service to require it. Under the authority thus
conferred on me, you will please to perfect the organization of six com-
panies of your regiment, according to the plan indicated. The remain-
ing four companies will not be organized until further orders. The
music for your regiment will be confined to two buglers for each com-
pany. The organization of bands for volunteer regiments is suspended
for the present. I have given orders for the manufacture of clothing
for your regiment, which, with the necessary camp and garrison equip-
age, will be forwarded as soon as practicable. Please forward immedi-
ately to department headquarters a complete return of your regiment,
embracing the names of all oflScers, whether appointed by the War
Department or yourself, and hereafter furnish a similar return on the
10th and 20th aud last days of each month.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
G. WRIGHT,
Brigadier- General, U. S. Army, Commanding.
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Chap, txn.] COBEESPONDENCE UNION AND CONFEDERATE. 831
HeADQXJAETEES DiSlBICT OF SOTJTHEKN C/AilPORNf A,
Lo8 Angeles, CaL, February 35, 1862.
Lieut. Col. J. B. West,
First Infantry California Vols., Comdg, at Gamp Wright, Gal. :
Colonel : Lieutenant Catler has sent yoa some blank mnsterrolls
and will send you some blank monthly company returns. The other
blanks you will be obliged to rule. He sends you six blank post
returns, to be used monthly. The returns for every ten days you must
rule, as we do. I shall send you a traveling forge and some shoeing
tools to-morrow. M^or Fergusson has been ordered to furnish you
with some horse and mule shoes and some horseshoe nails. Have good
supply of coal burned by some men on extra duty, quartermaster's
department laborers, so that you can do whatever blacksmith work
may be required now or within four weeks. I have ordered that all
your wagons be returned to you, so that you can move your camp where
grass is to be found. The condition of the roads forbids sending barley
from New Sau Pedro. You were fortunate in getting food from that
point. If you have no use for Mead's company, and the horses of that
company are likely to become poor from lack of good grazing (cavalry
cannot always get grain — 1 have been six months at a time without it
for my company), send that company to report to the headquarters
First Cavalry California Volunteers. By having the horses graze all
day, and by cutting and hauling hay by fatigue parties to feed at night,
your animals will not fall ofl' much if you intermit the mounted drills.
Have all your troops together where you can find grass at some point
on the road hence to Fort Yuma, aiid at the same time within thirty
miles of Oak Grove. You are left to the exercise of a sound discretion
on this point, so you keep in view what is best for your horses and
mules. The men Laving yourself for a commander will do as well in
one place as in another. My time is so much occupied by my public
duties here, it is necessary for you to rely upon your acknowledged
resources to keep your command in the most eflacient condition practi-
cable, having at the same time an eye to economy, as well as to all
things which may advance the enterprise.
I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JAMES H. CARLETON,
Colonel First California Volunteers, Cotnmanding.
Headqxtabtebs District of SotfTHEBN Califobnia,
Los Angeles, Gal., February 25, 1862,
Maj. E. A. RiGG,
First Infantry California Vols., Comdg. at Fort Tuma, Gal. :
Majob: I have directed Major Fergusson to send, via Warner's
ranch, to Fort Y'^uma the remainder of McOleave's cavalry. Major
Fergusson will inform you how many men and how many horses and
mules will be in the detachment. As the mtyor has not means of
transportation to move supplies of food and grain for this detachment all
the way through, you will send as much as he may require for four days
out upon the road toward San Felipe to meet the detaehment. The
major will write to you jjist when the supplies should leave Fort Yuma.
There must be no mistake made in this matter. Neither the men nor
animals must suflfer for want of food the last four days of their journey
before they arrive at your post. Be careful of the hay already cut.
Try and have cut by the troops, and hauled out upon the road near or
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892 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Chap. Lxn.
above where the other was stacked which was washed away, as much
hay as can be got for the next four weeks. McCleave has many
resources, and he will manage to keep his horses fat if you will give
him the tools. I am glad you found so much grass. I was fearful the
flood hatl ruined all the grazing. Have you heard any nimors of Judge
Terry f I hope ere this the guns have reached you.
In haste, respectfully,
JAMES H. CARLETON,
Colonel First Cavalry Volunteerg, Commandinff.
Note. — Have made at once by your carpenters two water-wagon
beds to go on the running-gear of wagons, such as are used at military
posts. McCleave knows what they are. I believe the one here holds,
say, 600 gallons. They should be as light as practicable, considering
the weight they have to carry, and should not leak one drop. Each
should have a hose to let off the water as needed. I shall need them
between Oarriso Creek and Tuma.
J. S. C
Hbadqitartees Dtsteict op Southern California,
Los Angeles, Cal., February 25, 1862.
Maj. David Fergusson,
First Cavalry California Volunteers,
Commanding at Camp Carleton, San Bernardino:
Major: If you cannot get forage at San Bernardino you are at
liberty to move your command to the point on the San Gabriel alluded
to in your letter of the 22d instant. I want the remainder of Captain
McCleave's company sent to Fort Yuma. The captain thinks the men
had better come via Warner's ranch. If you can, so arrange it that
those men can go with the amount of transportation and forage afforded
by the four teams ordered to your camp from Los Angeles yesterday.
See that the mules are well shod and the detachment started at once.
You cannot get forage at Camp Wright for the horses of Company A,
but can get rations for the men thence to Yuma. Send 10,000 rounds
of Sharps carbine ball cartridges and 5,000 rounds Colt pistol car-
tridges, navy size, with the detachment. You will have to do some
close figuring to get this detachment safely to Yuma, with your limited
means, but I leave to your own resources the best manner of doing it.
Company property and the private effects of the men not needed in the
field can be shipped, carefully boxed up and marked, to San Pedro.
Other articles, save the ammunition alluded to and food and forage
which the men can get along temporarily without, but which they will
need at Yuma, or when marching up the Colorado to the Mojave Vil-
lages, you can send to Camp.Wright by some subsequent opportunity
after the detachment leaves and when you can get wagons. If the
officers who go with the men are enterprising, and the men good, enter-
prising soldiers, willing to walk to spare their horses, you can have
forage sacks filled, so that each horse will carry his own food for several
days. Order Capt. Thomas Cox, of the First Infantry California Vol-
unteers, to accompany, but not to command, this party. You can give
him a mule for transportation if he has not got one, and room for a
valise on the wagons. To help you out I inclose a note* which you can
send by the trail through the San Gorgonio Pass to Major Rigg to send
out some forage. and rations to meet the detachment, say four days'
* See next, ante.
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Obat. LXII.) correspondence UNION AND CONFEDERATE. 893
march from Fort Yuma, upon the desert on the stage road which leads
from San Felipe to Fort Yuma. You can write to him a note telling
him how many men and animals there will be en route which will be in
need of those supplies, and just when to start the supplies. This will
diminish your command to two companies. You will then have more
I>rovisions than you will want. Haul none of this away, except enough
to last until you can replenish your supply from San Pedro, but send
it all to Camp Wright. If you have not wagons to do this let me know.
This will require some nice figuring also. Send Calvin M. Ohriswell
and Samuel Kelsey (if you have him) to Fort Yuma by the detachment
of McCleave's cavalry. You may be able to move a part of your com-
mand at a time. This is left to your discretion. I count on your good
judgment in executing this matter to the best interests of the service.
As long as you can stay in your present camp without detriment to
your animals you are at liberty to remain. I am anxions to get the
horses and mules in the most serviceable order in the least possible
time.
I am, major, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JAMES H. OARLETON,
Colonel First California Volunteers, Commanding.
Note. — I have written to West that if he cannot provide for Mead's
company to send it to you.
J. H. C.
Headquarters Department of the Pacific,
San Francisco, Cal., February 20, 1862.
His Excellency Leland Stanford,
Governor of State of California, San Francisco, Cal. :
Sir: I have this day received from Lieutenant-Colouel I)e Russy,
chief of engineers on this coast, his report and recommendation for
defensive works to guard the approaches to this city both by laud and
sea.* Colonel De Russy's report embraces many facts which ought not
to be made public at this time, and I do not feel at liberty to place it in
the hands of the military committees of the Legislature for publication.
It will afford me much pleasure to communicate personally with Your
Excellency and the military committees at such time and place as may
be agreeable, when I can communicate all the information desired.
With great respect, I have the honor to be, Your Excellency's obedient
servant,
G, WRIGHT,
Brigadier- General, U. 8. Army, Commanding.
Headquarters District of Southern California,
Los Angeles, Cal., February 26, 1862.
Maj. R. C. Drum, U. S. Army,
Assistant Adjutant-General, San Francisco, Cal.:
Major : You will see by my letter to Major Fergusson, commanding
at Camp Carleton, that I ordered the arrest of a noted secessionist in
that vicinity named Calvin M. Chriswell, the man whom the soldier
knocked down last fall for proposing the health of Jefferson Davis, &c.
With the general's approval I will send him to Fort Yuma. His arrest
• 8e« De Ruasj to Wright, February 13, p. 863.
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894 OPEEATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. (Chap. LXn.
seems to have had a salutary effect on other secessionists at San Ber-
nardino (see Major Fergusson's letter of the 20th instant). I inclose
herewith invoices of the effects transferred to Lieutenant-Colonel Eyre
by the different members of Showalter's party. As the Government is
responsible for these animals and arms, and is obliged to feed the ani-
mals, I am now using and shall continue to use them in the public
service. You will see by Major Rigg's letter of the 20th of February
that he has in confinement one John Kilbride, who would not take the
oath of allegiance. I beg to know the general's wishes as regai'ds this
man. You will see by my letters to Major Bigg, to Colonel West, to
Mfyor Fergusson what I have directed those officers to do. We have
just experienced another long rain-storm, which has made the country
a quagmire again. The strong secession force in Arizona having dwin-
dled down from 1,200 to 12, 1 have but little anxiety about the south-
eastern frontier. No barley can be bought here, so that I am obliged
to depend on San Francisco for all the animals of the First Cavalry, the
artillery, and the quartermaster's mules. To be sure that some will be
sent down at once, not only to meet the great demands here, but to be
on hand for a forward movement, I beg you will give the necessary
orders to have it sent at once. As long as the country remains in its
present miry condition, if we had all the transportation needed we could
not move. You can form no conception about the horrible condition of
the roads. Yon see what Major lligg says of those guns. Either Hol-
la<lay and Flint, or Eobinson, or all of them should themselves be sent
to Yuma. C'"vptain Cremony informs me that four of his best men, t. c.
Privates Swan, Carroll, Wilson, and Haskins, of Company B, Second
Cavalry, were taken out of his company by Colonel Sims' order for the
band. The captain says they are fine soldiers, and as his company is
now small, and will perhaps be required for immediate field service, ho
desires to get them back. Pray order them down on the next boat, as
you know it is more important to have those men here than to have
them at Camp Alert. Other musicians can doubtless be enlisted at
San Francisco. I send inclosed herewith my action on letter from Col-
onel West, stating that Company A, First Infantry California Volun-
teers, had refiised to drill with knapsacks.* 1 think it would be a good
example if the general would order all the men at Camp Wright who
refuse to obey this order forthwith discharged the service. You will
see by the correspondence that Colonel West still has some of them in
confinement.
BespectfuUy, your obedient servant,
JAMES H. CARLETON,
Colonel First California Volunteers, Commanding.
Special Obdebs, ) Hdqbs. Dist. of Southeen Calipoenia,
No. 15. ) Los Angela, Cal, February 26, 1862.
I. Lieut. Col. George S. Evans, Second Cavalry California Volun-
teers, commanding at Camp Drum, will order Captain Jones' comijany
of that regiment to Camp Latham.
• •••«••
By order of Colonel Carleton :
BEN. C. CUTLER,
First Lieut., First Infty. California Vols., Aetg. Asst. Adjt. Oen.
•See Carleton to West, Febrnapy 21, p. 886.
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cmp. lxn.] correspondence union and confederate. 895
Headquasters Department of the Paoipic,
San Francisco, Cal,, February 37, 1862.
Brig. Gen. L. Thomas,
Adjutant- General TJ. 8. Army, Washington, B. C, :
General: Colonel Bowie, Fifth Infantry GaJifomia Volunteers,
with staff and remaining conipauy of his regiment, sailed this morning
on the steamer for San Pedro. I have now sent all the troops south
which I proi)Osed to station in that quarter. Colonel Carletou is at
Los Angeles preparing to move on Fort Yuma as soon as the roads are
passable and his means of transportation are perfected. The supplies
for the expedition, except those to be sent by land, have nearly all
reached Fort Yuma by water. The steamer from the Columbia River
arrived here this morning, bringing Company D, Third Artillery, from
San Juan Island. Captain Bissell, with his company (C, Mnth Infan-
try), is now stationed on San Juan. Qoiet prevails throughout the
District of Oregon. Some time since I desired Lieutenant-Colonel
De Enssy, the chief engineer on this coast, to prepare a plan for defen-
sive works to guard the approaches to this city both by sea and land.
Yesterday I received the colonel's report, a copy of which is herewith
inclosed.* The Governor of this State and the military committees of
the Legislature, now in session, have evinced much anxiety on this sub-
ject, and seem disposed to afford all the aid in their power to place
strong defensive works around the city. As the report of Colonel De
Kussy embraces much which should not be made public at this moment,
I have declined furnishing it to the military committees, as in that
event it would be published at large, but I shall personally communi-
cate with the Governor and committees all the facts to enable them to act
understandiugly in the matter. We shall want some 200 heavy guns
for the works proposed, as well as a supply of projectiles. I have had a
conversation with Captain McAllister, of the ordnance department, and
he assures mo that the castings can be made here. If the department
will authorize this, I hope to receive instructions at an early date. I
telegraphed (in cipher) you yesterday on this subject. At this moment
we are in the greatest embarrassment on account of the want of funds,
more especially in the quartermaster's department. Lieutenant-Colonel
Babbitt has received many advices that the Treasury Department has
been requested to supply the funds, but as yet nothing further has
been heard. Inclosed herewith is a copy of my communication to
S. H. Parker, esq., postmaster of this city, and acting postal agent for
this coast, dated on the 24th, and his reply, dated on the 25th r26th]
instant. I think it is high time that all these treasonable papers should
not only be excluded from the mails and post-offices, but that they
should be suppressed entirely.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
G. WRIGHT,
Brigadier- General, U. 8. Army, Commanding.
[Inolosnre Ko. I.]
Headquarters Department op the Pacific,
8an Francisco, Gal., February 24, 1862.
S. H. Parker, Esq.,
Postmaster at San Francisco and
Acting Postal Agent for the Pacific Coast, San Francisco :
Sir: There is a paper published at Jacksonville, Oreg., called the
Southern Oregon Gazette, incendiary in its character, abusive of the
* See De Bussy to Wriplit, February 13, p. 863.
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896 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. (Chap. LXn.
Government of the United States, and treason, open or larking, in ita
leading articles. Under these circamstances I deem it my duty to
request that you will give orders prohibiting the transmission of the
above-named paper in the United States mails or their being received
at any post-office for distribution.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
G. WRIGHT,
Brigadier- General, U. 8. Army, Commanding.
[ Inclosiire Ko. 2.]
San Fbancisco, Cal., February 26, 1862.
Brig. Gen. G. Wright,
Commanding U. 8. Army of the Pacific:
Sib: I have the honor to inform you that your order in relation to
the Southeru Oregon Gazette, a treasonable newspaper printed at
Jacksonville, Oreg., has been received at this office, and the postmasters
and mail contractors in the vicinity of its publication have been notified
to prevent its transmission through the U. S. mails.
I remain, yours, very truly,
S. H. PAEKER,
Po9tmaster.
Special Orders, ) Hdqbk. Dist. op Southern CAi,rPOBNiA,
No. 16. ) Lo8 Angeles, Cal., February 27, 1862.
I. Lieut. Col. George 8. Evans, Second Cavalry California Volunteers,
commanding at Camp Drum, will order Capt. T. T. Tidball, Fifth
Infantry California Volunteers, to report with his company without
delay to Lieut. Col. M. D. Dobbins, Fiftli Infantry California Volunteers,
commanding at Camp Kellogg.
• ••••••
By order of Colonel Carleton :
BEN. C. CUTLER,
First Lieut, and Adjt., California Vols., Actg. Asst. Adjt, Gen,
Ueadquabtebs District of Southern California,
Los Angeles, Cal., February 28, 1862.
Maj. Richard C. Drum,
Assistant Adjutant-General, San Francisco, Cal.:
Major: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter
of the 20th instant. My instructions to Captain Moore have been, in
my opinion, both necessary and warranted by what I considered the
good of the service required, and they have been such as were needful,
and such as I would have given any officer under similar circumstances.
It is difficult to conceive what representations may have been made by
Captain Moore in relation to this subject, but I believe it is due to me
that I be informed what those representations were, and in ail cases
where anything is sent to department headquarters affecting my com-
mand or myself I think the military rule is that all such communica-
tions should go through me in the ascending line of correspondence. I
trust I shall not be disappointed in my expectations of having such a
rule observed. If Captain Moore or any other officer under my com-
mand does Avhat I conceive to be his duty, I can feel no dissatisfaction
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Chap. UHT.] CORRESPONDENCE — ^UNION AND CONFEDERATE. 897
toward him. If he disobeys my orders or neglects his duty I shall
arrest him. I do not consider your letter in the light of a rebuke, but it
is respectfully suggested (the door being open for Captain Moore to be
assigned to district headquarters and left behind, a post he may desire),
whether it is not possible he may endeavor so to comport himself as
to produce dissatisfoction. ' It is probable he will shortly proceed to
Fort Yuma, there to attend to important matters connected with my
movements. »
I am, m^or, very respectfhUy, your obedient servant,
JAMES H. OARLETON,
Colonel First California Volunteers, Commanding.
Note. — Major Woods will inform you of my cipher. Write to me a
note in cipher, that I may see whether or not you understand it.
J. H. 0.
Special Orders, ) Hdqbs. Uist. of Southern California,
No. 17. ) Los Angeles, Cal., February 28, 1862.
I. Lieut. Col. George S. Evans, Second Cavalry California Volunteers,
will order Captain Winne's cavalry company to Camp Latham from
Camp Drum. ,
• « * • • • •
By order of Colonel Carleton :
BEN. 0. CUTLER,
First Lieut., First Infty. California Vols., Actg. Asst. Adjt. Qen.
Headquarters Department op the Pacific,
San Francisco, Cal., February 28, 1862.
Lieut. Col. Albemarle Cady, U. S. Army,
Comdg. District of Oregon, Fort Vancouver, Wash. Ter. :
Colonel: There are several newspapers published within this
department which are filled with abuse of the President and Govern-
ment of the United States. It is quite enough that these libelers
should be permitted to print their traitorous sheets without receiving
the aid of the U. S. mails to send them abroad. I will thank you to
scrutinize the papers published within your district, and if you find
them disloyal and treasonable send me copies, and I will have their
circulation through the mails and post-ofBces prohibited.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
G. WRIGHT,
Brigadier- General, U. S. Army, Commanding.
Headquarters Department of the Pacific,
San Francisco, March 1, 1862.
Brig. Gen. L. THOMAS,
Adjutant-Oeneral U. 8. Army, Washington, D. C:
General: When the order was received by Brigadier-General Sum-
ner to send all the regular troops in this department East, excepting
four companies of artillery, instructions were immediately sent for the
escort of 100 men of the Ninth Infantry, with Lieut. John MuUan, on
57 R R — VOL L, PT I
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898 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COART. (Ohap. txn.
the Fort Benton and Walla Walla wagon road, to be withdrawn and
join their companies. The order reached Lieutenant MuUan in the
Bitter Root Valley, bot too late for the detachment to cross the moun-
tains. The order is siill in force, and the escort will be withdrawn as
soon as the road over the mountains is passable. The Ninth Infantry
now requires some 300 recruits, and although active measures are being
taken to enlist men, yet we have thus far progressed but slowly, the
volunteer service having absorbed the large mass of men disposed to
join the Army for service on this coast. Under these circumstances it
is submitted to the consideration of the General-in-Chief whether it
wonld not be advisable to suspend the operations on the wagon road
until a more favorable opportunity. The great excitement throughout
this entire country, caused by the late discovery of gold mines in the
north, has drawn off a large number of men who might otherwise join
the Army. However, should any real danger threaten this coast,
whether from enemies without or traitors within, a large force of men,
loyal and true to their country's flag, would be found ready to rush to
arms.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
G. WEIGHT,
Brigadier- General, U. 8. Army, Commanding.
Special Obdebs, ) Hdqbs. Dist. op Southebn Califoenia,
No. 18. ) Camp Latham, Cal., March 1, 1862.
I. Colonel Bowie and the company of the Fifth Infantry California
Volunteers which arrived at San Pedro this morning will proceed with-
out delay to Camp Latham.
• ••••••
JAMES H. OARLETON,
Colonel First Infantry California Volunteers, Commanding.
Headquaetebs,
Fort Yuma, March 1, 1862.
Lieut. B. C. CXJTLEE,
Actg. Asst. Adjt. Oen., Southern Dist., Los Angeles, Gal.:
LiEDTENANT: I havc the honor to inclose, for the information of the
colonel commanding district, statement and copy of letter addressed to
myself, dated this day, from William Walker; also copy of letter
received this day from Ammi M. White, dated Pima Villages, Febru-
ary 21, 1862.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
EDWIN A. RIGG,
Major First Infantry California Volunteers, Commanding.
[Tncloaure No. 1.]
Statement of Walker.
When I left Tucson I had heard that Don Antonio Perez had written
to his wife (he being at the time with Colonel Baylor) that he could not
come on because Baylor's forces were routed by the troops at Fort Craig.
He did not say whether Baylor had a.,tacked Fort Craig or whether the
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CHAP. tXU] CORRESPONDENCE — UNION AND CONFEDERATE, 899
Federal troops had gone out to meet him. The impression was at Tucson
that the fight occurred at the fort, or near there. An Indian guided the
Union forces to Baylor's camp and surprised him. Ilis baggage and
camp equipage fell into the hands of the Union troops. Baylor was
routed — horse, foot, and dragoons. This news cheered up the Union
men in Eastern Arizona. White, at the Pima Villages, was on the look-
out, having spies out to report to him any movement. I met a Mr. Jones
within thirty miles of the Pima Villages, going that way. He told me
that he was going to the Pimas, and to say so to Major Rigg, at Fort
Yuma. There is plenty of water from Tucson to Fort Yuma, but no
grass. Any amount of wheat at White's. He is talking in from 140 to
180 sacks per day from the Pimas, costing him from about 2 cents. I
know the country well from Guaymas to the Rio Grande and speak the
Spanish language well enough to get along with the people. Plenty
of grain now at Tucson (wheat), but little barley. Wheat when I left
Tucson could be bought for cash at $2 per fanega and, I think, in quan-
tity for less. Grama grass can be found in any quantity between
Tucson and the Pimas, and in a month more it will be better and much
more abundant. In my opinion all that the people want in Eastern
Arizona is protection and they will flock to the Union flag. At present
business is. entirely prostrated. It is unsafe for anyone to travel
through that country on account of the Apaches. I have lived in Tuc-
son nearly si.K months. It is unsafe to ride out any distance from the
city. Mr. Warner will be down to the river in about one month. I
am anxious to go on to Los Angeles, Gal.
[Indoanre Ko. 2.}
Fort Yuua, March 1, 1862.
Left Tucson the 18th of February ._ Heard a letter read from Colonel
Baylor, El Paso, addressed to Colonel Robinson, Tucson. Colonel Bay-
lor says in his letter:
Hold on to the willows a little while longer. General Sibley's command is iu a
few days' march of this place, and as soon as he arrives I will march for Tucson. I
want yon to tall^ to the chiefs of the Papugosand Pima Indians to help me clean out
the Apache Indiana. I will hang White for his unlawful trading with the Indians.
I heard a few days before leaving Tucson that Colonel Baylor's com-
mand had been driven back by the U. S. troops at Fort Craig. The
majority of the people at Tucson are in favor of the Union. There are
three deserters in or about Tucson from Fort Yuma. I heard also that
Fort Fillmore had been retaken.
WM. WALKER.
[InoloHure 'So. 3.]
[Pima Villages, February 21, 1862.]
Maj. E. A. Rigg,
Commanding at Fort Yuma:
Dear Sir : I send by the bearer, Mr. Walker, a bridle which I prom-
ised, and hope you will accept it with my best regards. Mr. Walker
and the party are good reliable men. They will give you the latest
intelligence trom the Rio Grande and Eastern Arizona. I learned it on
uiy return, but did not think it of sufficient importance to send you by
express. Thank God, Arizona is in the United States once mere.
Since my return I have bought 500 sacks of wheat, and by a little
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900 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. IChap.LXIL
alteration that I Iiave made in my mill can now grind a barrel or 200
pounds of flour every hour. You can rely upon what I told you — a full
load.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
AMMI M. WHITE.
Please inquire of Walker as to contents of Baylor's letter to Uobin-
sou. I think he saw it.
IlDQRS. FmsT Washington Tebbitoey Inpantey,
San Francisco, Gal., March 1, 1862.
M^j. R. 0. Drum,
AMvstant Adjutant- Oeneral, U. 8. Army,
Hdqrs. Department of the Pacific, San Francisco, Cal. :
Sib : I have the honor to report that in accordance with directions of
the commanding general, under date of 8th of February, the head-
quarters of my regiment were established in this city, and on that day
company officers were selected for four companies, and authority given
to recruit in this city. Since that time I have authorized a detachment
of forty men to be recruited, also have an applicant for a first lieuten-
ancy, and have given authority for one company to be raised in the
counties of Alameda, Santa Clara, and Santa Cruz, in this State. From
the companies authorized to be raised, one on Puget Sound, Washing-
ton Territory, by R. V. Peabody, and two east of the Cascade Moun-
tains, by I. W. Cannady and F. Moore, I have received no intelligence
since my last communication with your headquarters. The depot for
recruits directed by the commanding general at Fort Alcatraz has been
established, and subordinate to the commanding officer at that post is
in charge of First Lieut. W. F. Mason, mustered into service with the
first detachment of forty men. Accompanying is transmitted monthly
return of officers and men already received and mustered into service.
As permitted by the general commanding, Maj. C. H. Bumrill has been
mustered into service, and is now on duty at these headquarters.
Lieut. Col. James Tilton, appointed since my last communication, I
have requested to repair to this city to be mustered into service and
assist in the organization of the regiment. The regimental staff officers
have not j'et been appointed, although I am in treaty with applicants
for all the positions. Their services are much needed, even now, in the
commencement of the formation of the regiment, and the appointments
are only deferred to insure the acquirement of proper persons for these
important places. The plan adopted for the organization of the com-
panies authorized in this State is to receive the recruits as they are
presented by the difterent captains, have them examined by the
medical officer, mustered into service, and at once sent to the depot.
They are there formed into skeleton companies, each set of company
officers credited with their own men enlisted, and awaiting the comple-
tion of company organization. It is an express stipulation in all the
authorizations given in this State that the minimum standard of eighty
men be reached by the 1st day of April next. The men of com-
pany organizations not completed by that time become forfeited to the
Government, and may be assigned as the interests of the regiment
demand. Application is made by numerous persons in different parts
of the State for authority to raise men for this regiment, and unless the
next mail steamer from the north brings intelligence that would show
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Chap, rxn.l CORRESPONDENCE — UNION ANJ) CONFEDERATE. 901
prospects of procuring men in the District of Oregon beyond the require-
ments of the three companies now forming there, it is my intention to
provide here for the remaining two and a half companies.
I am, sir, very lespect^lly, your obedient servant,
JUSTUS STEINBERGBR,
Colonel, Commanding.
[Translation.]
Altab, March 2, 1862.
Seuor Don Andres Pico,
Los Angeles, Cal.:
My Esteemed Friend : To-day is the fourth day since I received,
at the mines of Lowrie, your appreciated tavor of February 13, having
been sent forward by an express which Don Diego dispatched from
Fort Yuma. I could have answered it immediately, but as I had to be
absent some days from this town, I concluded to delay it until my
return, hoping by the delay to gather some information on the points
you desire, but nothing new has occurred since then. There was a
rumor in some places that a force of Texans, numbering 100, had
arrived for the purpose of joining with the force now in Arizona, and
that they had hostile views toward Sonora. In consequence of this the
Governor took precautions and ordered the National Guard at .
as weU as those at San and likewise those on the frontiers, that
they should keep a strict watch upon all persons, so as to avoid a sur-
prise. Since that date up to the present time no such attempt has
been made by the force referred to. Nevertheless we will remain at
Alaya, notwithstanding that in my judgment their attempts will be
merely intentional. By letters not long since received from Mesilla it
is announced that a force had arrived from the Southern United States
with the object of occupying the Territory of Arizona and protecting
it from the incursions of the Apaches, but I repeat that nothing has
occurred up to date. We know iwsitively that the small force which 1
said was on the march was attacked and totally destroyed by another
of New Mexico belonging to the North. No other news have we received
which merits credence. A small force halted at the Point San Pedro
for some days, but, as I said, they returned without advancing a step
farther, and even without entering Tucson or other populated places.
This is all of which I can inform you with any certainty. If anything
should occur hereafter I will communicate it to you as soon as I can
find means. We feel deeply the interest which yourself and friends
entertain for the well-being of our Sonora, and trust that occasion will
not fail to give some proof of our gratitude. I could say something
relative to the war waged by foreigners upon Mexico, and also about
Sonora, but I omit doing so because by the time you receive this you
will receive information from Sefior Don Francisco P. Ramirez, who has
set out for your city, and he will instruct you fully upon the true con-
dition of this country. Do me the favor to salute affectionately Don
Francisco Valle and all my friends in your city, and all of you I hold
in the affection of your friend,
JOSfi M. REDONDO.
I inclose two papers.'
' Not found.
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902 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. (Chap. LXIX
Special Oedees, ) Hdqss. Dist. of Southern California,
No. 19 ] Los Angeles, Cal, March 2, 1862.
• ••••••
IV. Lieatenant-Oolonel Dobbins, Fifth Infantry California Volun-
teers, will detach from his battalion Company E, Fifth Infantry Cali-
fornia Volunteers, and order it to report to M%jor Coult, of that
regiment.
V. Company E, Fifth Infantry California Volunteers, will be pre-
pared immediately for active field service. All articles not absolutely
required by the men will be carefully packed and sent to Camp Drum,
near New San Pedro, Cal., for storage.
By order of Colonel Carleton :
BEN. 0. CUTLER,
First Lieut, First Infty. California Vols., Actg. Asst. Adjt. Oen.
Headquarters,
Fort IIosMns, Oreg., March 3, 1862.
Colonel Commanding District op Oregon,
Fort Vancouver, Wanh. Ter,:
Colonel: In conformity to instructions received from the head-
quarters District of Oregon of February 15, 1862, 1 will as soon as the
roads admit re-enforce the command at the block-house to twenty-six
men, which is all the available force that I can spare of my company,
retaining the detachment from Yamhill at this post per former instruc-
tions. Inclosed please find a return of the troops at this place, block-
house, and Fort Umpqua, Oreg. This will better enable you to dispose
of the several commands as to you may seem best. The return exhibits
the distribution after I have re-enforced the block- house, the three extra
men of my command at Fort Umpqua, Oreg., one corporal (in charge
of) and two teamsters, who left with the commandant. Lieutenant
Watson, intending to return with the command of Lieutenant Rives.
Ton will perceive that of the number of privates a large number is
required for extra and daily duty, as much so as if there were 100 men
at this post. The intensely severe and inclement weather has deterred
me as yet from again visiting the reservation. 1 learn, however, that
at present the Indians are rather quiet. The agent informs me that
there is a large number of arms in their hands; also from him and
through other reliable sources I am told that in some of their wigwams
there are as much as eight or ten shooting irons of aU descriptions, that
their quivers are full of new arrows, and that they intend to make a break
early in the summer, if not before. This they all admit, and the agent
and farmers on the reservation have told me of it. To disarm those
Indians and prevent their escape will require a larger command than
is available at present without strategy is used. I would therefore
recommend that a subaltern and a detachment of about forty men be
kept at the block-house, Oregon, until such times as the agent can
procure them, either by planting or purchasing, the necessary subsist-
ence required for their use. About sixty men would be required at
this post, as all the necessary supplies for their use must be packed
from this post, as there is no wagon road from here to the Siletz block-
house. This post is not situated in the right place. The supposition
that it guards the only pass to or from the reservation is incorrect.
There are at least ten passes. If this post was intended to guard the
reservation it is a fallacy, and should be moved for more reasons than
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CHAJ. Lxn.] COBBESPONDBNCE — UNIOK AND CONPEDEBATE. 903
one, and in this connection permit me to inclose yon a letter received
from the Indian agent in that respect after my last visit to the reserva-
tion. The distance, thirty-five miles, renders it inadequate to promptly
render the assistance required in case of a sudden outbreak, as was the
case last December. There is also a ground rent of $300 per year paid for
tLis site. Again, it is environed by polluting tipplers, which occasions
a great deal of trouble to the men at the post. . There they would be
free from that, as no intoxicating drinks could come near them on the
reservation. This movement, however, could not be effected this com-
ing year, but a start could be made toward it, for to repair this post
properly would cost nearly as much as the building of a new one at
that place. The water pipes have to be taken up and thoroughly
repaired. The stable, being built on the river-bank, must be removed,
as it has several times, even to-day, been endangered by the freshets.
The foundations of the public buildings are fast going to decay, espe-
cially the storehouse and men's quarters. Nor can the hospital be
made comfortable unless a new one is built. In a former communica-
tion you mentioned about turning the ringleaders of the Indians over
to the civil law. I am at a loss to know how they can be punished by
that law. Will you please enlighten me on that subject, as I have no
U. S. laws for my guidance? I had supposed that they might be sent
to the Presidio, as was Old John. To confine them here and feed them
is all that they wish, and to prevent that I prefer to chastise them and
let them go, as I did three who passed out to the settlements without a
pass. I have directed Lieutenant Campbell to proceed to Vancouver
with Sergeant Miltenberger, whom I would respectfully recommend to
the clemency of the colonel commanding the district, as he has con-
ducted himself remarkably well since his confinement on the 8th of
December, 1861. In this recommendation I am also joined by the
lieutenant aforesaid.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JOHN C. SCHMIDT,
Captain, Second Infantry California Volunteers, Commanding Post.
[Inclosnre.]
SiLETZ Indian Agcnot, December 24, 1861.
Captain Schmidt,
Commanding Fort HosMns:
Sir : I avail myself of a few leisure moments to again address you
on such points as I deem of essential interest to the welfare and peace
of this reservation. But before doing so permit me to thank you sin-
cerely for the promptness with which you rushed to my assistance when
I made a call on your command on the loth instant. At the time the
messenger started off I anticipated firom the appearance of things that
serious troubles might arise at any hour, and over which I was power-
less to act, as the force at the block-house was only sufficient for the
protection of that place. Your timely arrival here undoubtedly cowed
the disaffected and prevented bloodshed. Aside from this it showed
the Indians that there was still a Government and a power dangerous
to resist, stories of secessionists to the contrary notwithstanding.
Although the object of your mission was in part a failure, yet the effect
has been a good one, and may lead to many good results. Tour visit
here has some connection with the proposition and suggestions which
I will here make to you. In your march from Fort Hoskins to this
place yon were not insensible and unobservant of the many difficulties
under which a military force accomplishes the task of reaching this
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904 OPEKATION8 ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Chap. LXn.
point, the only road to which is a mnle trail over barren and rugged
mountains, through deep and rocky cafions, crossing bridgelesa swamps
and swift mountain streams, and the trail itself worn out and filled
with the fallen timber. Your military eye undoubtedly saw how easy
a few hostile Indians could have guarded the passes and cut oflf your
entire command, but you reached here iu safety, though much fatigued.
I will not further speculate upon what was visible to your own vision,
but will come at once to the main proposition, and that is that Fort
Hoskins should be abandoned and a similar jrast established here. In
support of this proposition it might be shown that said fort as now
located affords no protection to this agency, and much less to the white
settlements in the Willamette Valley. It is a well-known fact that
there are numerous ways of passing and repassing the fort by other
trails than the one spoken of, so that Indians so disposed could commit
depredations on the settlements with comparative safety, so far as the
military is concerned. The fort, therefore, as now located is a failure.
It is not there, but here, that protection is needed. Again, it can be
shown that a military force can be subsisted and supplied at a much
cheaper rate here than at Hoskins. Eight mUes from this place is
a broad and deep body of water named Yaquina Bay, connected with
the ocean by a comparatively deep and wide channel, with sufficient
water at low tide to admit the largest class of vessels called schooners.
Supplies can be landed here through said channel either from Portland
or San Francisco at not to exceed $30 per ton during winter months,
and not more than $25 per ton in summer mouths; whereas, via Port-
land, Corvallis, and Hoskins it cannot be carried for less than $150 per
ton. It is through this channel that this agency has been supplied for
the last five years. It can also be shown that the cost of repair for the
buildings at Hoskins will be equal, if it does not exceed, in amount the
construction of new ones here. There is a saw-mill now here in opera-
tion of sufficient capacity to supply any demand for the purposes pro-
posed. Timber is plentiful and convenient and land rent nothing.
Indian labor could be procured in any amount at very cheap rates.
The post once established here would insure peace and tranquillity
among these Indians and would obviate the necessity of land communi-
cation, and of maintaining two posts, as is now the case. At any rate,
if this is not done the force here must be largely augmented. I have
the most convincing proofs that the Indians intend so soon as the win-
ter is over to make an outbreak, leave this reservation, and make their
way down the coast to Rogue River, their former country. If these
suggestions are heeded in time a bloody, savage, and expensive Indian
war may be obviated.
Hoping that you will immediately communicate the proposition and
suggestions to your sux)eriors, and take such other measures as yoa
may deem best to further the ends proposed above, I remain, yours,
truly,
B. R. BTDDLB,
Indian Agent.
Headqxtabtess District op Southebn California,
Los Angeles, Cal,, March 4, 1862.
Maj. D. Feeousson,
First Cavalry California Vols., Comdg. at Camp Carleton :
Majob : I send you some blank post returns and a few company
monthly returns, all that can be spared from these headquarters. Make
your applications for such blanks as you may require to the proper
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CHAP. Lxn.] CORRESPONDENCE UNION AND CONFEDERATE. 905
authorities above these headquarters direct. The colonel commanding
approves of your confidential instructions to Lieutenant Barrett and of
your letter to Major Bigg. An ambulance leaves Camp Latham for
your post this day under charge of Sergeant Latimer, of Company B,
First Cavalry California Volunteers. The sick and wounded of your
camp who cannot take the field you can send by it to Camp Latham.
You will doubtless have soon opportunities of sending in the articles
not required in your camp by wagons to New San Pedro (say
McDonald's). Of course you are availing yourselves of the grazing
reported as being good within five miles of your camp. It is to be
regretted that you allowed Kelsey to slip through your fingers. Keep
the four wagons sent to you by Lieutenant Hammond until further
orders. The colonel says that as soon as possible some pork will be
sent to you. If the men get good beef they will not suffer. In the
interior economy of your camp, and in all matters pertaining to its dis-
cipline, you are to exercise a sound discretion, and, under the Sixty-
second Article of War, will give orders needful to the service. This
will remove the necessity of having many details acted upon at these
headquarters.
I am, mtyor, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
BEN. C. CUTLER,
First Lieut, First Infty. California Vols., Aetg, Asst. Adjt. Oen.
Headquabtebs Depabtment of the Pacific,
San Francisco, Cal., March 5, 18C>2.
General William C. Kibbe,
Adjutant- General of California, San Francisco, Cal. :
Sib : I have the honor to inform you, in reply to your letter of yes-
terday, that the companies of the Fifth Regiment of Infantry Califor-
nia Volunteers are located as follows: One company at Fort Yuma;
two companies at New San Diego; seven companies and regimental
headquarters at Camp Latham, near Los Angeles, Gal.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
RICHD. C. DRUM,
Assistant Adjutant- Oeneral.
HEADQTTABTEES DlSTEICT OF SOUTHEBN CALIFORNIA,
Los Angeles, Cal., March S, 1862.
Lieut. Col. J. R. West,
First Infty. California Vols., Comdg. at Camp Wright, Cal. :
Colonel: Order Captain Mead's company to report to the head-
quarters First Cavalry California Volunteers, San Bernardino, Cal.
You are at liberty to reduce your post teams to four. As you yourself
suggest, direct the remainder to New San Pedro; let them bring as far
as San Bernardino the baggage of Captain Mead's company, with sub-
sistence enough to last his company to that point. You will thus be
relieved of many of your embarrassments as regards forage. It was
supposed that you desired to have some cavalry at your post, and that
it was important that the Camp Wright wagons should be returned to
you, from the following paragraph in your letter of January 31, 1862,
written from Chino Ranch :
The result is, that if there should bo any real necessity for a quick movement from
Camp WriKht to support Fort Ynma, I am depriyed of tbe needed transportation,
while that little detachment of cavalry might have been of incaloolable service.
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906 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. (Chap. LXn.
After Mead*8 cavalry had been sent to yon it appears you were
obliged to send it to Temecula. It was supposed that when your
wagons were sent to you, you would be enabled to move to that point,
or to any other point where there was grass, and then in case you
conld not get grain for Mead's company you were authorized to send it
back, provided you had no use for it. (See letter February 26.) The
point whence supplies have hitherto been drawn for Camp Wright (up to
the commencement of the stormy weather) has been San Diego. It was
supposed that you were aware of that fact. This is iu answer to your
letter of February 26. On the 2l8t of February yon were authorized to
send five of your teams to New San Pedro, and being authorized on the
25th to send Mead's cavalry back to San Bernardino, it was hoped by
the colonel commanding that you would be able to supply the remainder
of your animals with forage. As you think yon can get along with four
teams and still be able to move Eoberts' company to your camp, this
letter gives you authority to reduce your animals down even to that
number. After you have moved Eoberts, if you can do so, move up
Ffrench. If you cannot do so, report the fact. From the information
of which you are possessed in regard to the state of the roads, cannot
subsistence supplies be hauled to your post from San Diego? If the
road needs repairing to make it practicable for wagons, will you be able
to repair it?
I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
BEN. C. CUTLEE,
First Lieut., First Infty. California Vols., Aotg. Asst. Adjt. Oen.
Headquarters District op Southern California,
Los Angeles, Gal., March 5, 1862.
Maj. D. Fbrgusson,
First Cavalry California Volunteers,
Commanding at Camp Oarleton, San Bernardino, Cal. ;
Major : Captain Mead's cavalry company has been ordered to report
to the headquarters First Cavalry, San Bernardino, Cal., on account
of the scarcity of forage at Camp Wright. In case you cannot famish
it with forage, you are authorized to send it (or any other one company
of your command) to New San Pedro.
I am, m%jor, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
BEN. C. CUTLEE,
First Lieut., First Infty. California Vols., Actg. Asst. Adjt. Oen.
Headquarters Humboldt Military District,
Fort Humboldt, March 5, 1862.
Maj. E. C. Drum, U. S. Army,
Assistant Adjutant-General, Department of the Pacific:
Major : In my recent ten days' tour of reconnaissance I traveled
over 175 miles from Van Dusen's Fork, on the south, to Fort Gaston,
on the north. From a point near the Van Dusen I saw the whole
country to the south to within twenty miles of Fort Seward, and to the
southwest the coast as far down as fifteen miles below Cape Mendocino.
The country is more alpine than Switzerland itself, and in its physical
conformation perhaps the most extraordinary on the face of the globe,
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Chap. LUI.] CORRESPONDENCE UNION AND CONTEDERATE. 907
presenting nothing but abrupt mountain ridges from 1,000 to 2,000 feet
high. For hundreds of miles around you will scarcely find a level
spot twenty yards square. The rivers are narrow streams, with rocky
beds, gliding swiftly along the bottom of deep and precipitous canons;
confined between almost i)erpendicular walls, a few hours of rain or
snow thawing suffice to render them impassable. The freshet which
carried away the bridge over the Klamath filled the river to the height
of 150 feet above its natural level. Three-fourths of the country is cov-
ered with dense forests of redwood, pine, and spruce. The open spaces
are all on the southerly slopes of the ridges, which are less abrupt than
the northerly ones. These openings are all excellent pasture land,
sufficient to graze immense numbers of cattle, in which the entire
wealth of the inhabitants appears to consist. Indian depredations and
murders have caused most of them to be abandoned. The half dozen
or so stock owners that have the courage to remain on their ranches lie
down with their arms by their sides, and dare not go from their house
to their bam without their rifJes in hand. Every few miles we came to
the ruius of ranch buildings which had been burned by the Indians.
But a week before we arrived at Minor's, on Eedwood Creek, his next
neighbor had been driven away from his ranch, four miles above, by
the Indians, who burned his house and improvements. Thousands of
cattle are roaming wild over the hills, their terrified owners not daring
to return to look after them. At Angel Camp (only twelve miles
from Areata) we found the settlers in the neighborhood in the greatest
alarm. One of them had been shot at the day before by an Indian,
and on the very day of our arrival large numbers of Indians were seen
all around them. We cami)ed there after dark. At the kindling of
our camp-fire a signal gun of alarm was fired by a settler, who took us
for Indians. The trail we were ujion, which was the direct and princi-
pal route Irom Areata to Weaverville, had been for some time entirely
deserted by the whites for fear of the Indians. You may readily
imagine that in this state of things no Indian can show his head any-
where without being shot down like a wild beast. The women and
children, even, are considered good game, not only in the mountains
but here all around us, where familes who have brought up Indian
children (whose parents have been massacred) have to exercise con-
stant watchfulness to prevent their being murdered. The horrible
massacre some time since on Indian Island, in this harbor, of some 150
peaceable and friendly Indians, mostly squaws and children, you have
no doubt heard of. Public opinion here excused and almost justified
the act. Beyond all question, the two j)roximate causes of the present
deplorable state of things are, first, the escape of aU the bad and turbu-
lent Indians that were captured some years since by General Kibbe
(by a breach of faith, I am assured),* and sent down to the Mendocino
Keaervation. The squaws and children of these Indians were either
left behind them or killed or captured from them by the hostile tribes
through which they passed on their return. These men, having no
longer any domestic ties, have become desperate, and take the lead in
all expeditions against the whites. Secondly, the State volunteers' cam-
paign of last year, which was a mere series of Indian hunts, whose only
object was to slaughter, of course. The last act in that bloody drama,
the fight at the head of Redwood Creek, did not much tend to prepare
the Indians for subjection. The company under Captain Werk was
there defeated and driven back with loss. In view of the limited num-
ber of troops that can be spared for service in this district, making any
combined and extensive movement impossible, the policy I have thought
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908 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Chap. LXH.
it best to adopt is tlie establisliment of posts, consisting of a single
company each, at such points as have the most need of protection, com-
bined with a system of unremitting active operations in the field, the
purpose of which will be to capture (without bloodshed, if possible), all
the Indians that can be found and bring them into this post, where
they will be guarded and subsisted until some disposition of them is
made by the department commander. One-half of the effective strength
of each company will be constantly in the field with a competent guide,
each detachment to be relieved after fifteen days' duty.
I have selected three sites for posts: One at Keil's ranch, on the
hither side of Yan Dusen Fork, nine miles eastward of the head of the
South Fork of Yager Creek, and about twenty-eight miles to the east-
ward of Uydesville. The Indians burned all the buildings on it last
year, since which it has been abandoned. The second at Bremer's
ranch, on the northerly side of Mad River, about twenty miles east of
Areata. The third on the north bank of Redwood Greek, a mile or two
below Minor's, about twenty-seven miles northeast of Areata. Each
one of these locations is healthy, has sufiBcient level ground for build-
ings and a parade, and plenty of good water, grass, and wood all the
year round. In selecting these sites I have had reference to their suit-
ableness for purposes of protection for pivots of operations and to their
prompt and easy communication with this post and with each other.
On receiving (on the 22d of February) your letter per last steamer, I
immediately sent Lieutenant Ustick, Third California Volunteer Infan-
try, to Fort Seward with a small pack-train of provisions (the post
being then entirely out of everything) for the purpose of withdrawing
the garrison and the public property, and enabling Lieutenant Davis
and the other witnesses for the court-martial to come here. He was
delayed several days on the route by the swelling of the streams, but
he probably arrived at Fort Seward on the 3d or 4th instant. 1 should
have also immediately dispatched the three companies to establish tlie
new posts but for the want of transportation. I refer you to Regimen-
tal Quartermaster Swasey's report as to the proceedings that have been
taken to overcome this difficulty. Suffice it to say, that since my return
from my reconnaissance on the 21st of February not one hour has been
lost unnecessarily in putting the troops into the field, and that they
will be dispatched as fast as the necessary transportation for their sup
plies can be obtained. Judging from information received two more
posts will probably, or rather, may, perhaps, be required ; one in the
neighborhood of Larrabee Creek, south of the Van Dusen, and another
on the coast in the neighborhood of Shelter Cove. I cannot speak pos-
itively on this point till I have visited these localities in person. I
shall pass through that section of country when I visit Fort Bragg,
which will be as soon as the court-martial is over; but I have no hesi-
tation in stating that one more company, at all events, will be needed
at this post, where in a few days there will be but one company left.
There should be always two companies here. First, that there may be
a reserve ready to be thrown into the field in case of a sudden emer
gency, which would be by no means improbable if the Indians should
band together in large numbers; secondly, because the Indians to be
sent in here will require a very strong guard, not so much to keep them
from escaping as to protect them from the Indian-killing whites that
are but too numerous about here. I therefore respectfully recommend
that one more company may be sent here as soon as the convenience of
the public service will admit. The location of Fort Oaston, in Eloopa
Valley, is such as to render it the most imxwrtant post in this district,
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Ciur. LXU.) COEEESPONDENCE UNION AND CONPEDEEATE. 909
overawing and holding in check, as it does, the warlike and inflaential
Hoopa tribe, which can turn out its 400 warriors in the valley, and in
forty-eight hours 400 more from its allies on the Klamath, and holding
in check also, indirectly, through this tribe the thousands of Indians
in Del Norte and Klamath Ck>unties. Captain Johns has but forty-six
men in his company. This number might suffice as long as no change
takes place in the existing state of things; but if anything should
occur which should incite the Indians there to hostilities, the present
garrison would be entirely too small. I therefore recommend, as a
measure of prudence, that Captain Johns' company should be recruited
up to its maximum standard as soon as possible. Since my arrival
here I have had no report from Fort Ter-Waw, and, in fact, have had
no news concerning the garrison there whatever. Captain May's replies
to my official communications to him, forwarded by the way of Cres-
cent City, have probably miscarried. The direct route from here to
Fort Ter-Waw, which is along the coast, has been impassable the whole
winter. 1 had intended to visit it on my late tour, by descending the
Trinity and Klutnath Rivers from Fort Caston, but owing to unex-
pected difficulties in the route, I arrived at Fort Gaston three days
later than I had expected, and unless I returned here immediately I
should have been too late to receive and answer the dispatches ii-om
your headquarters.
March 10, the steamer has just returned from San Francisco and
brought a number of dispatches from department headquarters. By
the last steamer I had the honor to solicit another or a further detail for
the general court-martial already ordered at this post. If the court is
to sit with its present detail it would cause great inconvenience to the
service. Of the six members of the court in the district three are
the three company officers ol" Company F, Second California Volunteer
Infantry (Captain Douglas, Lieutenants Flynn and Johnson), which com-
pany is now just coHunencing military operations against the Indians
in the field, and the judge-advocate. Lieutenant II ubbard, of Company
K, Second California Volunteer Infantry, is with his company, which
is also in the field. Meanwhile the stat« of discipline in Captain Akey's
company, and which, alone I have retained at this post on account of
the court-martial, is such as to require the mutineers to be tried as soon
as possible. The witnesses are now expected down from Fort Seward
every day. Rather than call in officers from active duty in the field I
shall wait two weeks longer till the arrival of the next steamer from
below, hoping that it will bring another detail for the court. The three
members of the court remaining at this post are Lieutenants Swasey
and Hanna and myself. The three officers of Captain Akey's company
are Captain Akey, First Lieutenant Daley (now in arrest under
charges), and Lieutenant Davis, now on his way from Fort Seward and
the principal witness for the prosecution. At Fort Gaston the officers
are Captain Johns, First Lieutenant Anderson, and Second Lieutenant
Myers (Company D, Third California Volunteer Infantry). The order
convening the court directed that no other charges than those already
presented should be tried by the court. I respectfully request that
some action be taken in regard to the charges subsequently forwarded,
including those against Private Janson, Company K, Second California
Volunteer Infantry, herewith inclosed. Captain Stuart, with Company
G, of my regiment, has arrived here in the steamer en route for Fort
Ter-Waw to relieve, he informs me, the company already there. This
change in my command is, of course, perfectly agreeable to me, but it
has caused me some surprise, having received no official notice of it.
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910 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. (Chap. LXn.
Captain Stnart not having brought with him any provisions or ammn-
nition, and not knowing whether any supplies will be found at Crescent
City or Fort Ter-Waw, I have caused a supply of thirty days' raticms
to be issued to him by Acting Commissary of Subsistence Swasey, and
1,000 rounds of ball cartridge to be turned over to him by Captain
Ketcham, Third California Volunteer Infantry, whose command is
expected to leave here every hour.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
FRANCIS J. LIPPITT,
Col. Second Galifomia Vol. Infantry, Comdg. Humboldt Mil. Dist. •
P. S. — I have the honor to inclose a copy of my instructions to Cap-
tain Heffernan, which will fully show the policy I have adopted. The
instructions to the two other post commanders are precisely similar.
Headquaeteks Depabtment op the Pacific,
/S'on Francisco, March 6, 1862.
Brig. Gen. L. Thomas,
Adjutant- OenercA U. 8. Army, Washington, D. 0.:
Gei^bal: Inclosed herewith is a copy of a communication addressed
to these. headquarters by Col. J. Steinberger, First Infantry Washing-
ton Territory Volunteers.* Colonel Steinberger is indefatigable in his
exertions to fill his regiment; bis success here has been very fair; he
has now upward of 100 good men under instruction at Alcatraz Island,
riis officers have been selected with great care and judgment. Since
Colonel Steinberger's communication of the 1st instant, he has been
informed by Lieutenant-Colonel Tilton that his health will not permit
him to accept the jwsition offered him.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
G. WRIGHT,
Brigadier- General, U. 8. Army, Commaming.
HEADQUABTEES DISTEICT of SoUTHEEN OAXIPpENIA,
Los Angeles, Cal., March 6, 1862.
Maj. R. C. Deum, U. S. Army,
Assistant Adjutant- General, San Francisco, Gal.:
Majob: lincloseherewith a special estimatet for horses for the First
Cavalry made on the 4th instant by Major Fergusson^ commanding
that regiment. You will wish to call the general's attention especially,
I have no doubt, to Major Fergusson's remarks about the horses of the
First Cavalry, their value, and in relation to their having been bought
and delivered in some manner which imposed upon the Government.
I also inclose a letter t from Governor Gaudara and suite. The Governor
asks for passports to cross the Colorado into Sonora. It would be well
to give the passports, but to delay sending them until after I have
moved, and then to send them through me. It would not be well for
Governor Gaudara to cross the Color^o or reach his destination, Tuc-
son, Ariz., in advance of the troops. I inclose inventories t (in tripli-
cate) of three horses in Company B, First Cavalry Califomia Volun-
teers, condemned as unfit for service. Please have the general's orders
indorsed upon them and inclose two of them to Capt. Emil Fritz, Com-
pany B, First Cavalry California Volunteers. I send them to you as
chief of staff. I also inclose a letter t ftom Lieut. Col. George S. Evans,
* S«e March 1, p. 900. t Omitted.
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I4P. Lxn.) COBEE8PONDENCE UNION AND CONFEDEBATE. 911
jcond Cavalry Oalifornia Volunteers, dated March 6, 1862, asking for
general court-martial. I beg to recommend that the court be ordered
> meet at Camp Latham at an early day if practicable. If the general
ill give me authority to send other charges for trial before the court
may promote the good of the service.
1 am, major, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JAMES H. CARLETON,
Colonel First California Volunteers, Commandimi.
Headquarters, Fort Yuma, March 6, 1803.
ol. James H. Cableton,
Commanding Southern District, Los Angeles, Gal. :
Colonel : I have the honor to transmit for your information a copy
f a letter received this day from Mr. P. K. Brady, at present a resident
f Sonora, which I deem of importance. I would also state that Mr.
Irady is indorsed to me by every one here of standing for honesty and
rathfulness.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
EDWm A. EIGG,
Major First Infantry California Volunteers, Commanding.
(Inclosure ]
CoLOEADO Febry, March 4, 1862.
laj. Edwin A. Rigg,
First Infantry California Vols., Comdg. Fort Yuma, Cal. :
Deab Sib: In answer to your inquiries of yesterday I beg leave to
ubmit the following : I was stationed at Fort Mojave, N. Mex., in the
mployment of the Governinent as post interpreter from the 19th of
^pril, 1859, until the 27th of May, 1861, when the post was abandoned,
md during that time I had ample opportunities for satisfying myself of
he practicability of the route of the thirty-fifth parallel, as it is called.
The road from Los Angeles to Fort Mojave as far as Lane's ranch, on the
Jqjave River, is tolerably good for wagons, being over a rolling country,
lard and gravelly. There is plenty of water and tolerable grazing.
?rom Lane's on to Fort Mojave it is over a sandy desert, very scarce of
vater and destitute of grass. The price of freight paid by the sutler
It Fort Mojave was never less than 15 cents per pound, and Govern-
neiit paid Banning, of Los Angeles, as high as 53 cents per poilnd for
reight delivered at the post; distance 285 miles. This fact speaks for
tself. From Fort Mojave to Albuquerque, N. Mex., 650 miles, the
■oute was pronounced impracticable by every one who has ever traveled
)ver it, except Mr. Beale. Lieut. J. 0. Ives, astronomer to the boundary
iurvey, told me that the route was impracticable for various reasons.
I'irst, on account of the very high mountains that you are compelled to
;ross, and second, on account of the scarcity of water, and that he did
lot consider it practicable for paok trains more than three months in
;lie year, March, April, and May. Then there was plenty of grass and
s-ater. The mail party who were carrying the mail from Saint Joseph,
n Missouri, to Stockton, Cal., over this route in the winter and spring
)f 1859, pronounced it impracticable for wag'ons. They never made a
single trip during the time they were running within schedule time.
In company with Maj. G. O. Haller, U. S. Army, then commanding
)fBcer at Fort Mojave, I went out on the route about forty miles over
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912 OPEEATION8 ON THE PACIFIC COAST. (Chap. LXn.
the first chain of moantaias east of Fort Mojare and he examined the
road to see if it was really as bad as had been represented. He pro-
nounced it impracticable for empty wagons even to be hauled over it
We were compelled to return on account of not being able to haul a
lightly loaded Government wagon containing forage for nine animals,
blankets and provisions for thirteen men for ten days, in all not more
than 1,500 pounds. It was more than we could do to ride over the
mountain, but had to dismount and lead. For the truth and correctness
of the above statement I beg leave to refer to Major Haller, Fourth
Infantry, U. S. Army. Any route north of Fort Mojave and east from
Las Vegas is utterly impracticable, and pronounced by every one who
has ever seen it the roughest country on the continent. Miners from
Potosi, in New Mexico, have found it impossible to penetrate any dis-
tance east from the Colorado River. In company with Major Haller,
Gapt. George A. Johnson, of Fort Yuma, and others, we visited that
country last April, and every one came to the conclusion that it is impos-
sible to travel through it. How far north this rough and broken coun-
try extends I don't know, but trappers and Indians say for some distance
above the forks of the Green and Grand Eivers. In fact, until you
arrive at the old Spanish trail at Los Angeles to Albuquerque, N. Mex.
This is my unprejudiced opinion in regard to any route near the thirty-
fifth parallel or north of it. In regard to the object of my journey to
Fort Yuma at present I beg leave to state that I have come here for the
purpose of procuring some tools to repair a flouring mill in the town of
Oquito, district of Altar, Sonora, where I am at present engaged in
the flour trade, and in the event of Government giving protection to
loyal American citizens in Arizona I should again take up my residence
in that Territory.
I have the honor to remain, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
P. K. BRADY.
Fort Yuma, Oal., March 6, 1862.
Maj. Edwin A. Rigg,
First Regiment of Infantry California Volunteers:
Deab Sib : I was present at the ranch of Mr. James Oamthers on
the 13th of last month, when an American passed thereon his way into
Sonora, who informed us of the arrival of an American (who had been
sent through from the Mesilla Valley) at San Xavier, near Tucson, by
Col. John R. Baylor, of the Confederate Army, and military governor
of the Territory, to inform the secessionists of Arizona that they must
take care of themselves for the present, as all the Confederate troops
had been recalled from the Rio Grande and Mesilla Valley into Texas.
The American who gave the information was a stanger to me, but well
known to Mr. Caruthers, who told me that he was a truthful man and
reliable. Mr. Caruthers' ranch is about thirty miles south of the boun-
dary line, and he was compelled to flee from Arizona, and stay where
he is at present until Government gives him protection, when he
expects to return and occupy his old place.
I have the honor to remain, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
P. R. BRADY.
Special Obdebs, ) Hdqbs. Humboldt Militaby Distbiot,
No. 22. ) Fort Humholdt, March 6, 1862.
1. Three new military posts will be immediately established in this
district, one at Neil's ranch, on the right bank of Van Dasen's Fork,
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CBAP.LXn.) COBEESPONDENCE — UNION AND CONFEDEBATE. 913
about twenty-eight milei/s east of Hydesville; oue at Bremer's ranch,
on the right bank of Mad River, opposite the Blue Slide, and the third
on the right bank of Bedwood Greek, about one mile below Minor's
ranch, subject to the approval of the War Department. The first of
the posts will be named Fort Baker, the second Fort Lyon, and the
third Fort Anderson.
2. Fort Baker will be garrisoned by Company A, Third Infantry
California Volunteers, under command of Captain Ketcham ; Fort Lyon
by Company K, Second Infantry California Volunteers, under com-
mand of Captain Heffernan, and Fort Anderson by Company F, Second
Infimtry California Volunteers, Lieutenant Flynu commanding. The
three commands will proceed to their respective destinations on the
10th of March at an early hour in the morning.
• ••••••
By order of CoL F. J. Lippitt:
JOHN HANNA, Jb.,
Acting Assistant Adjutant- General.
Speciax Obdebs, ) Hdqbs. Dist. op Southern Califobnia,
No. 21. ) Los Angeles, Cal, March 7, 1863.
I. The battalion of the First and Fifth Regiments Infantry California
Volunteers, consisting of four companies, viz, McMulleu's, Davis',
Hinds', and Ford's, and commanded by Msyor Goult, Fifth Infantry
California Volunteers, will at 12 o'clock to-day take up its line of march
with ten days' rations of subsistence and 5,000 rounds of ammunition
to each company. The commander of the battalion will receive espe-
cial instructions from the commander of the district.
II. Lieut. Lafayette Hammond, regimental quartermaster First
Infantry California Volunteers, will furnish the necessary transporta-
tion, and see that wood is supplied for the first night's encampment.
He will send along or buy en rout« for the use of the train 5,000 pounds
of barley or com, and will so arrange it with the beef contractor that
these troops shall be supplied with the fresh beef necessary for their,
subsistence while on the march.
JAMES H. CABLETON,
Colonel First Infantry California Volunteers, Commanding.
Headquabtbbs Distbict op Southern Califobnia,
Los Angeles, Cal., March 7, 1862.
Maj. Theodobe A. Coult,
Fifth Infty. California Vols., encamped near Los Angeles, Gal. :
Majob: Yon will proceed by easy marches, so as gradually to inure
your men to fatigue, to Camp Wright, San Diego County, Cal., and
report with your battalion of four companies of infantry to the com-
manding officer of that camp.
I am, m^jor, your obedient servant,
JAMES n. CARLETON,
Colonel First Infantry California Volunteers, Commanding.
58 B B — VOL L, PT I
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914 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Chap. LXH.
Special, Obders, ) Hdqes. Dist. of Southeen California,
No. 22. ) Los Angeles, Cal, March 7, 1862.
I. Lieutenant-Colonel Dobbins, Fifth Infantry California Volunteers,
will proceed, on the next trip of the Senator to New San Diego, Cal.,
and assume command of that post.
• ••••••
JAMES H. CAELETON,
Colonel First California Volunteers, Commanding.
General Orders, ) Hdqrs. Department op the Pacific,
No. 8. ) San Francisco, Cal., March a, 1862.
I. The public interest requires that all ofilcers and soldiers should
be at their i>ost8. Accordingly, all leaves of absence or furloughs for
a longer period than seven days are prohibited.
II. At the posts and camps in the vicinity of San Francisco com-
manders will not grant leaves of absence or furloughs for a longer
period than forty-eight hours, without previous reference to department
headquarters.
By order of Brigadier-General Wright:
E. 0, DEUM,
Assistant Adjutant- QeneraU
Headquarters District of Southern California,
March 8, 1862.
Lieut. Col. Joseph E. West,
Commanding Camp Wright, Cal.:
Colonel : Tou will not order Captain Ffrench's company flfom San
Diego to Camp Wright until further instructions on this point from
these headquarters. If after the arrival of Captain Eoberts' company
at (^amp Wright you can spare your teams for that purpose, it is impor-
tant that they return to San Diego for subsistence stores for your com-
mand. Every pound you can get from there will save hauling from
San Pedro. If one of the San Diego post teams can be spared for this
purpose, and Captain Eoberts will know, press it into service by my
authority. The new knapsacks (for the First Infantry California Vol-
unteers only) are on Winston's train en route to Camp Wright. Have
as many issued to the companies of the First at your camp as may be
required, and have the remainder carefully packed and sent by the
'first convenient opportunity to Fort Yuma. Have the old knapsacks
now in the hands of the men turned in on the receipt of the new ones
and transferred by Winston's train to Lieutenant French, acting assist-
ant quartermaster. Camp Drum, near New San Pedro, Cal. If there is
an abundance of subsistence stores at New San Diego (and Captain Eob-
erts will know), and if it is possible to get forage in that neighborhood,
or from the public stores already on hand at New San Diego, you are
at liberty to send Winston's train for one load of those stores before
you order it to return to Camp Drum. If I can avoid hauling sub-
sistence from San Pedro, the expedition need not wait so long for mules
from above. Four companies of infantry left Camp Latham yesterday
under M%)or Coult, with orders to report to the commanding officer at
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Chap. LXII.) CORRESPONDENCE UNION AND CONFEDERATE. 915
Camp Wright. If the men of Captain Willis' company who decided
not to drill with the knapsacka on are still in confinement, you can
exercise your discretion whether to keep them there and have them
tried, or whether, in the event that they will now obey the order, you will
release them. In case you decide to have them tried, forward without
delay the charges against them. Notify your beef contractor of the
prospective increase of the strength of your command.
I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JAMES H. CARLETON,
Colonel First Infantry California Volunteers, Commanding.
IlEADQlTABTERS LIVMl'.OLUT MILITARY DISTRICT,
Fort Humboldt, March 8, 1862.
Capt. Thomas E. Kbtcuam,
Comdg. Company A, Third Infantry California Volunteers:
('aptain: Ton are charged by the colonel commanding the Military
District of Humboldt with the establishment of a new post on the
northerly side of Van Dusen's Fork, at Neil's ranch, about twenty-eight
miles to the eastward of Hydesville, to be called, subject to the approval
of the proper authority. Fort Baker. Your command is designed
specially for the protectiSn of the district of country lying between
Van Dusen's Fork and Eel River from the north of Van Dusen's to the
coast on the south and Mad River on the north, and your military
ojjeTations will be confined to that district. This is not intended to
prevent a temporary crossing of either of these rivers whenever yon
may have strong reason to believe that some important object may be
subserved by so doing.
• • • • • ' • •
By order of Colonel Lippitt:
JOHN HANNA, Jr.,
Acting Assistant Adjutant- Oeneral.
Headquarters Humboldt Military District,
Fort Humboldt, March 8, 1862.
Capt. C. I). Douglas,
Comdg. Company F, Second Infantry California Volunteers:
You are charged by the colonel commanding the Military District of
Humboldt with the establishment of a new post on thd northerly side
of Redwood Creek about a mile below Minor's ranch, to be called, sub-
ject to the approval of the proper authority. Fort Anderson. Your
command is designed specially for the protection of the district of
country lying between Redwood Creek on the south and Klamath
River on the north, and your military operations will be confined to
that district. This is not intended to prevent a temporary crossing of
Redwood Creek whenever you may have strong reason to believe that
some important object may be subserved by so doing.
• ••••••
By order of Colonel Lippitt:
JOHN HANNA, Jr.,
Acting Assistant Adjutant-Oeneral.
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916 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST (Chap. LXn.
Headquaetees Humboldt Militaey Disteiot,
Fort Humboldt, March 8, 1862.
Oapt. Ohasles Heffernan,
Comdg. Company K, Second Infantry California Volunteers :
Captain: You are charged by the colonel commanding the Military-
District of Humboldt with the establishment of a new post on the
northerly side of Mad River, at Bremer's ranch, opposite the Blue
Slide, about twenty miles to the eastward of Areata, to be called, sub-
ject to the approval of the proper authority. Fort Lyon. The ground
selected for the post, consisting of eight acres or more, will be pointed
out to you by Mr. Bremer. Your command is designed specially for
the protection of the district of country lying between Mad Itiver and
Redwood Creek, and your military operations will be confined to that
district. This is not intended to prevent a temporary crossing of Mad
River or of Redwood Creek whenever you may have a strong reason to
believe that some important object may be subserved by so doing. On
the first of every month one-half of the men of your command who
are for duty will take the field under a company officer for the purpose
of capturing and bringing in all the Indians that can be found, whether
men, women, or children. The detachment will be kept fifteen days iu
the field, and on its return the remaining half of all the effective men at
the post will be sent out, also under the command of a company officer,
and will return at the end of the month, In'other words, it is intended
that one-half of- your entire effective force shall be kept constantly iu
the field. For these expeditions a reliable guide will be furnished you
from these headquarters. The men's provisions and necessary camp
equipage will be packed on mules. If at any time there should not be
enough of public mules for this purpose you are authorized to hire pri-
vate ones, provided that they cau be had at reasonable rates, but you
will hire no citizen packers. As great celerity of movement will be
often required the mules should be packed very lightly, not exceeding,
it is recommended, 150 pounds for each mule. Fresh mules will be
sent with each expedition. The purpose for which the military force
in this district is to be employed is not to make war upon the Indians,
nor to punish them for any murders or depredations hitherto com-
mitted, but to bring them in and place them permanently on some
reservation where they can be protected against all outrages fifom hos-
tile whites. The end in view in all your expeditions will be, therefore,
a friendly one. You will avail yourself of every opportunity to impress
this truth upon all the Indians vrith whom you can communicate,
directly or indirectly, and to assure them that from the moment they
surrender themselves at your post, or at any other in the district, they
will have entire protection for themselves and their families; that if
they do not come in voluntarily they will be brought in by force, and
that in the meantime any outrage or depredation that may hereafter
be committed on the whites by Indians will be promptly and severely
punished. The officer in charge of each expedition will have strict
orders to effect the capture of such Indians as he may find without
bloodshed whenever it is possible to do so. You will make and pub-
lish an order without delay, prohibiting any man of your command
from killing or wounding an Indian, unless in self defense, in action, or
by orders of a superior officer. For any disobedience to this order you
will cause the ofiender to be immediately arrested and sent to Fort
Humboldt for trial by a court-martial, which has power in such case to
sentence the guilty man to death. The guides employed must be made
to understand that under the Articles of War they will be subject to
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OBAP.LXIl.i CORRESPONDENCE — ^UNION AND CONFEDERATE. 917
this order equally with your own men, and will be equally amenable to
trial by a court martial. For any depredation upon stock or other
private property by men of your command you will immediately bring
the offender before a garrison court for trial and punishment. From
the moment any Indians are captured, or give themselves up, you will
take measures for their protection from outrage from any quarter what-
soever, and you will send them as soon as practicable to Fort Hum-
boldt under an escort strong enough to insure their complete protection
on the way. You will disctmrage by all means in your power tlie
hunting of Indians by parties of whit«s in the district specially under
your charge, and you will not permit any such parties or any indi-
vidual citizens to accompany an expedition sent from your jwst under
any pretext whatsoever. Within five days after the return of an expe-
dition its commander will make to you a written report of his opera-
tions, which you will forward to these headquarters without delay.
By order of Col. F. J. Lippitt, commanding district:
JOHN IIANNA, Jr.,
Lieutenant f Second Infantry California Volunteers,
Acting Assistant Adjutant-Oeneral, Humboldt Military JHstriet.
Headquarters Department of the Pacific,
San Francisco, March 10, 1862.
Brig. Gen. L. Thomas,
Adjutant-General U. S. Army, Washington, D. C:
General: Since my communications forwarded to you by the last
steamer March 1, nothing special has transpired on this coast. The
Union feeling is greatly in the ascendant; nevertheless there is a strong
disloyal element in this country, which will be dealt with in a summary
manner should any acts be committed demanding the int«rposition of
the strong arm of the Government. My troops in the southern district,
under Colonel Carletorf, are in {wsition to advivuce, but at this momerit
the roads are not in a condition to pass loaded wagons. I expect that
by the 1st of April we shall be able to make a forward movement. Con-
fidential agents have returned from Arizona, and I am fully satisfied
that the rebel force reported as in the neighborhood of Tucson has been
greatly exaggerated. My information from New Mexico is meager.
The strength of Sibley's force of rebels on the Rio Grande, as rumored
forth in the papers, I regard as fabulous. With Canby in his front
and Carleton on his flank I cannot doubt the result. The health of my
trooi)s is good, and although their instruction has been somewhat
retarded by the unprecedented severity of the winter, yet they have
been steadily improving in a knowledge of their duties. From the
districts of Oregon and Humboldt I have nothing special to report.
The large number of persons going to the Nez Percy's and Salmon
Kiver mines will make it necessary to send a command through that
country to preserve ])eace and good order between the Indians and our
people. Colonel Lii)pitt, Second Infantry California Volunteers, com-
manding the District of Humboldt, will, as soon as the waters subside
and the trails become passable, make expeditions throughout his dis-
trict for the purjjose of gatliering up those Indians and placing them
on the reservations. We are still excessively embarrassed for the want
of funds. Our credit is well nigh exhausted ; not that any doubt exists
as to the ability of the Government to meet all demands, but onr
large cre<litors are absolutely in want of money to enable them to go
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918 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Chap. LXII.
on furnishing the supplies which we must have. I have had a confer-
ence with the Governor of this State and the military committees of
the Legislature now in session on the subject of coast defenses, and a
bill has already been introduced making an appropriation for tem-
porary fortifications for the protection of this city.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
G. WRIGHT,
Brigadier-Oeneral, U. 8. Army, Commanding.
Headquabtebs Depabtment of the Pacific,
San Francisco, March 10, 1862.
Brig, Gen. L. Thomas,
Adjutant- General U. 8. Army, Washington, I). 0.:
Genebal : I have this day r«ceived from your office a copy of a let-
ter from William Dauford to the Hon. W. H. Seward, dated December 23,
1861, Oroville, Butte County, Cal., also copy of communication from the
Secretary of Stat« to Secretary of War, dated 28th of January, 1862, and
from the Assistant Secretary of War to Adjutant-General of the Army,
dated on the 31st January, 1862, with your indorsement thereon of
February 4, 1862. I have no information of the organization of such a
body of men as Mr. Dauford speaks of. I shall take immediate meas-
ures to ascertain the facts in the case, and take such action in the
premises as the public safety may require.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
G. WRIGHT,
Brigadier-General, U. 8. Army, Commanding.
Salem, Oeeg., March 10, 1863.
General L. Thomas,
Adjutant-General U. 8. Army, Washington City, D. C:
Sib : Your communication of January 4, 1862, in which you request
me to forward to your office a "return of the two and three years' regi-
ments and independent companies of volunteers furnished up to this
date under the authority of" the State of Oregon, setting forth their
strength and the arm of the service to which they belonged when trans-
ferred to the General Government, and in whi(;h you also desire "a
similar return of all two or three years' volunteer troops raised within
this State upon what has been called 'independent acceptances,'" and
in which you further request a report of the number of regiments or
independent companies now organizing in this State, their present
strength, and the time at which they will ])robably be completed and
ready to take the field, is received, and without delay I make the fol-
lowing reply : The authorities of this State have never been called upon
for any troops by the President. In September last Colonel Wright
made a requisition upon the Governor of this 8tat« for one company of
mounted volunteers for the Indian service on the frontiers of this
State, but before the company was inustered into the service of the
United States the order was countermanded and the company dis-
banded. There has been no two or three years' volunteers either by
regiments or in(Ie])endent companies furnished the General Govern-
ment by the authorities of this State; nor has this State furnished
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Chap. LXII.) CORRESPONDENCE — UNION AND CONPEDEKATE. 919
any volnnteers upon what you call "independent acceptances," unless it
is meant by this to cover those cases where officers for the command of
a regiment have been appointed directly from your oflQce, and author-
ized to raise such troops within a State without calling upon the local
anthorities for them. As yon mast be aware, there is one such case in
this State, but as to its present strength I am entirely uninformed.
I am not aware that there are any independent companies now form-
ing in this State.
I am, general, with great respect, your obedient servant,
JOHN WHITEAKER.
Special Orders, ) IIdqrs. Department op the Pacific,
No. 39. ) San Francisco, Cal., March 10, 1862.
1. As soon as the weather will permit, M^j. Charles McDermit, Sec-
ond Cavalry California Volunteers, will proceed to and take oost at
Fort Churchill, Nev. Ter.
2. Maj. Edward McGarry, Second Cavalry California Volunteers, is
assigned to duty at Camp Alert, to the commanding officer of which he
will report without delay.
• ••••••
By order of BrigatlierGeneral Wright:
RICHD. O. DRUM,
Assistant Adjutant-General.
Special Orders, ) Hdqrs. Dist. of Southern California, •
No. 23. J San Pedro, Cal, March 10, 1862.
1. Lieutenant-Colonel Evans, Second Cavalry California Volunteers,
will order Captain McLaughlin's company (D), Second Cavalry Cali-
fornia Volunteers, to Camp Latham without delay. The horses in this
company which were exchanged for horses in Company B, Second Cav-
alry, will be transferred back to that company as soon as Company D
arrives at Camp Latham. When this is done. Colonel Bowie, Fifth
Infantry California Volunteers, will order Captain Cremony's company
to report to Lieutenant-Colonel Evans, at Camp Dram.
« • • • • • •
Bv order of Colonel Carleton:
BEN. C. CUTLER,
Firxt Lieut., First Infty. California Vols., Actg. Asst. AAjt. Oen.
Headquarters District op Southern CAi,iFORNrA,
Camp Drum, near San Pedro, Cal., March 11, 1862.
Maj. R. C. Drum, U. S. Army,
Assistant Adjutant-General, San Francisco, Cal.:
Major : Inclosed herewith please find a copy of a letter from Major
Rigg, commanding at Fort Ynma, stating he has at length received
the two guns the general ordered to that post. I have ordered
Lieutenant-Colonel Dobbins to New San Diego to assume command of
that post. He has at present Cai)tains Ffrench and Soj)er with their
cumpauies of the Fifth Infantry California Volunteers. 1 have ordered
Colonel Bowie to Camp Latham, where lie has fivu companies of the
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920 OPEEATIOKS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. ICbap. LXTL
Fifth Infantry California Volunteers (one of them will be detached at
Fort Yuma), and has Lieutenant-Colonel Evans and McLaughlin's,
Jones', and Winne's companies, of the Second Cavalry California Vol-
unteers. Soper's company will march to Camp Latham at the earliest
practicable moment. This will leave one company at San Diego,
Ffrench's. Major Ooult, with two companies of the First Infantry
(McMullen's and Davis') and two companies of the Fifth Infantry
(Ford's and ilinds'), are en route to Camp Wright. The mules that
now come down are said to be af the first class. I feel under great
obligations to the general for having sustained me in my action in rela-
tion to the insubordinate men at Camp Wright. I learn the most of
those men are heartily ashamed of themselves. The companies en route
to Camp Wright march with knapsacks and all the effects carefully
packed. It is important that a general court-martial be ordered at
Camp Latham at the earliest practicable day. Tlie discipline of the
service requires that a large number of general prisoners at that camp
be tTied at once. Please send down the order by return of boat.
Please send down to San Diego by return boat a plenty of subsistence
stores, if they have not a plenty already on hand there; and if you
will send 100,000 pounds of barley there I can get it to Camp Wright
much easier than from here. If I have it in my power I will do aU I
can for the gentleman recently from Texas about whom you wrote.
I am, major, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JAMES H. CARLETON,
(Jolonel First California Volunteers, Commanding.
Spi^ctal Obdees, ') Hdqrs. Dist. of Soiitheen Califoenia,
> Gamp Drum, near New San Pedro, Gal.,
No. 24. ) March 11, 1862.
I. Lieut. Col. George S. Evans and First Lieut. W. G. Morris, Second
Cavalry California Volunteers, will proceed this day to Camp Latham
and report for duty to Colonel Bowie, Fifth Infantry California Volun-
teers, commanding that camp.
• •••<>••
By order of Colonel Oarleton :
BEN. C. CUTLER,
1st Lieut, and Adjt, 1st Infty. California Vols., Actg. Asst. Adjt. Oen.
Special Oeders, 1 Headquaetees,
> Gamp Drum, near New San Pedro, Gal.,
No. 25. ) March 11, 1862.
I. The undersigned hereby assumes command of this camp.
• • • • • • •
JAMES H. CARLETON,
Colonel First California Volunteers.
Special Obdees, j Hdqrs. Humboldt Military Distbict,
No. 26. ) Fort Humboldt, March 11, 1862.
All Indians who shall be taken or shall surrender themselves up at
the following posts are to be sent as soon as practicable with sufficient
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(Chap. LXH. COBRESPONDENCE UNION AND CONFEDERATE. 921
escort to Fort Humboldt, and are to be protected and subsisted until
delivered over: Forts Baker, Gaston, Anderson, and Lyon.
By order of Colonel Llppitt:
JOHN HANNA, Je.,
lat Lieut, and Adjt. 2d Infty. California FoZ»., Actg. Asst. Adjt. Qen.
Hbadqttabters Department of the Pacific,
San Francisco, Cal., March i4?, 1862.
Oapt. William H. Gardner, U. S. Navy,
Commanding Navy- Yard, Mare Island, Cal. :
Captain : A reconnaissance has been made by the chief engineer of
the army on this coast, and a plan for defensive works submitted to
guard the approaches to this city either by land or water. To guard
against the possibility of a hostile fleet passing our first and second
lines, and forcing its way up Raccoon Straits, and aiming a blow at the
navy-yard and the arsenal at Benicia, it is proposed to eiect batteries
on points San Pablo and San Pedro to command the entrance of San
Pablo Bay. We have no diflBculty in throwing up the batteries, but
one great embarrassment is the want of heavy guns. I can get none
from tbe East, and have to rely upon the resources of this country.
Under these circumstances I shall be glad to ascertain from you if there
are any heavy guns and suitable ammunition at the navy -yard which we
could obtain for the batteries. Ipropose to issue instructions to Captain
McAllister, chief of the ordnance department on this coast, to take
immediate steps to obtain materials and establish a foundry for casting
guns and projectiles.
Very respectftilly, your obedient servant,
G. WRIGHT,
Brigadier-Oeneral, U. 8. Army, Commanding.
Headquarters Department of the Pacific,
San Francisco, Cal., March 12, 18l>2.
Capt. Julian McAllister,
Ordnance Corps, Chief of Ordnance, Department Pacific,
Commanding Benicia Arsenal, Benicia, Cal. :
Captain : The chief engineer of the army on this coast has completed
his reconnaissance and submitted to me a plan for defensive works
to guard the approaches to this city either by land or water. Our
great embarrassment is from the scarcity of heavy guns. I have just
addressed a communication to Captain Gardner, commandant of the
navy-yard at Mare Island, to ascertain if he could let us have some
heavy guns, projectiles, &c., in case of emergency. I regret to hear of
your indisposition. When you have quite recovered I shall be glad to
see you here. From information I have received from Washington, I
am satisfied that we can get no guns from the East, and that we must
rely upon our own resources. We must establish a foundry, cast our
own guns, projfectiles, &c., and be prepared to meet any emergency.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
G. WRIGHT,
Brigadier-Oeneral, U. S.Army, Commanding.
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922 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. (Chaf. LXn.
IlEADQUABTEES DISTRICT OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA,
Los Angeles, Cal., March 12, 1862,
Maj. Edwin A. Eigg,
First Infantry California Vols., Comdg, at Fort Yuma, Gal. :
Major : The colonel commanding has been informed that some sixty
or seventy Indians are encamped at or near Indian Well ; that they
have some fifteen or twenty horses; that when trains are approaching
the well they exhaust the water so that it is difficult to get enough. As
there is no necessity for these Indians to be there, the colonel command-
ing directs that you send word for them to move away, and be sure
they move. It is understood here that the horses of Company A, First
Cavalry, are kept at Fort Yuma, where they are fed on the hay which
has been i)rocured for another purpose. It was a condition that Cap-
tain McCk ave's horses should not be sent to Yuma, unless grass could
be found for them. Not only must those horses not be fed any more of
the hay at Fort Yuma, but you must take measures immediately to
replace all the hay which has been consumed by those horses, and an
additional twenty tons, if it be possible for you to cut it by men on
extra duty. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter
of March 2, relating to the escape of Chum and Edwards, political x^ris-
oners. The colonel commanding also directs that you put ten tons of
baled hay at the Alamo Station, and replace it at Fort Yuma from the
hay camp. The colonel wishes twenty tons more (or even more, if pos-
sible) of hay procured at the place where the last was cut, and hauled
out on the road and carefully stacked. In reply to your communication
of March 2 I am directed to instruct you to use no more leather for the
repair of pack-saddles. Your action in relation to the men who refused
to carry knapsacks is highly approved by thedistrict commander. The
resignation of Capt. Hugh A. Gorley has been forwarded to department
headquarters. He himself is here and wishes to recall it. The hay
taken away from Pilot Knob by Mr. Veck must be replaced, aod as
much again more put there, if possible. If you can send baled hay
from Fort Yuma for this purpose, the hay taken from Fort Yuma must
be replaced by hay from the hay camp. Tbe colouel commanding also
directs that you have fifteen tons of hay hauled to Gila City. K you
can have thirty tons of hay at Mission Camp and twenty tons at Ante-
lope Peak, it would be well. It is important that Mr. Yager should
have a large number of fat cattle on hand, as your garrison will be
largely increased. This should be done without delay. Remember
this: The brig W. D. Rice left San Francisco February 24, 1802, laden
with Government stores for Fort Yuma. The colonel commanding
directs that as soon as you hear of the arrival of that vessel at the
mouth of the Colorado River, you will send an express to these head-
quarters, via Camp Wright, with the intelligence. Recapitulation of
forage required: Twelve tons of hay at Pilot Knob; 12 tons of hay
one day's march west of Pilot Knob; 12 tons of hay two days' march
west of Pilot Knob; 12 tons of hay three days' march west of Pilot
Knob (15 tons at these points, if possible); 15 tons of hay in Arizona
City; 15 tons of hay at Gila City; 15 tons of hay at Mission Creek;
15 tons of hay one day's march beyond Mission Creek toward Pima
Villages. Yon will send a party at once under an efficient officer to
clean out the wells thoroughly on the desert to Carriso Creek. There
must be no mistake about this, and it must be done without delay. If
this express reaches Fort Yuma in time to stop the teams which took
over McCleave's company and the clothing, use those and every other
team you can spare ftom your post, and hanl at once 100,000 pounds
of barley to Mr. Grinnel's, where it will be covered with tarpaulins, or
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Cb*p. LXII ) CORRESPONDENCE tJNION AND CONFEDERATE. 923
otherwise protected from rains, and guarded by one cavalry ofQcer and
teu men, which ten men must cut or otherwise procure all the hay their
horses may need, so as not to consume any bay placed at that point.
The general has ordered an expedition against the Tontos, and the
barley is to be used for that expedition when organized. McCleave's
company will form a portion of that expedition. If Colonel West com-
mands the expedition jigainst the Mojaves, you will command the one
against the Tontos. What has become of Khodes' cattle; what is their
condition at present; what can they be bought for; have you ever seen
them yourself? If so, are they mostly calves or good-sized beevesf
It is possible that you may not be able to procure hay at all the points
named. Try and do the best you can, and let the colonel commanding
know the result at the earliest practicable moment. In moving barley
to Grinnel's you will have to figure closely as to which will be the most
efBcient method, whether to have the teams go on to Gila City and
unload and come back and reload and go on again, whether to go to
some point still farther on and unload, or whether to go through at
once to Grinnel's. These matters are left for your consideration. The
colonel commanding desires, however, that it should be done at once.
I am, major, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
BEN. O. CUTLER,
First JAettt., First Infantry Califomia Vols., Actg. Asat. Adjt. Oen.
Note. — The colonel commanding desires that for the next four or
five weeks every officer and man at your post shall exert himself to the
utmost in all matters pertaining to the efliciency of the service.
B. C. C.
Headquarters Department of the Pacific,
San Francisco, Cat., March 13, 1862.
Capt. William II. Gardner, U. S. Navy,
Commanding Navy- Yard, Mare Island, Gal. :
Captain: Understanding (unofficially) that the company of marines
now on the flag-ship Lancaster will be posted at the navy -yard for some
time to come, I have thought it probable that you would not, in that
event, require the presence of the detachment of U. S. soldiers. We
are much in want of all our regular troops to man the forts in this har-
bor, and if yon can dispense with the services of those men I shall be
glad to have them returned to Alcatraz Island.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
G. WRIGHT,
Brigadier- General, U. 8. Army, Commanding.
Special Orders, ) Hdqrs. Dist. op Southern California,
No. 28. J New San Pedro, Cal., March 13, 1862.
Ca])tain Roper's company, Fifth Infantry California Volunteers, now
at San Diego, will march without delay to Camp Wright, and thence
to Camp Latham, Cal. The tents and heavy baggage of the company
will be turned over to the quartermaster at New San Diego, to be
Rhipi)ed by the next Senator to San Pedro, whence it will be at once
transported to Camp Latham.
By order of Colonel Carleton :
BEN. C. CUTLER,
First Lieut., First Infty. California Vols., Actg. Asst. Adjt. Gen.
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924 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIPIO COAST. [Chap. LXII.
Headquarters Humboldt Military District,
Fort Humboldt, March 13, 1862.
Capt. D. B. Akey,
Comdg. Co. H, Second Cavalry California Yols,, Fort Humboldt:
Captain : The design of Special Orders, No. 33, is to charge you
with the protection of the district of country therein defined, although
your military operations will be habitually restricted within the limits
defined. There will be no objection to your crossing either of the
streams or trails mentioned in any case where you may have strong
reasons to believe that some important purpose will be subserved by
80 doing. In order to accomplish the object in view you will send iu
the field every fifteen days a detachment of twenty, or as many men
as can be safely spared in your judgment from the service of the
post, under ^ commissioned officer, or when this is impossible under
a noncommissioned officer of the highest trustworthiness, for the pur-
pose of capturing and bringing in to Fort Humboldt all the Indians
that can be found, whether men, women, or children, the detachments
relieving each other on the 1st and loth of every month. For these expe-
ditions^ whenever necessary, a reliable guide will be furnished by the
oflBcer m charge of the quartermaster's department at Fort Humboldt.
The purx)Ose for which the military force in the district is to be employed
is not to make war upon the Indians nor to punish them for any mur-
ders or depredations hitherto committed, but to bring them in and
place them permanently on some reservation where they can be pro-
tected from all outrage from hostile whites. The end in view, there-
fore, in all your expeditions will be a friendly one. You will avail
yourself of every opportunity to impress this tnith upon all the Indians
with whom you can communicate, directly or indirectly, and to assure
them that from the moment they surrender themselves at your post
or any other in the district they will have entire protection for them-
selves and their families. That if they do not come in voluntarily they
will be brought in by force, and that in the meantime any outrage or
depredation that may hereafter be committed on the whites by the
Indians will be promptly and severely punished. The oflBcer in charge
of each expedition will have strict orders to efiect the capture of such
Indians as he may find without bloodshed whenever it is possible to
do so. You will make and publish an order without delay prohibiting
any man of your command from killing or wounding an Indian unless
in self defense, in action, or by orders of a superior oflBcer. For any
disobedience to this order you will cause the offender to be immediately
arrested and brought for trial before a court-martial, which has power
in such case to sentence the guilty man to death. The guides employed
must be made to understand that under the Articles of War they will
be subject to this order equally with your own men, and will be equally
amenable to trial by a court-martial. For any depredation upon live
stock or any other private property by men of your command you will
immediately bring the oflfender before a garrison court for trial and
punishment. From the moment any Indians are cai)tured or give
themselves up, you will take measures for their jirotection from outrage
from any quarter whatever, and you will send them as soon as practi-
ble to Fort Humboldt under an escort strong enough to insure their
complete protection on the way. You will discourage by all means in
your power the hunting of Indians by parties of whites in the district,
especially under your command, and will not permit any such par-
ties or any individual citizens to accompany an expedition sent from
your post under any pretext whatsoever. Within five days after the
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Ch*p. LXU.) correspondence UinON AND CONFEDERATE. 925
return of an expedition its commander will make to you a written report
of his operations, which you will send to district headquarters without
delay.
By order of Colonel Lippitt:
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JOHN IIANNA, Jr.,
Acting Assistant Adjutant-Qeneral.
Executive Department, March 13, 1862.
The Senate of the Confederate States:
I herewith transmit the following nominations, as recommended by
the Attorney-Cieueral, viz: John It. Baylor, of Arizona, to be Governor
of the Territory of Arizona; Robert Josselyn, of Mississippi, to be
secretary of the Territory of Arizona; Alexander M. Jackson, of New
Mexico, to be chief justice of the Territory of Arizona; Columbus
Upson, of Texas, to be assofiate justice of the Territory of Arizona;
Kussel Howard, of Arizona, to be attorney for Arizona Territory ; Sam-
uel J. Jones, of Arizona, to be marshal of the Territory of Arizona.
JEFFERSON DAVIS.
Commandant's Office, Navy- Yard,
Mare Island, March 11, 1862.
Brig. Gen. G. "Wright, U. S. Army,
Oommanding Department of the Pacific, San Francisco:
General : Your letter of the 13th instant is at hand. Ere receiving
your communication owing to the arrival of the V, S. flagship Lan-
caster having placed a large force of marines at my disposal, I had
contemplated returning the detachment of the U. S. soldiers stationed
at this yard. I have ordered the sergeant in command to return by
the steamer C. M. Webber this day, and to rei)ort to the commanding
officer at Alcatraz Island immediately upon arrival.
With many thanks for the services of the detacLuient, I have the
honor to be, general, with great respect, your obedient servant,
W. H. GARDNER,
Commandant.
Headquarters Department of the Pacific,
San Francisco, Cal., March 14, 1862.
Col. James n. Carleton,
First Infantry California Volunteers,
Gomdg. District of Southern California, Los Angeles, Cal. :
Sir: Your disposition of the forces in the southern district is
approved by the general commanding the department. The general
court-martial requested in your letter of the 11th instant will be con-
vened at as early a day as practicable. The general desiies you to
submit to the judge-advocate such charges of a capital nature as are
in your possession. The activity and zeal displayed by M^jor Rigg at
Fort Yuma are highly commendable, and show. a knowledge of his
business rarely to be found in an ofBcer whose experience is so limited.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
kiciid c. drum.
Assistant Adjutant- Getwral.
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926 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. (Chap LXn.
Headqttabtebs District of Southern California,
JVew San Pedro, Cal., March 14, 1862.
Maj. D. Fbkousson,
First Cavalry California Volunteers,
Comdg. at Camp CarUton, near San Bernardino, Cal, :
Major : I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of yonr letter
of the 13th instant. The colonel commanding dire'cts that yoa send
in one company at a time to encamp on the San Gabriel River, just
below Dalton's Milt, where there is good grazing. Supply them with
ten days' rations from Camp Carleton. Send the remainder of your
provisions to Temescal under a guard of ten dismounted picked men,
under the charge of Lieutenant Coleman. This guard can remain at
your present camp until the wagons have returned from the San
Gabriel, after they have moved in your last company. The result of
this will be that all of the supplies that the coluuel commanding has
hitherto ordered you to send to Camp Wright will be at Temescal,
under the charge of Lieutenant Coleman, a sergeant, and fourteen men
(see letter from these headquarters under date of yesterday); that
three cavalry companies will be encamped on the San Gabriel River,
viz, Mead's, Fritz's, and Pishon's, with ten days' rations drawn from
Camp Carleton. Lieutenant Hammond, regimental quartermaster First
Infantry California Volunteers, will be on the San Gabriel River to
stop Captain Mead's company at that i)oiut and provide for it. These
movements must be accomplished by your own means of transporta-
tion, in connection with the three wagons which took arms and equip-
ments to you yesterday. Let the wagons which return from the San
Gabriel River take corn from El Monte and distribute it along the
road for the use of the next company as it comes in. So figure all this
out that there may be no delays, no missing of cogs, and no mistakes.
I am, major, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
BEN. C. CUTLER,
First Lieut,, First Infty, California Vols., Actg, Asst, Adjt. Oen.
Note. — The clothing of Lieutenant Wellman's detachment may be
sent to Camp Dram, and the tarpaulins which have been in use at
Camp Carleton to Temescal. Your present beef contractor can supply
these troops at their new camp, provided he chooses to do so at the
same price paid to him at present.
B. C. 0.
Commandant's Office, Navy-Yard,
Mare Island, March 15, 1862,
Brig. Gen. G. Wright, U. S. Army,
Commanding Department of the Pacific, San Francisco, Cal. :
General: Your letter of the 12th instant is received, informing me
that a reconnaissance has been made by the chief engineer of the army
on this coast, and a plan of defensive works submitted to guard the
approaches to the city of San Francisco either by land or water. In
answer I have to say that it will afford me great pleasure to contribute
all the means at my command to assist in fortifying sucli batteries as
you may deem proper to construct. 1 inclose herewith a list of such
ordnance as we have on Mare Island. These guns have none other
than the common ship carriage, and it may be necessary to construct
carriages to suit them in the batteries.
1 have the honor to be, respectfully, your obedient servant,
W. H. GARDNER,
Commandant.
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Chap. LXJI.) COEEESPONDENCE UNION AND CONFEDEBATE. 1)27
[InclMiue.]
Number of great gun» on hand in the ordnance department, U. S. navy-yard, Mare
Island, Cal., on the 15th March, 18611.
8-iiich guns of 63 cwt 10
32-pounder gnns of 57 cwt 24
32-poun(lcr guns of 42 cwt 21
32-pouuder guns of 33 cwt 2
32-pounder guns of 27 owt 12
24-poander guns of 32 cwt 20
Total number of guns.
W, H. GARDNER,
Commandant.
Hbadqitabtees District of Southern California,
Camp Drum, Cal., March 15, 1862.
Maj. D. Fergusson,
Firgt Cavalry California Volunteers, Comdg. at Camp Carleton:
Major : Order Captain Pishon and his company, First Cavalry Cali-
fornia Volunteers, to proceed without delay to Fort Yuma, Cal. See
that every man of his company who is fit to take the field is furnished
with a good horse, a good Sharps carbine, a good revolver (navy size),
and a good saber (ground sharp). To do this you will be obliged to take
some of these articles from other companies. Those companies will
have all such articles replaced here. Give the company 10,000 ronnds
of Sharps carbine ball cartridges, and 5,000 roands navy-revolver
cartridges. You can replenish your supply from New San Pedro. This
company need not take tents, so Captain Mead can receipt for them.
No one but Captain Pishon need know to what point the company is
ordered. As it passes Temescal you will give Captain Pishon orders to
arrest one Mr. Green wade, who lives there, and without fail to take
him to Fort Yuma and turn him over to Major liigg or the commander
of that post, as a political prisoner. Give Captain Pishon detailed
instructions how best to accomplish" this duty. To-morrow I shall send
from New San Pedro fifteen wagons laden with provisions and ammu-
nition and forage en route to Fort Yuma. Captain Pishon's company
may accompany this train. You can give such orders as will insure his
meeting it at some point between Chino Eanch and Temecula. When
he joins this train the wagons he has used up to that point he will send
back to you ; two of the fifteen wagons above alluded to will be his
means of transportation on from that point. Perhaps Temescal would be
the best place where to intersect this train. I hope all this will be done
without any njistakes or delays. It is important that Pishou's cavalry
be at Yuma at the earliest possible moment, and if you and he can figure
out any way iu which this can be done without injuring his horses, more
expeditiously than the manner indicated by myself, act on such plan
and report his departure to me. Keep the condemned horses until the
general's orders are known. It may be well for Pishon to know he will
surely have a fight. If he could go direct and not break down, it would
be better. I shall send carbine and pistol ammunition ftom here by
the fifteen wagons, but if Pishon goes on in advance he must take his
ammunition from your camp, as he will need it long before the wagons
come. I hope this time the whole public need not know to what point
these troops are destined. I have great confidence in Pishon's resources
and energy, and I feel sure that if any one can get a cavalry company
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928 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Chap. LXn.
tu Fort Ynma quickly and Tdthout breaking down be can. Have the
rest of your force moved as beretofore ordered, and bold it in baud for
field service.
I am, major, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JAMES H. CAKLETON,
Colonel First California Volunteers, Commanding.
Sunday Evening, March 16, 1862—8.30 p. m.
Since writing tbe foregoing I bave received an express fh>m Mtyor
Bigg. It is important tbat Pisbon go by tbe new route if possible,
baving reference to keeping bis borses in flgbting condition. Fill up
bis company from Fritz's. Be sure be bas ninety sabers. If it is not
possible for bim to go tbrougb direct, send bim out upon tbe otber road,
so that be can avail himself of wagons and forage now en route to Car-
riso Creek. He must travel light. Tbe men need bave but the clothes
they wear and food and powder and ball. All other articles will after-
ward be sent to Camp Wright and forwarded from there-. I send Lieu-
tenant Wellman with this. He is to go with Captain Pishon's company.
Let there be not one moment lost.
I am, major, re8i)ectfully,
JAMES H. OAELETON,
Colonel First California Volunteers, Commanding.
Headquartees District op Southern California,
Los Angeles, Cal., March 15, 1862.
Maj. E. A. Bigg,
First Infantry California Vols., Comdg. at Fort Yuma, Cal. :
Major : I bave ordered Major Fergasson to send Pishon's company
of theFirst Cavalry California Volunteers to report to you. Two wagons
lefthereto diiy with plankfor the repairs of Indian Well. These will pro-
ceed on directly to Fort Yuma to be used in transporting supplies up to
where McCleave and Calloway and IMshon are to operate. Get the cav-
alry and mules up tbe river on grass without delay, so that not a straw
of hay or kernel of corn more than absolutely necessary may be con-
sumed this side of the Pima Yillages. If McCleave is successful in
tbe demonstration which be may make on Tucson, he can get a plenty
of forage and beef there and from Sonora. To-morrow fifteen wagons
laden with ammunition, provisions, &c., will leave San Pedro for Fort
Yuma. These also you will retain to haul barley, &c., up to Grinnel's.
Have every string drawn to tbe utmost and you will accomplish won-
ders. But again, keep your own counsels.
I am, major, respectfully,
JAMES H. OAELETON,
Colonel First California Volunteers, Commanding.
Headqttarters District of Southern California,
Los Angeles, Cal., March 15, 1862.
Maj. E. A. Bigg,
First Infantry California Vols., Comdg. at Fort Yuma, Cal.:
Major : In answer to your letter of March 4, 1862, tbe colonel com-
manding directs me to say that you are authorized to pay Mr. Doton
what is just for tbe services already performed by him in repairing
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Chap. LXII] CORRESPONDENCE UNION AND CONFEDERATE. 929
wagons, &c,, and for any services of a similar natnre that he may ren-
der in future. The new ambulance should be repaired at once. Andrew
J. Keene is to be borne upon your papers. The colonel commanding
will send him to Port Ynma when the public service will admit of his
going there. You are at liberty to let Mr. Brady and Mr. Martin return
to Sonora for their flour. Say to them that the colonel commanding
has great confidence in their fidelity to the United States Govern-
ment and to the Stars and Stripes, and while he will be glad for any
information they may give for the cause, he will do all he can for them.
You will have Mr. Kilbride take the oath of allegiance, and then, with-
out his having any further communication with the other prisoners, set
him across the river and release him, being first certain that he takes
no letters with him. The colonel commanding supposes that Mr. Kil-
bride knows what the fate of a spy would be, or if he should give aid,
intelligence, or comfort to the enemy. Say to Mr. Brady that the dis-
trict commander is much obliged to him tor his information in relation
to the Beale route. You will send word to Mr. Grinnel to increase the
amount of hay placed by him at the points named in your letter of the
6th instant to fifteen tons at each point, bat in no event is this hay to
be used without an especial order from the colonel commanding. As
there will be an abundance of grass for ten miles up and down from
Grinnel's Station, you can send McGleave's company to that point. His
horses will keep fat by grazing, if they have not too much to do. The
colonel commanding will shortly send another company of cavalry to
join him. If the Tontos are hostile he is to shoot or hang every one he
sees. This will be order enough for Captain McCleave; he will do the
work effectually. If there is any danger of Hunter's company coming
over to the Pima Villages to destroy or consume Mr. White's flour,
push on the best company of infantry you have to that point, with
McCleave's and forty of his best men, the remainder ot his com-
pany to remain at Grinnel's to protect the barley, and not to eat up
the hay or the barley. This company of infantry and McCleave's
men must select a site capable of defense, accessible to permanent
water, even if invested by an enemy. This must be carefully and
speedily intrenched, the men working if necessary night and day.
Indians may be gotten to help at this work. All of White's wheat
and flour must be put inside of it, and such other subsistence stores
as can be procured in that neighborhood, such as beans, peas, dried
pumpkins, salted or dried meat, &c. By having a good understand-
ing with the Pimas and Papagos this work cannot be surprised. If
attacked it must be defended to the last extremity. Let McCleave
have two mountain howitzers and a reasonable supply of ammunition
for the defense of the work. The colonel has great confidence in Cap-
tain Calloway and his company. The site should be in the neighbor-
hood of good and permanent grazing, if such a point can be found. It
is represented here that the Sacaton is a good point for grass, but great
pains must be taken in exploring the neighborhood to flna the best
place before breaking ground. In case this force goes there, as sug-
gested, another company of cavalry will be added to it as soon as pos-
sible. It is therefore important that at least fifty tons of hay be at
once pnt up under the guns of the fort on the leeward side, having ref-
erence to the prevailing winds, but so stacked as not to afford shelter
to an enemy. There should be a good supply of wood corded up within
or near the work; this having been done, it would take a large force
and a long time to drive McCleave out of it. Send with him all the
empty sacks you have at the fort, and be sure that from this time every
59 E E — VOL L, PT I
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930 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Chap.LXIL
sack, and pork, molasses, and vinegar barrel shall be preserved for use
as water barrels. Twenty of these must be carefully hooped and sent
to Alamo Station, there to be filled with water to keep them from drop-
ping to pieces until they are needed. By McOleave's moving up, say
to Fort Breckinridge (after he has been re-enforced by a cavalry com-
pany), and taking Tucson in reverse, say in the night, having first bad
the town carefully reconnoitered by Indian spies, be will be able to
capture or destroy Mr. Hunter and his band of renegades and traitors.
And again, there must be trails and by-paths off the great traveled
road known to the Indians, throngh which such a force as McCleave's
could be piloted so as to fall upon the town unawares of a single per-
son in it. Of course no one must be permitted to pass on to that poiut,
and no one coming out from Tucson to the Pima 'Villages must be
permitted to return ; so that the Texans will not know of McOleave's
being at the Pima Villages, or of any force iu advance of Fort Yuma
until they are attacked. Yon can say (confidentially) to all the
oflBcers at your post (except McCleave) that this force is going up
to whip the Tontos, now so troublesome. By taking nothing but flour,
sugar, and coffee, and beef on the hoof (the flour and beef to be replen-
ished at Griunel's and the Pima Villages) the troops can travel
light, carrying nothing else save ammunition and intrenching tools.
The colonel commanding directs that you send Assistant Surgeon
McKee with McOleave's command. If the company of cavalry from
here does not arrive in time, and McOleave through his spies finds that
with the company of infantry and his own company he can capture or
kill Hunter and his men, he need not leave any of his own men at Griu-
nel's. These two companies must have at least 100 rounds of ammuni-
tion per man. Hunter and his men must not be underrated. They will
fight well. They are armed with the cavalry musketoon and one or two
revolvers per man. They are mounted on American horses and have
no sabers. They have three wagons for transportation. If they are
captured, they are to be sent on foot to California, the horses being
retained at Grinnel's for the use of the First Oavaliy. Tell Oaptain
McOleave that a copy of these instructions will be sent to General
Wright,' and that much will be expected of him and Oaptain Oalloway
whether they are attacking the Tontos, fortifying themselves at the
Pimas, or making a demonstration on Hunter. In relation to water
wagons, the colonel commanding directs me to say to you that he has
not time to send to San Francisco for zinc; they must be made tight
with wood or lined with tin from ammunition boxes. You are author-
ized to employ the two citizen mechanics of whom you speak in your
communication of March 4 to complete this work. You cannot cut too
much hay, and you must imagine the points where it will be most
needed, counting from Oarriso Greek eastward to the Pima Villages,
bnt you must keep your own counsel about this. All that is put on the
road beyond Fort Yuma, it can be said, will be needed for the expedi-
tion against the Tontos. The colonel commanding directs that you say
to Oaptain McOleave that if it should happen that he should go to Tuc-
son, and should be successful, he must try to catch one Elias Brevoort,
a spy and traitor, let him be where he may, iji that vicinity, and when
caught, let him be tried by a military commission ; and if he be found
guilty of playing the spy or traitor, let him be hung as speedily as pos-
sible. You must make some arrangements with Mr. Yager to pay the
small debts contracted by order of the colonel commanding, and amount-
ing to about $50. We will soon be iu funds to liquidate all our debts.
The colonel commanding gives you authority to permit parties to bring
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CBAT.hXn.) COEEE8PONDENCE UNION AND CONFEDERATE. 931
in flour from Sonera, provided that every pound of it is brought on to
our side of the river under guns of the fort. It must not be left on the
opposite side, perhaps to fe^ an enemy. The 1,000 Sonorans yon speak
of must not go up to the gold mines without the authority of the general
commanding the department. When they cross at all they must cross
at Fort Yuma and leave their arms at the fort. The provisions and
stores they bring for sale must be deposited on this side of the river
under the guns of the fort. There need be no further correspondence
on this point. One thing in this letter must be clear to you, that Brady,
Martin, and Kilbride are the only persons you are authorized to cross
over the river without a passport from General Wright (see his order
in the case) and these three men must take the oath of allegiance.
Ui)on the receipt of this letter the political prisoners, Edwards and
Chum, are to be securely ironed, and are to be kept in irons until fur-
ther orders. Their irons must be carefully inspected by the officer ot
the guard every time the relief is changed. The colonel commanding
directs you to say to all the political prisoners that, although he is
unwilling to do so, yet, if another one of them even attempts to escape,
the entire party will be at once placed in irons. Last of all, the dis-
trict commander directs me to say to you that when expresses come
this way you are not to inform the commanding oflBcer of any other post,
or any person whatever, either ofScially or privately, of what is going
on at your post. The colonel commanding cautions you in this respect,
and expects you to caution your officers and men. Yon are to commu-
nicate directly with these headquarters, and the colonel commanding
will be the judge of what shall be told to others. Two wagons which
leave hereto-day with lumber to curb up Indian Well have been ordered
to proceed on to report to you. These may proceed on as a part of the
transjwrtation for McCleave. The colonel commanding has directed
Colonel West to clean out and repair all the wells east of Carriso Creek,
to and including Indian Well. Inclosed are the charges against Pri-
vate Jones of Company D, First Infantry California Volunteers. Your
court should try these, conclude its labors, and adjourn sine die. and
forward the proceedings at once to department headquarters. McCleave
can make a contract with Mr. Grinnel for what beef he requires; but it
is expected that Mr. Grinnel will not fill this contract by beeves which
he may be able to purchase of Ehodes or others near Fort Yuma.
These cattle will be needed for other troops which are to move up the
Colorado, so it would be better, if possible, for Mr. Grinnel to furnish
McCleave with beeves from Sonora, or from this side of the desert.
Send word to him that if he has on hand, say, 100 head of beeves capa-
ble of yielding 500 pounds per head, the colonel commanding thinks he
will be able to sell them, if he will sell them at a fair price. The cam-
paign against the Tontos will doubtless last all summer. He must send
word at once what he will do in this respect.
I am, major, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
BEN. C. CUTLER,
First Lieut,, First Infty. California Vols., Actg. Asst. Adjt. Oen.
Camp Drum, March 15, 1862.
Capt. William McCleave,
First Cavalry California Volunteers, Fort Yuma, Cal. :
My Dear Captain: You will see by an official letter to Major Eigg,
marked confidential, that I have marked out some work for you.* If
' See next, ante.
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932 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Chap. LXIL
by forced marches you can follow trails, and unawares fall on Hunter
at Tucson with his 100 mounted Texans, you having your company of
infantry, it would be a coup that would last you all your life. It will
require great resolution, great labor, great privations, and first-rate
dash and good pluck — every man determined never to give up from the
word go, and success is yours. You shoidd have spies ahead to keep
you warned of danger of ambushes, &c., en route, and to let you know
all about the enemy. What you do must be done at once. If the men
take only the clothes they stand in, no greatcoat, one blanket, and
only provisions and ammunition, you can haul some forage until you
come within striking distance. The Pimas will make good spies and
auxiliaries; get a« many as you need. Sacrifice everything to gain
success. I shall send Pishon, for whom I got a commission as captain,
vice Singer, to report for duty in advance of Fort Yuma in connection
with yourself. But it will be a week before he can start from here, so
that time, which is precious now, will be lost. If yourself and Callo-
way can make a dash, so much the more glory for both of you. Bigg,
Galloway, and yourself may be in the secret, but no other man until
you have passed the Pima Villages. When you leave Fort Yuma you
are to say you go on a campaign against the Tontos. These Indians
are to be whipped, but if you can catch Hunter before commencing on
them, so much the better. I am told that by going to the copi>er mines
you can take a road via Tinaja Alta and a trail through to Tucson,
which has now got water along it. On this road you will have one
distance of sixty and one of forty miles without water, but no one
will expect a force by that trail. If you go up the Gila to White's yoa
will keep your animals in heart, have grain, and the help of White and
the Indians. Take your choice. If Hunter has been re-enforced, all
of which you will learn at tlie Pimas, then of course you will make the
redoubt and prepare a sub-depot at the Pimas as set forth in my letter
to Bigg; so that if you move up the Gila you must go prepared to do
the work chalked out in that letter. Infantry are much better than
your uninstrncted cavalry on horseback. Once they get Hunter's men
under fire they will make them howl. If I were you I should depend
on all my men on foot. Hunter's are mounted on strong American
horses and can ride you down ; but if you can get at them in the night,
I doubt if ever a man of them gets into the saddle. I am anxious for
you to have this duty; but yon are not to leave anything to chance,
not go to Tucson unless you are certain you can succeed. Matters are
progressing slowly here, but I shall soon take the field — say in three
weeks.
In great haste, sincerely, your friend,
JAMES E. CABLETON.
Heabqttaetees District op Soittheen Oalipoenia,
Log Angeles, Cal., March 16, 1862.
Lieut. Col. J. E. West,
First Infantry California Vols,, Gomd^. at Gamp Wright, Gal. :
Colonel: The hill five miles this side of Vallecito must be repaired
by a party of men firom your camp under the charge of some practical
Uentenant. The first lieutenant of Captain Hinds' company, of the
Fifth Infantry California Volunteers, is a thoroughgoing young man,
and such a one as I should select for this business. Wagon-master
Yeck says that the right-hand road going down the above-named hill
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IP. LXII] CORRESPONDENCE ITNION AND CONFEDERATE. 933
by far the best road if it is put in repair. This road is washed out
ong the track of the uigh wheels. The gully thus formed should be
led with stones, and these should be covered with earth. The left-
md road has one short turn that cannot be straightened. Here the
npling poles and tongues of wagons are liable to become broken, thus
ndering it indispensably necessary that the right-hand road should
> fixed at once. The working party may be mustered " on extra duty,
lartermaster's department laborers." Two or three wells should at
ice be dug at Sackett's Wells. Have this done by the same party,
lie curbing of the well at Indian Well is broken near the top. The
eces of plank of which this curbing is formed, each piece being about
ur or five feet in length, are decay^, and some of them have fallen in.
have ordered Captain Moore, assistant quartermaster, U. 8. A.rmy,
I forward to you 000 feet of plank for the repair of this well. Two
ngons with this plank and some barley leave Camp Drum to-day.
fiey are to deliver the plank at Indian Well, and then proceed on to
ort Yuma. The before- mentioned party had better proceed with them
; far as the scene of its labors. Send the necessary tools, nails, buck-
/S, and ropes, &c., for repairing and cleaning out the wells from Gar-
so Creek to that point, inclusive. Major Eigg will cause all wells
eyond Indian Well to be repaired and cleaned out. Send ten empty
arrets to Indian Well, to be left there as water barrels. Order all
'oops and parties which pass your post to cross the desert to send on
head to have these filled, if it should be necessary that this should be
one, from the number of men and animals in such party, and when
lat party leaves those wells to have some water left in each barrel that
; may not fall to pieces. I understand that Mr. George Williams, who
vcs at San Felipe, says he will deliver at Carriso Creek, and at
ackett's Wells, and at Indian Well some hay, if required. I wish yon
J contract with him, or any other responsible party, to put at once
fteen tons of hay at each of those places, if it can be done at what
lie Overland Mail Company last paid for hay delivered at those points.
1 am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JAMBS H. CAELETON,
Colonel First California Volunteers, Commandintj.
Headquabtebs Camp Weight,
Oak Grove, San Diego County, CaJ,, March 16, 1863.
iieut. B. C. CUTLEB,
Actg. Asst.Adjt. Gen., Southern Dist. of California, Los Angeles:
I have the honor to report the receipt of a letter (no date) from Mj^j.
5. A. Kigg, First Infantry California Volunteers, commanding at Fort
Inma, in which, after referring to certain movements of the enemy
vhich he has no doubt communicated to the colonel commanding the
listrict, he says : " I wish you would forward on without delay Captain
Jead's company of cavalry. I will have barley and rations for them at
ndian Well on the 16th instant, four days from this post, to meet his
;oinmand. What I now require is cavalry." The colonel commanding
siill not fail to notice that this must have been written after Major Eigg
vas apprised that the balance of Company A, First Cavalry California
^'olunteers, was en route to his post. I have kept here the ambulance
ind three of the teams that accompanied the battalion under Major
Honlt, the first presuming that it was intended to remain here and the
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934 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. (Ca*p.LXn.
teams until the three belonging to this post return from San Diego, in
case I should be required to re-enforce Fort "Yuma at short notice.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
J. R. WEST,
Lieutenant-Colonel First Infantry California Volunteers, Oomdg.
Headquarters District of Sottthbrn Calipobnia,
Gamp Drum, near New San Pedro, Cat,
Sunday Evenint/, March 16, 1862.
Lieut. Col. J. R. West,
First Infantry California Vols,, Comdg. at Camp Wright, Cal. :
CoLONEi,: Order Captain Greene's company to march to Fort Yuma
without delay. It will not take tents, but will take 10,000 rounds of
ammunition and rations only sufilcient for the march. The transporta-
tion can be the transportation of your camp, if none of the wagons
recently sent hence with forage and subsistence have reached you. It
they have come to hand, send only enough of the latter to get the com-
pany through. All of the wagons are much needed here, and great
reductions must be made in everything except ammunition and food
and forage, so as to have as few move with the troops as possible.
Look closely to this.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JAMES H. CARLETON,
Colonel First Cavalry California Volunteers, Commanding.
Note. — No one but Captain Greene need know the destination of
this company.
Headquarters District op Southern California,
Camp Brum, near New San Pedro, Cal, March 16, 1862 — 7 p. m.
Maj. E. A. Rioo,
First Infantry California Vols., Comdg. at Fort Yuma, Cal.:
Major: I have just received your note and Mr. Jones' statement.
Mead's company for lack of forage had been ordered to Camp Carleton.
It is fortunate you did not get it — the horses are so miserable forty-five
of them have since been condemned. I have just sent word to Fer-
gasson to send Captain Pishon's company to you, and if possible to get
it through the San Gorgonio Pass. It is possible, though hardly prob-
able, that Hunter may not have destroyed White's wheat and mill. If
White could have gotten together the Pimas, Hunter witli such a force
would have had a warm reception. McCleave is too good a soldier to
have been taken. I think you will find him all right. Now, if Hunter
has come over and destroyed that flour and any of the hay, there is the
gi-eater reason why McCleave and Pishon and Calloway take the trail
by Tinaja Alta, and falling suddenly upon Hunter destroy him. Troops
will not be expected by that route. Do this if possible, but keep spies
at least 100 miles in advance. If you find that the Texans at Gila City
have been playing the spy, hang them. I do not believe that Sibley
will send any 2,000 men to Tucson. I would not be surprised if he had
been whipped at Craig. It was right, in case he moved on Craig, to
send Hunter out toward California to give notice of any advance flrom
this quarter which would cut him off from Texas. You are ou the
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Chap. LXIl.) CORRESPOMDENCE UNION AND CONFEDERATE. 935
ground, and can make any demonstration on Hunter which can be done
with the three companies I have named, but no more troops must go in
advance of Fort Yuma until further orders. I have just ordered West
to send you Greene's company (G), First Infantry California Volunteers.
Keep me advised of everything of imi>ortauce which transpires around
you. All this will not prevent you from carrying out my orders about
the desert this side of Yuma. Of what you do in advance you must
be the judge. But yon must make no doubtful demonstration; you
must be sure of success.
I am, major, respectfully, yoor obedient servant,
JAMES H. OARLETON,
Colonel First Infantry California Volunteers, Commanding.
Note. — You yourself must not leave Fort Yuma. Do not be stam-
peded. Let everything you do be the result of deliberate calculation.
Keep your own counsel.
J. U. G.
Hdqes. First Regiment Cavalry Oregon Vols.,
Portland, Oreg., March 16, 1862.
[Brig. Gen. G. Wright:]
General: Yours of the 24th ultimo, notifying me of your authority
to modify instructions given to me by the War Department, under date
24th September last, is received, and, as you have ordered, I have
directed the organization of the six companies only which you mention.
To do so two companies, which are being recruited, will be transferred
to others not yet filled. Lientenant-Colouel Maury has two full com-
panies at Jacksonville and two more in process of organization in that
part of the State. I have another full company at Salem. The others
are being recruited at Oregon City, The Dalles, and these headquarters.
I think a sufficient number of men are recruited to complete the organ-
ization of the six companies allowed, and have therefore ordered
recruiting to be stopped until complete returns are rendered. As soon
as these returns can be obtained I will forward them as you have
directed. I hope to be able to do so by the first of next month.
I have the honor to be, general, very respectfully, your obedient
servant,
T. R. CORNELIUS,
Colonel First Regiment Cavalry Oregon Volunteers.
IlEADyUARTERS DISTRICT OP SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA,
Los Angeles, Gal., March 17, 1862. '
Col. George W. Bowie,
Fifth Infantry California Vols., Comdg, at Camp Latham, Gal. :
Colonel : I inclose herewith the copy of a letter which Mr. S. A.
Bishop, of Fort Tejon, informs me he received from a Mr. W. A. Greenly,
at Owen's Lake Valley. This letter represents that some serious diffi-
culties may be apprehended between the white people and the Indians
of that valley. You will at once order Lieutenant-Colonel Evans, Sec-
ond Cavalry California Volunteers, to proceed via Fort Tejon, the Tejon
Reservation, and Walker's Basin to Owen's Lake to inquire into the truth
of all the matters set forth in this letter which relate to the difficulties
just named. Lieutenant-Colonel Evans will have for an escort Captain
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936 OPEEATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Chap. LXIL
Winne, Lieutenant French, and Lieutenant Oliver, and forty men
picked from the three companies of cavalry at Camp Latham, and he
will leave Camp Latham for the scene of these apprehended difficulties
Wednesday morning, the 19th instant. The party will have forty days'
rations and 100 rounds of ammunition per man. Beef can be bought
upon the road, and barley at Fort Tejon and at Walker's Basin. I have
hoard that the white men went into Oweu's Lake Valley and took their
stock onto the fields of grass which is cultivated by those Indians, the
root of the grass being used by them as an article of food, and that, on
the Indians remonstrating with them, they persisted in keeping their
stock in these fields. The Indians in Owen's Lake Valley are known
to be an inoffensive, gentle race. Up to this time they have never
been hostile to the whites. They live mostly on the larvae of a fly which
lays its eggs upon the water of the lake. These are driven ashore by
the winds and gathered in large quantities for food. The Indians there
depend on this article and on the grass roots for their subsistence. So
you can judge that a people who require the use of no other weapons
than such as are necessary to procure these supplies are not very dan-
gerous as an enemy. It was the inteution of the (ioverument at one
time to make that region of country a reservation for all the Indians in
Southern California. Since the Washoe and Coso mines have been dis-
covered, people have gone into this valley with stock, to be convenient
to the mines for the sale of beef, &c., and the poor Indians are doubt-
less at a loss to know how to live, having their fields turned into pas-
tures whether they are willing or not willing. It is very possible, there-
fore, that the whites are to blame, and it is also probable that in strict
justice they should be compelled to move away and leave the valley to
its rightful owners. Another consideration must be taken into account.
The whites there may desire to have a military post in that vicinity, as
well to protect them as to be a market for their beef. The question
will be as to the necessity for such a post. If it shall prove on inquiry
that a military post should be established there, as Lieutenant-Colonel
Evans is now the only available cavalry field officer in the district who
could be sent to establish it, it would be well for him to have an eye to a
site, say for a two company cavalry post, while he is on the duty ordered
in this letter. Lieutenant Friuk will furnish Colonel Evans with three
of the wagons and teams which he has just received at San Pedro for
transportation. Lieutenant-Colonel Evans will make a written report
of his laborS; to be sent to General Wright, to whom I forward a copy
of this letter.
I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JAMES H. CA14LETON,
Colonel First California Volutiteers, Commanding.
Headquaetees Distbict of Southeen Califoenia,
Camp Drum, Cal., March 17, 1862.
Maj. D. FEEaxTSSON,
First Cavalry California Vols., Comdg, at Camp Carleton, Cal. :
Majoe : This will be handed to you by Mr. J. W. Jones. Mr. Jones
will inform you of the reasons why it is necessary for Captain Pishon
to move as quickly as possible; to carry rations in the haversacks of
the men, to carry barley in sacks, -to use pack-mules if they can be had,
and to go the route through the San Gorgouio Pass, if possible. Mr.
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lAP. LXII.] CORRESPONDENCE — UNION AND CONFEDERATE. 937
jnes will pilot bim over tlie road. No one mast know of the intelli-
3uce which Mr. Jones communicates to you except Captain Pisbou
id yourself.
I am, m^or, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
BEN. C. OUTLEE,
First Lieut., First Infty. Calif omia Vols., Actg. Asst. Adjt. Qen.
IlEADQUABTEES DiSTBICT OF SOUTHERN CALIPOENIA,
Camp J>rum, Cal., March 17, 1862,
laj. E. A. BlOO,
First Infantry California Vols., Commanding at Fort Yuma, Cal.:
Major : This letter will be banded to you by Mr. J. W. Jones, who
'ill make known to you the views of the colonel commanding in rela-
ion to the disposition of McCleave's and Pishon's companies of cavalry,
nd Calloway's company of infantry, increased to 100 strong. This
lovement has for its object the capture of the secession forces iu and
bout Tucson, Ariz. Ter., and the colonel directs me to remind you that
ime is now everything; that a bold and rapid movement is the only
hiug which will accomplish the object had in view, and that whatever
3 done, must be done without delay. The colonel commanding is
iiformed that Mr. J. W. Jones, of Fort Yuma, has about 5,000 pounds of
;ood corn which he will sell at 5 cents per pound. You are at liberty
o buy it, and 20,000 pounds more of corn or barley, if you can get it.
Ton are also at liberty to buy Mr. Jones' mules, say not to exceed
wenty, at a fair price. He says that some six of them are worth $200
ipiece; the remainder $125 apiece. You may need these males for
kIcCleave's expedition against Tucson. Work quick, night and day,
md you are bound, all of you, to get immense credit. If you can,
lestroy or capture Hunter and his men and send me their flag. The
jolonel commanding desires that you have as little barley consumed at
,rour post as possible. If Hunter is taken, his horses should be brought
lown as far as Grinnel's on that good grass. McCleave's and Pishon's
lorses, in this event, will be kept at the Pima Villages, the troops
laving intrenched themselves, and the prisoners marched down to Fort
STuma by a guard of infantry and but few mounted men. This will
»et the horses fat and in good condition for any work which you may
Hereafter turn up east of the Pima Villages, and prevent your barley
[rom being eaten up. The colonel commanding directs that Assistant
Surgeon McKee accompany the command on the trail. Since writing
to you about the x)emmican, it is decided by the colonel commanding
bhat you cannot wait for it. Mr. Jones will tell yoa about taking
rations, and about getting supplies at Tucson, if the party is success-
ful; if not successful, and they cannot purchase beef, they will not
starve as long as they have horses and mules. But above all things,
do not break everything down by carrying unnecessary baggage and
prisoners. On all of these points consult with Mr. Jones, who has been
over the country; figure closely, but figure quick. Be sure that every
mounted man has an empty sack for barley, and that the infantry com-
pany take intrenching tools.
In conclusion, the colonel commanding directs me to say to you that
if the infantry pass up the road by where the copper-mine road turns
off, a day in advance of the time when the cavalry turns off to go
toward the copper mine, the enemy's spies will report on the advance
of the infantry and not wait to report on the advance of the cavalry.
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938 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Chap. LXIL
In order to trap these spies, a small party should be in ambnsh
ahead of the infantry to stop every soul going that way. The cavalry
should then march half a day apart until they get near Tucson, so
that if they have spies on the trail tiiey will run and tell half the
strength of the command, not waiting to see the other half. If our
tbrce is shrewd, and knows the strength of the enemy in advance of
them, which they ought, and doubtless will know from the Indians
themselves, it would seem that it would be impossible for them to fail
in taking Tucson. In case of success, every secession man in that
town must be brought to Fort Yuma. The party, besides, must
endeavor to catch Colonel Beily, if possible. He has gone down
toward Hermosilla with twenty men. The instructions in relation to
Brevoort are still in force. There must be no surrender. If tlie party
is obliged to retreat, from falling in with an overwhelming force, they
must fall back, fighting inch by inch until they get back.
I am, major, very respectfitlly, &c.,
BEN. C. CUTLER,
First Lieut., First Infty. California VoU,, Actg. Asst. Adjt. Oen.
Headquartees Department of the Pacific,
San Francisco, March 18, 1862.
Brig. Gen. L. Thomas,
Adjutant-General U. 8. Army, Washington, D. C:
General : On the 14th instant I had the honor to acknowledge (by
telegraph) the receipt of your dispatch of the 12th* relieving Major-
General McClellau from the command of the military departments,
excepting that of the Potomac, and directing that hereafter reports be
made direct to the Secretary of War. A company of marines having
been landed at the navy-yard, Mare Island, from the U. S. flag-ship
Lancaster, the presence there of the thirty soldiers of the Third Artil-
lery, as a guard, was no longer required. The detachment has accord-
ingly been withdrawn to its proper station on Alcatraz Island. With
the view of placing the city and harbor of San Francisco in the best
possible state of defense in case of a foreign war, I have, as you are
already advised, caused reconnaissance to be made and sites selected
for the erection of field-works. I found that our greatest embarrass-
ment was likely to proceed from the want of heavy guns, and I accord-
ingly addressed a communication to Capt. W. H. Gardner, U. S. Navy,
commanding the navy-yard at Mare Island, on the subject. My ictter
to Captain Gardner and his reply are both herewith inclosed,t The
eighty-nine guns which are placed at my disposal will materially aid
us in making up the armament for the batteries. I propose to use every
heavy gun I can command for the defense of this city and harbor.
Althongh there are several points on the Pacific Coast that are exposed
to capture by a hostile fleet, yet, in case of a war, San Fi-ancisco wonhl
first attract the enemy's attention. The loss of San Francisco and
harbor involves also the loss of our navy-yard and our military arsenal
at Benicia. In fact, it destroys for the time all our commerce on the
Pacific. Hence this place should be made impregnable.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
G. WRIGHT,
Brigadier-Oeneral, U. 8. Army, Commanding.
* See President's war order, No. 3, Mareh 11, Vol. V, p. 54.
t See Wright to Gardner, March 12, p. 921, and Gardner to Wright, March 15, p. 926.
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chap. lxii.] correspondence union and confederate. 939
Special Orders, ) Hdqrs. Fifth Infty. Calipoknia Vols.,
No. 7. ) Camp Latham, March 18, 1862.
Lieut. Col. George S. Evans, Second Cavalry California Volunteers,
will proceed at once via Fort Tejon and Tejon Reservation, Walker's
Basin, to Owen's Lake, and inquire into the truth of the matter set
forth in the letter of W. A. Greenly to Mr. Bishop (a copy of which is
herewith inclosed).* Lieutenant-Colonel Evans will have for an escort
Captain Winne, Second Lieutenant Oliver, and First Lieutenant French,
Second Cavalry California Volunteers, and forty men picked from the
three companies of cavalry California volunt«ers at this camp, and will
leave Camp Latham for Owen's Lake Wednesday morning, the 19th
instant. The party will take forty days' rations and 100 rounds of
ammunition. Lientenant Frink, acting regimental quartermaster, Fifth
Infantry California Volunteers, will furnish them wagons and teams for
the transportation of Lieutenant-Colonel Evans' command. For the
guidance of Lieutenant-Colonel Evans in the premises, I herewith
inclose a copy of letter of instructions to me March 17, 1862, by Colonel
Carleton, commanding the District of Southern California.t
G. W. BOWIE,
Colonel Fifth Infantry California Vols., Comdg. Camp Latham.
Headquarters,
Fort Yuma, March 30, 1862.
Col. James H. Carleton,
Commanding Southern District, Lo» Angela, Cat. :
Colonel : I have the honor to inclose, for the information of the
district commander, letter received this morning from Lieut. James
Barrett, commanding detachment First Cavalry at Stanwix Eanch
(Grinnel's). The colonel will find that my fears exjiressed in a former
communication have been realized. Captain McCIeave is a prisoner
with his detachment of eight men; also Mr. White, of the Pimas,
and his mill bnrned, and grain, it is reasonable to suppose, destroyed.
I have ordered Lieutenant Barrett to keep a good lookout on the
road, and if they should approach his post in any numbers to fall
back on the reserve. I have also ordered Lieutenant Nichols, who
has relieved Lieutenant Harvey, at Mission Camp, on account of the ill
health of the latter, to throw his detachment forward, so that he will
be near to support Lieutenant Barrett if required. Detachment of
First Infantry, under Lientenant Taylor, at Mission Camp, is near
enongh to render them assistance if required. The detachments of
cavalry are now so quartered at the diflierent stations between Gila
City and Grinnel's that I receive dispatches from there in eight hours.
I have instructed Lieutenants Barrett and Nichols that in the case of
an equal number of their cavalry coming against them, to give them a
fight and dispatch an express at once to me, in which case I can throw
forward a howitzer to their assistance. My opinion is that they will
approach in this direction very carefully, knowing, from the fiict of
meeting with Captain McCIeave, that troops are on the road. I have
employed the messenger I sent to Tucson. He is the Spaniard alluded
to in Lieutenant Barrett's dispatch, and can be depended upon. He is
intelligent and faithful. The post is in a very good state of defense,
and I have no fears of being able to hold it against any odds that may
approach it. I have understood since I made the requisition on Lieu-
*Nut found. t See p. 936.
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940 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Chap. LXIL
tenant-Colonel West, at Camp Wright, that Captain Mead's company
of cavalry had been ordered back to Camp Carleton, which is to be
regretted, as I coald use him to good advantage now. Bations and
forage have been at Cooke's Wells, Alamo, and Indian Well since
the IGth for seventy-five men and animals. Indian Well will reqaire
repairing. There should be oue-half-iiich lumber sent there, and a new
well dug. The lumber we have not at the post. I will, however, try
and get some here, and send a few men out to fix it up. The water
beds will be ready for use on the 26th. Their ca])acity will be nearly
600 gallons each. Lieutenant Harvey has just arrived and re]>ort'S the
hay party getting along swimmingly. They are getting in fine hay.
Mr. Noyes, partner of Mr. White, arrived last evening and thinks he
will not go forward, having learned here of the destruction of their
mill and other property at the Pimas. He has written to you by this
express. Another company of cavalry will effectually block up the
road between this post and Grinnel's, or beyond it, and will enable us
in return to reciprocate. Although a whole staff would not compen-
sate us for the loss of Captain McCleave, his anxiety about the safety
of Mr. Jones, as represented by Mr. Grinnel, induced him to advance
so far forward, and the result has been bis capture. I have just
learned from Captain Johnson that we can get lumber enough from
the steam-boat company to fix the well at Indian Well. I will have
the frame made here and sent out with men enough to dig a new one,
which will furnish an abundance of water for any ordinary purposes or
number of animnls. Captain Johnson arrived last evening with his
mechanics to build a new boat. He looks for it about the 1st of April,
and expects to have it running in six weeks from that time.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
EDWIN A. RIGG,
Major First Infantry California Volunteers, Commanding.
[Inclosure.]
Stanwix Station, March 19, 1862.
Maj. E. A. Rioa,
First Infantry California Vols., Comdg. at Fort Yvma :
Major: The man King and the Spaniard just arrived here fi-om the
Pimas. They were at White's place. It was all burned. The captain
and his party were captured by a party of about thirty some twenty
miles this side of the villages, and tied hand and foot. White is also
carried off. He was servwl in like manner. There was no fighting.
The rebels returned to Tucson, and were not seen for ten days previous
to the arrival of King and the Mexican, but while they were there the
chief ran in and told them that the rebels were coming from Tucson.
They started immediately, closely followed by the secessionists. They
cannot tell how many, but they avoided them by taking the cut off.
King knows the country well, and executed his mission well and faith-
fully. He made the trip there and back in sixty-four hours. There
was a haystack burned up about twenty-three miles this side of the
Pima Villages, which he supposes was furnished by White. There was
no sign of any party having been any nearer this way.
JAMES BARRETT,
Second Lieutenant, First Cavalry California Volunteers.
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Chap. LXII.) CORRESPONDENCE UNION AND CONFEDERATE. 941
Headquaetkes District of Southeen Califoenia,
Los Angeles, Gal., March 20, 1862.
Col. Geoege W. Bowie,
Fifth Infty. California Vols., Comdg. at Camp Latham, Cal. :
Colonel : Have Captaia Smith's company (B), Fifth Infantry Cali-
fornia Volunteers, prepared for active field service according to the
requirements of General Orders, No. 3, current series, from these head-
quarters. The articles of company property not needed on the march
should be boxed up and turned in to the depot at San Pedro for storage.
The company will be furnished with twenty rounds of ammunition per
man and ten days' rations of subsistence. Orders for the movement of
Company B will be sent to you in two days. Circumstances connected
with the movement of troops in and from this district render it neces-
sary that you should hold your whole regiment ready to take the field
at an hour's notice. The companies remaining with you should be
taught the skirmish drill, and be proficient in their target practice in
the shortest time practicable. I shall not feel surprised to get an order
for your whole regiment to go with me on an expedition now organizing
under the general's direction.
I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JAMES H. OARLBTON,
Colonel First California Volunteers, ComnMnding.
Headquaetees Disteict of Southeen Caxipoenia,
Los Angeles, Cal., March 20, 1862.
Lieut. Col. J. R. West,
First Infantry California Vols., Comdg. at Camp Wright, Cal.:
Colonel : Soper's company may come via Temecula, and not go to
Camp Wright. No cavalry will for the present move by the way of
Camp Wright to Yuma. All wagons not absolutely necessary at Camp
Wright must be sent at once to San Pedro. You were right in retain-
ing the ambulance. The shoes which you have are all we have in store.
I have written for 400 pairs of sevens, eights, and nines for Camp
Wright.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JAMES H. CARLBTON,
Colonel First California Volunteers, Commanding.
Special Ordees, ) Headquaetees District op Oregon,
No. 7. 5 Fort Vancouver, Wash. Ter., March 20, 1862.
Assoon as steam-boat communication with The Dalles is re-established
Company B (Fitch's), Fourth Infantry California Volunteers, will pro-
ceed to Fort DaUes and relieve the present garrison, Company A
(Smith's), Second Infantry California Volunteers. When relieved Cap-
tain Smith with his company will proceed to and take post at Fort
Vancouver, Wash. Ter. The detachment at the Warm Springs Reserva-
tion will be relieved as soon as i)os8ible and join its company at this
place. The quartermaster's department will furnish the necessary
transportation for these movements.
A. CADY,
Lieutenant-Colonel Seventh Infantry, Commanding District.
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942 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Ohap.LXH.
Hdqbs. Second Bkgiment Texas Moxtnted Bifles,
Mesilla, March 20, 1862.
Captain Helm,
Commanding Arizona Guards :
Sib : I learn from Lieut J. J. Jackson that the Indians have been
in to your post for the purpose of making a treaty. The Congress of
the Confederate States has passed a law declaring extermination to all
hostile Indians. Yon will therefore use all means to persuade the
Apaches or any tribe to come in for the purpose of making peace, and
when you get them together kill all the grown Indians and take the
children prisoners and sell them to defray the expense of killing the
Indians. Buy whisky and such other goods as may be necessary for
the Indians and I wiU order vouchers given to cover the amount
expended. Leave nothing undone to insure success, and have a suffi-
cient number of men around to allow no Indian to escape. Say noth-
ing of your orders until the time arrives, and be cautious how you let
the Mexicans know it. If you can't trust them send to Captain
Aycock, at this place, and he will send thirty men ftom his company —
but use the Mexicans if they can be trusted, as bringing troops from
here might excite suspicion with the Indians. To your judgment I
intrust this important matter and look to you for success against these
cursed pests who have already murdered over 100 men in this Territory.
I am, &c., yours, with great respect,
JOHN R. BAYLOB,
Colonel Commanding Second Regiment Texas Mounted Bifles.
Adjutant-Genebal's Opfiob,
March 21, 1862.
Brig. Gen. Gboegb Weight, U. S. Volunteers,
Comdg. Department of the Pacific, San Francisco, Cal. :
The Secretary of War directs you to make the necessary preparations
and disposition of your troops to protect emigrants and the Overland
Mail Route from Indian hostilities and depredations. Report what you
can do. Can Colonel Carleton have the immediate direction f
L. THOMAS,
Adjutant- General.
Headquabtebs,
Fort Yuma, March 21, 1862.
Col. Jaues H. Cableton,
Commanding Southern District, Los Angeles, Cal. :
Colonel : The express for district headquarters had been made up
and gone when your express arrived bringing communications from the
colonel commanding. I have the honor to report that a party under
the command of First Lieutenant Benson, First Infantry California
Volunteers, started early this morning to put the wells on the desert
in good repair as far as Carriso Creek. I gave instructions to Lieuten-
ant Benson to have a new well dug at Indian Well, and forwarded lum-
ber for that purpose. I had already four barrels sunk and filled with
water at Indian Well and the Alamo (each four). I have also the honor
to report that the Indians alluded to at Indian Well have not been
seen there, or in the neighborhood, for several weeks. I will see that
they do not use the wells in future. But three horses of Company A,
First Cavalry, are at this post. These are kept for express purposes
between this post and Mission Camp. The hay which has been cou-
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Chap.LXII.] correspondence UNION AND CONFEDERATE. 943
sumed by tbem will be replaced as fast as I can find transportation for
it. I would respectfully state to the colonel commanding that we are
sadly deficient in tools for getting in a large quantity of hay, and also
in transportation for it, having had but three wagons at the post until
the arrival of the clothing with three more, which I have been using
for that purpose. The teams which arrived with Oaptain McCleave's
company returned to Camp Wright on the 13th, carrying rations and
forage to the Alamo and Indian Well. If the post was supplied with
more transportation I could comply with very nearly all that the dis-
trict commander requires, except perhaps IMlot Knob. The district
commander will find from Mr. Grinnel's report that with the exception
of Antelope Peak there have been ten tons of hay furnished at all the
stations between Mission Camp and Grinnel's. There are now at Mis-
sion Camp ten tons of hay, and the party under Lieutenant Taylor is
busily engaged in hauling to that post. I have the honor to report,
also, that one team left this morning with baled hay for the Alamo. It
is only for want of transportation that any failure can occur. Mr.
Yager reports for the information of the district commander that he
will have 200 head of beef-cattle here in a very short time, and can fur-
nish as many more as may be required by sending word to his agent,
B, Weld, San Felipe. He can concentrate any number at that point,
where good grazing can be procured. Ho suggests that from that point
he can forward in six days in gooil order as many as will be requir«»d
from him. I have the honor to report that the brig Rice sailed on the
4th of March, instead of the 24th of February, for the mouth of the
river. His instructions in reference to her will be complied with.
Captain Johnson, who has just arrived here, assures me that there is
no mistake about the date of sailing. I have also the honor to report,
for the information of the colonel commanding district, that Mr. Ehodes
lost a large number of his cattle daring the overflow. I have sent to
him to know how many he has and his price for tbem delivered on this
side of the river, or at Gila City, and their age and probable weight
(average). In conclusion, acting assistant quartermaster's trimonthly
report shows the means of transportation at this post, which is
increased by three teams from Camp Wright, and which I have detained.
All of which is respectfully submitted.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
EDWIN A. BIGG,
Major First Infantry California Volunteers, Oommanding.
Headquabtebs Depabtment of the Pacific,
San Francisco, March 22, 1862.
Brig. Gen. L. Thomas,
Adjutant-General U. S, Army, Washington, D. C:
General: Inclosed herewith is a communication which I have
received from Col. Thomas E. Cornelius, First Cavalry Oregon Volun-
teers.* So soon as Colonel Cornelius shall have perfected the organi-
zation of the six companies he will be ordered to the eastern frontier of
Oregon and Washington to maintain peace between the Indians and a
very large niimber of our own people now there or en route for the gold
mines.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
G. WRIGHT,
Brigadier- General, U. 8. Army, Commanding.
* See March 16, p. 935.
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944 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Chap.LXII.
Camp Deum, March 22, 1862.
Brig. Gen. George Wright,
San Francisco, Cal.:
My Dear General : You will have seen by copies of my corre-
spondence sent on the Wright that 100 Goufederate cavalry, commanded
by a Captain Hunter, C. S. Army, entered Tucson, Ariz. Ter., on the
28th day of February. The next day a Colonel Eeily and two subal-
terns and twenty rank and file, C. S. Army, as escort, arrived there.
Two days afterward this latter party went to Colt's mine, where Colonel
Lally has charge, and thence proceeded to Hermosillo, Souora, where
Colonel Keily expected to meet Governor Pesqueira. Before this Reily
left Tucson the Confederate flag was raised in that town with some
ceremony, Keily making a speech on the occasion on the public plaza.
After Reily had departed toward Hermosillo, Hunter was to proceed
to Pima Villages to destroy some 300,000 pounds of wlieat there, the
property of a Mr. White. This Mr. White was grinding some of this
wheat into flour for the use of our troops. Captain Hunter is said to
have threatened to hang White. He was to have arrived at the Pima
Villages on the 7th instant. Captain McCleave, First Cavalry Califor-
nia Volunteers, with some eight men, had left Fort Yuma to scout in
that direction, and was doubtless in the neighborhood of or at the
Pima Villages about the time that Hunter said he would be there. So
it is possible that McCleave has been captured, though in my opinion
not probable. As Sibley moved on Fort Craig I imagine he sent Hun-
ter to Tucson to give notice of any advance from California of troops
liable to jeopardize his return to El Paso. I fear he overcame the
forces sent against him by Canby. If so, perhaps he is already master
of New Mexico. If not, he may have fallen back on Mesilla, which is
below the Jornado del Muerto. From thence he may make a demon-
stration westward, having in view the secession of Sonora from Mexico
and its accession to the Confederate States; else why this mission of
this full Colonel Reily. Sibley had four regiments of infantry, so my
spies were informed by Hunter, a large body of cavalry, and a battery
of howitzers. He now has Mr. McRae's battery, captured from Canby,
so that if he remains below the Jornado he is quite formidable. I do
not think if he is beaten that liis forces can recover from the shock in
time to help Captain Hunter, so that the cavalry which goes from
Yuma to Tucson by a trail, or the 100 infantry which go to the Pima
Villages, may beat up the quarters of Hunter and make tliem a little
warm for him. By forced marches the cavalry will be at Tucson by
the Ist of April, If this force is successful, it will try to catch Reily
and his escort. I did not think it advisable to let Captain | Hunter | and
Colonel Reily come so near to us without giving them an intimation
that we are aware of what they are doing, to say the least. If Sibley
has fallen back on Mesilla, and the handful of men which I have
pushed forward to Tucson captures that town,, he may move that
way to recover it. Our cavalry, if successful, will fall baek on the
Pima Villages, and there, in conjunction with the 100 infantry, will
intrench themselves. In case they are menaced they can be re-enforced
from Yuma or fall back on that fort, according to the strength sent out
against them. I cannot afiford to have so much cavalry at Yuma unless
it is driven there, as it would eat up all the barley at that place. I
hope all this will meet with your approval. Sibley's presence on the
Rio Grande makes the recapture of Fillmore, Bliss, and Thorn not so
easy a task as when those places were held by Baylor and his 900 men.
Therefore, as it is your purpose to have the force under my command
make a demonstration in that direction, I submit if it would not be well
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CHAP. LXTI] CORRESPONDENCE UNION AND CONFEDERATE. 945
to have Bowie's regiment ready to assist ine in case it should be neces-
sary for it to do so. When I move, if I take and hold Tucson, I can
doubtless supply myself in a great measure from Sonora, and send
back my train for Bowie, who can be at Yuma, so that we should
need no additional transportation, bat should need additional sup-
plies of provisions and barley sent around by steam to the month of
the Colorado to be there in time. Could not the Active bring their
supplies around? It is even yet impossible, from the miry condition
of the roads, to haul any supplies from San Diego to Camp Wright.
An empty train cannot go from Temecula to San Diego. I am getting
supplies out upon the road from here as fast as possible. As soon as I
hear that the brig Rice is at the mouth of the Colorado I desire t6
move. The weather upon the desert is getting to be very hot, even
now. 1 trust the funds will be down on the Senator, It will be well to
have a good supply of subsistence stores and barley at Yuma. It will
be a very important anchor to the windward in case you should wish to
re-enforce me. I do not ask for another man now, because before any
more expenses are incurred I wish to know more certainly what I am to
encounter. You have seen that Major Davidson and a score of others
junior to myself are brigadier-generals. I feel that I am not thought
to be worthy of advancement by those in authority, yet I shall do my
best to carry out your wishes, and honestly and faithfully to discharge
my duties to the country.
Sincerely, yours,
JAMES H. CARLETON.
Headquarters Camp Carleton,
On San Oabriel River, near El Monte, Cal., March 22, 1362.
Maj. R. C. Drum,
Asst. Adjt. den,, Hdqrs. Dept. of the Pacific, San Francisco, Cal.:
Major : In compliance with the requirements of paragraph 467 of
the Revised Regulations of the Army, I have the honor to report the
following changes in the location of the troops under my command, viz :
First. On the ICth instant Company E, First Cavalry California Volun-
teers, which arrived at Camp Carleton, near San Bernardino, from
Camp Wright, left for this present camp and arrived here on the 17th
instant, per instructions from district headquarters, dated the 14th
instant. Second. Company D, First Cavalry California Volunteers,
was transferred to Fort Yuma on the 18th instant, per instructions
from district headquarters dated the ICth instant. Third. On the 20th
instant the headquarters and Company B, First Cavalry California
Volunteers, left Camp Carleton, near San Bernardino, Cal., and marched
to this present camp, arriving here on the 21st instant, per instructions
from district beadquarters, dated the 14th instant. The tri-monthly
return of this command of this date, and this day transmitted to yon,
is an exact return as required by the paragraph of regulations above
quoted. This camp is situated on the right bank of the San Gabriel
River, four miles northeast from El Monte, the nearest post-oflBce, and
which is distant thirteen miles from Los Angeles. Wood, water, and
grass are abundant. Supplies of grain and fresh beef, the former at
from 2 to 2f cents per pound, and the latter at $12 per head on the
hoof, can be obtained as required. No other military resources.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
D. FERGUSSON,
Major, Firtt Cavalry California Volunteers, Commanding.
60 R R— VOL L, PT I
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946 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. (Chai-. LXIL
Headqtjaetees Camp Oarleton,
On San Gabrie. Biver, near HI Monte, Cal., March J32, 1862.
Lieat. Ben. C. Cxttlee,
Actg. Assf. Adjt. Gen., Camp Drum, near San Pedro, Cal.:
Sir : I have the honor to report that I arrived here with headquar-
ters First Cavalry and Company B, First Cavalry California Volunteers,
yesterday afternoon, having left old Camp Cavleton on the morning of
the 20th instant. The camp is situated at the ])oint where Captain
Mead was placed by Lieut. L. Hammond, about four miles northeast
from the Monte, which is the nearest post-office. 1 have respectfully
to request Instructions on the point touched upon in my letter of the
10th instant, in regard to the disposition to be made of subsistence,
forage, lumber (a trifling quantity), and property of Companies A and
D, First Cavalry California Volunteers, left at Camp Carleton, near
San Bernardino. I have had instructions to send such subsistence as
was left after moving camp to Temescal under charge of Lieutenant
Coleman and fourteen men, but as the entire amount does not exceed
6,000 pounds, 1 deemed it for the interest of the service to await further
instructions before sending it to Temescal. The property of Companies
A and D I had not transportation to send to Camp Wright with. It
will require, I fear, three wagons. Two might possibly take it; then
two wagons would bring the subsistence here, or take it to Temescal,
and it will require live wagons to remove the forage. This morning I
returned five wagons to old Camp Carleton ; two of them belong to
this camp. Three are in charge of Mr. Miller, who brought the arms
from San Pedro, and were sent back to bring the rifles and all pertain-
ing to rifles here, en route to San Pedro, as directed. One was sent
belonging to Lieutenant Ilammond's train at his request. I instructed
Lieutenant Coleman to send back Miller's wagons with the rifles, &c.,
at once, and keep the rest until further orders. I had to leave two
foundered horses at the camp also. One belonged to the Second Cav-
alry California Volunteers, and was ridden by Sergeant Eoberts, of
Company B, Second Cavalry California Volunteers, when he brought
the detachment of Company D, First Cavalry California Volunteers.
An express just arrived here with some printed department orders,
but no instructions on the point above referred to, as I expected. The
wagons will arrive at old Camp Carleton to-morrow night, and I am
anxious to have no delay occur for want of instructions. The two
wagons that left with Captain Pishon's company on the 18th instant
are there now also, and the four wagons sent with Lieutenant Barrett's
detachment on the 2d instant will probably be there in a day or two.
I have to report that the estimate sent for stationery a month ago has
not been complied with, and my facilities for writing are execrable.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
D. FERGUSSON,
Major, First Cavalry California Volunteers, Commanding.
Headquarters District op Southern California,
Los Angeles, Cal., March 22, 1862.
Maj. E. A. RiGG,
First Infantry California Tols., Comdg. at Fort Yuma, Cal. :
Major : Inclosed is a list of some tools for cutting hay, some rope for
baling hay, some boxes of Sharps carbine ammunition, some carbines,
some navy revolvers, and twelve long-handled shovels for intrenching.
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Chap. LXU.] CORRESPONDENCE UNION AND CONFEDERATE. 947
I also send 5,000 ponuds of i>emmican, to be used by men in making
forced marches where it is necessary for every man to carry several
days' rations of food in his haversack, and to be used where parties
are liable to be besieged. This lot of tools. &c., goes on a train of
fifteen wagons. If the force is saccessfal which has gone to Tucson, I
want a company of infantry, one of your best — say Captain Smith's,
Fifth Infantry California Volunteers — ^to proceed to the fine grazing
near Grinnel's and there intrench itself, working night and day if neces-
sary, being careful to have permanent water close by, with no position,
say, within 800 yards that commands it. All the wagons you can
spare, including these fifteen, are to take barley to that point, and
rations for the company for sixty days. I wish to have 150,000 pounds
of barley put there at the earliest practicable moment, to be guarded
by the infantry company until needed by the troops who are to operate
against the Tontos. In case of necessity the sacks of barley would
make a good breast- work, but if the company is what I have heard it
is in the way of excellence, it can make itself perfectly secure from
any force that can be sent against it. There is to be no surrender
when once they have gotten there. As these teams return for more
barley they can deposit hay at points this side of Grinnel's, where it
may be needed. The troops can get beef of Grinnel. All this is to be
done in case our troops at Tucson have been successful, and in case it
can be done without too much risk. In case, in your judgment, it would
not be safe to send this company, from causes known to you, but not
known to me, you are to keep it at your post, and return all the wagons
you can spare to report to me.
I am, major, very respectfuUv, your obedient servant,
JAMES H. CARLETON,
Colonel First California Volunteers. Commanding.
San Fuancisco, (Jai,., March 22, 1862,
Orion Clemens,
Acting Governor, Carson City, Nev. Ter. :
The general will not consent to send any troops to Owen's River.
RICHD. C. DRUM,
Assistant Adjutant- General.
San Francisco, Oal., March 22, 1862.
Capt. E. A. EowE,
Commanding Fort Churchill, Nev. Ter. :
No troops will be sent to Owen's River.
By order:
RICHD. C. DRUM,
Assistant Adjutant-General,
Generai. Orders, ) Headquarters,
No. 1. ) Fort Anderson, March 22, 1862.
The Fort Anderson Military District comprises all that region of
country lying between Redwood Creek on the south and Klamath
River on the north.
By order of C. D. Douglas, captain commanding:
P. B. JOHNSON,
Second Lieutenant and Post Adjutant.
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948 opeeations on the pacific coast. toaap.l.xii.
General Obdebs, ) Headquabtebs,
No. 2. ) Fort Anderson, March 22, 1862.
All officers, guides, and men of this command arc strictly prohibited
from killing or wounding any Indian unless in self-defense, in action, or
by order of a superior officer. Any disobedience of this order will subject
the offender to immediate arrest and trial by court-martial at Fort
Humboldt, the penalty being death. All whites residing in the Fort
Anderson Military District who shall wantonly kill or maim any Indian
will be prosecuted with the utmost rigor of the law, military and civil.
By order of 0. D. Douglas, captain commanding:
P. B. JOHNSON,
Second Lieutenant and Post Adjutant.
Speoiax, Obdebs, ) Hdqbs. Dist. of Southebn Oalifoenia,
No. 31. J Lo8 Angeles, Gal., March 23, 18(12.
I. Colonel Bowie, Fifth Infantry California Volunteers, will order
Company B, of his regiment, to take up its line of march for Camp
Wright, Cal., on Monday, the 24th instant. The company will be pre-
pared for field service, agreeably to General Orders, No. 3, current
series, and to a letter of instructions dated the 20th instant, both from
these headquarters. The transportation will be two of the wagons sent
yesterday by Captain Moore, assistant quartermaster, to Camp Latham.
The third wagon sent there by Captain Moore will be laden with barley
and accompany the other two.
• ••••••
By order of Colonel Carleton :
BEN. C. CUTLER,
First Lieut., First In/ty, California Vols., Actg. Asst. Adjt. Gen.
Headquabtebs Distbict of Southern Califoenia,
Los Angeles, Gal., March 23, 1862.
Maj. D. Febgusson,
First Cavalry Gali/omia Volunteers,
Commanding at Camp Carleton, near El Monte, Cal. :
Majob : If you have Boland in confinement on other charges than
those for escaping Irom the guard you can send him for trial to Camp
Latham, if the charges are of a capital offense. The subsistence stores
and barley now at old Camp Carleton will be move<l to Temescal, as
directed in my letter of the 14th instant. The lumber you can send to
the depot quartermaster at New San Pedro. This done, 1 desire tliat
every wagon and team pertaining to your camp except one, and the
ambulance and te/am, be sent without delay to Captain Moore, assistant
quartermaster, U. S. Army, at New San Pedro, Cal. Have the three
foundered horses taken to Temescal. Tlie office furniture and all other
property pertaining to your command not required for field service,
agreeably with what is set forth in Orders, No. 3, current series, from
these headquarters, had better be transferred without delay to the
depot quartermaster at New San Pedro, Cal., for storage. Give Lieu-
tenant James a leave for four days after Lieutenant Wardwell returns.
You will doubtless receive a few horses from Oregon by next Senator.
The general will not order any to be bought to replace those con-
demned, for the present. So you must put those Into the best condi-
tion possible for the immediate field service. Have all your horses
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CHAP. LXn.] CORRESPONDENCE — UNION AND CONFEDERATE. 949
carefully shod, commencing with the best horsea, and forbid any horse
being ridden faster than a trot except by order. Have as few express-
men upon the road as possible, and as few men on detached service,
mounted, as possible. I doubt if you remain in your present camp
over ten days at farthest, so that you can make all your arrangements
about forage, subsistence stores, &c., accordingly. Forbid any mounted
passes.
I am, major, very respectftilly, your obedient servant,
JAMES H. CARLETON,
Colonel First California Volunteers, Commanding.
Note. — Have your men drill at target practice with the carbine,
commencing at seventy yards and progressing upward ten yards per
day to 150 yards, three shots each distance.
J. H. 0.
Headqtjaetees Depaetment op the Pacific,
San Francisco, Cal,, March 24, 1862.
Col. Thomas R. Cornelius,
Oregon Volunteers, Portland, Oreg. :
Sib : The commissary of subsistence has been directed by the gen-
eral commanding the department to forward to Jacksonville subsistence
for twenty days for four companies of your battalion. The general
desires you to concentrate your battalion preparatory to marching to
the Walla Walla country. As it is very expensive in consequence of
the many difBculties of sending sapplies to Jacksonville, you will draw
the companies to the Willamette Valley as soon as the roads are passa-
ble. Supplies for your command will be forwarded from San Francisco.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
EICHD. O. DRUM,
Assistant Adjutant-General.
Headqttaetees District op Southern Calipoenia,
New San Pedro, Cal., March 25, 1862.
Col. Geoege W. Bowie,
Fifth Infantry California Vols., Comdg. at Camp Latham, Cal. :
Colonel: The colonel commanding directs that you turn over to
First Lieutenant Shinn, Third U. S. Artillery, such quantity of canis-
ter shot for 12-pounder mountain howitzers as you may have on hand;
also twenty-nine rounds of spherical-case shot for 12-pouuder mountain
howitzers, and snfBcieut powder from your blank cartridges to enable
these rounds of howitzer ammunition to be fired from field pieces.
Lieutenant Shinn will receipt to you for these articles, and you can
replace them by making a requisition on the ordnance officer at Benicia.
Lieutenant Shinn goes to Camp Latham on an experimental trip with his
battery. He will not attach himself to your camp, but you can furnish
him with the fuel, forage, and subsistence stores he may require, for
which Lieutenant Hammond will receipt to your quartermaster. The
colonel commanding also directs that you at once send all of your teams
to Los Angeles to haul to Camp Latham all of the barley stored in the
depot at Los Angeles, as the depot is to be given up by the Govern-
ment on the 31st instant.
I am, colonel, very respectftilly, your obedient servant,
BEN. C. CUTLER,
First Lieut., First Infty. California Vols., Actg. Asst. Adjt. Oen.
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950 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Chap. LXn.
Headquarters District of Southern California,
New San Pedro, Gal., March 25, 1862.
First Lieut. John B. Shinn,
Commanding Light Company A, Third Artillery, U. 8. Army:
Lieutenant : The colonel commanding directs that yon leave this
camp at H o'clock tomorrow morning with your battery complete, witb
one day's forage secured and arranged as for service, with the detacli-
ments in marcliing order, and having their blankets and all their
eflTects properly fixed, ana that you march to Gamp Latham, Cal.,
where you will encamp for two nights and return to this camp on the
28th instant.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
BEN. O. CUTLER,
First Lieut., First Infty. California Vols., Aetg. Asst, Adjt. Oen.
Headquarters,
Fort Yuma, Cal., March 23, 1862.
Col. James H. Carleton,
Commanding District of Southern California:
Colonel : I have the honor to report to yon that Captain Calloway's
company (I), First Infantry California Volunteers, moved from this
I)Ost on the evening of the 22d, and will reach Grinnel's on the 28th,
having laid over one day at Mission Camp to allow for rations to move
up, employing his whole force there at cutting hay. He left Mission
Camp on the morning of the 25th. Captain McCleave's company are at
Grinnel's to day. I have forwarded as expeditiously as possible forage
and rations at that point. They will have on the 29th forage and rations
for the command, including Captain Pishon's company of cavalry, for
twelve days; also 9,000 rounds of ammunition for the cavalry, carbine
and pistol, and 7,000 rounds of ball cartridge for the infantry. Cap-
tain Pishon arrived at this post ou the moruiug of the 24th. llis horses
have all been shod, and a detachment of thirty-five of his company
left this evening for Gila City en route to Grinnel's. The balance of
his company will leave to-morrow; also a detachment under the com-
mand of Second Lieutenant Phelan of Company K, in charge of two
12-pounder howitzers. I have temporarily attached the unattached
recruits to Captain Calloway's company to work the howitzers. They
are good men and up in their drill, and go under the immediate com-
mand of their officer. This will make Captain Calloway's infantry force
97 men; Captain Pishon's command is 92, rank and file. Captain
McCleave's company 83, making the fighting force 272. As fast as
the limited transportation on hand will permit I have thrown them for-
ward, and have now, or will have by the 29th, rations and for^e suflQ-
cient for their immediate use. I have, after mature reflection and
calculation, concluded to order them forward thus : As soon as Captain
Calloway's company of infantry arrives at Grinnel's, Captain McCleave's
company will extend up as far as they can find forage, keeping a sharp
lookout; aa soon as Captain Pishon's company arrives, Captain Callo-
way will march his company direct for the Pimas to attract their atten-
tion, and if possible draw them out, whilst the cavalry will make a
rapid march around to the south of them and fall on their rear, not
leaving any possible chance for their escape. To prevent, however,
making rapid marches at the wrong places, I have sent old man Weaver
and his companion, Moore, who know the whole country well, and are
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CHAP. LXn.] C0KKE8P0NDENCE UNION AND CONFEDERATE. 951
well known to the Indians, to strike across from Sutton's into the Mari-
copa country, and through tUeni obtain positive information of the
enemy being at the Pimas. He knows every foot of ground through
that whole country, and is almost an Indian himself, having assisted
the Maricopas against the Apaches. He will be able to have the infor-
mation at Griunel's in nine days from this date. If they have left
there, the whole company will move on directly to the Pimas, and he
will go forward in the direction of Tucson, keei)ing the command posted
through Indians of the locality of the enemy. But as no time is to be
lost to prevent Captain McCleave being carried off to Mesilla, a dash
direct will be made at Tucson, taking it in the rear, or as may be con-
sidered best, after obtaining information. I have so instructed Captain
Calloway, and alter whipping them, to fall back on the Pimas and
intrench as well as they can with their limited means, having but a very
few intrenching tools to send with them, and also very limited means of
transportation. From all the information that I could obtain in refer-
ence to the Tiu%ja Alta route, it is impracticable, unless every necessary
were placed in the advance. For want of water neither horses nor the
infantry could march it without breaking down, in which case when
most required for hard work they would be the lejist able to stand up •
to it. The route suggested by the district commander by way of the
copper mines has the same objection. It would be necessary to pros-
pect it and provide in advance for everything necessary to put the
troops through in good fighting order. After consulting, as the colonel
desired, Mr. Jones and others, who know the country well, particularly
Mr. Weaver (an old trapper and scout), I came to the conclusion that
the above plan was the best, and adopted it. They should only show
face enough to keep them near them, whilst the others are getting in
their rear; and if Weaver is successful, which I have every confidence
that he will be, Hunter must be caught. McCleave's company is paw-
ing for the advance. Captain Pishou's men are full of fight, and Cal-
loway writes from on the road to Antelope Peak that his men are in
fine order. They are well up in the skirmish drill and bayonet exer-
cise, in very good state of discipline, and composed of good material.
Everything now depends upon their handling. I send at daylight the
programme to Calloway, who, since the capture of McCleave, will be the
ranking officer. The cavalry, of course, will be handled by Captain
Pishon. His horses will be in tolerably good condition by the time he
reaches Grinnel's, which he will, making easy marches, on the 31st.
Mr. Jones goes up to-morrow to go with them, and all they have now to
do is to go to work. As soon as the mules come in Lieutenant Phelan
will start with the howitzers. The men understand tolerably well how
to handle them. They have been practiced in unlimbering and pack-
ing the pieces, &c., and will, I think, give a good account of them-
selves. If the pemmican were here it would be just the article to carry
along. I have put everything in the way of transportation moving,
but at this particular time feel the want of more of it. Two teams
have left, loaded with baled hay, for the Alamo, one of which has
returned from there and started back tonight with more. I would also
respectfully submit, for the information of the colonel commanding,
that the forage and rations sent on to Cooke's Wells, Indian Well, and
Alamo, for the use of Captain Mead's company of cavalry, is still there
in charge of men from this post. Lieutenant Wood relieved Lieuten-
ant Benson, sent out to put in order the wells on the desert. Lieutenant
Benson, Company I, with detachment of that company, marched from
this post to join his company yesterday, and will reach Grinnel's on
the 29th. I have thus, I believe, informed the district commander of
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952 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Chap. LXn.
everything done toward shoving the detachment off to the Pimas that
could be done with the means at hand, and have but one regret ia
reference to it — I would like to be with it.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
EDWIN A. RIGG,
Major First Infantry California Volunteers, Commanding.
KoTE. — I would respectfully suggest to the district commander that
some means should at once be provided to pay promptly for anythiug
purchased from the Indians, Pimas and Maricopas, going among them,
as our troops are, strangers. I would also respectfully report that
I have instructed the oiHcers to be careful of their men among the
Pimas. They are, I understand, very sensitive about their squaws, and
any outrage upon them would injure the command and might operate
very much against them. They are now very much frightened, and
until they are satisfied that we have the power to protect them, may
not be disposed to be useful. Nothing would be so well calculated to
obtain their confidence as prompt i)ayments for everything purchased
from them. Doctor McKee informs me that the post is very deficient
in the necessary hospital stores. Mr. Jones has told me that I was
authorized to borrow money for the use of the expedition, but there
are no means of doing it here. There is not any money on the i-iver.
E. A. RIGG,
Major First Infantry California Volunteers, Commanding.
Headquaetees,
Fort Ter-Waw, Cal., March 25, 1862.
Maj. RiCHABD G. Dbum,
Asst. Adjt. Oen., Mdqrs. Bept. of the Pacific, San Francisco, Cal. :
Major : I have the honor to report the result of a reconnaissance
made by me from the fort to Crescent City to ascertain the practica-
bility of opening a trail passable for pack-animals, and until the trail
is iu fit condition for travel I shall be under the necessity of paying 0
cents per pound for freight. The Klamath will be impassable for any-
thing larger than a canoe for some time. From the fort to the Half-
way House a large amount of labor will be required to open the trail,
and until the invoice of quartermaster's property, &c. (supposed to be
en route), shall have arrived, but little can be done. As there is but
about twenty days' subsistence on hand, the stores will have to be pur-
chased in Crescent City until a supply arrives. The post is at the
present time a very exi)ensive one, and it will require an immense
amount of labor and material to rebuild. Nothing can be done, even
should authority be given, until orders are given to purchase material
or they are received from the deputy quartermaster-general in Sau
Francisco.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
WM. W. STUART,
Captain, Second Infantry California Volunteers, Commanding.
Headquarters Hxjmboldt Military District,
Fort Humboldt, March 25, 1862.
Capt. C. D. DouoLAS,
Commanding Fort Anderson:
Sir : You are directed by the colonel commanding to march with as
many men as you can spare (on the reception of this letter) in time
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CBtr. I-XII.) COERESPONDENCE XJNION AND CONFEDERATE. 953
to arrive at Biley's, od Liscombe's Hill, on the evening of the 27th iu-
stant. You will leave Biley's at 7 a. m. of the 28th instant, timing
yonr march so as to arrive at Mr. Zetner's (Angel Banch) precisely
at 12 m. The object of this movement is for you to co-operate with
detachments from Captains Akey's and lleffernan's commands, who
are to arrive there (Angel Eancli) the same hour for the purpose of
capturing a band of hostile Indians in that vicinity, supposed to be
lurking in the woods between Angel Banch and the crossing of the
North Fork of Mad Biver, two or three miles to the northward of it.
As it is intended to take the Indians by surprise, you will use every
precaution, especially after passing Bates', to prevent their having
notice of your approach. You will take such an amount of rations
and ammunition as you may deem necessary. On being joined by the
other detachments you will assume command of the whole and direct
such other operations as you may deem advisable to effect the object in
view. For the hiring of transportation for your supplies you have full
authority to make the best arrangement possible.
By order of Colonel Lippitt:
JOHN HANNA, Jr.,
Acting Assistant Adjutant- Oeneral.
Headquarters Hxjmboldt Military District,
Fort Humboldt, March 25, 1862.
Captain Heffernan,
Commanding Fort Lyon :
Sib : You are directed by the colonel commanding to march with as
many men aa you can spare on the morning of the 28th of March,
instant, for Angel Banch FZetner's), timing your march so as to arrive
there precisely at 12 m. The object of this movement ia to cooperate
with detachments from Captains Douglas' and Akey's commands, who
are to arrive at Angel Ranch at the wame hour for the purpose of cap-
turing a band of hostile Indians in that vicinity. As it is intended to
take the Indians by surprise, you will use every precaution to i)revent
their having notice of your approach. On joining the other detach-
ments yon will act under the command of Captain Douglas or other
senior ofiQcer present. You will take with you such an amount of rations
and ammunition as you may deem necessary. If it is necessary to
hire transportation for your supplies, you are authorized to do so on
the best terms in your power. If you deem proper you can send the
dctiichmeut under the command of a company officer instead of accom-
panying it yourself.
By order of Colonel Lippitt:
JOHN UANNA, Jr.,
Acting Assistant Adjutant- Qeneral.
San Francisco, Cal,., March 26, 1862.
Brig. Gen. L. THOMAS,
Adjutant- General U. 8. Army, Washington City :
Your dispatch of 2l8t received. I had previously ordered Colonel
Cornelius to prepare his regiment, six companies of Oregon cavalry, to
move into the Walla Walla country, and thence to the mining districts;
and as the season advances to move toward Fort Hall, to protect the
emigrants. I conferred with Mr. Crawford on the subject. I can give
protection to the Overland Mail Boute as far as Salt Lake or Fort
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954 OPERATIOMS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Chap. LXU.
Bridger. I have two companies of cavalry now at Fort Charchill, and
I have three companies of cavalry and six of volunteer infantry avail-
able and ready to move as soon as the roads are passable. I have an
active and reliable colonel of volunteers, well suited for this service.
Colonel Carletou is in Southern California, and moving as fast as the
miry roads will permit toward Fort Yuma, with his expeditionary forces.
Ue cannot be spared from that command.
G. WRIGHT,
Brigadier- General, U. S. Army, Commanding.
Wells, Pabgo & Co., Express and Exchange Company,
8an Francisco, March 26, 1862.
General Weight,
Commanding Department of the Pacific:
Deab Sib: Your note of this a. m. at hand. I have no advices
indicating the necessity of the immediate movement of troops on to the
overland route. In the present condition of the roads you would find
great difQcnlty in moving troops over the Sierras, and an impossibility
to haul wagons. The Overland Company expect that troops will be
permanently stationed on the mail route for the protection of the mails
and treasure, especially the latter. I cannot leave my office to-day,
but will call OH you to-morrow a. m.
Bespectfidly, yours,
LOUIS McLANE.
Headquaetees,
FoH Yuma, March 26, 1862.
Col. James H. Caeleton,
Commanding Southern District:
Colonel : I have the honor to report a maa from up the river has
just arrived here, and reports that up the Colorado River near 200
miles he met some Mexicans, who told him that they traveled in com-
pany with 1,700 men between Taos and Fort Massachusetts. They told
him that they were from New Mexico, and were going to Tucson ; 400
of them were New Mexicans. What dependence can be placed in the
rumor I know not, but one thing is certain, if it is true and they were
Confederate troops, Colonel Canby must be whipped. If they were
Union troops Sibley has been whipped, and they are going through the
mountains to fall on Tucson. Tbey had, according to this man's
account, a large train of pack-mules. I will endeavor to get at the
facts. Mr. Weaver reports the wagons having been seen near the'
Negas to be on the Salt Lake road.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
EDWIN A. RIGG,
Major First Infantry California Volunteers, Commanding.
Headquaetees Humboldt Militaey Disteict,
Fort Humboldt, March 26, 1862.
Capt. D. B. Akey,
Commanding Fort Humboldt:
Sib : You are directed by the colonel commanding to march with as
many men as you can spare from Fort Humboldt to Areata in time to
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CHIP. Lxn.] CORRESPONDENCE — UNION AND CONFEDERATE. 955
arrive at the latter place on the evening of the 27tli instant. You will
leave Areata early on the morning following for Angel Kanch by the
Areata and Weaverville trail, timing your march so as to arrive at
Zetner'a (Angel Kanch) precisely at 12 m. The object of this move-
ment is to CO operate with detachments from Captains Douglas' and
Heffeman's commands, which are to arrive at Angel Kanch at the same
hour for the purpose of capturing a band of hostile Indians in that
vicinity, supposed to be lurking in the woods between Mad River and
the crossing of the North Fork of Mad River, two or three miles to the
northward of Angel Ranch. As it is intended to take the Indians by
surprise, you will use every precaution to prevent their having notice
of your approach. You will take with you such an amount of subsist-
ence and ammunition as you may deem necessary. On being joined by
the other detachments, Captain Douglas being the senior officer will
assume command of the whole, and direct such further operations as
he may deem advisable to effect the object in view. In the event of
Captain Douglas not being present, this duty will devolve upon yourself.
By order of Colonel Lippitt:
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JOHN HANNA, Jr.,
Acting Assistant Adjutant-Oeneral.
Headqttabtebs Htjmboldt Military District,
Fort HumhoWt, March 26, 1862—7.30 p. m.
A. Jacobt, Esq., Areata : •
Dear Sir : Your note announcing the attack on Bates is just received.
Before you receive this all the troops that can be spared will be on their
march to find and chastise the Indians who have committed the out-
rages of the last few days. The citizens may rely upon my promptly
taking all the steps for their protection that the circnmstances call for.
Last evening, as you know, immediately on receiving yeur report of
the state of things, I ordered a combined movement of three compa-
nies, which if successful will corral the whole band of Indians who
have committed the recent outrages by day after to-morrow, the 28th
instant, at 12 m. If there are any i)ersons who wish to prevent the
success of this movement there will be no surer way than to anticipate
the action of the troops by going themselves or sending out parties
to t he scene of the outrage, the necessary eff'ect of which will be to cause
the Indians to scatter before the troops can arrive. I beg you, there-
fore, if any such movement should be contemplated to use your influ-
ence to prevent it. Captain Akey will arrive at Areata to-morrow
(Thursday) with a detachment.
Very respectfully, yours,
F. J. LIPPITT,
Colonel Second Infty, Gal. Vols., Comdg. Humboldt IHstrict.
Headquarters Hitmboldt Military District,
Fort Humboldt, March 26, 1862.
Capt. 0. D. Douglas, or
Officer in Command of the Dbtachhent under Orders for
Angel Ranch:
Captain: It is now certain that the Mad River Indians, by their
murderous attack and outrages of the last few days, mean nothing else
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956 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Chap. LXII.
than an open declaration of war. Unfortunately there is no effectual
way of teaching these ignorant savages the folly of such conduct but
by inflicting upon them a terrible punishment. The colonel command-
ing the district, therefore, directs that in the present expedition against
these Indians no quarter will be given, except to the women and children .
By order of Colonel Lippitt:
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JOHN HAIJNA, Jr.,
Acting Assistant Adjutant-Oeneral.
(Copy to Captain Akey, commanding Fort Humboldt.)
Headquarters Department op the Pacific,
San Francisco, March 37, 1862,
Brig. Gen. L. Thomas,
Adjutant-Oeneral U, 8. Army, Washington, D. C. :
General: Inclosed herewith is a copy of a telegraphic dispatch,
which I had the honor to transmit to yon yesterday in reply to yours
of the 21st instant.* The propriety of my making arrangements for
the protection of the emigrants as they approach my department had
already received my careful consideration. The organization of the
six companies of Oregon cavalry, under the command of Colonel Cor-
nelius, it is expected, will be completed early in April. Two of those
companies have been raised in the northern section of that State and
four in the southern. The latter I have directed the colonel to order
north as soon as the roads are passable, and then to prepare his whole
command to march to Fort Walla Walla. The presence of troops in
the mining districts of the Nez Perc6 and Salmon River countries will
be absolutely necessary to preserve peace between our people and the
Indians. The extravagant reports of the richness of those mines has
created the "wildest enthusiasm, and already a large number of men
have gone from here to the Columbia River to be in readiness to move
to the mines as soon as the route is practicable. As the emigrants
approach this department it is certain that a large portion of them will
be attracted to the mines in Oregon and Territory of Washington, and
I propose, as the summer advances, to throw forward to the vicinity of
Fort Hall, or farther, if necessary, a squadron or two of cavalry to
afford them protection through the Snake River country. I have con-
ferred with Mr. Crawford, the gentleman appointed to conduct the
overland emigration. He is well acquainted with the route and fully
understands the arrangements to be made for his safe passage through
the Indian country. The protection of the Overland Mail Route will
be provided for at the earliest moment practicable. At this moment
neither troops nor supplies can cross the mountains without subjecting
the Government to an enormous expense, which 1 do not deem it proper
to ncur unless an emergency should arise making it necessary. I have
conferred with Mr. Lonis McLane on this subject, and copy of a note
he addressed me yesterday, and herewith inclosed,! will show you that
no immediate danger is apprehended. The instructions of the Secre-
tary of War will be carried out as soon as practicable. I believe that
ample protection can be given to the overland mail as far east as Salt
Lake by the force I have reported as available at once for that purpose,
viz, five companies of cavalry and six of infantry; should it, however,
• Sec Wright to Thomas, March 26, p. 953.
t See p. 954.
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Chap. LXn.] COREE8PONDENCE — UNION AND CONFEDERATE. 957
be found insufBcient, it can be increased. lu the present aspect of our
foreign relations, prndential considerations require that a strong force
shoald bo kept at or near this city. I have now three companies of
artillery and one of the Ninth Infantry in the two permanent forts. I
have seven companies of the Ninth Infantry at the Presidio, but they
are very much reduced, one of them having just returned from the
East, with only its noncommissioned officers, and 100 of our best men
being on the escort of Lieutenant MuUan's wagon-road expedition.
The three companies of cavalry near this city and the six companies of
the Tliird Infantry California Volunteers, now at Benicia Barracks, I
design for the overland mail protection. I have the headquarters and
five companies of the Fourth Infantry California Volunteers, encamped
at Sacramento. I shall soon move them down to Benicia or in the
neighborhood of this city, according to circumstances. In the southern
district Colonel Carleton is advancing on Fort Yuma with his own reg-
iment (First Infantry) and First Cavalry (five companies), and the Light
Battery Company A, Third Artillery. The roads are still in a bad con-
dition, and loaded wagons cannot move. I have also now in the south-
ern district the Fifth Infantry California Volunteers, Colonel Bowie,
and four companies of the Second Cavalry. Colonel Bowie will be left
in command of that district after the advance of Carleton.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
G. WRIGHT,
Brigadier- Qeneral, U. 8. Army, Commanding.
Special Obdebs, ) IIdqbs. Dist. op Sotjtheen Oalipobnia,
No. 36. ] Neic San Pedro, Gal., March i>7, 1,S63.
Lieutenant-Colonel West, First Infantry California Volunteers, com-
manding at Camp Wright, San Diego County, Cal., will order Company
A J First Infantry California Volunteers, to i>roceed to Fort Yuma, Cal..
with Assistant Wagon-Master Bosha's train of fifteen wagons, now
en route to that post from San Pedro. If Bosha's train has passed
Camp Wright when this order reaches there, an express will be sent
forward to delay it upon the road until Captain Willis' company over-
takes it.
By order of Colonel Carleton :
BEN. C. CUTLER,
First Lieut., First Infty. California Vols., Actg. Asst. Adjt. Qen.
Headquabteks,
Fort Yuma, March 27, 18(>2.
Col. James n. Cableton,
Commanding Southern J}istrict, Los Angeles, Cal. :
Colonel: I had the honor to inform you in a hasty note that I had
received information of a large force of troops passing through the
mountains, ostensibly on their way to Tucson — seventeen companies,
100 strong, 400 of whom are New Mexicans. I have since had further
conversation with the person who brought me the information, and find
that 200 miles above here, on the Colorado River, he fell in with eight
Americans and two Spaniards or Sonorans. The Americans were all
Northern men leaving for California on account of their Union pro-
clivities, knowing that troops were coming this way (this is their story)..
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958 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Chap. LXn.
The Spaniards intended to remain on the river to mine. Upon reflec-
tion, and beUeviug that troops were seen in that direction coming from
Santa F6, or in that direction, they could only be Confederate troops,
coming for one purpose, viz, Yuma. They could come through what is
known as the Zufii Pass, between the Sierra Blanca and Mogollon
Mountains, striking the Salina River and following it down to the
Pimas. On referring to the map of Arizona and Sonora and the
adjoining territory known as German Ehrenberg'a map (issued in 1858
from his private notes), and those of Colonel Gray, Major Heintzel-
man, Lieutenant Parke, and others, I find a trail laid down running
through that pass by the Pimas to San Xavier, nine miles south of
Tucson. If the troops are our own, they would, if successful at Craig,
come that trail, perhaps, to cut off troops at Tucson. If Sibley has
given battle at Craig, and was successful, he would, knowing that
Hunter was at Tucson, follow up in that direction direct or take the
trail mentioned above, to avoid being discovered, with a view of reach-
ing Yuma before re-enforcements could reach here. From where he
could strike the Qila, following the Salina to its mouth, he would not
have over ten days' forced marches. They are provided with pack
animals only. Mr. Weaver knows the country well, and assures me
that they can not cross anywhere but at that point. He has gone up
himself to follow in that* direction for information for me, and I will
hear from him in seven days. I have thought it best to Inform you of
this immediately. Should they be Confederate troops, we will give
them a fight from Grinnel's all the way down. I respectfully submit
this to the colonel commanding for what it is worth. I sent Mr. George
Martin into Sonora last night. He will push his scouts through the
Papagos toward Tucson and Pimas, and assures me that in five days
he can give me positive information about troops being there and the
number of them.
Very respectfuUv, your obedient servant,
EDWIN A. EIGG,
Major First Infantry California Volunteers, Commanding.
Humboldt Military Disteiot,
Fort Humboldt, March 37, 1862.
Maj. R. C. Detjm,
Assistant Adjutant- General, Department of the Pacific:
Majob : Such was the state of the trails (being almost impassable)
that the mule owners employed to transport the supplies for the three
companies I was sending to the new x>osts found it impossiple to get
their mules here and in readiness to start until the 10th instant. On
that day Companies P and K, Second Infantry California Volunteers,
commenced their march, and although every exertion was made to get
on, it took them both about twelve days to arrive at their posts, dis-
tance from this post only thirty and thirty-five mUes, respectively.
Even this was accomplished by leaving behind the greater part of their
supplies, which it will require one or two more trips to transport. The
mules for Company A, Third Infantry California Volunteers, could not
start till the 18th instant, on which day the company left here for their
post, about fifty miles hence. Hearing that some of the men of Cap-
tain Heffernan's company (K, Second Infantry California) had assaulted
their ofBcers, I immediately followed them, accompanied by Lieutenant
Hanna. I came up with them about five miles beyond Areata. Two
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CHAP. LXn.] CORRESPONDENCE — UNION AND CONFEDERATE. 959
ineu I found had assaulted Captain Heffernan and beaten him, although
Le finally mastered and secured tbem both. Another in resisting an
order of Lieutenant Dobbins bad drawn a pistol on him. Another in
resisting an order of Lieutenant Hubbard to deliver up a bowie knife
Lad attempted to use it upon him. I had these four men brought
down with a guard to Areata, from which place Lieutenant Hanna and
I took charge of them and brought them to this post, where they are
confined in cells awaiting their trial. 1 instrncted Captain Heffernan
on arriving at his post to have proper charges prefeiTcd and sent tome
without delay. As soon as received I will forward them to you. Since
my last letter fresh Indian outrages have made it necessary to estab-
lish a fourth scouting district, including the country between the
mouths of Eel River and Mad Eiver, with an average radius about this
post of about thirty miles. This district will be constantly scoured by
Captain Akey's company (E, Second Cavalry California Volunteers),
the only one left at this post, which for this purpose will keep out as
large a detachment as it can spare. As this company has now twenty
general prisoners to guard, and as I shall have to be constantly draw-
ing upon it for detachments for escort duty and other purposes, the
number that it can keep constantly in the field will be very small, and if
mauy Indian prisoners are brought in it will be impossible for it to keep
out any men at all. I would therefore respectfully repeat the request
made in my last letter, that one more company should be sent here.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
F. J. LIPPITT,
Colonel, Commanding Humboldt Military District.
Aecata, March 57, 1862—6 p. m.
Capt. 0. D. DoTTGLAs, or
Ofpic'eb in Command op U. S. Teoops at Rilet's:
Captain: Colonel Lippitt directs you not to leave Riley's till 8
o'clock to-morrow morning (Friday), and instead of proceeding to
Bates' to take the trail leading direct from Riley's to Zetner's, a dis-
tance of about six miles. The trail is said to be impassable for ani-
mals. If that is so, you will send them to Zetner's by way of Bates'.
Four hours will be ample time for you to arrive at Zetner's. Be care-
ful to time your march so as to arrive at Zetner's precisely at 12 o'clock.
The Indians are between the two trails marked by SJx in the diagram.
Captain Akey takes the trail from Bates' to Zetner's. The Indians will
fiee toward Zetner's, where Captain Heffernan should head them off.
By order of Colonel Lippitt:
JOHN HANNA, Jr.,
Acting Asaigtant Adjutant-Oeneral.
San Francisco, 3farch 27, 1862.
Col. A. Cadt,
Commanding District of Oregon, Fort Vancouver, Wash. Ter.:
My Dear Sir: Our city is jubilant over the good news constantly
pouring in from the East. Everything is going on well there. lu this
dei)artment I am annoyed and worried to death by the irregularities
reported of officers at remote posts. They seem to think that there is
no responsibility resting on them; that the funds and public property
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960 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. (Chap.LXIL
intrusted to them is for their personal benefit, and the dlfflculty is that
they are so far off that a great injury is accomplished before I can apply
the corrective. But all such may rest assured that a day of reckoning
will surely come, when they will be dealt with without gloves. Carle-
ton has been delayed long by the terrible roads, over which wagons
cannot pass. He is advancing his expeditionary forces to Fort Yuma
as fast as possible. I received a telegraphic dispatch yesterday from
Secretary of War, directing me to make preparations to protect the
Overland Mail Eonte, and also the emigrants expected over this season.
I have reduced Cornelius to six companies of cavalry, and ordered him to
collect them together in the Willamette Valley, with a view of moving
into the Walla Walla country and thence to the mining districts, and
as the season advances to throw forward troops toward Fort Hall to
meet the emigrants. Steinberger has about 250 very good men on
Alcatraz Island. He will organize four companies there, and in a few
weeks proceed with them to Vancouver. I shall place him then in
command of your district. I am very anxious to have thorough inspec-
tion made of the posts in your district, as well as those down this way.
We want those staff departments critically examined by some oflScer
who understands the basiuess, and all evil doers suspended at once.
I hope it will be agreeable to you, if you are well enough, to make
these tours of inspection. If necessary, I will send an officer with you
to assist. I intend to give the inspector extraordinary powers to
relieve, arrest, remove, or do anything that will promptly arrest these
depredations on public property. Do not hesitate now to take any
measures you may deem advisable in this business, and I will sustain
you. I am determined to put a stop to these rascalities, cost what
it may.
With great regard, yours, very truly,
G. WEIGHT,
Brigadier-General^ Commanding.
Headquarters Department of the Pacific,
San Francisco, (ltd., March 28, 1862.
Col. P. Edward Connor,
Third Infty. California Toh., Gomdg. Benicia Barracks, Cal. •
Sir : The department commander desires to have the companies and
headquarters of your regiment at Benicia Barracks put in readiness
for a movement at an early day. Requisitions for the necessary sup-
plies of clothing and camp and garrison equipage will be sent in with-
out delay.
Very respectfuUy, your obedient servant,
EICHD. C. DRUM,
Assistant Adjutant-General.
Headquarters District op Southern California,
Los Angeles, Cal., March 29, 1862.
Maj. R. C. Drum, U. S. Army,
Assistant Adjutant- General, San Francisco, Cal.:
Major : I shall send the two mountain howitzers now atCamp Latham
to the sub-depot to be established at the Pima Villages. They are
nearly destitute of ammunition of all kinds, save some forty-eight
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CBAP. LXII.] CORRESPONBENCE — UNION AND CONFEDERATE. 961
rounds of spberical ca«e-shot, and, say, ten rounds of canister. I need
for them an adequate supply of fixed ammunition, consisting of shells,
spherical case-shot, and canister, with fuses, friction -tubes, portfires,
&c. IMeaae order this ammunition down on the return Senator, and
write to me that you have done so, that I may know it is on board when
the boat comes.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
jamp:s h. oaeleton,
Golmiel First California Volunteers, Commanding,
Camp Drttm, March 29, 1SG3.
Col. G. W. Bowie,
Fifth Infty. California Volunteers, Comdg. at Camp Latham:
My Dear Colonel : Please have one of your companies in readi-
ness to leave your camp for Camp "Wright the day after to-morrow
morning. It will be equipped as oniered in General Orders, No. 3, cur-
rent series, from these headquarters. Bo prepared yourself to leave for
Fort Yuma with another company and the headquarters of your regi-
ment by the 3d proximo. I write you this to give you ample time to
pack such articles as you may not need for storage at Few San Pedro.
All the companies of your regiment will doubtless follow you.
Very truly, yours,
JAMES H. CARLETON.
Headquarters District of Southern California,
Los Angeles, Cal,, March 29, 1862.
Lieut. Col. J. R. West,
First Infty. California Vols., Comdg. at Camp Wright, Cal. :
Colonel : Some days since I caused a supply of potatoes to be sent
to Camp Wright for the use of your command. The soldiers at this
season of the year should be directed to gather, cook, and eat for anti-
scorbutics a plenty of greens. Young nettles, yonng mustard, lamb's-
quarters, and other varieties of plants make good greens, and can be
fonnd, doubtless, in your immediate vicinity, or, say, within twelve or
fifteen miles. A liberal use of these articles will soon freshen the
blood of tlio troops and remove any scorbutic taint. Have this matter
attended to without delay. I cannot tell what the Overland Mail Com-
pany paid for hay at the points named in my letter, but it was doubt-
less a fair price, and would be a fair criterion or what the United
States should pay at those places. Mr. Louis McLane has the data.
Mr. Williams may be engaged to put twenty-five tons of hay atCarriso
Creek at tlie price named in your note, and five tons at San Pelipe at
$r>0, and eight at Vallecito at $50, commencing with that at Carriso
Creek, provided he does it at once; otherwise I do not want him to cut
it at any price.
I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JAMES H. CARLETON,
Colonel First California Volunteers, Commanding.
61 B R — VOL L, PT I
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962 OPEEATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. (Chap. Lxn.
Executive Office,
Salem, Oreg., March 29, 1862.
Colonel Cadt,
Commanding Fourth Regiment California Volunteers
and the U. 8. Troops in Oregon and Washington Territory:
Sir : My attention has of late been repeatedly called to the position of
settlers on and near the eastern and northeastern frontiers of this State
by representations of their bazardons exposure to Indian depredations,
and the danger existing at this time of Indian outbreaks in those
localities. Urgent solicitations have been made recently by many intel-
ligent and influential citizens of Oregon and of the United States, par-
ticularly since the receipt of intelligence of the murder of a party
of ■white men who had established a mining camp on John Day's Eiver
last winter by a party of Indians, that some more eflQcient measures
should be taken for the protection of the persons and property of the
white people in such exposed sections of the country. Under these
circumstances I have thought proper to communicate with you upon the
subject for the purpose of obtaining information of the steps designed
to be taken, if any, by the U. S. military authorities relative to the
matter, o'f ascertaining the numerical strength of any force at your com-
mand that might be detailed for such duty, if in your judgment the
exigencies of the case required, and also whether the nature of your
instructions are such as to permit the sending a body of troops into
the Indian country mentioned in the event of your considering it advis-
able or necessary to do so. An early reply would much oblige,
Tour obedient servant,
JOHN WUITEAKER.
Headquabtebs Distbict op Southern Califoenia,
Los Angeles, Col., March 30, 1802.
Maj. l\. C. Dbum,
Assistant Adjutant-Oeneral, U. S. Army, San Francisco, Gal. :
Major : I inclose copies of letters written at the latest date from
Fort Tuma. Yon will see that from reiiorts of the Indians Captain
McCIeave and eight men, and Mr. White, at the Pima Villages, have
been carried off by the secessionists now at Tucson. It may turn out to
be a good thing that these men have been taken ; it will make all others
more vigilant. Pishon should reach Tucson by the 2d proximo at
furthest, when there should be some results more gratifying than the
capture of so fine an officer as Captain McCIeave.
I am, major, very respectfully,
JAMES H. CABLETON,
Colonel First California Volunteers, Commanding.
Note. — It is not known generally, nor do I wish it known for the
present, that Captain McCIeave has been capture*'
J. H. C.
Special Orders, ) Hdqes. Dist. of Southern CALiFosiaA,
No. 37, ) Los Angeles, Gal., March 30, 1862.
Capt. Sylvester Soper, Company II, Fifth Infantry California Volun-
teers, will report with his company without delay to Lieut. Col. Joseph
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Chap. LXII.) COBEESPONDENCE — UNION AND CONFEDEEATE. 963
B. West, First Infantry California Volunteers, commanding at Gamp
Wright, San Diego County, Cal.
By order of Colonel Carleton :
BEN, C. CUTLER,
First Lieut., First Infty. California Vols., Actg. Asst. Adjt. Oen.
Special Orders, ) Hdqrs. Dist. op Southern California,
No. 38. ) Lo8 Angeles, Cal., March 30, 1862.
• ••••••
II. Col. George W. Bowie, Fifth Infantry California Volunteers, will
direct one of the companies of his regiment now serving at Camp
Latham to march to Camp Drum, near New San Pedro, and there await
further orders. The company will be equipped in all respects agreeably
with GeueralOrders, No. 3, from these headquarters (series for 1862).
All tents and other property not needed for field service will be turned
in to the depot quartermaster at New San Pedro. Each soldier will be
furnished with one day's rations and twenty rounds of ammunition.
The officers will be allowed to have only eighty jwunds of baggage
apiece, including their bedding, mess furniture, and clothing.
III. The acting regimental quartermaster Fifth Infantry Calilbmia
Volunteers will furnish the necessary transportation.
By order of Colonel Carleton :
BEN. C. CUTLER,
First Lieut,, First Infty. California Vols., Actg. Asst. Adjt. Qen.
Headquarters,
Fort Yuma, March 30, 1862.
Col. James H. Cableton,
Commanding Southern District, Los Angeles, Cal, :
Colonel : I have the honor to inclose, for the information of the
district commander, letter received this day, signed George Peters,
and in explanation would respectfully state that the writer is Mr.
Peter Brady, of Souora, the same gentleman who gave me the infor-
mation (forwarded to the district commander) about the Mojave
country. I had anticipated his passport, and sent him in to obtain
information, if possible, through to Mesilla. This communication was
written on his way thither at Sonoita, and 1 have forwarded it for your
consideration. If I am not deceived Mr. Brady is the best man the
Government could have in that section of Sonora. He married there,
and his family connection secures to him, with his intelligence, great
influence with those people. Pesqueira visits his home and is intimate
with his fiimily, and if Colonel Reily has succeeded in making any
arrangement with him I will soon be informed of it. Seuor Guadalupe
Orosco, alcalde of Sonoita, is also here. He is of the same opinion
that Mr. Brady is, that Pesqueira will not grant any privileges to the
rebels. Orosco brought mo Mr. Bratly's letter without knowing the
contents of it, being absent at the time Brady was there; yet he
thinks that the reward ottered— ^protection from the Apaches — a strong
inducement to grant them privileges, if he (Pesqueira) has confidence
in their ability to carry them out. Mr. George Martin has returned by
express to obtain information also through the Papagos. Mr. Martin
is the Martin and Dorsey spoken of in Brady's letter. He will report by
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964 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. (Chap. LXn.
the 2(1 of March [April!] on the road by the copper miues to San Serain
or Tucson. Senor Orosco goes, to-night, home with Kilbride to do the
same thing. He cannot act personally, being in au official position,
but will have it done, bo that what he reports cau be depended on.
He urges the district commander, or some one else clothed with the
proper authority, to write to Pesqueira. Both he and Brady assure
me that the Sonorans are, almost to a man, warm friends of our Gov-
ernment, and would not only cheerfully but faithfully perform any
request made of them. Seuor Orosco's inlegrity is indorsed by every
one here, and all Sonorans speak of him in high terms. He lias been
at my service in several instances. He furnished fresh animals to
Bucfaier and a guide (the Dutchman) mentioned by Brady, but sent
me word that the messenger talked too much. It would not be safe
for him to go in that direction again. I have written to Clymer to
conceal his powder or haul it to Antelope Peak for safety (where it
will be safer).
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
EDWIN A.. KIGG,
Major First Infantry California Volunteers, Commanding.
[Inolosure.]
SONOITA, March 14, 1862.
Mty. B. A. EiGG,
First Regiment California Volunteers, Comdg. Fort Yuma:
Dear Sie: I write to inform you of the news here, according to
promise. I saw a man a little while ago who has just come in from the
Cababi mines. He informed me that three days ago he conversed witt
a man just through from Tucson, who came throiigh with Captain Hun-
ter's party from Mesilla, and this person seemed to be pretty well
I)osted in regard to everything in Western Arizona. They are per-
fectly aware in Tucson of there being a large quantity of powder at
the copper mines, and that the superintendent is a Union man, and
there is some talk of their coming over and taking it. I am very much
afraid they will, as it is a big inducement. I know that there is very
near a ton of powder there. Fortunately an American came down
to-day from the copper mines and goes back to-morrow. I have
advised him to tell Frank Clymer to hide the powder somewhere about
the mine, only leaving a keg or two in the magazine, and to tell tl^e
secessionists that he has sold the balance, for if he had none at all they
might suspect that he had hidden it and resort to severe measures to
make him disclose. The Mexicans are veiy much frightened here, and
haveplenty of reasons for being so. In the conversation that this man
had with this man of Captain Hunter's party he seemed to be very well
posted about the stock at this ranch, and as they are sadly in want of
horses they may make an inroad on this place. However, x)retty much
everything depends on the result of Colonel Keily's mission to the Gov-
ernor. As you have already learr.ed. Colonel Reily has gone to Her-
mosillo to make some arrangements with the Governor. What they
are, nobody knows, but they can be easily guessed at. I suppose Col-
onel Eeily will promise to protect the frontier and keep the Apaches
out of Sonora. It looks to me at present as if they would have a
pretty lively time of it in protecting themselves. The Mexicans all
lieel confident that Pesqueira, the Governor, will enter into no arrange-
ment whatever with them, and if he does not, why then they will cer-
tainly make a foray on this ranch, as there are a good many horses
here and plenty of cattle. They also made inquiiies about Juito
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CHAP. LXn.l CORRESPONDENCE UNION AND CONFEDERATE. 965
Bacito, and wanted to know all abont Martin and Dorsey, and said
that Martin was a very strong Union man. Probably tbey contem-
plate a foray npon bim, too. I look upon the party in Tucson, from all
I can learn, as nothing more than a marauding party, who will help
themselves to. all they can And, do as much harm as possible, and
retreat to Mesilla. Don Guadalupe Orosco is not here. The Indians
have lately made a foray and carried oif some horses and stolen cattle
from Martin and Dorsey, and they are out after them, so you see between
the Apaches and secessionists they are having plenty of excitement here.
Hill is very much afraid to remain at Cababi, and intends leaving as
soon as possible. They found ont at Cababi all about the Dutchman, as
be came back from Tucson that way, and they are awfully enraged.
They did not know as yet about the other messenger, as he did not come
back that way, and'they did not know where he went to. They have
undonbtedly destroyed White's mill, with all his grain, and have
him and his partners prisoners. Some here seem to think that White's
chance is a bad one. I can scarcely think it so bad. Some of the Tuc-
son bravos would undoubtedly shoot him if they could get a chance,
but I don't think Captain Hunter will allow it. You can write to the
commanding general and tell him he need be under no apprehension
about flour. I can furnish to the Government, if they need it, 60,000
pounds of flour, delivered in Tucson, or even 100,000, within two
months, and any quantity of beef. The secessionists when they
retreat will not leave a i>ound of any kind of provisions in the Terri-
tory, nor a single head of beef. If you should wish to see me at the
river, Mr. Yager can dispatch a Mexican, and I will be at the river in
four days from where I live.
I remain, very truly, your obedient servant,
GEORGE PETERS.
Headquarters,
Fort Yuma, March 30, 1862.
Col. .Tames H. Carleton,
Commanding Southern District, Los Angeles, Cal. :
Colonel : Lieutenant Barrett, First Cavalry, stationed at Grinnel's,
forwards d a prisoner who said that he was just from Tucson, and
I am satisfied of the truth of it. He is of unsound mind, yet a close
observer of things. I had hun in confinement at.the post iu January.
He had also been confined for several weeks at Camp Wright. It seems
from his statement that after he left here he had worked for a time for
GrinncI, and also for White. From there he went to Tucson. He is
the man mentioned by Buckner who had arrived in Tucson nearly
naked, and who told them there that the Union troops were near there,
which caused their fright and subsequent stampede of many of them.
He says that he worked at Jones' mill, at Tucson; that when Mr.
Leonard arrived there (White's half brother) in company with another
person whom he did not know, he was employed by Mr. Leonard to go
back to White's, but Leonard was taken prisoner, and he kept himself
concealed as much as possible to avoid being arrested. Being thought
inoffensive he was, however, not molested, and upon several occasions
went into town. He heard of the arrest of McCleave and White, and
had their place or quarters pointed out to him. He heard that they
offered to parole Captain McCleave, but he had refiised to give it.
Their animals were kept glazing in front of where he worke«l. Ho
came to the Pimas and found that White's mill was not burned, but
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966 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [CHAP.Lxn.
that his floor had beeu carried off and his animals also. Not a chicken
was left, and his hogs, of which White had a great many, were all
gone. His mill had been much injured. The leather bands and run-
ning gear had all been removed or destroyed, but he thought by the
Indians. The wheat which White had on hana had been given to the
Indians, and everything else that was not of value to Captain Uunter's
men. The burrs are all sound and uninjured, and a few hundred dol-
lars will put the mill in operation again. In bis rambling way he rea-
sons that the Pimas have now a large quantity of wheat on hand;
that White had but little flour ground and put up, and his stock of
wheat had been returned to them to purchase their friendship with,
and that he knows that they have it, and will sell it cheap to any one
who will furnish them with manta, being much in want of that article.
They have but little appreciation of money, but for manta all their
wheat could be bought at a very low price. The Pima chief told him
that Captain McCleave and his party were taken at White's, He also
learned at Tucson that Captain Mc(31eave had arrived at the station
this side of White's before day, and that he had tried to get the occu-
pants to open the door for him, but they refused, thinking that they
were some of their own men. lie then went on to White's, getting
there at daylight. Knocking at the door, he found a person who
answered and of him inquired if Mr. White lived there. Receiving an
answer in the affirmative he desired to see Mr. White personally. He
was told that he should be called, and Captain Hunter, who was sleep-
ing in the house at the time, was awakened and informed of an officer
and two men of the U. S. troops being there. He came out and repre-
sented liimself as Mr, White, asking Captain McCleave if those were
all the men he had with him, to which the captain replied, "No; I have
six more at the next station." In the meantime more of Ilunter's men
had collected, and Hunter suddenly drew his pistol and announced his
being a captain in the Confederate Army, at the same time informing
McCleave that he was his prisoner. McCleave had, however, thinking
that he was amongst friends (seeing no uniforms), taken off his arms,
and his men were putting up their horses. His story bears upon its face
plausibility, and I have no doubt it is true, every word of it. The
prisoner's name is Samuel Phillips, born in Ohio. He was confined in
the insane asylum in Stockton for some time. I will detain him here
for the present.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
EDWIN A. RIGG,
Major First Infantry California Volunteers, Commanding.
Headquarters Department of the Pacific,
San Francisco, March 31, 1862.
Brig. Gen. L. Thomas,
Adjutant- General U. S. Army, Washington, D. C. :
General : As the spring opens we have as usual the annually recur-
ring reix)rt8 of the difficulties with the Indians in the interior. From
Fort Cliurchill I have just sent a detachment of 50 cavalry south about
100 miles to the town of Aurora and Owen's River to protect our peo-
ple in that quarter, and to see that justice is done to the Indians.
About two weeks ago a difficulty occurred between four white men and
the same number of Indians; the latter were in the search of some
horses which they had lost. The result was that the Indians were all
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CHAP. LXII.l COEEE8PONDENCE — tjNlOK AND CONFEDERATE. 967
killed. Kci>orts from that country represent tbat the whites were ia
the wrong; probably they were, but I cannot let the innocent suflTer
for the guilty. I am compelled to send troops to preserve the peace.
The Mono Indians on Owen's River have always been considered a very
harmless and quiet people, but they are numerous and highly excited
at this time, and may possibly give us some trouble. I propose to send
a 8<iuadron of cavalry from Southern California through the Owen's
River district as soon as the mountains are passable. I have also
reports of murders by Indians some 200 miles north of Carson City,
Kev. Ter., and also east of Fort Dalles in the Snake River country but
as yet nothing reliable. In the District of Humboldt, Colonel Lippitt,
the commander, is in the field with most of his troops making every
effort to collect all the Indians, and placing them on the reservations.
Independent of our Indian diHturbances the country is quiet.
. Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
G. WRIGHT,
Brigadier-Oeneral, U. 8. Army, Commanding
Headquarters Department op the Pacific,
8an Francisco, Cal., March 31, 1862.
Hon. William P. Dole,
Commissioner of Indian Affairs, Washington City, D. C. :
Sir: I have perused with great care and much interest the pamphlet
of Dr. Elijah White, embracing "testimonials and records, together
with arguments in favor of special action for our Indian tribes." 1 fully
concur in the reflections of Doctor White, as well as his suggestions as to
"what can and should be done." I have served for nearly teu years on
the Pacific Coast, and for six years past I have been in Oregon and '
Washington Territory, personally engaged in all the Indian wars dur-
ing that period. My position and duties brought me in contact and
made me acquainted with most of the chiefs, headmen, and tribes in
that country, and my previous service of three years in Northern Cali-
fornia and Southern Oregon enables me to speak understandingly on
the subject of our Indian relations. A fruitful cause of our Indian
wars has been the encroachment of the white people on their lands
before the Indian title had been extinguished, and when treaties have
been made for the purchase of Indian lands our people have at once
proceeded to occupy them and dispossess the Indians before the treaties
had ever been ratified. Such acts had, of course, a tendency to create
a hostile feeling against the white people. Indians cannot understand
how it is that one party to a bargain can avail themselves at once of all
its benefits, while they themselves are left to await the ratification and
tardy fulfillment of its stipulations by the Government at Washington.
The foregoing remarks are specially applicable to the treaties with the
Nez Perc«''8 and various other tribes made at Walla Walla in Juue, 1855,
ratified some four years afleuward, and as yet only very partially exe-
cuted on our part. For ten years past the system of managing our
Indian affairs on this coast has been a miserable failure. Vast sums of
money have been appropriated by Congress and expended, but I have
yet to see that any corresponding benefit has resulted from it, either lo
the Indians or the Government. Whatever plan may be adopted for
the future, it should be ot a permanent character, and the principal
superintendents and officers should not be removed with every incoming
administration. I have but a limited acquaiutauce with Doctor White,
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968 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Chap.LXII.
but IVom the numerous testiwouials in bis favor, coming from amougst
tbe most distlDgnisbed gentlemeu of our country, taken in connection
with bis long residence in this country, and the zeal and devotion with
which he has heretofore served the Government, points him out as
eminently fitted for the position of general sni)ervisor over all the
Indians in this department.
Very respectfully, I have the honor to be, your most obedient servant,
G. WEIGHT,
Brigadier-General, U. S. Army, Commanding.
Headquaetebs Department op the Pacific,
San Francisco, Cal., March 31, 1862.
Col. James H. Garleton,
First Infantry California Volunteers,
Comdg. Dist. of Southern California, Los Angeles, Cal. :
Sir r The general commanding the department desires you to pre-
pare a squadron of Second Cavalry to make an expedition through the
Mono country. This force will move as soon as the roads in that direc-
tion are passable, and will be commanded by an active and reliable
ofQcer.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
K. C. DRUM,
Assistant Adjutant- OeneraL
Special Orders, ) Hdqrs. Dist. op Southern California,
No. 40. J Los Angeles, Cal., March 31, 1862.
I. Lieutenant-Colonel Olney, Second Infantry California Volunteers,
with the two companies of the Second Infantry California Volun-
teers, and all the public property pertaining to those companies, will
embark at Santa Barbara, Cal., on the next return downward trip of
the Senator for New San Diego, Cal., and there await further orders.
• . • • • • • •
JAMES H. CAKLETON,
Colonel First California Volunteers, Commanding.
Headquarters District of Southern California,
Los Angeles, Cal., March 31, 1862.
Col. George W. Bowie,
Fifth Infantry California Volunteers, Comdg. at Camp Latham:
Colonel: The colonel commanding the district directs that your-
self, your commissioned staff (with the exceptions hereinafter named),
and non-commissioned staff, your baud, and the three companies of your
regiment now stationed at Camp Latham, proceed without delay by the
way of New San Pedro, Cal., to Camp Wright. Cal., where you will
receive further instructions. Your officers and meu will be prepared
for active field service, agreeably with General Orders, No. 3, current
series, from these headquarters. Each company will have two days'
rations and twenty rounds of ammunition per man. Other rations
will be drawn at New San Pedro. You will take with you all the
rifled musket ammunition now in store at Camp Latham, Cal., and also
the two mountain howitzers and all the amuiunitiou and equtpmeute
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Chap. Lxn.] CORRESPONDENCE — UNION AND CONFEDERATE. 969
pertaining to them now in yoar possession. You will also take
the new hospital tent, fly poles, and pins, which you yourself now
occupy. All other tents used by the o£Qcers and men of your regiment,
together with all desks, tables, and all other public property not
needed on a march or tbr active field service, for which they are
responsible, will be transferred to Lieutenant Morgan, Fifth Infantry
California Volunteers, depot quartermaster. New San Pedro, Cal.
Private property may also be left with him for storage. Brigade Surg.
Robert A. Christian, U. S. volunteer service, and Lieutenant Frink,
Fifth Infantry California Volunteers, acting regimental quartermaster,
will remain at Camp Latham, and Lientenant Morgan, Fifth Infantry
California Volunteers, depot quartermaster, and his party will remain
at New San Pedro, Cal., until further orders. Captain Moore, assistant
quartermaster, U. S. Army, and Lieutenant Frink, regimental quarter-
master, Fifth Infantry California Volunteers, will furnish the necessary
transportation to carry all this into effect. You will take with you
all the clothing and also all the empty sacks which are now in store at
Camp Latham. Colonel Bowie and the troops who are to take the
field will leave Camp Latham on the 3d proximo.
I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
BEN. C. CUTLER,
First Lieut., First Infty. California YoU., Actg. Asst. Adjt. Gen.
Headquaeters Distbict of Southben California,
Los Angeles, Cal., March 31, 1862,
Lieut. Col. J. R. West,
First Infty, California Vols., Comdg, at Camp Wright, Cal.:
Colonel : The colonel commanding the district directs that you take
Companies C and K, First Infantry California Volunteers, and Com-
panies B and C, Fifth Infantry California Volunteers, and Companies
A, B, and B, First (Cavalry California Volunteers, and proceed without
delay to the Pima Villages, on the Gila Itiver, in Arizona, and there
establish an intrenched field-work, which is eventually to be garrisoned
by two or three companies, and used as a sub-depot for supplies. This
field-work must be made near permanent wholesome water; if possible,
on a commanding site. You will take from Camp Wright as many
intrenching tools as you may need, and you will be authorized to take
from Fort Yuma as you pass by that post two mountain howitzers, with
an adequate supply of ammunition for the same. Acting Assistant
Surgeon Kittridge will accompany you. Surgeon McNulty will instruct
him (in a letter which will be herewith inclosed) as to what instruments
and medicines he may need, and where he is to procure them. Yon
will be authorized to take with you the two ambulances now at Fort
Yuma, and three hospital tents, flies, and poles from Camp Wright.
Acting Assistant Surgeon Kittridge will be ordered to remain at a
camp already established near Grinnel's, on the Gila River, about 100
miles above Fort Yuma. You will have for transportation three teams,
which have been ordered to go with Lieutenant-Colonel Eyre, and Com-
pany B, First Cavalry California Volunteers. Thirty of the teams
which left New San Pedro yesterday for your camp and seventeen of
the teams now at Fort Yuma, or above that post on the Gila River.
You will draw your supplies of subsistence and forage for your march
to the Pima Villages from Fort Yuma, excepting the amount of provis-
ions you can transport from Camp Wright in the thirty wagons above
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970 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Chap. Lxn.
allnded to. When once you have arrived at the Pima Villages and
broken ground, you can immediately send back to Fort Yuma for other
supplies at least forty five of your teams, suitably escorted by cavalry.
You will take 5,000 pounds of pemmican now at Fort Yuma when your
trains first leave that post. You can make arrangements with Mr.
O'Campo or Mr. Yager, both of whom have beeves, for as much fresh
beef as you may require for your command, for, say, six weeks from the
day you leave Gamp Wright. The pemmican had better be kept to
provide against the emergency of a siege, or for troops which you may
send on detached service. Surgeon Prentiss, First Cavalry California
Volunteers, will be your medical officer at the Pima Villages. You will
find Companies A and D, First Cavalry California Volunteers, already
in advance of Fort Yuma, and order them to join you at the Pima Vil-
lages. You will also find Captain Calloway with 100 rank and file
First Infantry California Volunteers in advance of Fort Yuma. These
you will send to the camp already established near tTrinnel's. You
will take 100 rounds of rifled-musket ammunition per man for Compan-
ies C and K, First Infantry California Volunteers, and B and G, Fifth
Infantry California Volunteers, from Camp Wright, and also 100 of the
6-gallon water kegs now at that camp, and all the empty sacks. You
will also take from Fort Yuma two water-tanks, containing 600 gallons
each^ which have been ordered to be made for you at that post for
service upon the Little Desert, and also as many empty sacks as you
can get at Fort Yuma. The empty sacks you will need for grain which
you will be able to purchase from the Pima and Maricopa Indians, or
in case of emergency yon will need them about your intrenchments in
the way of defense. You will want to take from Fort Yuma some molds
for the making of adobes with which to revet your works in case you
are unable to procure willows or other bushes for the making of fascines
and gabions. The colonel commanding sends you 10,000 yards of manta
with which to purchase wheat and other supplies from the Pima and
Maricopa Indians. You can use the old fashioned army clotbing now
at Camp Wright for the same purpose. The force thus intrusted to
your command is but the advance guard of the expedition which has
been organized by the general to operate beyond the point you are now
directed te occupy. As such yon are to risk but little iu offering battle
to an enemy who may come near your mtrenched camp, but as such
yon are to defend yourself to the last extremity if attacked, let the
numbers be what they may who come against you. By conciliating
the Indians yon can employ them as spies, particularly upon a trail
which leads from Tucson toward Fort Yuma, which trail lies south of
the Pima Villages and comes into the valley of the Gila some two or
three miles below Grinnel's. You will purchase and get inside of your
intrenched work as soon as possible all of the wheat and other supplies
which you may be able to procure from the Indians. Have as much
hay, wheat straw, or both, cut and stacked near your intrenched camp
as may be needed for your horses and mules, and for otlier cavalry
companies which will be sent to you, if they can be foraged without
using the barley at Fort Yuma, which you must know is running very
short. No doubt the Indians can be got to bring in large quantities of
hay and other long forage. If you can save the rations and forage
which you take with you to Pima Villages by gathering in the resources
of that country you will have achieved a very important point.
I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
BEN. C. CUTLEB,
First Lieut., First Infty, California Vols., Actg. Asst. Adjt. Oen,
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chap. lxn.] correspondence — union and confederate. 971
Headquarters District of Southern California,
New San Pedro, Cal,, March 31, 1862.
Lieut. Col. Edward E. Eyre,
First Cavalry California Volunteers, Present:
Colonel : You will receive fifty-one of the cavalry horses which
have just arrived from San Francisco, and with these and the best of
those others already on hand at Camp Carleton yon will mount the rank
and file of Company B, First Cavalry California Volunteers, filled up
tcniiK)rarily to ninety, selected from the non-commissioned officers and
l)rivates of Company E of your regiment. You will see that each man
of these ninety is provided with a serviceable carbine, with a saber
ground sharp, and with a navy revolver. You will then see that you
have 100 rounds of ammunition for each of the ninety Sharps carbines
and fifty rounds of ammunition for each of the ninety navy revolvers.
You will see that you have at least ninety spare horseshoes, fitted ready
to set, with nails and tools for setting them. You will see that you have
a nosebag and either a pair of hobbles or a lariat rope and picket-pin
for each of the ninety horses, and you will then see that in all other
respects these men and horses are provided for active field service as
cavalry and with rations of subsistence sufficient to last such a com-
mand from Camp Carleton to Camp Wright. Having done this, you
yourselfjWith Surgeon Prentiss and Lieutenants Coleman and James,
First Cavalry California Volunteers, all ftirnished with horses and mules
agreeably with General Orders, No. 4, current series, herewith inclosed,*
will proceed with Company B, First Cavalry California Volunteers,
prepared as above, starting from Camp Carleton on the 2d proximo, to
Camp Wright, and there report to Lieut. Col. Joseph K. West, com-
manding at that camp, who'will be instructed to give you further orders.
No officer of your command thus organized will be permitted to have
one ounce more than the regulation allowance of baggage, including
bedding and mess furniture and cooking utensils. To insure this you
will cause such baggage, &c., to be weighed. See General Orders, No.
3,+ current series, herewith inclosed, for your further information.
I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JAMES H. CAELETON,
Colonel First California Volunteers, Commanding.
Headquarters District of Southern California,
Los Angeles, Cal., March 31, 1862.
Lieut. Col. E. E. Eyre,
First Cavalry California Volunteers, Present:
Colonel: As soon as you have prepared to move from Camp Carle-
ton to Camp Wright on the 2d proximo direct Major Fergusson, First
Cavalry California Volunteers, with all the troops then under his com-
mand, to proceed to Camp Drum, near New San Pedro, Cal., and report
to the commanding officer at that camp. The result of this will be
that there will be no troops or military supplies at Cam]) Carleton after
the 2d proximo. If you will not have transportation sufficient for this
movement you will make timely requisitions on Captain Moore, assist-
ant quartermaster^ U. S. Army, at New San Pedro, for what you abso-
lutely require. You will be allowed only three six-mule teams for
* Omitted. t Here omitted, bnt see FebrnAry 11, p. 858.
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972 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. (Chap. LXIL
tlio movement of tlio headquarters First Cavalry California Volnn-
teers, and Captain Eritz'8 company augmented to ninety, rank and file
as directed by my letter to you bearing this date.
I am, colonel, respectfully, &c.,
JAMES H. CABLETON,
Colonel First California VolunteerSj Commanding.
Headquarters Department op the Paoipio,
San Francisco, Cal., March 31, 1862.
Maj. Charles McDermit,
Second Cav. California Vols., Comdg. Fort Churchill, Net. Ter. :
Sir : Your dispatch relative to the detachment sent to Owen's Eiver
"was received this morning. It is the general's desire, and you will so
order, that Captain Eowe should command the expedition. This com-
mand will remain at Aurora until further orders from these head-
quarters. Should you desire further instructions as to the purposes of
this expedition they will be fiimished you.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
R. C. DRUM,
Assistant Adjutant- General.
ITeADQTTARTEES niTMBOLDT MILITARY DISTRICT,
Fort Humboldt, March 31, 1862.
Capt. (/. D. Douglas:
Captain : You are directed by the colonel commanding the district
immediately upon the receipt of this to detail a discreet and reliable
non-commissioned officer and ten men to take post at Biley's, Liscombe's
Uill, with instructions to furnish escorts ftom Daley's Ferry, on Mad
Eiver, by Bates', Riley's, and the trail to Minor's, as far as may be
needed, to all trains with Grovernmeut supplies, all express messengers
to or from these or other military headquarters, to all Government mail
riders, and so far aspracticable to all private trains and traveling parties.
You will order the detachment to take with them ten days' rations, a
sufficient quantity of ammunition, and relieve them every ten days.
By order of Colonel Lippitt:
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JOHN HANNA, Jr.,
Acting Assistant Adjutant- General.
Headquarters Department op the Pacific,
San Francisco, Cal, March 31, 1862.
(Via Vancouver, Wash. Ter.)
First Lieut. John Mullan,
Second Artillery, U, 8. Army, Commanding Walla Walla
and Fort Benton Wagon Road Expedition:
Sir : In answer to your letter addressed to the general commanding
the department, I am instructed to inform you that the general has
written to the War Department relative to a continuance of the expe-
dition under yoiir command. Until advised as to the designs of the
Oovernment, the general desires you to retain the escort and await at
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CHAP. LXU.1 COBBE8PONDENCE UNION AND CONFEDERATE. 973
Cantonment Wright farther instractions £rom these headquarters.
As the Ninth Regiment of Infantry reiaaius on this coast, the escort
will, should this work be discontinued, repair to Fort Vancouver, where
instractions will be received as to the distribution of the troops.
Very respectfully, your obedieut servant,
B. 0. DRUM,
Assistant Adjutant Oeneral.
Hea^quabtebs District op Southern California,
Camp Drum, March 31, 1862,
Capt. John C. Cremont,
Second Cavalry California Volunteers, Present:
Captain : You will take five trusty cavalry soldiers and one six-mule
team, with one day's rations of barley for all your horses and mules,
and one day's rations of subsistence for yourself and men, including
the teamster, and proceed to a camp beyond the Cahuenga Pass, which
Captain Shirland visited yesterday, and bring from said camp all the
property and arms you may find there, and such animals as you
may see in that neighborhood which belonged to the party of citizens
to whom the camp referred to belonged. You will arrest and bring to
this camp any citizens which you may find at the point where those
brought in by Captain Shirland were found, particularly a man named
Powell and another man named Anderson, if they are there or near
there. You will proceed and return via the road leading past Camp
Latham. Take with you a political prisoner named Thomas J. Uodgkin-
sou, now in confinement at this camp, to point out and identify the
animals belonging to the party alluded to. See that you bring this
prisoner back. You will return tomorrow evening.
I am, captain, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JAMES H. CAKLETON,
Colonel First California Volunteers, Commanding.
Headquarters District of Southern California,
Los Angeles, Cal,,. April 1, 1862.
Maj. Richard C. Drum,
Assistant Adjutant- General, U. 8. Army, Ban Francisco, Cal.:
Major: Inclosed herewith you will find letters and orders recently
issued from these headquarters, which move some of the troops in this
district toward Arizona.* I have ordered Lieutenant-Colonel Olney
from Santa Barbara, where, with his two companies of the Second
Infantry California Volunteers, he is now of no service, to San Diego,
where he can replace Lieutenant-Colonel Dobbins, who will join Colonel
Bowie at Camp Wright. This will give Colonel Bowie all his regiment
at Fort Yuma and in advance of that post. Thus you can have calcu-
lations made of the amoiint of rations and forage which will be needed
at Fort Yuma to supply, say, one battery of light artillery, two regi-
ments of infantry, six companiesof cavalry, 2D0 teamsters and employes,
and say, 1,200 mules. The provisions now there are all we can count
upon as certain. The rice has not yet arrived. It is problematical
'Not found as inclosnres, but see Carleton to Bowie and Carleton to West, March
31, pp. 968,969. See also Special Orders, No. 40, Diatriot of Southern California,
March, 31, p. 968.
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974 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Chap. LXII.
when the Jesup will get there; yet once upon the desert these mouths
must eat or we have disaster, and the only way I can see to put this
question beyond a doubt is for the general to order supplies at once by
steam to the mouth of tlie Colorado. Time, now the hot weather is so
rapidly coming on the desert, is everything. We cannot afford any delay
at all. I shall do my best, but the doubts and delays hanging over the
matter of having a plenty of supplies at Fort Yuma at once weigh
upon Die like an incubus. I cannot venture to put all these troops in
motion out upon the desert without seeing beyond a doubt what they
are to eat. See my letter on this point written last December. That
was when I was counting on performing certain duties with 1,600 men.
Sibley's advance and probable successes against Canby make it impor-
tant now to increase the force. Increase proportionately the stores and
have no delay. I trust the money asked for, also proportionately
increased in amount to suit the new aspect of affairs, will be sent down
on the return boat. Until a good supply of stores has been deposited
at Fort Yuma we cannot aftbrd the time it takes for sailing vessels to
go around Cape Saint Lucas and beat up the Gulf of California to the
mouth of the Colorado. I shall venture to get as many troops on this
edge of the desert, and at and in advance of Fort Yuma as will be safe
from the present state of our commissariat at Fort Yuma. The troops
have to cross the Yuma Desert a company at a time. The movements
I have ordered get some over at once and have others ready, so I gain
all the time possible. By getting Lieutenant-Colonels "West and Eyre
at the Pima Villages, small parties of the enemy will not annoy me.
The cavalry horses will become recruited a little, and we shall be ready
to make another stride as soon as the rear reaches the Colorado; that
stride will be Tucson; the next Mesilla Yalley. I do not intend to
arrive on the Kio Grande in disarray if I can help it, and if not in dis-
array, I trust with God's help to be able to strike one good blow for our
country.
I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JAMES H. CAELETON,
Colonel First California Volunteers, Commanding.
Headquabters Disteict of Southeen Califoenia,
Los Angeles, Cal., April 1, 1862.
Capt. R. W. KlRKHAM,
Assistant Quartermaster, San Francisco, Cal.:
Captain : If you will consider that the horses and mules now here,
or to be fed from here, without including those cavalry horses in advance
of Fort Yuma, consume 22,000 pounds of barley per day, you will
readily see that unless you ship more to New San Pedro at once the
supply on hand will be exhausted, and we shall have none to take with
us on the road. We should have ahead the number of pounds indi-
cated as being necessary at New San Pedro in my estimate made in
December last. When may I expect the money? The teamsters will
all quit soon unless they are paid at least a part of their wages. Abdel-
Kadir said with a plenty of barley he could cross any desert. So can I.
I am, captain, respectfully,
JAMES H. CARLETON,
Colonel First California Volunteers, Commanding,
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Cbap. LXH.] correspondence UNION AND CONFEDERATE. 975
Headqtjabtees District of Southern California,
Los Angeles, Gal., April 1, 1863.
Lieut. Col. Joseph B. West,
First Infantry California Vols,, Comdg. at Camp Wright:
Sir: Captain Thayer's company (C), Fifth Infantry California Volun-
teers, will leave Camp Drum for Camp Wright this morning, and Col-
onel Bowie, with the band and three other companies of the Fifth
lufantrj' California Volunteers, will leave Camp Latham for Camp
Wright on the 3d instant. Inclosed herewith you will find a letter of
instructions* to Lieuteilaiit-Colonel Eyre, First Cavalry California Vol-
unteers, who leaves Camp Carleton, near El Monte, for Camp Wright
with Surgeon Prentiss, Lieatenants Coleman and James, and ninety
sabers of the First Cavalry California Volunteers, on the 2d proximo.
Give him such instructions as may be necessary to have him form a
part of your command, already ordered to the Pima Villages. Cap-
tain Thayer has in charge two deserters from Company K, First Infan-
try California Volunteers, whom you will cause to be taken without fail
to Fort Yuma, where they are to be tried by a general court-martial
already ordered to convene at that post. The names of these deserters
are Waite and Lowther. Cause Captain Davis to forward without
delay charges and specifications against them to these headquarters.
One of the first things which it will be necessary to have done as soon
as you arrive at the Pima Villages will be to have a good supply of
charcoal burned. The kiln should bo formed under the guns of your
work. We shall need for shoeing and repairs a good deal of charcoal.
Your resources will be severely taxed to provide for all the wants which
your forecast will suggest as incident to our contemplated movement
over such a country. Time will be more precious and more to be hus-
banded in every possible way, where it will tell to our advantage in
laying in stores for men and animals, than money, almost as precious
as barley or bread. The season for niesqnite beans is rapidly approach-
ing. They are a fine food for horses, and even for men at a pinch.
Employ the Indians to procure for you a large quantity. Take with
you the ai'tillery traveling forge, which I believe is now at Camp Wright.
It is a mate to the one I have ordered Colonel Eyre to take with him.
You wUl need them both. Get horse and mule shoes and nails at Fort
Yuma. If you should hear that a battle has been fought near Tucson,
and our people have wounded men, it will be important that yon make
every preparation for their safety, comfort, and convalescence, as you
pass Fort Yuma, and that you get such wounded men under your pro-
tection at the sub-depot near the Pima Villages, or preferably, if pos-
sible, get them back to Fort Yuma as soon as the nature of their hurts
will permit.
I am, sir, very respectfully,
JAMES H. CARLETON,
Colonel First California Volunteers, Commanding.
Headquarters District of Southern California,
Los Angeles, Cal., April 1, 1862.
Lieut. Col. Joseph R. West,
Commanding at Camp Wright, Cal. :
Sir : As you will not take tents for your men from Camp Wright to
Fort Yuma, you can turn them over to Lieutenant Vestal, acting assist-
ant quartermaster, and when you leave Fort Yuma take with you as
* S«e Carleton to Eyre, March 31, p. 971.
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976 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. (Chap.LXH.
many from that post as you will absolutely require at the Pima Vil-
lages. Mr. O'Cainpo, and perhaps Mr. Beard^ will leave Los Angeles
to see you, doubtless to-morrow, each having in view the supplying of
your command with fresh beef. Mr. O'Campo represents his cattle as
being gentle and easily driven, and fatter than those of Mr. Eains or
Mr. Carlisle, of whom Mr. Beard will doubtless procure those he may
kill for beef if he gets the contract. Mr. O'Campo has told me that
lie would drive and kill be«f as required, provided he had the contract
for supplying the whole command, at 9| cents per pound. You can
make a bargain with either or both of them, or with any other person, for
what beef you will want, at such prices as will best subserve the inter-
est of the Government. (See my letter of March 31, 1802.) I have
directed Lieutenant Hammond to forward to you, starting early to-
morrow morning, 9,725 yards of manta, 300 blue sack coats, and say,
300 pairs of bootees. If it is possible, take with you all the clothing
now at Camp Wright as far as Fort Tuma. It belongs to the First
Infantry and First Cavalry and we cannot afford to leave it for another
regiment without risk that our own men will suffer. Of course all of the
Fifth who go with us must share, and share alike, with the First iu
everything; those who stay back Colonel Bowie will doubtless provide
for. All teams, except those named to go with you across the desert
and two kept for camp purposes, must be ordered to New San Pedro at
once. Other troops and supplies await them even now. Send back to
San Diego em])ty the two teams just ordered from the post to Camp
Wright with clothing and provisions. The teams which go with Cap-
tain Thayer's company, those which take the manta, &c., and those
which went with Captain Smith's company. Fifth Infantry, must return
to San Pedro without delay. Forward the letters for Fort Yuma by
Mr. Jones if Keene is not at Camp Wright; otherwise, by Keene.
1 have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JAMES H. CARLETON,
Colonel First California Volunteers^ Commanding.
Headquarters District op Southern California,
Los Angeles, Cal., April 1, 1862.
Miij. Edvptn a. Bigg,
Commanding at Fort Yuma, Cal.:
Major : Inclosed herewith you will find the copy of a letter written
by myself to Lieutenant-Colonel West, which authorizes him to draw
certain supplies from your post.* You will give Colonel West every
facility in your power to make his command effective, and all without
the least delay. Issue to Colonel West twenty or more of your best
aparejos. He may be required to move some detachment across the
mountains Avith its supplies on pack-mules. Inclosed yoTi will find a
certified copy of a letter from General Wright to myself in relation to
an amnesty granted by the President to political prisoners under cer-
tain conditions, which you will see fulfilled to the letter in each case
except that of Hay ward. Have gathered a good quantity of mesquite
beans to take the place of barley as soon as they are ripe enough. See
that they are pro]ierl;f cured. You can hire Indians to help do this.
I am waiting anxiously to hear the result of the expedition against
* See next, antt.
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(;nAP. LXII.) CORRESPONDENCE UNION AND CONFEDERATE. 977
Tucson. Keep your coinmand iii the highest stateof drill and discipline.
The paymaster will come down on the Senator ou the 7th instant and
proceed at once to Fort Yuma to pay your command.
I am, major, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JAMES H. CARLETON,
Colonel First California Volunteers, Commanding.
Headqitaeters Humboldt Military District,
Fort Humboldt, April J, 1862.
Capt. D. B. Akey,
Commanding Fort Humboldt:
Captain : The Indians in Humboldt County having commenced a
destructive warfare upon the white inhabitants, it has become necessary
to abandon the pacific policy indicated in your instructions dated March
13, 1862. The colonel commanding the district directs that hereafter
until further orders you will give no quarter to any Indians (except
women and children) that may be found in the iield, sparing and pro-
tecting only those Indians who shall voluntarily come in and surrender
themselves.
By order of Colonel Lippitt:
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JOHN HANNA, Jr.,
Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.
(Same to Capt. Thomas E. Ketcham, commanding Fort Baker.)
Hdqrs. First Washington Territory Infantry,
San Francisco, Cal., April 1, 1862.
Maj. R. C. Drum,
Assistant Adjutant- General, U. 8. Army,
Headquarters Department Pacific, San Francisco, Cal.:
Sir: Since my last communication, dated March 1, referring to the
progress made in the organization of this regiment, I have the honor
to submit the following report: Accompanying is respectfully trans-
mitted consolidated tri-monthly report of ofiBcers and men at Alcatraz
Island, exhibiting the organization of Company A, with eighty-onemen
and three officers, mustered into service by Capt. W. A. Winder, Third
Artillery, U. S. Army. Of the 184 recruits unassigned, 80 men with
their ofticers will be mustered into service today and organization of
Company B completed. The remaining 104, divided into two skeleton
companies, are commanded by first lientenants each, mustered into
service in accordance with General Orders, No. 61, Adjutant-General's
Office, August 19, 1801. Of these detachments one lacks twenty-one
men of the minimum standard, and I have extended the time to com-
plete the company to the 5th instant. The other lacks thirty -five men,
and the time to complete is extended to the 10th instant. James Tilton,
who was advised in my last communication as having been appointed
lieutenant-colonel, has declined the appointment ou account of ill
health, as incapacitating him for the duties of the position. The place
has not yet been filled. Asst. Snrg. Samuel Whittemore, having passed
the boaid for the examination of ofScers in this regiment, was, on the
62 R R — VOL L, pt I
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978 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Chap. LXn.
10th ultimo, mustered into service, and assigned to duty at these head-
quarters. Of the three companies authorized to be formed in Wash-
ington Territory and Oregon 1 have intelligence only fi-om Captain
Peabody's on Puget Sound, and the report exhibits very little progress.
The difficulty of communication \rlth the interior is no doubt the cause
of my not having beard from Captains Moore and Canuady, in the
Columbia River district. Since my last report authority has been given
to M. K. Shearer to organize a company for this regiment at Placer-
ville, in this State, and to William M. Knox for one in Sacramento and
Calaveras Counties, the time limited to the Ist May. I am also about
giving authority to organize another company in this city, recruiting
to commence when the two remaining companies, now incomplete, on
Alcatraz Island, are full. This will make the last of the ten companies
to complete the regiment.
Very resiiectfully, your obedient servant,
JUSTUS STBINBERGER,
Colonel First Washington Territory Infantry, Commanding.
Heabqttartebs,
Fort Yuma, April 3,. 1862.
Lieut. B. C. Cutler,
Actg. Asst. Adjt. Qen., Southern District of California :
Lieutenant : I have the honor to report that the party sent out in
pursuance with instructions receivefl from district headquarters to
cleanse and put the wells on the desert in good order, as far as Indian
Well, have returned, and Lieutenant Wood, who had charge, reports
Cooke's Wells in good order, and plenty of water; Alamo thoroughly
cleansed and barrels sunk, non-commissioned officer and one private
left in charge; New River Station, seven feet of water in the well, but
could not repair for want of lumber. Had a new well dug at Indian
Well, four feet square and twenty-nine feet deep; plenty of water. I
will send another party to repair at New River, but for want of lumber
will have to depend upon barrels, unless I can procure enough from
Captain Johnson, in which case it will be carted.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
EDWIN A. RIGG,
Major First Infantry California Volunteers, Comtnanding.
Headquarters, '
Fort Yuma, April 2, 1862.
Col. James H. Oarleton,
Commanding Southern District, Los Angeles, Cal. :
Colonel : I have ordered Captain Calloway and his command for-
ward to take possession of the Pimas. He will march from Grinnel's
on the Cth. The hay put in between the Pimas and Veck's Station has
all been destroyed. He will have with him Captain Pishon's company
of cavalry and McCleave's, under the command of First Lieutenant
Harvey. I have instructed him to intrench himself at that point and
throw his cavalry forward into Tucson by a cross-cnt and surprise them
there, returning, if necessary, to the Pimas, where he will remain as a
reserve. I have forwarded him two 12-pounder mountain howitzers
with sixty rounds, eight shells, thirty-six spherical shot, and sixteen
canister. With his force he can hold his position when taken and cut
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CHAP. LXU.J COEBESPONDENCE UNION AND CONFEDERATE. 979
up Captain Hunter's command. In the absence of any means to pur-
chase wheat or other necessaries from the Indians with, I furnished
him with several bales of mauta and cotton handkerchiefs, which to
them is of more value than money. T he mill of White's is not totally
destroyed, the running gear only being mutilated. A few hundred
dollars would put it in running order again. The wheat he had pur-
chased has been returned to the Indians, and of course is for sale again
to any purchasers. Belts, however, would be required, which would
have to be sent from California. Captain Smith's company. Fifth
Infantry, would arrive at Grinnel's on the 5th and intrench there,
receiving and protecting Government property as it may arrive. For
the want of trausiK>rtation it has been impossible to get a sufficient
quantity of subsistence stores and forage at that point to move for-
ward. Mr. Grinnel reports having no beef-«;attle. I have forwarded
ten head from this post for the use of the troops en route, and will for-
ward twenty head more in the morning to Grinnel's, which has been
purchased from Mr. Yager to be delivered there for $28 per head. I
have just received information that the pickets at Gila Bend had
been driven in by a party of Hunter's command, and one of Captain
McCleave's men shot in the shoulder, a flesh wound only. Captain
Pishon made chase, but could not come up with them. In all probabil-
ity they have destroyed the hay at the station between the Pimas and
Grinnel's. There are now about five tons of hay at the Alamo, and as
fast as I can get transportation your instructions are being carried out.
I have not received any advice from the mouth of the river. Captain
Johnson expects his boat up hourly with stores. As soon as I receive
a.dvices of their arrival I will forward as directed special express to
headquarters with the fact. Captain Smith's company, Fifth Infantry
California Volunteers, marched from this post for Grinnel's on the
night of the 31st of March, and would reach there on the 5th. I for-
warded to-day for the same point 22,000 pounds barley. The hay now
in stacks at Hay Camp and Mission Camp amounts to nearly seventy
tons. The teams on their return trip firom Grinnel's haul to Gila City,
which will soon supply that point with the amount the colonel requires
there. The want of tools for cutting has retarded getting hay very
much, and the limited transportation for hauling. Mr. Yager will have
twenty tons of hay at Arizona City by the 25th of April. There are ten
tons also at Cooke's Wells. Grinnel has commenced cutting hay for
the stations above, and every point of the colonel's instructions is being
carried out as promptly as means will permit. I would respectfully
inform the district commander that his instructions in reference to
Sefior Sepulveda and party were strictly complied with. If the colonel
will peiniit me, I would suggest that all letters or correspondence with
Sonora should pass through district headquarters for the approval
of the commanding officer before coming here. 1 would also respect-
fully inform the colonel commanding that Seuor Sepulveda voluntarily
informed me that if he could be of any service to the Government of
which he is a citizen, viz, United States, he was at their service, believ-
ing that the prosperity and safety of Sonora depended upon the success
of our Army, and that whilst in Sonora he would use his influence and
that of his friends there to prevent any arrangement being entered
into with the Confederates. He also volunteered to forward to me any
information which would be of service to the district commander at hw
own expense.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
EDWIN A. RIGG,
Major First Infantry California Volunteers, Commanding,
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980 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Chap. LXn.
Special Obdebs, ) Hdqbs. Dist. of Southeen Caxifoenia,
No, 41. J New San Pedro, Cal, April 5, 1862.
I. Gapt. M. A. McLaughlin, Company D, Second Cavalry California
Volunteers, with thirty picked men and picked horses selected from his
own company, will report without delay to the colonel commanding the
district at Camp Drum, Cal., for detached service on the desert of at
least thirty-six days' duration.
• ••••••
By order of Colonel Carleton :
BEN. C. CUTLER,
First Lieut., First Infty. California Vols., Actg. Asst. Adjt, Oen.
Special Obders, ) IIdqbs. Dist. op Southebn California,
No. 43. 5 Los Angeles, Cal., April 3, 1803.
• ••••••
III. Colonel Bowie, Fifth Infantry California Volunteers, will cause
to be drawn ten days' subsistence for his command, which will take up
its march for Camp Wright, CaL, on the 5th instant. The troops will
have but one tent for the baud and non-commissioned staff, and two
for each company. The officers of each company will be allowed one
wall tent. The allowance of baggage will under no circumstances
exceed eighty iwunds for each company officer, including clothing, bed-
ding, and mess furniture and cooking utensils. The non-commissione<l
staff and band will be allowed one wagon — each company two wagons.
After the band and company property, &c., has been loaded the weight
on each wagon will be increased to 3,000 pounds by adding barley :ia
forage for the mules. First Lieutenant Hammond, regimental quarter-
master First Infantry California Volunteers, is charged with weighing
the loading of each wagon. He will report to these headquarters in
writing with what property each wagon is loaded.
• ••••••
JAMES H. CAELETON,
Colonel First California Volunteers, Commanding.
Headquarters Distbict of Southebn California,
Los Angeles, Cal., April 3, 1862.
Lieut. Col. Joseph R. West,
Commanding at Camp Wright, Cal.:
Sib : The party guarding supplies at Garriso Greek mast be made up
entirely of people from the Fifth Infantry California Volunteers. Have
Captain Roberts' company prepared to move (fitted in every respect for
active field service) at an hour's notice.
I am, sir, very respectfully, &c.,
JAMES H. CARLETON,
Colonel First California Volunteers, Commanding.
Headquabtebs District of Southern Califobnia,
Los Angeles, Cal., April 3, 1862.
Maj. E. A. RiGG,
First Infantry California Vols., Comdg. at Fort Tuma, Cal. :
Major: I have received your letters dated March 25 and 26, 1862.
The two mountain howitzers which you have sent on with Lieutenant
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Chap. LXn.] CORRESPONDENCE — UNION AND CONFEDERATE. 981
Phelan are the two which you are to transfer to Lieutenant-Colonel
West. Sink a trench so the pipe of your water-works will be below
ground; have the pump and the mules which work it at such a point
and so defended by an epaulement or traverse, or some other defensive
embankment, as to shield them completely from even an artillery fire.
All this is left to your own judgment. The present locality, with the
bare pipe running up the hill, is the worst possible arrangement. I
would suggest the digging of the trench and preparing the place for
the pump and mules before you will make any change of the pipe, &c.,
from their present position. As soon as Colonel West has left to go to
the Pima Villages I wish to be informed exactly how much barley you
have and how many teams you have at work, and what each team is
employed in doing. If those men who refused to carry their knapsacks
are really penitent, you are at liberty to release them and return the
charges against them to me. The soldiers of California will soon learn,
I trust, that our business is an earnest business, and a serious business,
and no child's play. When this is well learned we shall afterward have
no trouble. The forage and rations which you have placed upon the des-
ert will be convenient for Lieutenant-Colonel West. I have furnished
Colonel West with manta to pay the Indians for service, wheat, &c.
He may spare you a very little for those Indians whom you may here-
after employ. Send word to Mr. Rhodes that we shall want his cattle
if they are fat. Tell Captain Johnson he can build the boat on tiie
other side of the river, and hereafter can have the Cocopah tie up on
the other side, but at his own risk. Keep H. C. Minor in arrest, as well
as all other of the political prisoners, until you have sent to these
headquarters the oath of allegiance, signed by each one on a separate
sheet of paper, and sworn to in the presence of all the oflBcers and men
for duty in your command on the parade, and until you have heard
from me what disposition then to make of them. 1 inclose a copy of a
form for the oath. Let the oflBcers witness the signature of each man.
Then, if afterward we find any of these men in the ranks of the enemy,
or giving aid, intelligence, or comfort to him, we shall have an abun-
dance of witnesses to their oath, and shall have, according to the rules
of war, ajust right to hang them up without further ceremony. They
should understand this. I inclose for trial before the court of which
you are the president charges against Private Edward Fitzgerald,
Company F, Sixth Infantry, U. S. Army. Send at once all horses and
mules and such horse equipage as may have come to Fort Yuma with
them which belonged to the Showalter party, and which you now have
at Fort Yuma, to Captain McLaughlin, Second Cavalry California Vol-
unteers, near Temecula, Cal. I hope our people will have luck at
Tucson, but I am afraid so much time will have been lost waiting for
Weaver's movements the enemy will have gotten out of the way. I
trast we shall yet recover Captain McCleave. His capture will teach
others to have out an advance-guard to give notice of danger, even if
the whole party be of but three persons. Keep every man busy.
Uemember oiir wants in hay, in mesquite beans, in, everything that
man or horse can live upon, and husband every resource tending to this
end. Have a plenty of coal burned. Set all your smiths at work fitting
tnuleshoes and horseshoes. Have every wagon in good repair. Inspect
everything yourself.
I am, miyor, respectfully,
JAMES H, CARLETON,
Colonel First Cavalry California Volunteers, Commanding.
Note. — Save every bag, and have all you save baled compactly for
transportation.
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982 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. (Chap. LXH.
FOBT Bakee, Cax., April 3, 1862.
Lieat. John Hanna, Jr.,
Acting Assistant Adjutant-General, Humboldt Military I>istrict:
Sir: I deem it my duty to report to you that a party of whites (citi-
zens) have been out hunting Indians in the vicinity of Eel River, and
they say that seventeen bucks were killed by the party and the women
and children were turned loose. I have also been informed that there
are quite a number of citizens who intend, as soon as the snow goes
ofl, to make a business of killing the bucks wherever they can find them
and selling the women and children into slavery. It is supposed that
they will make their headquarters somewhere in the neighborhood of
Fort Seward, taking their captives into Long Valley, there selling them
to certain parties at $37.50 per head, who put them in a covered wagon,
take them down to the settlements, and there dispose of them at a very
handsome profit. One person is said to have made $15,000 last season
in the business. It looks like an exaggerated statement; but say that
one ranch is taken with ten women and twenty children, it amonnts to
the sum of $1,125, which is more money than men of that class can
make in any other line of business. Captain Akey, Second Cavalry
California Volunteers, passed through Long Valley on his way to Fort
Seward last winter, and he can undoubtedly give the colonel command-
ing many particulars in regard to persons there. I respectfully await
the instructions of the colonel commanding.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
THOMAS E. KETCHAM,
Captain, Third Infantry California Volunteers, Commanding Post.
Oeadquabtees Department op the Pacific,
San Francisco, Gal., April 4, 1862.
Adjutant-General Thomas,
Waihington, D. C. :
Your dispatch of the 28th ultimo received, and officers ordered East.
I beg leave to respectfully recommend to the Honorable Secretary of
War that Colonel Carleton be appointed brigadier. He has a large dis-
trict, with thirty companies of troops, and intrusted with an important
expedition.
G. WRIGHT,
Brigadier- General, U. 8. Army, Commanding.
Headquarters Humboldt Military District,
Fort Humboldt, April 4, 1862.
Capt. William M. Johns,
Third Infantry California Volunteers, Gomdg. at Fort Gaston:
Captain: The colonel commanding the district desires that you will
keep a strict watch on the Indians in Hoopa Valley, and in the event
of your perceiving any preparations among them to commence hostili-
ties that yon will immediately report by express to these headquarters.
If the case should be so urgent in your opinion as to require re-enforce-
ments to be immediately forwarded from San Francisco, you will at the
same time telegraph by Weaverville to department headquarters.
By order of Colonel Lippitt:
Very resnectfuUy, your obedient servant,
JOHN HANNA, Jr.,
Acting Assistant Adjutant- General.
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Headquabtebs Humboldt Military District,
Fort Humboldt, April 4, 1862.
Gapt. C. D. Douglas,
Second Infantry California YoU., Comdg. at Fort Anderson:
Captain : Your letter of the Ist iostaut is just received. You are
authorized to make such arrangements with respect to your guides as
you find to be necessary. The colonel commanding the district desires
you to reconnoiter the ground at Simmons' ranch, about four miles above
Minor's, and rei>ort whether the site is adapted to a military post.
The direct trail fi-om Areata to Weaverville passes by or near there.
This trail has been abandoned only from fear of Indians. It is impor-
tant to have it protected, and your post would have been established
with that view at Simmons' but for the information received at Minor's
that there is no level ground there. The colonel commanding is now
told that the information was incorrect. He therefore desires from
you a report as soon as possible as to the eligibility of the site as a
post, particularly in regard to wood, water, pasturage, and the river
crossing.
By order of Colonel Lippitt:
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JOHN HANNA, Jr.,
Acting Assistant Adjutant- Oeneral.
Headquarters Huuboldt Military District,
Fort Humboldt, April 4, 1862.
Capt. C. D. Douglas,
Second Infantry Calif omia Vols,, Comdg. at Fort Anderson:
Captain: Your dispatch of this date is the first official rejiort
received of any engagement with the Indians. The particulars will be
forwarded to department headquarters by the first steamer. The col-
onel commanding regrets that he has no men to send you at present.
Captain Akey is on a scout with all the men that can be spared from
the post. But the eleven men of your command now at Riley's will be
relieved immediately by a detachment of Company E, Second Cavalry
California Volunteers. Until further orders you will furnish escorts
from yonr post to Fort Gaston and to Riley's for all trains with Gov-
ernment su])plles, all military expresses, all U. S. mail riders, and so
far as practicable for private trains. If the Indian killed was posi-
tively identified by the hospital steward as a Hoopa Indian, you will
iustract Lieutenant Johnson to prepare his affidavit to the fact, to be
signed by him and sworn to before a commissioned officer, and then
forwarded immediately to these headquarters. So far as possible yon
will take care to keep always one-half of your eft'ective men at the post.
By order of Colonel Lippitt:
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JOHN HANNA, Jr.,
Acting Assistant Adjutant- (J eneral.
Headquarters Humboldt Military District,
Fort Humboldt, April 4, 1862.
Captain Stuart,
Second Infantry California Vols., Comdg. at Fort Ter- Waic :
Captain: The colonel commanding the district desires you to keep
as strict a watch as possible upon the Klamath Indians in your vicinity,
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984 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [CatP.UCII.
and ill the event of your having any positive information of their pre-
paring to commence hostilities to report immediately to these head-
quarters by express.
By order of Colonel Lippitt:
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JOHN HANNA, Jr.,
Acting Aasuitant Adjutant- General.
Headquabtees Depaktment of the Pacific,
San Francisco, April 5, 1862.
Brig. Gen. L. THOMAS,
Adjutant General U. S. Army, Washington, D. C. :
General: I have the honor to transmit herewith a report of the Ist
instant from Col. Justus Steinberger, First Infantry Washington Ter-
ritory Volunteers.* The progress made by Colonel Steinberger in lin-
ing his regiment is highly gratifying. He has obtained an excellent
class of men, and the zeal, energy, and interest he is manifesting war-
rant the belief that ho will at an early day present to the Government
a command that will do good service. Colonel Steinberger will shortly
move with four compames to Fort Vancouver, and I shall then place
him in command of the District of Oregon. I hope after the comple-
tion of organizations of the infantry regiment of Colonel Steinberger
and the cavalry regiment of Colonel Cornelius that I shall be able to
withdraw the battalions of the Second and Fourth Infantry California
Volunteers, which were sent up to that country in an emergency to
relieve the regular troops ordered Bast. It is of the greatest impor-
tance to keep the volunteer regiment embodied, as far as the exigencies
of the service will admit, both on tiio score of economy and discipline.
The health of the troops in the department is good, and they are well
supplied by the difierent staff departments. Our subsistence, clothing,
and medical stores have mostly been procured on this coast, and all of
good quality. Wo have been embarassed for want of funds, especially
in the quartermaster's department. The contractors have suffered
pecuniarily, in consequence of their dues from the Government being
so long withheld, but I take pleasure in bearing testimony to their
patriotism, and the cheerfulness with which they have continued to
furnish supplies on credit in this our time of need. The weather is
improving, and the roads in Southern California will soon be in good
order. Colonel Carleton's troops are moving on Fort Yuma and beyond.
The troops for the protection of the Overland Mail Route will be
advanced as soon as the mountains can be passed. I have this moment
received from the Governor of the State a copy of your telegraphic
dispatch of the 3d instant, directing that recruiting for volunteers shall
cease. I have no late intelligence from New Mexico. Bumor states
that Sibley has a force of 3,000 men there, but I doubt not that Canby
can hold him in check until Carleton approaches. The political status
of this country is unchanged. Quiet throughout.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
G. WEIGHT,
Brigadier- General, U. 8. Army, Commanding.
"Seep. 977.
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cbap. lxii.] correspondence — union and confederate. 985
General Headquarters, State of California,
Adjutant-General's Office,
San Franeitco, April 5, 1862.
Brig, Gen. George Wright,
Commanding Faeifie Department, San Francisco :
General: The following telegraphic dispatch has this day been
received by His Excellency Governor Stanford :
Washikgton, April S, 1862.
To Governor of California :
Volunteer recruiting service will cease fh>iu this date.
L. Thomas,
AdjutanUGtntral.
Very respect folly, your obedient servant,
WM. 0. KIBBE,
Adjntant-Oeneral.
Special Orders, ) Hdqrs. Department of the Pacific,
No. 64. 3 San Francisco, Cal., April 5, 1863.
Maj. Bichard G. Dram, assistant adjutant-general at these head-
quarters, -will proceed tomorrow on the steamer Senator to the District
of Southern California and make a minute inspection of the troops at
the different camps. The attention of Major Drum will be specially
directed to an examination of the capacity of the ofiBcers conducting
the administrative and staff departmenta, the fidelity and economy of
their disbursements, the condition of the public property, and the
amount of money on hand, and, finally, whether the supplies are sufQ-
cient and suitable for a campaign.
By order of Brigadier-General Wright:
B. 0. DRUM,
Assistant Adjutant-General.
Special Orders, ) Hdqrs. Department op the Pacific,
No. 55. ) San Francisco, Cal., April 5, 1862.
1. During the absence of Maj. Bichard G. Drum on inspection duty
in the southern district, the duties of assistant adjutant-general wiU
be performed by Capt. Balph W. Kirkham, assistant quartermaster. ,
• ••••••
By order of Brigadier-General Wright:
B. 0. DRUM,
Assistant Adjutant-Qeneral.
Headquarters District of Southern California,
New San Pedro, Cal., April 5, 1862.
Second Lieut. N. P. Pierce,
Second Cavalry California Volunteers, Camp Drum :
Sir: You will proceed with a non-commissioned officer and nine
privates, Second Cavalry California Volunteers, by the way of Ctyon
I'ass, Lane's Crossing of the Mojave, to Camp Oady, on the Mojave
Uiver, which is eleven miles below where the Salt Lake road leaves
that river, and there shelter yourself and party in a field-work which
was thrown up at thai point by Colonel Carleton two years since. It is
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986 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. iChap. LXH.
reported that there is a large body of men east of Beale's Crossing on
the Colorado Eiver, and it is possible, though not probable, that they
will attempt to enter California by the Mojave route. The object in
sending you to Camp Cady is to give the colonel commanding timely
notice, if such should betheir purpose, and to send to him any intelligence
which you may receive of their movements. By putting your men and
animals inside of the work, spies or a small number of scouts from
such a party, coming up the river, would not know of your presence
until they came so close that their escape would be impossible. From
these you would be able to get information, indirectly at least, of those
who follow them. So also, if small bodies of secessionists attempt to
leave this State to join such a party you will be at a point where you
can readily intercept them. In marching to and from that point
you will be sure to have an advance guard of one or two men 300 or
400 yards in front of you, lest you might fall into some ambush. You
will have one six-mule team for the transportation of your subsistence
and forage. Get one or two scythes from the depot at New San Pedro,
if they have them, to cut hay for your horses while at Camp Cady. If
you cannot get scythes, your men must cut it with their knives and
bring it into the work in their blankets, if necessary. The colonel
commanding relies greatly on your prudence, vigilance, and energy iu
executing these orders. You wiU remain in Camp Cady and in that
neighborhood eleven days, when, if you receive no intelligence of the
body of men alluded to above, you will return by easy marches to your
proper station.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
BEN. C. CUTLER,
First Lieut., First Infty. California Vols., Actg. Asst. Adjt. Gen.
HEADQTTAKTEBS DISTEICT of SOUTHEEN CALfFOENIA,
^etc iSan Pedro, Gal., April 5, 1862.
Col. Geoege W. Bowie:
Colonel : The colonel commanding directs that immediately upon
your arrival at Camp Wright you forward by express to these head-
quarters a full statement of all subsistence stores yon have on hand at
that time, including the subsistence you may find at Camp Wright
upon your arrival at that post. The colonel commanding also directs
that without delay you make the necessary requisition for clothing and
ammunition for your entire regiment. Each man should have, after
your arrival at Fort Yuma, somewhere in the neighborhood of 200
rounds of ammunition.
I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
BEN. C. CUTLER,
First Lieut., First Infty. California Vols., Actg. Asst, Adjt. Oen.
Headquabtebs Camp Weight,
Oak Grove, San Diego County, Cal., April 5, 1862.
Lieut. Ben. 0. Cutlee,
Actg. Asst. Adjt. Gen., Bist. of Southern California, Los Angeles:
Lieutenant : I have the honor to acknowledge receipt of instruc-
tions from the colonel commanding the district, of date 31st ultimo
and 1st instant, relating to a forward movement. As soon as the train
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C«A». LXII.) CORRESPONDENCE — UNION AND CONFEDERATE. 987
of thirty wagons arrivea ftom New San Pedro I shall push on without
delay. The clothing, subsistence, and forage are all ready to be
loaded ui)ou the train on the same night of their arrival, and the com-
mand will march the next morning. Instructions will be left for
Lientenant-Oolonel Eyre, should be not arrive in the meantime. In
crossing the desert to Fort Yuma I shall keep the command together as
much as the supply of water will permit. I inclose a requisition for
articles of indispensable necessity, and request that they be forwarded
by some speedy means to overtake me. There are picks, but no
handles, and not a single long-handled shovel here. The scythes are
much required. There are but seventy-two water kegs on hand ; all
that have yet been received. Two storm flags were received to-day
from San Diego, invoiced as worthless, and utterly so. I desire to be
informed by what title the post I am instructed to establish shall be
designated. All trains arriving here have been heretofore either
promptly returned or dispatched. Two arrived from San Diego last
evening and returned this morning. Those that Captain Smith
brought only remained over night. Captain Thayer's and the manta
teams will be returned without delay. But two teams have been kept
at this post during the last fortnight. The oflicer to whom I turn over
will receive instructions not to increase the number.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
J. R. WEST,
Lieutenant- Colonel First Infantry California Volunteers, Comdg.
SrEciAL Orders, ) Headquarters Camp Wright,
No. 30. 3 Oak Orove, San Diego County, Cal., April 5, 1S62.
I. Companies C and K, First Infantry California Volunteers, and
Companies B and G, Fifth Infantry California Volunteers, will hold
themselves in readiness to march at an hour's notice, with the field
equipage provided by General Orders, No. 3, headquarters District of
Southern California, February 11, 1862. Commanders of companies are
required to see that not an ounce more than that order allows be loaded
upon their wagons. Twenty rounds of ammunition per man will be
carried in cartridge-boxes.
• ••••••
J. R. WEST,
Lieutenant-Colonel First Infantry California Volunteers, Comdg.
Headquarters Department op the Pacific,
San Francisco, Cal., April 5, 1862.
Col. JUSTTTS Steinberger,
Fimt Regt. Washington Territory Vols., San Francisco, Cal. :
Sir : A telegraphic dispatch from the Adjutant-General of the Army
directs that the volunteer recruiting service will cease from the date
thereof. You will, therefore, the general directs, call in all recruiting
parties and consolidate the number of men enlisted and form them into
companies at Alcatraz Island, preparatory to embarking for Fort Van-
couver, Wash. Ter.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
R. C. DRUM,
Assistant Adjutant- General.
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988 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Chap. LXIL
HeADQUARTERS DePABTUENT op the PAOIPIf!,
San Francisco, April 7, 1862.
Adjutant-General Thomas :
I have received a copy of your dispatch of 3d instant to Governor of
California. Is it intended to suspend the organization of the Washing-
ton Territory regimentt Colonel Steinberger has now enrolled more
than 400 men, and I earnestly recommend that the regiment be com-
pleted, as it will be required immediately for service in the Indian
country.
G. WRIGHT,
Brigadier- General, U. S. Army, Commanding.
San Feancisco, Cat., April 7, 1862.
Brig. Gen, G. Weight,
Commanding U. 8. Forces of the Pacifie :
Sib : I deem it my dnty to inform yon of all the facts in relation to
the detention and recovery of the U. S. mail on yesterday. The steamer
Saint Louis arrived at the wharf in this city yesterday at 12 m. with
eight bags of U. S. mail matter from Acapulco, Panama, and South
America. When the boat touched the wharf the mail carrier and one
of my clerks (both sworn officers of the United States (Jovernmcnt)
were on the wharf and requested the purser of the ship to deliver the
mails, so that they might be brought immediately to the post-office.
This he refused to do, without a written order from Messrs. Forbes &
Babcock, agents for the steamer. My clerk went immediately to the
ofQce of Messrs. Forbes & Babcock and found a clerk, who declined to
issue the order. My clerk reported these facts to me. I then went to
the office myself and the clerk said he would send up to the church for
Mr. Babcock, and he would notify me at the post-office of the result.
After waiting at my office an hour I called on you for the force which
you kindly furnished for the purpose of seizing the mail by force, if
necessary, and conveying it to the post-office. 1 preceded the soldiers
about five minutes to the ship. I found the captain had left and the
ship was in charge of the first officer. The first officer said there was
no mail on board the ship and said he should forbid my searching the
ship. At this moment the soldiers arrived, and an agent of the com-
pany in a moment after. The mails, consisting of eight bags of letters
and papers, were delivered to me and brought to the post-office, where
they arrived about 3 p. m. — they should have been at the office in ten
minutes after the arrival of the ship. For your prompt answer to my
call for assistance, I return my sincere thanks.
Yours, very truly,
S. H. PARKER,
Postmaster.
GUAYMAS, SONOEA, MEXICO, April 7, 1862.
Brigadier-General Weight, U. S. Army,
Commanding Department of the Pacific, 8an Francisco, Gal. :
SiB: As a loyal citizen of the United States I take the liberty of
addressing to yon this communication, and inclosing to yon the accom-
panying correspondence,* obtained while at Ures, the capital of Sonora
* See Sibloy 1o tbe Governor of the State of Sonora, December 16, 1861, p. 766, and
incloBurea Noa. 1 to 6 to letter of Alden to Wright, April 26, p. 1030.
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Chap. LXU.J C0BBE8P0NDENCE UNION AND CONFBDEEATE, 989
grom whence I returned three days since), through the iroliteness of
on Manael Escalante, a reputed conlidential friend of Governor Pes-
queira and at present deputy firom Hermosillo to the Sonoran Legisla-
ture, now in session. This correspondence was obtained with the
understanding that it would be communicated directly to San Fran-
cisco to yourself, and to the Evening Bulletin for publication. Mr.
W. G. Moody, the correspondent for the above-named paper, accom-
panied me in my trip. The replies of Governor Pesqueira to the com-
munications of Sibley and Beily were positively promise<l ns, and we
were told that they were being translated for us, for which reason
we delayed two days in Ures beyond our time of departure, but were
unsuccessful in obteining them. This morning's mail brought a note
(copy of which is marked G) to Mr. Moody, requesting the correspond-
ence to be withheld until the next steamer. Now, for what reason this
request is made, why copies of the Governor's replies were withheld
after being promised, and what the contents of those replies were, is
to a considerable extent a matter of conjecture. Escalante represented
to me positively, and such was the belief in Ures and Hermosillo, that
Pesqueira denied the privilege of pursuing Indians into Sonora and of
a depot at Guaymas, and that he declined to answer Sibley's interroga-
tory whether he rest)ected the convention of the United States and
Mexico relative to the right of transit for troops and munitions. Beily,
however, while in this city boasted that he had obtained all the privi-
leges asked for, and even more; that Pesqueira was friendly to them
and their cause, and was only restrained from more oi>en demonstra-
tions of his good will by the opposition of his people and their fears of
the designs of the Confederates. I do not credit, however, the asser-
tions of Reily, for it is well understood that Pesqueira is friendly to the
North, and I have no doubt that such is the fact. Such at least is the
unmistakable feeling of every Mexican in Sonora. They fear the Con-
federates for evident reasons. There is considerable apprehension felt
on the part of the Government here, and freely expressed, that it is the
design of the Confederates to make an incursion into this State under
some pretext or another, and that the privileges asked for by Sibley
are in pursuance of that plan. That such is their plan I infer, not only
ft-om the nature of the case, but fVom intimations of Beily when here
and the boastful tone of secessionists in this city since his departure.
That Beily made arrangements while in this place for obtaining sup-
plies from San Francisco and other places I have no doubt. That he
made proposals to that effect to parties here I am positively informed.
I hope to obtain particulars before this letter is mailed. The compli-
cations of Sonora politics and their relations to the interests of the
United States are somewhat interesting and curious, and possibly
important, and I may be pardoned in saying a few words relative
thereto. It is currently reported and believed here that the conven-
tion of the allied powers with the Juarez Government has resulted in
a scheme whereby the local and State governments are to be shorn of
much of their present power and looseness of obligation to the central
Government. The import duties and revenues generally are to be col-
lected by new appointees under foreign direction and control, and the
proceeds applied to the new administration of the Government; the
balance to the payment of foreign bonds and reimbursement for present
advances.
I have reliable information that Pesqueira has openly declared that
rather than submit to such terms be will resist and throw Sonora into
the arms of the United States. That he is determined to be in a state
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990 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Chap. LXII.
of preparedness for future contingencies of some sort is evidenced by
the new activity prevailing at present in his military establishment.
It mast be remembered that Sonora has for several years maintained a
quasi independence of the central Government; that Fesqueira has
refused the control of the custom-house to the appointees of the cen-
tral Government, and that its revenues are paid out on his (Pesqueira's)
orders for State expenses. The above alleged terms of the allied con-
vention are universally considered to be disgraceful, and it is the
freely spoken opinion of Intelligent Mexicans that Sonora has bat one
course left, viz, annexation to the United States. Should such an
event happen as that above indicated, that and the evident designs of
Confederates upon this State, together with the interests of the foreign
powers, would present a somewhat curious entanglement. Of the pres-
ent measures to be taken, if any are necessary, yon are the judge. My
intention is only to put yoa in possession of such facts and current
beliefs and opinions as fall under my observation and which it may be
important for you to know. I may be allowed to say, however, that
it is the belief of all Americans that the interests of the United States
demand the presence of a man-of-war in this port. In the opinion
above expressed, as to the disposition of Governor Pesqaeira toward
the United States and the nature of his replifes to Sibley, I have
endeavored to do full justice to the Governor, but fi-om his desire to
suppress, or at least delay, the publication of his correspondence it is
not improbable that he may have somehow entangled himself with
them. That he fears them and their designs I am positively informed,
and that he may have resorted to finesse is pretty evident. As I am
an entire stranger to you, I take the liberty to refer you for information
concerning myself to Collector Eankin, Senators Shafter, Hathaway,
and Perkins ; also my friend L. E. Lull.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
P. H. WATERMAN.
[Tscloflnre O.]
Uees, April 4, 1862.
Mr. MooDT :
At the last hour Governor Pesqaeira has told me to write you for
the purpose of telUng you that it would be very convenient not to
publish the copies you have. I have promised liim that yoa would
send tbem up to San Francisco. In this intelligence I beg you not
to send them until the next steamer. I am very tight in the moment
I write the present.
Yours, very truly,
M. ESCALANTE.
GUAYMAS, April 7, 1862.
Paebelly Alden, Esq.:
Dear Sib : While attending to some private business with the Gov-
ernment at Urcs some ten days since, I learned that Col. James Reily,
of the Army of New Mexico, had been visiting Governor Pesqueira, of
this State, to whom he was the bearer of dispatches from Brig. Geu.
H. H. Sibley, C. S. Army, commanding Army of New Mexico. An
acquaintance, Don Manuel Escalante, having this correspondence in
his ofSce, which he was translating for the Governor, I asked him for
copies, which he permitted me to take after he had finished his trans-
lations. When Seilor Escalante left his office to take his Spauisli
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CBAP. LXir.] CORBESPONDENCK — ^UWION AND CONFEDERATE. 991
copies to the Governor he put the originals into the hands of a friend
and myself to commence copying while he was absent upon his errand.
My friend, P. H. Waterman, of San Francisco, and myself immediately
set to work, and writing rapidly, finished our work in about half an
honr, and Sefior Escalante not having returned, we took oar copies
with Qs and strolled out for half an hour or so. Ux>on our return we
learned that Senor Escalante had been in for a moment, and had taken
away with him the original correspondence. In the evening, when we
again called upon Senor Escalante, he told us that the Governor had
sent him for the originals, but that ho would be sure to get us copies
within a few days. We informed him that we would [notT trouble him
in that respect, but did press him for Governor Pesqueira^s answers to
the notes of General Sibley and Colonel Reily, which we informed him
we had taken full copies of during the time he was first absent with the
Governor. These Senor Escalante assured us we should have, at the
same time informing us that they were quite lengthy. We prolonged
our stay in Ures two days beyond our time for the purpose of obtain-
ing those copies, which failing to get, we left under the assurance that
they should be forwarded to us. To-day, instead of receiving the
wished-for copies, I received Senor Escalante's note of the 4th instant.
Deeming this matter of sufQcient importance, I herewith inclose you
copies* of what I have, for the use of the State Department at Wash-
ington. Sefior Escalante was formerly prefect of Hermosillo, now a
member of the Souora Congress.
Yours, truly,
W. G. MOODY.
Headquarters Camp Wright,
Oak Orove, San Diego County, Cal., April 7, 1862,
Msy. Theo. a. Coult,
Fifth California Volunteer Infantry :
I hereby turn over this command to you. There are four wagons en
route for the post from San Pedro loaded with potatoes, &c. Be good
enough to have 1,000 pounds of iMJtatoes t.iken from them and handed
to Lieutenant Vestal, acting commissary of subsistence. Require the
teams to continue on without delay to Fort Yuma. See that they have
ten days' forage, twelve pounds to the mule, 2,880 pounds. Should
they not be able to take that much barley let them draw the deficiency
from Lieutenant Qualey, at Carriso Creek. Impress upon the teamsters
the necessity of dispatch or my whole command will be retarded.
Wishing you a successflil command, I have the honor to be, very
respectfully, &c.,
J. R. WEST,
Lieutenant-Colonel First California Volunteer Infantry, Comdg.
Hdqbs. Advance Guard, California Volunteers,
Camp Wright, April 7, 1862.
Lieut. Col. E. E. Etre,
First California Volunteer Cavalry, Camp Wright:
On the 9th instant you will march with your command, eight wagons
and one portable forge, from this post, and if possible overtake me at
* See Sibley to the Governor of the State of Sonora, December 16, 1861, p. 76C ;
incloHnreH Nos. 1 to 6 to letter of Aldeu to Wright, April 26, p. 1030, and Escalante to
Moody, next, ant«.
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992 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. (Chat. I-xn.
Yallecito on the evening of the 10th instant. Take with you ei^t
days' rations and eight days' forage for your animals. Should you laek
full transportation for the latter, draw the deficiency at Carriso Creeic
when you reach that depot.
• ••••• •
I am, sir, your obedient servant,
J. R. WEST,
Lieutenant-Colonel First California Volunteer Infantry, Comdg.
Hbabquabtebs Department op the Pacific,
San Francisco, Gal., April 7, 1S62.
Col. Feanois J. Lippitt,
Second Infantry California Volunteers,
Commanding District of Humboldt, Fort Humboldt, Cal. :
Colonel : I have sent orders to Lieutenant-Colonel Olney, of yoor
regiment, to break np his camp at Santa Barbara and repair to this
place with the two companies under his command. He will r^ach
here about the 14th, and on the first steamer thereafter embark with
the companies for your headquarters. Tlie late outrages of the Indians
in your district require prompt, decisive action to punish them. Should
the force which will be at your disposal still be inadequate to make a
clean sweep, I will endeavor to throw a column on the southern bound-
ary of your district, to advance north and co-operate with yon. The
Indian difficulties in the Humboldt District have been growing worse
and worse for years, and I am determined to settle them now for the
last time. Every Indian yon may capture, and who has been engraged
ill hostilities present or past, shall be hung on the spot. Spare the
women and children. Allow no citizens, unless employed by your
order, to accompany the troops in the field. GThe officers of the
medical department serving in your district, although assigned to
])o8ts, are nevertheless liable to any service in the field or elsewhere as
the exigencies of the service may require. An assistant surgeon in
place of Dr. Todd, promoted, will report to yon in a few days. I have
full faith in your ability, activity, energy, and zeal, and I take great
pleasure in confiding to your hands the final settlement of this war.
With great regard, I am, colonel, your obedient servant,
G. WRIGHT,
Brigadier- General, U, 8. Army, Commanding.
Consulate of the United States,
Ouaymas, April 8, 1862.
Brigadier-General Wright,
Commanding Pacific D^artment of War, d;c, :
I Sir : I am indebted to Fred. H. Waterman, esq., for copies of the
correspondence* between Ool. James Reily, of the C. S. Army, and
Governor Pesqiieira, of this State, so far as the colonel is concerned.
I have no copies of the Governor's replies, but 1 have reason to believe
you will get the latter through some other channel. Mr. Waterman
proposes to send you his copies by first opportunity, this mail. Orders
will probably go by next (present) steamer for f 5,000 worth of guns
* See iuclosnres Alden to Wright, April 26, p. 1080.
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3HAP. Lxn.] CORRESPONDENCE UNION AND CONFEDERATE. 993
ind ammunition for the government of this State, to be paid for, I
think, by drafts on the banking house of Messrs. Bouts, in Stockton,
irawn by T. Bobinson Bours, of Alamos, in this State. The government
>f the city have of late caused every foreigner here to register his name
md what fire-arms he has. The English war steamer Mutine is in
[)ort, and negotiations have been going on in relation to the late forced
loan. Her presence prevents the forcible entry into the warehouse of
Juan A. Itobinson to take goods to cover the amount of his assessment,
riie merchants of the place have addressed an apx>eal to Captain Gra-
Itam, of the Mutine, to protect them in case of need. Captain G[rahamj
bas sent an express to the admiral down the coast for instructions and
power. Meanwhile he informs me that he will not leave us in the pres-
Biit state of affairs, which are daily becoming more complicated, the
result of which is hard to foresee. But with such an unstable govern-
ment, the repeated forced loans, the government bankrupt, and an
•ilmost certain invasion by Southern Texas troops into the State, we
sadly need the presence of some power to protect American lives and
[U'oi)erly in this portion of Mexico. I make the communication that
you may govern yourself according to circumstances. Yesterday the
Mutine siezed a small Mexican schooner, supposed to have on board
f^ome $5,000 belonging to government. She has been released, but
(vithout finding the money on board.
I have the honor to be, your obedient servant,
WM. L. BAKER,
JJ. 8. Consul.
U. S. Marshal's Oppicb,
Southern District op California,
Los Angeles, April 9, 1862.
Col. J. H. Carleton, or
Military Commander of Southern District op Californla:
Sir : I hereby request that you will detail a sufficient military force
from your command to this city without delay to assist me in arresting
and detaining the person of A. J. King, the present under sheriff of this
county, and a notorious secessionist, who yesterday brought into this
city and ostentatiously displayed before a large crowd of citizens an
elegantly engraved and framed lithographic portrait, life size, of the
rebel General Beauregard, thereby seeking to give^clat in a disaffected
community to the rebel cause, and who in my presence has disavowed
all allegiance to our National Government, at the same time proclaim-
ing that of Jeff. Davis the only constitutional government that we had.
As the said King is a desperate man, and as there is a possibility that
a rescue might be attempted (as a majority of this community sympa-
thizes with the rebellion), I would suggest that celerity and secrecy be
observed, and that a force sufQcient for contingencies be detailed. I
would add that should the colonel commanding this district think it
preferable to make this arrest directly, without the interference of the
marshal, as a military arrest, I should perfectly concur with him in the
wisdom of such a course, in which case the foregoing requisition to
stand void and of no effect. Under all circumstances I should desire
to act in entire unison with the military authorities of this department
in this matter, but particularly so, as the Federal civil authority is
almost powerless in this section; and as all parties arrested by the
marshal would have to be turned over to the military, owing to the fact
63 R R — ^VOL L, PT I
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994 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Chat. tXII.
that the local county jail is entirely in the hands of secession sympa-
thizers. Please, sir, to early advise me of the receipt of this comma-
uication, and also to make any suggestions that may occur.
I am, sir, very re8i)ectfully and truly, your obedient servant,
HENEY D. BARROWS,
U. K Marshal, Southern District of California.
(Indorsenient.]
IlEADQUARTEEg DISTRICT OP SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA,
Neip San Pedro, Gal., April 11, 1862.
Upon the receipt of the original document, of which the above is a
true copy, Andrew J. King was sent for. He visited these headquar-
ters, took the oath of allegianco, a copy of which is appended hereto,*
and was allowed to return to Los Augeles.
BEN. 0, CUTLER,
First IAei!\, First Infty. California VoU., Actg. Asst. Adjt. Qen.
Special Orders,-) Hdqrs. Dist. of Southern California,
No. 45. J Neip San Pedro, Cal., April 9, 1S62.
I. Capt. E. D. Shirland, First Cavalry California Volunteers, will be
prepared to take up his line of march from Gamp Drum, near New
San Pedro, Cal., to-morrow, the 10th instant, at 12 m., with Company
C, First Cavalry California Volunteers. Captain Shirland's company
will move prepared for active field service in strict accordance with
General Orders, No. 3, current series, from these headquarters.
• •«••••
By order of Colonel Carleton :
BEN. C. CUTLER,
First Lieut., First Infty. California Vols., Actg. Asst. Adjt. Oen.
Orders, > Headquarters Humboldt Military District,
No. 4. J Fort Humboldt, April 9, 1862.
I. Every Indian captured in this district during the present war
who has been engaged in hostilities against the whites, present or
absent, will be banged on the spot, women and children in all cases
being spared.
• • • • • • •
By order of Colonel Lippitt:
JOHN HANNA, Jr.,
Acting Assistxnt Adjutant- General.
Headquarters Department op the Pacific,
San Francisco, Cal., April 9, 1862.
Col. Thomas R. Cornelius,
First Regiment Oregon Cavalry, Portland, Oreg. :
COLON3EL : Lieut. Col. E. B. Babbitt, deputy quartermaster-general, has
submitted to me a communication received by him from Lieut. D. W.
Porter, your regimental quartermaster, dated on the 2d instant. I will
* Omitted.
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OHAP.txn.J CORRESPONDENCE UNION AND CONFEDERATE. 995
thank you to refer to that letter aud take immediate measures to cor-
rect the irregularities referred to. Make requisitions for all the supplies
yon may need on the chief of staff at these headquarters, aud orders
will then be given as to the mode of procuring them. It will not be
necessary for you to purchase any horses, mules, or wagons, or any
means of transportation, as we have sufiiicient on hand in the District
of Oregon for use during the next summer. Do not allow your staif
otticers, either at your headquarters or with any portion of your regi-
ment, to make any purchases or contracts without previous authority
from these headquarters except tor forage and fuel and straw. I
find that the acting quartermaster with the battalion at Jacksonville
has been building quarters, hiring a clerk, &c., all of which is disap-
proved, and no such accounts or claims will be paid, and what is the most
astonishing is that he has hired men to take charge of company horses.
What is a cavalry soldier good for if he cannot take care of his horse!
No money will be furnished to pay any of these amounts above re-
ferred to.
Clerks are not allowed for any staff officers in this department with-
out my previous sanction. I hope, colonel, that you will take immedi-
ate steps to arrest all these irregularities; if permitte<l to go on a
moment longer it will be injurious to your regiment in the highest
degree. I understand that an unusual number of men enrolled in your
companies have been discharged at Fort Vancouver, for various causes.
Too much care cannot be bestowed on the examination of men present-
ing themselves for enlistment. The examining surgeon aud recruiting
o&cer should assure themselves that a man is perfectly sound, free
from disease, able-bodied, sober, and of good character and habits,
before passing him ; a neglect of this positive duty subjects those oiticers
not only to a pecuniary loss in refunding to the Goverment all the
expenses of rejected men, but they are also amenable to trial by a gen-
eral court martial ; all men desirous of joining the Army should, in
every case, be entirely stripped of their clothing and critically exam-
ined by the surgeon and recruiting officer together at the same time.
The man's declaration as to his soundncBS will not be taken. Bear in
mind that your adjutant aud regimental quartermaster must be lieuten-
ants in some company of your regiment; you are not allowed extra
lieutenants for those positions. As your regiment has been reduced for
the present to six companies, no more field officers will be appointed.
If, under the authority of the War Department, all the field officers
allowed for a regiment have been appointed, you can retain them until
orders shall be received from the Secretary of War on the subject ; but,
in the meantime, should vacancies occur they will not be filled.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
G. WRIGHT,
Brigadier- General, U. 8. Army, Commanding.
Headquarters Department of the Pacific,
San Francisco, April 10, 1802.
Brig. Gen. L. Thomas,
Adjutant- General U. 8. Army, Washington, D. G.:
General : Since my communication addressed to yon on the 5th
instant nothing of moment has transpired. The Indian difficulties in
the District of Humboldt have become so aggravated that I have
determiued to throw additional troops into that country and close up
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996 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Cbaf. LXn.
that war for the last time. Inclosed herewith is a copy* of a letter of
instructions I have sent t/o Colonel Lippitt, Second Infantry California
Volunteers, which will advise you of the steps I have taken and propose
to take for an effective campaign. From Oregon I have nothing special
to report. My previous letters have inform^ you of the measures to
be taken to preserve peace in that district, as well as to afl'ord protec-
tion to emigrants when they approach. I have ordered Major Patten,
of the Ninth Infantry, now at the Presidio, to proceed to Fort Steila-
coom, Wash. Ter., and assume command of that post, and also to exercise
a general supervision over all the posts on the sound, whether at present
occupied by troops or not. Major Drum, my assistant adjutant-general,
I have sent to the Southern District of California to inspect the troops
of Carleton's command, now at Fort Yuma, or en route. The major
will be absent about twenty days. I beg of you to let Miyor Drum
remain on duty in this department. My troops are so dispersed and
occupy such a vast extent of country that the assistance of an experi-
enced adjutant-general is of the greatest importance to me. Major
Drum suits me exactly. He is capable, industrious, energetic, and zeal-
ous, an ornament to your department. I have deemed it best to retain
the immediate command of my own regiment. The subalterns of the
regiment having most of them been so lately appointed, I have not yat
made a selection for adjutant. However, I can get along very well
with the aid of my sergeant-major. The weather is steadily improving
and the active operations have already commenced. Colonel Connor,
Third Infantry California Volunteers, the officer whom I have selected
to command all the troops designated for the protection of the Over-
land Mail Boute, is making his preparations to cross the mountains as
soon as the roads are practicable.
Very respectfully, your most obedient servant,
G. WBIGHT,
Brigadier- Oetteral, U. 8. Army, Commanding.
Special Orders, ) JSdqrs. Department of the Pacific,
No. 58. J San Francisco, Gal, April 10, 1862.
1. Maj. George W. Patten, Ninth Infantry, is assigned to the com-
mand of Fort Steilacoom, Wash. Ter., to which post he will proceed
without delay. In addition to commanding the post of Fort SteiLocoom,
Major Patten is charged with a general supervision of all the military
posts on the sound, whether occupied or not.
• ••••••
By order of Brigadier-General Wright:
B. W. KIBKHAM,
Captain and Assistant Quartermaster, Actg. Asst. Adjt. Oen.
U. S. Marshal's Office, Southern Dist. of California,
Los Angeles, Cal., April 10, 1862.
Brig. Gen. George Wright,
Comdg. Pacific Department, U. 8. Army, 8an Francisco, Cal. :
Sir : May not the Union citizens of this section ask that greater rigor
be exercised toward secessionism, or the expression of it, in Southern
* See Wright to Lippitt, April 7, p. 992.
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CHAP.LXn.) CORRESPONDENCE — UNION AND CONFEDERATE. 997
California! It permeates society here among both the high and the low.
Our local State, county, and city ofiBeers, with very few exceptions, are
avowed sympathizers with it. It is popular here, and the Union cause is
very generally despised. Ought not the Army to do all in its power to
reverse this state of things ? Ought not the officers here to use all their
influence to accomplish this — to make the cause of treason disreputable
by abstaining from associating with all those who, whatever their social
respectability, are known to sympathize with it! Whatever people's
sympathies with the South may be, ought not all expression of sympa-
thy with the rebellion, with secession, to be absolutely and entirely
suppressed? Else the task of crushing it out on American soil is going
to be Herculean. Union men feel that they cannot live here if some-
thing is not done to attack and destroy secessionism here, which is
strong, insidious, and specious, and far too crafty for the- policy that
would do nothing against it unless it be a clear case of some overt act.
That policy is utterly inadequate. Secessionism will always thrive here
so long as it is followed. It is as much as a Union man's life is worth
to unflinchingly expose secession doings here. Society will be against
him ; the civil Federal authority is powerless. He hardly knows where
to look for countenance. Mnst this always be sof Is Southern Cali-
fornia a part of the rebel Confederacy that loyalty to the Union is
neither respectable nor safe! May we not ask that the commander of
this department be instructed to attack secessionism in any phase what-
soever that it may present itself! I assure you, General Wright, that
there is a very general dissatisfaction amongst the Union soldiers and
Union citizens that this is not done. A great variety of information
has come to my knowledge bearing on this subject that I have felt it
my duty to present both to you and to the Attorney-General at Wash-
ington, but I refrain from including it here. I shrink from making issue
with the commander of this department, whom I respect notwithstand-
ing his policy is not aggressive enough, or with the secessionists, whom
1 despise, unless forced to do so. I will mention only two instances.
A. J. King, under-sheriflf of this county, who has been a bitter secession-
ist, who said to me that he owed no allegiance to the United States
Government; that Jeff. Davis' was the only constitutional government
we had, and that he remained here because he could do more harm to
the enemies of that Government by staying here than going there;
brought down on the Senator Tuesday last a largo lithograph gilt-
framed portrait of Beauregard, the rebel general, which he flaunted
before a large crowd at the hotel when he arrived. I induced Colonel
Carleton to have him arrested as one of the many dangerous secession-
ists living in our midst, and to-day he was taken to Camp Drum. He
was accompanied by General Volney E. Howard as counsel, and I have
but little hope that he will be retained in custody. Yet in what country
would the display of portraits of generals of the enemy in war be toler-
ated— especiallyin adisaffected community as this is! Hemightabout
as well have displayed a rebel flag. Would fine portraits of General
McClellan or President Lincoln be tolerated in the rebel States? Very
likely you may learn what disposition shall have been made of him by
the steamer which leaves to-morrow. Lieutenant Bufifum was in town
Monday. While here, one Powell (captain of a company fitting out for
the Colorado mines, or, as some of its members intimated, for Dixie)
was standing near him, who said, "There is one of those uni-
forms; I make it my business to kill just such as them." Lieuten-
ant B. could do nothing, and he had so little confidence that any notice
would be taken of the insult that he declined to report it. I beseech
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998 OPERATIONS OK THE PACIFIC COAST. (C»u>. LXH.
you in behalf of the handful of sincere Union men in this community to
have the strings drawn tauter here on that insidious secessiouism
against which Union policy too often is no match.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
HENRY D. BAKEOWS,
U. 8. JUarslial, Southern District of California.
P. S. — If, sir, you should desire references, I would name Doctor Tut
hill (Evening Bulletin), S. J. Bridge, esq. (appraiser general), and par-
ticularly D. W. Oheesman, esq. (assistant sub-treasurer), who knows nie
well and who knows so well the condition of Unionism in this southern
country.
H. D. B.
Headqttartees District of Southern California,
Los Angeles, Cal., April 10, 1862.
Col. George W. Bowie,
Fifth Infantry California Volunteers, or
The Commanding Offiokr at Camp Wright, Cax,. :
Sir : Direct Major Ooult, Fifth Infantry California Volunteers, with
Captain Roberts' company (E), First Infantry California Volunteers,
and Captain Ford's company (E), of the Fifth Infantry California
Volunteers, to proceed without delay to Fort Yuma, Cal. Captain
Roberts' company will leave Camp Wright one day in advance of
Captain Ford's company; thus by the time Captain Ford's company
will be ready to move, two wagons laden with hospital stores which
left New San Pedro, Cal., en route for Fort Yuma, on the 6th of April,
18C2, will have come to Camp Wright. Tbese must pass the desert
under the protection of Captain Ford's company. These companies
will have for transportation as many of the wagons which went with
your own (Colonel Bowie's) command as may be necessary. The two
howitzers and all the articles pertaining to them will be sent on to Fort
Yuma by Captain Ford. The companies will be furnished with two
tents apiece. Hospital tent, poles, &c., which were sent forward with
Colonel Bowie's command will also be forwarded to Fort Yuma. Tlie
companies will each take 5,000 rounds of ammunition in boxes, and
each man will be furnished with twenty rounds to be carried in his
cartridge-box. In all other respects the companies will be fitted out
according to General Orders, No. 3, current series. You will have
every article that goes upon the wagons weighed upon the scales, so
as to be sure that the teams are not overloaded. The rest of the
wagons which went with Colonel Bowie's command will be loaded with
forage and provisions and sent forward to Fort Y^uma.
I am, sir, very respectfully,
JAMES H. CARLETON,
Colonel First California Volunteers, Commanding.
Headquarters District of Southern California,
Los Angeles, Cal., April 10, 1862.
Maj. E. A. RiGG,
Commanding at Fort Yuma, Cal.:
> Major : I have just ordered Major Coult with Roberts' and Ford's
companies of infantry, with two mountain howitzers and with two
wagon loads of hospital stores, to proceed from Camp Wright without
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Chap. Lxn.) CORRESPONDENCE UNION AND CONFEDERATE. 999
delay and report to you at Fort Yuma. The transportatiou which
accompauies this command will doubtless be fourteen wagons, which
you will doubtless need at the fort or in advance of the fort. Otherwise
return such as are not needed to Gamp Wright. I have ordered a new
hospital tent, poles, &c., to be sent. These will be forwarded to Lieu-
tenant-Colonel West by the first opportunity. Major Woods, with
funds to pay your troops> ^ud Major Drum, to inspect your post and
command, left here to-day for Fort Yuma. Yourself and West are too
good soldiers not to have spies watching and reporting upon every
movement of an enemy, let him be where he may, within 200 miles of
you. I am very anxious to hear the result of Calloway's and Pishon's
enterprise. 1 am very anxious to hear that the brig Bice has arrived.
There is no doubt but Major Drum will find your post in the finest
possible order, and everything about it neat and clean, and all your
defenses in first-rate order.
ItespectfuUy, your obedient servant,
JAMES H. CAKLETON,
Colonel First California Volunteers, Commanding.
Note. — Mr. Yager should know that the garrison at Fort Yuma for
two months at least will be largely increased. lie might, therefore,
have a good supply of beef on hand.
J. n. 0.
Hbadquabtebs Department op the Pacific,
San Francisco, April 11, 1862.
Brig. Geu. L. Thomas,
Adjutant- General U. 8. Army, Washington, J). C:
(tENkual : Inclosed herewith is a copy of a communication * which I
addressed to Colonel Cornelius, First Cavalry Oregon Volunteers.
Disposed as my troops are, over a wide extent of country, it requires
the greatest vigilance to prevent waste and extravagance. The com-
manding and staff ofiQcers generally have but little, if any, experience;
but they have the Hegulations, and I have, in repeated circulars and
orders, exiTIained to them very cai-efully as to the manner of making
contracts or purchases; notwithstanding all this, irregularities will
creep in. To watch over the interests of the United States I am now
sending experienced officers to inspect every post and camp within the
department. In these times, when all the means and money at our dis-
jtosal are re<iuired for the legitimate expenditures of the Government,
1 am determined that no unfaithful ofQcer or agent shall for a single
moment retain his position.
With great respect, your most obedient servant,
G. WEIGHT,
Brigadier- General, U. 8. Army, Commanding. ■
Headquarters District op Southern California,
Los Angeles, Gal., April 11, 1862.
Capt. K. W. KiRKHAM,
Acting Assistant Adjutant-General, San Francisco, Cal.:
Captain : Inclosed herewith please find copies of Major Bigg's
letters t to these headquarters, which will give the general the last
• See Wright to Cornelius, April 9, p. 994.
tSee Rigg to Carleton, March 25, March 26, March 27, March 30 (2), and April 2 (2),
ante.
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1000 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. IChap. LXn.
intelligence from Fort Yuma. Send down some belts for the repair of
White's mill at the Pima Villages. Please order Captain McAllister to
send down by return boat a good supply of percussion caps. I am
afraid to depend on the tape-primers altogether. Majors Woods and
Drum left for Fort Yuma April 9, 1862. Lieutenant-Colonel West with
five companies is now passing the Yuma desert. (See my instructions
to that oflScer which went up by the last boat). Colonel Bowie doubt-
less reaches Camp Wright to-day. Two companies more leave that
camp for Fort Yuma as soon as practicable after Colonel Bowie's
arrival, and two companies of cavalry and Shinn's battery will leave
Camp brum for Temecala en route to Fort Yuma this week. This
leaves at Camp Dram Major Fergusson and one company of cavalry to
escort the funds, which I confidently look for on the return boat.
Unless the teamsters are paid a part of their wages at least they will
quit. I mast have money. I can revolutionize Sonora with coin as
against the secession scrip, even admitting Sibley to have the country,
which he is not understood to have. If you could send down the
Indian goods named in my list of December I could buy all of White's
wheat ba«k, which the secessionists seem to have distributed among
the Indians. Send all funds, whether subsistence or quartermaster's,
to Lieutenant Hammond, who will wait at Camp Drum with Major Fer-
gusson to receive them. Please leave none of this business undone for
still another boat. The weather is getting hot, and time now is of
immense value. Send 100 tons of barley to San Pedro, and say 20,000
rations of subsistence, but no more until estimated for.
I am, captain, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JAMBS H. CAELETON,
Colonel First Cali/ornia Volunteers, Commanding.
Special Oedebs, ) Hdqes. Dist. op Sotjtheen Calipoenia,
No. 47. J Camp Drum, Gal., April 11, 1862.
I. Shinn's light battery, Third Artillery, wDl be prepared to take up
its march for active field service on Sunday morning, the 13th instant.
The oificers and troops will be prepared according to the spirit of Gen-
eral Orders, No. 3, current series from these headquarters. The troops
will have ten days' rations.
II. Company B, Second Cavalry California Volunteers, will be pre-
pared to march on active field service to-morrow at 3 p. m., with ten
days' rations. Major Fergusson, First Cavalry California Volunteers,
is charged with seeing that the officers and men are in the most perfect
possible order for marching and for fighting.
III. The officers attached to the headquarters of this district, except
Lieutenant Hammond, and inclnding Captain Moore, assistant quarter-
master, U. S. Army, will take the field on the morning of the 13th
instant.
• ••••••
By order of Colonel Carleton:
BEN. C. CUTJjBE,
First Lieut, First In/ty. California Vols., Aetg. Asst. Adjt. Oen.
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Obap. LXU.] C0BBE8PONDENCE — UNKMJ AND CONFEDERATE. 1001
FOKT Andkbsok, April 11, 1862.
First Lient John Hanna, Jr.,
Actg. Asst. Adjt. Gen., Humboldt Military Dittrict:
Sib : I am informed that the Hoopa Indians are without doubt friendly
and quiet toward the whites, so nmcb so that they are anxiously inquir-
ing whether or not they would be permitted to help the soldiers in
bringing the Mad River [ Indians | to punishment. There can be no
doubt but they (the Hoopas) know well where to find the Mad Eiver
Indians. You will therefore lay this before the colonel commanding
Humboldt Military District, as the object iu view is to obtain his per-
mission to bring five or six Hoopa Indians to this post for the purjjose
of hunting up the Mad Kiver Indians. At present they have sent me
word that any number I would wish or send for, for that purpose, would
come here without delay. I would have to furnish them with rations;
that would be all the expense. I desire an early answer to this.
I have the honor to be, your obedient servant,
C. D. DOUGLAS,
Captain, Second Infty. California Vols., Comdg. at Anderson.
War Department, Adjutant-Qeneral's Office,
Washington, April 12, 18(12.
Brigadier-General Wrioht,
San Francisco, Cal.:
The Secretary of War authorizes the completion of the Washington
Territory regiment. Colonel Steinberger.
L. THOMAS,
AdQVitant- General.
Headquarters Department of the Pacific,
San Francisco, Cal., April 12, 1862.
Lieut. Col. James N. Olney,
Second Infantry California Volunteers, San Francisco, Cal.:
Sir : The general commanding the department directs that you pro-
ceed with your command to Alcatraz Island, where you will remain
until transportation can be furnished to Fort Humboldt. This will
probably be on Wednesday or Thursday next.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
B. W. KIBKHAM,
Captain and Assistant Quartermaster, Actg. Asst. Adjt. Gen.
Fort Humboldt, April 12, 1862—10 a. m.
(Via Shasta, 20th.)
Maj. K. C. Drum,
Assistant Adjutant- General, U. S. Army:
Please send immediately one company to garrison Fort Humboldt;
regulars, if possible. But handful of men here. Olney's command
needed elsewhere.
FRANCIS J. LIPPITT,
Colonel, Commanding Runiboldt Military District.
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1002 0PEEAT10N8 ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Chap. LXn.
Ueadquaetbbs District op Southern Oalifoknia,
Templets Ranch, Cal, April 13, 1862.
Oapt. E. D. Shirland,
First Cavalry California Volunteers, El China, Cal. :
Sir : Proceed to the vicinity of Temecula and encamp -with your com-
pany and the train ander your charge where you can iind good grass
and Avater in that neighborhood.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JAMBS H. OAKLETON,
Colonel First California Volunteers, Commanding.
Headquabtebs District of Southern California,
San Pedro, Cal., April 13, 1862.
Maj. David Feegusson,
First Cavalry California Volunteers,
Commanding, Camp Drum, New San Pedro, Cal. :
Major : I leave today for Oamp Wright. You are left at Kew San
Pedro with Company B, First Cavalry California Volunteers, and with
Lieutenant Hammond, regimental quartermaster First Infantry Cali-
fornia Volunteers, to receive and escort such funds pertaining to the
quartermaster's department and subsistence department as may be seat
down on the next steamer for the expenses of the expedition just organ-
ized for field service toward the Rio Grande. Should these funds not
come down on the next boat, you will notify the general commanding
the department that you are instructed to remaiiuhere until they do
come, at which time you will escort them on toward Tucson, Ariz. Ter.,
until you come to the headquarters of the expedition alluded to above,
when you will receive further instructions. Lieutenant Hammond will
receipt for the funds, but you will charge him not to expend one dollar
of them without the order of the commander of the expedition. There
are many teams here fitting up for the expedition. These are to be
prepared in the most perfect manner possible for the service required
of them. All of them are to be laden with subsistence and barley, and
as soon as possible after the arrival of the Senator they are to be sent
to Fort Yuma under charge of Wagon-master Allen. You will promptly
notify me by express when they are ready to leave, and give me the
number of the teams and the amount and kind of stores with which
they are laden. All public stores you may need from the depot you are
atitborized to draw from Lieutenant Morgan, depot quartermaster and
commissary at ]l^ew San Pedro, Cal., and wbeu you finally leave Camp
Drum to join me you will see that Lieutenant Morgan receipts for all
public property of whatever description which you may be obliged to
leave behind. Doubtless some ammunition for mountain howitzers,
some percussion caps, and some clothing may be sent down on the next
Senator. These articles you will forward by the first opportunity.
Other matters necessary for you to attend to will readily suggest them-
selves to an experienced ofQcer like yourself.
I am, respectfully, your obedient servant,
JAMES H. CAELETON,
Colonel First California Volunteers, Commanding.
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CiAP.LXU.) CORRESPONDENCE — UNION AND CONFEDERATE. 1003
Heasquabtebs Department op the Pacific,
San Francisco^ Cal., April If, 1802.
Col. James n. Oaeleton,
First Infantry California Volunteers,
Comdg. Diat. of Southern California, Lot Angeles, Cal. :
Colonel : I do not -wish yoa to send out any new expedition to the
Mono country until you shall have received reports from Lieutenant-
Colonel Evans, when you can exercise your own judgment in the matter.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
G. WRIGHT,
Brigadier- General, U. S. Army, Commanding.
Headquarters Department op the Pacific,
San Francisco, Cat., April It, ISG^,
Col. James H. Caeleton,
First Infantry California Volunteers,
Comdg. Dist. of Southern California, Los Angeles, Cal. :
Colonel : In consequence of the continued Indian disturbances in
the District of Humboldt I was compelled to withdraw tlie two com-
panies of the Second Infantry at Santa Barbara, under Lieutenant-
Colonel Olney, and send them to re-enforco Colonel Lippitt. This will
make it necessary for you to leave a company of the Fifth at San Diego.
I have no reliable information as to the state of aflfairs either in Ari-
zona or New Mexico, but I have no doubt of Canby's ability to sustain
himself against any rebel force which may approach him. With the
main objects of the expedition intrusted to your direction you are well
acquainted, viz, to drive out or capture all rebels in Arizona and retake
the forts in that country and New Mexico^ now in possession of the rebels.
Every exertion has been made to provide your troops with all neces-
sary supplies. My design in the first instance was for you to advance
from Fort Yuma with your own regiment and Shinn's battery, with five
companies First Cavalry; but on the eve of your departure from Ynma
you will be better able to judge of the propriety of adding a portion of
Bowie's regiment to your moving columns, which you are authorized to
do, if you think it proper. Do not hesitate about taking all the force
you think necessary to accomplish the object in view.
Wishing you all the success which your labor and zeal in making the
necessary preparations so justly entitle you to, I am, cohmel, very truly,
your obedient servant,
G. WRIGHT,
Brigadier- General, U. S. Army, Commanding.
Headquarters,
Fort Anderson, April 14, 1SC>2.
First Lieut. John Hanna, Jr.,
Actg. Asst. Adjt, Oen., Humboldt Mil. Bist., Fort Humboldt :
Lieutenant : I have the honor to report that in obedience to your
letter of instructions dated April 3, 1862, I have made a thorough
examination of the ground at Simmons' ranch. The ground, or rather
bench of the mountain, contains about six acres of gently sloping land,
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1004 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Chap. LXn.
bounded on three sides by Redwood Creek and on tbe r^maiuiu^ side
by a very steep and ragged mountain. The elevation above the waters
of the creek at the present time is fall seventy-five feet perpendicular,
and at only one ])oiut is there snfBcient slope to admit of reaching the
water without sliding down the almost perpendicular bank. At this
point the old Weaverville trail passes up the hill. The ground is cov-
ered with a dense and heavy growth of underbrush from ten to fifteen
feet in height, sprinkled with heavy dead pines, the outskirts of the
bench being pretty heavily timbered. A small space of cue or two
acres has been burned over, and the stumps of the brush stick ont of
and cover the ground from one to two feet in height. A small garden
has been iuclosed on the side hill and a small corral erected below it.
A small dwelling and milk bouse once stood on the ground below the
corral, the remains of each being now visible. A small spring, over
half a mile up the mountain, formerly furnished water enough for the
use of the family, but I do not think it would supply the wants of a
company. Daring the latter part of summer it generally dries, as I
have been informed. The building of a military post at that point
would involve an immense expenditure of time and labor, to say noth-
ing of the extra expense over the erection of one at the point whet© I
am now encamped. To clear the ground sufficiently to pitch the tents
of my command would take nearly the same amount of time and labor
as it will to erect comfortable log barracks at this jioint, and to supply
the command with water for a year; including the necessary condnit
pipes irom the spring, and the labor of a man and team hauling water
after a road has been dug to the bed of the stream would go far
toward completing an elegant set of officers' quarters at this point.
The necessary article of water can be obtained at this point at all sea-
sons of the year by carrjnng it up a dozen steps or by means of a com-
mon well pamp. But little oak wood is procurable at that point, while
at this place there is an abundance to be obtained, ready cut, for a
very moderate sum. Timber for building purposes is the only article
easier of access than at this point. There it can be procured in abun-
dance from the outskirts of the tract; here it is necessary to haul it
across Redwood Creek, which can be done with ease at low water.
The pasturage at that point is not as abundant or accessible as at this
place. The crossing at that place I could not very well determine,
being on foot, but should judge from the looks of the stream that in
high water it is as dangerous and impassable as at this point. Upon
making inquiries of the packers and others who have been more or less
in the habit of passing over this country for the last eight or ten years,
I learn that the trail running past that place does not shorten the dis-
tance to Weaverville more than ten miles; that it was not abandoned
on account of the Indian dangers alone, but because it was without
accommodations of any kind, and above all, because it did not pay.
The trail leading via Liscombe's Hill, Minor's, and Hoopa Valley, is the
only one that can be traveled by freight trains and passengers between
Humboldt Bay, Hoopa Valley, Salmon River mines, l^ew River, and
the intermediate points, and with the exception of being some ten miles
longer, is equal in every respect to the trail through to Weaverville by
way of Simmons', which leads over the mountains and strikes the
Trinity River above Hoopa Valley in the vicinity of Willow Creek. If
Fort Anderson is removed to Simmons' ranch, the Hoopa Valley trail
passing here from Areata will in a measure have to be abandoned, to
the great detriment of the large number of inhabitants at Hoopa Val-
ley, Salmon River, and New River mines, and the numbers of people
engaged in trading with and between those places. The only way of
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Ciup.LXii.) CORRESPONDENCE — UNION AND CONFEDERATE. 1005
approaching that location from this side is over an immense landslide,
full sixty rods across, or by going upon the mountain and coming down
to it from above by the Weaverville trail.
By order of Captain Douglas:
P. B. JOHNSON,
Second Lieutenant and Post Adjutant.
Headcjuabters First Oavajlrt Obbgon Volunteers,
Portland, Oreg., April 14, 1862.
General Wright,
Commanding Department of the Pacific, San Francitco, Gal. :
Sir : Herewith I forward a communication from Lientenaut-Colonel
Maury for your consideration. His views in regard to the requirement
of a military force in Southern Oregon, as far as my knowledge extends,
are correct. The two last companies mustered by Lieutenant-Colonel
Maury being so near full, and being composed of good men well mounted,
1 would urge upon you (the matter being in your discretion) to increase
the regiment to seven companies.
I am, sir, very respectftiUy, your obedient servant,
T. E. CORNELIUS,
Colonel First Cavalry Oregon Volunteers.
llnoloaun.]
Camp Baker, Jackson County, Greg., March 27, 1862.
Ool. G. Wright, U. S. Army,
Comma/nding Department of the Paoifio :
Sib : On account, no doubt, of the threatening appearance of Indian
affairs in Washington Territory and Oregon there are rumors that the
troops now in this part of the State are to be removed north. In con-
sideration that this might be the case in an emergency, I deem it my
duty to represent to yon our condition! The eastern frontier of South-
ern Oregon is occupied solely by Indians, though it contains large val-
leys Husceptible of cultivation as well as extensive range for stock. If
there should be war with the Indians north, the probability of which
is unquestionably great, it will involve the Indiums south. They are
well aware that two-thirds of our citizens will leave for the northern
mines, and anxious at the same time, naturally, to commit depredations
upon the settlements. This will leave Jackson County especially
exi)osed, and offer inducements to make equal cause with the Indians
of the north as well as to commit depredations (which will necessarily
lead to war) on their own account. Aside from any predisposition of
these Indians for hostilities, they may find aggravations from the fact
that their country will be extensively prospected and traveled over by
parties going to Salmon Kiver mines, or those of Humboldt Biver, who,
through thoughtlessness or recklessness, may provoke hostilities from
which the innocent are always the greatest sufferers. Without being
able to obtain positive evidence of the fact, I am satisfied that they
have accumulated this winter a large amount of ammunition. In con-
nection with this I ask respectfully to suggest that a military establish-
ment east of this valley has been for a long time necessary to the pro-
motion of the interests in every respect of Southern Oregon and North-
ern California. Its importance under present circumstances is largely
increased. It will lead to the peaceable development of a large tract
of agricultural and mineral district now unoccupied with but little
additional cost to the Govemment. Troops in tbat direction would be
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1006 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. (Chap. LXU.
couvenieut enough to attend to any emergency that might arise from
the present disturbed condition of the country. In this end of the State
we are about evenly divided as to the national issue. On account of
the agitations consequent upon our coming elections, as well as those
that may occur from possible reverses to the national arms, our condi-
tion cannot be foretold. Under the instructions from Adjutant-Gen-
eral's Office of September 24, 1861, after consultation with the gentlemen
embraced in them, I proceeded to organize four companies in the south-
ern part of the State. Two were promptly filled in this county. The
severity of the winter postponed for some time the necessary steps for
the organization of the other two. Good substantial citizens were
selected in the adjoining counties, who immediately applied themselves
to raise the other two. The continued severity of the weather, with
much local opposition, prevented their completion before the receipt of
your order reducing the regiment to six companies (it was forwarded
I)romi)tly to the parties concerned). On the 24th of February forty
enlisted men were mustered in for one of these companies, and on the
12th March fifty for the other — between these dates and the receipt of
your order. I am informed that they number about seventy each
enlisted men. It will be a severe disappointment to those who have
worked under many disadvantages, now that they have nearly the
required number, after their efforts and outlays, to be left out. If the
requirements of the service and your duty will allow it, I respectfully
ask a favorable consideration for them; that is, that they may be
allowed to fill these companies, thus making the seventh of the regiment.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
R. P. MAURY,
Lieutenant- Colonel First Cavalry Oregon Volunteers.
IIeadquartebs Department of the Pacific,
San Francisco, Cat., April 15, 1862.
Col. James II. Oableton,
First Infantry California Volunteers,
ConuJg. District of Southern California, Los Angeles, Cal. :
Colonel : The general commanding the department directs me to
write you that he has read careflilly and with deep interest the volu-
minous correspondence received by last mail regarding affairs in your
district. The zeal and activity displayed by Colonel West and Major
Rigg warrant the conviction that they are not to be overreached by
any parties of rebels. All the supplies asked for have been ordered.
Neither the quartermaster's nor the subsistence departments have yet
received funds, but they are exi)ected daily, and possibly may reach us
in time to go on the next steamer.*
I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
R. W. KIRKHAM,
Captain and Assistant Quartermaster, Actg. Asst. Adjt. Oen.
Headquarters Humboldt Military District,
Fort Humboldt, April 16, 1862.
Maj. R. 0. Drum,
Asst. Adjt. Oen., Department of the Pacific, U. 8. Army :
Major : I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of a letter from
the general commanding the department, dated April 7. I feel much
* Some unimportant matter here omitted.
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CMAP.LXn.) CORRESPONDENCE ^UNION AND CONFEDERATE. 1007
encouraged by the expression of confidence it contains, and shall do
my best to merit a continuance of it to the last. Since my dispatch of
April 9 no new outrages by Indians have been reported. Some three
or four of them have been killed by the troops and about forty taken
jtrisoners, the great«r part of them women and children. I have
detachments i>osted at the most exi>osed points, and have organised a
regular system of escorts and daily expresses between the various i>osts
and this point, by which the most infested routes through the hostile
country are kept constantly scoured — a system which brings all of us
in constant and rapid communication with each other and aflbrds pro-
tection incidentally to the settlements and trains along the routes. But
to do this I have had to use up nearly all of Captain Akey's monnted
company (the only one left at this iwst), leaving him but a handful of
men to guard the Indian i)ri8oners and some twenty general prisoners
and for all the usual garrison duties. I have just been informed, more-
over, of the capture at Fort Gaston of two of the deserters of Company
K, Second Infantry California Volunteers, and expected cajiture of the
other seven. They will have to be brought here at once for safe-
keeping, increasing by so many the number of general prisoners. I
therefore hope that my telegraphic request per Weaverville of the 13th
instant for one company to be sent to garrison this post will be granted.
The company sent should be full and well disciplined. As at present
advised, I shall send Lieutenant-Colonel Olney and his command imme-
diately to Fort Gaston, not only to keep the Hoopas and Elamaths in
check, but to enforce such severe measures as I may have to adopt
there at once. It seems certain that some, if not all, of tlie IIooi)as
are engaged covertly in the present hostilities. The Indian killed by
Captain Donglas on the Cth instant has been recognized as one of their
chiefs.
3 p. m. — An official rei)ort has just come in from Captain Johns of
the capture of six of the deserters from Company K by Lieutenant
Anderson, Company D, Third Infantry California Volunteers, and a
detachment of the garrison at Fort Gaston, accompanied by Lieuten-
ant Hubbard, Company K, Second Infantry California Volunteers.
Captain Johns gives high praise to the whole party for their zealous
exertions, "marching for thirty-six hours without sleep or rest in a
severe storm over one of the worst trails in that country." One of the
six escaped, but will probably be recaptured.
April 17. — In regard to the amount of additional force required, I can
now speak definitely. Besides the company needed to garrison this
post, two other companies will be the minimum force required. These,
together with the three now in the field, will suffice to keep the Indians
in check, and at the same time to be making some progress in subduing
and capturing them. The Indians have virtual possession of the whole
country up to within a few miles of the bay. I mean by this that no
man would now venture to travel any where beyond this limit without a
strong escort., and that all the settlers, except the fewto whom I have sent
or am sending detachments, have been driven into the bay, as many
of them killed as were not able to escape, and their property destroyed.
How rapid will be our progress with the re-enforcement now requested
it is impossible for me to say, but every addition of force beyond this
will, of course, expedite matters proportionally. I wish to be under-
stood as reporting an immediate re-enforcement of three companies
(besides Colonel Olney's command) — one to garrison this post, the other
two for the field — to be, in my opinion, indispensable. I have the honor
to transmit herewith a description of the site of Fort Lyon, with a
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1008 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [CaAP.Lxn.
sketch of it by Private Skobel, of Company K, Second Infantry Oali-
fornia Volunteers, as also i)ost returns from Posts Baker, Lyon, and
Anderson.
Very re8i)ectMly, your obedient servant,
FRANCIS J. LIPPITT,
Col. Second Infty. California Vols., Comdg. Humboldt Mil. Dist.
Port Baker, Cal., April 16, 1862.
First Lieut. John Hanna, Jr.,
Second Infantry California Vols., Actg. Asst. Adjt. Gen. :
SiB: In compliance with paragraph 716, Revisetl Regulations, I have
the honor to communicate the following in relation to the rente to and
site of this post: Fort Baker is about southeast of Fort Ilnmboldt and
bay; distant by the nearest available route, fifty-three miles; is reached
by a wagon road from the latter point; twenty -three to Hydesville, the
nearest village to the i>ost. From that point the trail runs over a high
ridge of mountains, throngh the Redwoods to what is called Reed's,
twelve miles, and over a range of bald hills, six miles, descending south-
easterly to the head of Yager Creek, a small settlement. Then easterly
through a canon firom one and a half to two miles, and from tlience on
the summit and along the slope of a high range of mountains eight or
nine miles, and striking Van Duscn's Creek. The camp or post is
situated on a small dat from one and a half to two miles long, and
about half a mile wide. The site of the camp is somewhat marshy, but
well sheltered, being on the west bank of the Van Dusen between high
ranges of mountains running nearly north and south. It exhibits signs
of having at some period been overflowed, and indications of minerals.
The country is also well adapted to the habits of the Indians peculiar
to this country, affording excellent grass, plenty and good timber of
several varieties, among which is the ash, not commonly found in the
country. A small stream running directly throngh the camp affords
plenty of good water, summer and winter. Van Dusen's Creek on the
left affords fish of several varieties, and game of almost every kind is
exceedingly abundant. The temi)erature is cool but even, the ther-
mometer at this season averaging about 4d<=> in the shade. I may add
that the country is thinly settled, and exhibits but little, and that little
old, Indian signs. Owing to a want of suitable material it is impossi-
ble at present to furnish a sketch of the route and x>ost. I shall, how-
ever, endeavor to comply with the regulations in that respect as soon
as the circumstances will admit.
THOS. E. KBTOHAM,
Captain, Third Infty. California VoU., Comdg. Fort Baker District.
Headquabtbbs District op Obboon,
Fort Vancouver, Wath. Ter., April 16, 1862.
His Excellency John Whitbaker,
Oovemor of the State of Oregon:
Sir : I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt this day of Year
Excellency's letter of the 29th ultimo, relative to the necessity of pro-
tection against Indian hostilities to the settlers in and near the eastern
and northeastern frontier of Oregon, and inqniring as to the steps
designed to be taken by the TJ. S. military authorities in reference
thereto. Of the means now under my control, it will not probably
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CHAf.LXn.) CORRESPONDENCE — ^TTNION AND CONFEDERATE. 1009
bo expedient to make any change in their present disjiosition, but I am
hai)py to be able to inform Your Excellency that I am advised by the
commanding general of the department, under date of 27th ultimo, that
the cavalry force under Colonel Cornelius has been ordered by him to
be collected " together in the Willamette Valley with a view of moving
into the Walla Walla country, and thence to the mining districts, and,
a« the season advances, to throw forward troops to Fort Ilall to meet
the emigrants." I have recently apprised the commanding general of
the proposed settlement by citizens of Oregon in the valley of Powder
River, and I can have no doubt that the necessary steps will be taken
by him for the protection of that and such other settlements as may be
attempted within the frontier limits of Oregon. It is also within my
power to inform Your Excellency that the military force in this district
will, within a few weeks, be increased by the addition of from four to
six companies of infantry under the command of Colonel Steinberger.
In the hope that what I have above stated may tend to allay the
anxiety expressed, I have the honor to be, Your Excellency's obedient
servant,
A. CADY,
lAeutenant- Colonel Seventh Infantry, Commanding District.
Hbadquabtees District op Southern California,
Camp at Laguna Grande, April 17, 1863.
Capt. R. W, KlRKHAM,
Acting Aasititant Adjutant- General, San Francisco, Oal.:
Captain : T beg you will learn by telegraph the result of Sibley's
operations in New Slexicx>. From the rei)ort of the flght at Pigeon's,
near Santa F6, it would seem the Texans had already been masters of
Santa F6, the capital, and were on their way through Apache Canon
east of that city toward Fort Union. It is important that I be kept
informed by express of all intelligence receivetl by telegraph, or through
the papers, of the operations of the enemy and his fortune, whether
good or bad, in that country which you may receive.
I am, captain, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JAMES H. CARLETON,
Colonel First California Volunteers, Commanding.
nEADQTTABTBRS DISTRICT OP SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA,
Camp at Laguna Grande, April 17, 1802.
Maj. E. A. Riao,
Commanding at Fort Yuma, Cal.:
Major: Apply to Major Drum to replace Assistant Surgeon
Meacham, reported sick, as judge-advocat« general court-martial,
ordered to convene at your post. Your court, to get through in time,
should by all means sit without reference to hours; see article 75 of the
Rules and Articles of War. Get Major Drum to grant the authority, if
possible; if not, sit from 8 till 3. As soon as Shirland's cavalry comes,
have him cross* the river and move on to report to West with the least
practicable delay. Give him all the information about grass, &c., in
your power, and caution him to be on the qui vive, or he will have his
horses stampeded. Have his mules and horses shod, so ns to have as
little delay as possible. Ills horses and mules otherwise will consume
64 R R — VOL L, PT I
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1010 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Chap. LXn
too much of your forage. As soon as Captain Eoberts' company gets
to Fort Yuma, detach Dresber's and Cox's companies to report to West
at the Pima Villages. SLirland has three teams with him. Enjoin the
greatest care of the mules. See to them and to the wagons and harness
yourself.
I am, major, very respectfully,
JAMES H. CARLETON,
Colonel First California Volunteers, Commanding.
NoTR. — The colonel commanding directs me to say that, in case the
court has not adjourned when Captain Roberts' company reaches
Yuma, that the officers of Captain Dresher's and Captain Cox's com-
panies who have been detailed on said court will remain until the
court adjourns sine die, the remaining officers taking on those com-
panies; but in case all the officers of Companies B and H, First
Infantry California Volunteers, are detailed as members of the court,
then those companies must remain at Fort Yuma until the court has
completed its labors and adjourned sine die.
B. C. C.
Headquarters District op Southern California,
Fort of Laguna Orande, Han Diego County, Cal., April 17, It^fiS.
Capt. E. I). SlIIRLAND,
First Cavalry California Vols., in Camp near Temecula, Cal. :
Captain : The colonel commanding the district directs that you march
your company without delay to Fort Yuma. You will have ten days'
rations of subsistence, 100 rounds per man for the Sharps carbine, and
fifty rounds per man for the navy revolver. Your transportation will be
three wagons from McDonald's train. Each wagon will have two or
three water kegs for use on the desert. You will be careful to send a
small party a day in advance with buckets to fill barrels at tiie differ-
ent wells, and leave a small party a day behind you with orders to leave
all the barrels full of water for the next company which follows you.
You wiU start from your present camp, from Camp Wright, and from
Carriso Creek with your wagons ladened to 3,000 pounds each, made up
of forage. Mr. Beard has doubtless made arrangements for beef to be
driven on the hoof for your use. If the days are hot you must travel by
night. Your men must walk at least half the time by the watch. Prac-
tice as you march along, one hour each day, the saber exercise. It will
require great judgment to get your horses across the desert in as good
trim as they are now. Eyre did this; you can do it.
I am, captain, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
BEN. C. CUTLER,
First Lieut., First Infty. California Vols., Actg. Asst. Adjt. Oen.
Headquarters Humboldt Military District,
Fort Humboldt, April 17, 1862. (Via Shasta.)
(Received 2l8t, 4.50 p. m.)
Maj. R. C. Drum,
Assistant Adjutant- Oeneral, U. 8. Army:
Dispatches left behind by steamer forwarded per Weaverville. Two
more companies required as indispensable, besides one for this post.
F. J. LIPPITT,
Colonel, Commanding Humboldt Military District.
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ubap.lxil.l cobbespondence union and confederate. 1011
Headquakteks Humboldt Military District,
Fort Humboldt, April 17, 1862.
Captain Johns,
Third Infantry California Vols., Comdg. Fort Gaston :
Captain : You are directed by the colonel coiiitnauding the district
to forward immediately the inclosed* to Weaverville by express. The
praiseworthy exertions of Lieutenant Anderson and men displayed in
apprehending the deserters of Company K, Second Infantry California
Volunteers, have been reported to department headquarters. From
the tenor of a dispatch received from department headquarters the
colonel commanding is hourly expecting Lieutenant-Colonel Olney with
Companies H and I, Second Infantry California Volunteers. On their
arrival he intends to re enforce Fort Gaston. You will be relieved of
the charge of the deserters as early as practicable.
By order of Colonel Lippitt:
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JOHN HANNA, Jr.,
First Lieut, and Adjt. Second Infantry California Vols.,
Actg. Asst. Adjt. Gen., Humboldt Military District.
Headquarters Department of the Pacific,
San Francisco, Cal., April 17, 1863.
Col. G, W. Patten,
Ninth Infantry, U. S. Army, Presidio of San Francisco, Cal. :
Major : You have been assigned to the command of the post at Fort
Steilacoom, with a general supervision of all other military stations on
the sound, whether at present occupied or not. After assuming com-
mand of Fort Steilacoom 1 wish you to make a critical examination of
the condition of the command, and particularly of the staft' depart-
ments, not only their present condition, but examine the amounts of
money and property in the diflferent departments from the moment
Captain Woodrufl', Ninth Infantry, was relieved up to the time you
assume command, and should you find that the officers responsible
have not faitlifuJly performed their duties relieve such officers at once.
I am determined that the money and property of the United States
shall not be squandered away by unworthy agents. As soon as con-
venient after establishing yourself at Fort Steilacoom I desire you to
visit the posts at Townsend, San Juan Island, and Bellingham Bay.
The iirst and last are at present unoccupied, and are in charge of
special agents. 1 want to know whether the bnrracks and public prop-
erty have been well taken care of, &c. On the subject above referred
to 1 will thank you to make full and frequent reports.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
G. WRIGHT,
Brigadier-General, U. 8. Army, Commanding.
Headquarters Department op the Pacific,
SoM Francisco, April 18, 1862.
Brig. Gen. L. Thomas,
Adjutant-General U. 8. Army, Washington, D. C:
General : After a conference with Governor Nye, I have ordered a
company of the Second Cavalry California Volunteers to cross the moun-
tains via the Overland Mail Route to Carson City and then proceed to
" See next, ante.
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1012 0PEKATI0N8 ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Chap. LXIL
the neighborhood of Pyramid Lake for the purpose of maintaining peace
between the white people and Indians in that quarter. This company is
destined to form a portion of the command for the protection of the
overland route. Some time since a detachment of fifty cavalry was sent
from Fort Churchill south to the Mono country, and about the same
time Colonel Carleton dispatched a like force from the southern district
to the same point. I have no late intelligence from those commands
but I have no doubt that the difBculties between the white people
and the Indiana will be settled. In the District of Humboldt our
Indian difficulties have assumed a more serious aspect. Colonel Lip-
pitt, the commander, is active, energetic, and zealous, and with the addi-
tional troops I am sending to him I am confident of his ultimate suc-
cess. The face of the country )>reseuts almost insurmountable obstacles
to rapid movement. The Indians are very numerous, but nomadic,
and prowling about in small bands committing depredations at every
exposed point. They will not unite in any large numbers for a fight,
hence the necessity of dividing and subdividing our commands in order
to accomjilish anything. Should we succeed in collecting together all
or most of those Indians the question then comes up, what is to be done
with them ! If we place them on the reservations in that country we
know that they cannot be kept there securely. They will run back to
their native wilds in spite of guards. The only way to dispose of them
that occurs to me now is to colonize them on some of the islands near
this coast. In the District of Oregon all is quiet.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
G. WRIGHT,
Brigadier-General, U. 8. Army, Commanding.
Consulate of the United States op America,
Mazatlan, April 18, 1863.
General Wright,
Commanding Army of the Pacific, San Francisco :
Sir: I received on the 20th ultimo from Chihuahua, from a reliable
private correspondent, a letter of date 21st of February, and to-day
from same, and same place, one of date 22d of March, and as they con-
tain important information in regard to the movements of the rebel
army in Arizona and thereabouts, I submit by this, the first opportu-
nity, the following extracts. My correspondent of February 21 says:
Geueral Sibley with about 3,100 Texana is at Fort Thorn, bnsy preparing to go np
and attack Fort Craig, and will leave as soon as he is joined by 600 men now near
EI Paso. Fort Craig, I am informed, is defended by about 4,000 men, and 3,000
more are within hailiug distance, and that they are very anxious to have the Texans
come, as they feel conbdent they can defeat them. The New Mexicans, it is said,
are united and will uct as one man, although there are plenty of rumors to the con-
trary, but it is believed that these reports are put into circulation for the purpose
of enticing the Texans into a trap and then destroying their army. Your friend
Mills after bis arrest as a spy, imprisonment for six weeks, part of the time in irons,
was released, remained in El Paso Kcveral weeks, then got a horse and went to Fort
Craig by way of Salt Luke, and I hear is now on Colouci lioberts' staff with the
rank of captain. I have au idea that the Texans will be routed, aud that on their
way down they will commit all kinds of depredations and that they will respect
neither persons nor property, aud that they will clean out tho valley of the Rio Grande.
The Texans are badly armed and short of provisions. Flour and beef is all they
have; coffee and bacon they have none. As I look at the matter they cannot afford
to remain inactive, and a move up into New Mexico before May will prove fatal to
them. They have acted about El Paso in snch a manner as to enrage tho whole com-
munity against them. All Mexicans are down on them, and they will iind very little
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CaAP.Lxn.1 CORBESPOMDENCE — tJNION AND CONFEDERATE. 1013
sympathy when they retttni. The officers haye no control over them, and they do
JQst aa they please, and yon know what men off a long trip please to do; females
neither in nor out of their houses are safe. Blankets, onions, wine, and everything
they can lay their hands on they carry off. Jndge Hart has the ear of General
Sibley, who is influenced more or less by him, and he (Hart) is a Northern man
born, owning property in New York and Washington, headquarters in New Jersey.
I can't see how it can be.
Tlie letter of March 22 says :
Kverything abont El Paso at last date, February 23, was quiet, Goneral Sibley
with 2,200 men had gone from Fort Tborn to Fort Craig, encamped \vitbin two
miles of the fort for two or three days, and invited the Federals to battle, but they
refused to leave their intreuchments. He then retired to Fort Thorn again, but was
again on the point of leaving for New Mexico, leaving Craig to the leu and behind
him, go to Albuquerque, capture all the supplies supposed to be there, and return to
the Meailla Valley. It is now ascertained beyond a doubt that there are over 7,000
men in Fort Craig, and in other parts of New Mexico about 1,500 more Federals:
that the people are all united and will resist to the last. My opinion is tbatGeneral
Sibley cannot take it. It is also said that Sibley is drunk more than half the time,
and that Colonel Green has taken the command. Colonel Baylor with 150 men went
to Corralitas, surrounded Zuloaga's house and searched for Indians. Those who
were there then escaped toward the monntains, but 'h'ere captured and shot. It
created considerable excitement here.
Mr. Alden, formerly U. S. consul at Gnaymas, goes to San Francisco
by this steamer. He has copies of correspondence from General Sibley
addressed to the Governor of the State of Sonora. and will submit it
to you. The purport of it is that they propose the occupation and
annexation of that State, and Sibley asks, as you will observe, the
privilege of establishing a depot at Gnaymas, and that should it be
granted it shall not be abused. The grand aim and object of the lead-
ing men of Western Tex«w, Hart, of El Paso, Crosby, and others, is to
annex to Texas Chihuahua and Sonora, and I am of the opinion that
they will on the receipt of the news of defeat in the South cause a
diversion from New Mexico toward Sonora, providing they can get
transportation, grain, &c., enough to reach the Gila. The Texans are
becoming daily more hateful to the Mexicans, and the Sonoranians
fully appreciate the outrages constantly being committed on the soil of
Mexico all along the Bio Grande. The atrocities of Baylor's men, men-
tioned above, occurred some 160 miles south of the lower border of
Arizona, and an outrage committed upon the property and people of a
man so influential and popular as Jos6 Maria Zuloaga will not be over-
looked, but these circumstances will serve to revive the hatred of the
Ghihnahuanians to the Texans, and no doubt result in open hostilities
on the part of Sonora and Chihuahua on one hand and Texas on the
other. I trust that these items of news may be serviceable to the cause
of Government, and assure you that in any way I can co-operate with
yon for that purpose you may command me.
I am, sir, respectfully,
It. L. ROBERTSON,
TJ. S. Consul.
Special Orders, ) Hdqrs. Department of the Pacific,
No. 65. ) San Francisco, €al., April 18, 1863.
1. Lieut. Ool. James N. Olney, Second Infantry California Volunteers,
with the two companies of his regiment now on Alcatraz Island, will
proceed to Fort Humboldt and report to Colonel Lippitt.
2. Col. Justus Steinberger, First Infantry Washington Territory Vol-
unteers, will proceed with the four companies of his regiment now ou
Alcatraz Island to Fort Vancouver, Wash. Ter.
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1014 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Ciup. LXn.
3. On arriving at Fort Vancouver, Colonel Steinberger will assume
cominand of the District of Oregon.
By order of Brigadier-General Wriglit:
E. W. KTRKHAM,
Captain and Assistant Quartermaster, Actg. Asst, Adjt. Oen.
Orders, ) Headquarters Humboldt Military District,
No. 5. J Fort Humboldt, April 18, 1862.
I. The United States Government, being now at war with the Indian
tribes inhabiting a large portion of this military district, all persons
who shall hereafter sell or deliver any fire-arms or ammunition to
Indians in any part of the Mihtary District of Humboldt will be
arrested and confined as enemies to the Government, to be dealt with
as the general commanding the Department of the Pacific shall direct.
• ••••••
By order of Colonel Lippitt:
JOHN HANNA, Jr.,
First Lieut, and Adjt. Second Infty. California Volunteers,
Actg, Asst. Adjt, Oen., Humboldt Military District.
Headquarters Department op the Paoipio,
San Francisco, Cal., April 19, 1862.
Brig. Gen. Lorenzo Thomas,
Adjutant- General U. S, Army, Washington, D, C:
General : Colonel Carleton is on his march. I presume by this time
that most of his troops have reached Fort Yuma, and his advance
beyond that place. Colonel Carleton's command has been supplied
with everything deemed necessary for a successful campaign. He has
a wagon train (200 wagons), his own regiment (First Infantry), First
Cavalry ( five companies), and Shinn's battery. The Fifth Infantry Cal-
ifornia Volunteers is being concentrated at Fort Yuma as a reserve
and support for Carleton's command. Major Drum is still absent —
probably now at Yuma inspecting the troops in that quarter. Troops
in good health. I have nothing special to report. Everything is quiet.
Very respectfully, your most obedient servant,
G. WRIGHT,
Brigadier -Oeneral, U. S. Army, Commanding.
General Orders, ) Hdqrs. Department op the Pacipio,
No. 15. ) San Francisco, Cal., April 19, 1862.
Surg. Charles McCormick, having reported for duty at these head-
quarters, will relieve Surg. B. H. Coolidge from the duties of medical
director and purA'eyor. Until fiirther orders Surgeon Coolidge will
continue on duty in this city as attending surgeon.
By order of Brigadie^-G^eneral Wright:
B. W. KIRKHAM,
Captain and Assistant Quartermaster, Actg. Asst. Adjt. Oen.
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CBAP.LXU.] COKRESPONDENCE UNION AND CONFEDERATE. 1015
llEADtiUABTEES DbPABTMBNT OF THE PACIFIC,
San Francisco, Cal., April 19, 1862.
Henry D. Babrows,
U. 8. Marshal, Southern Dist. of California, Los Angeles, Cal. :
Sib: Your communioation of the lOtU instant has been received and
carefiilly i)erii8ed. I shall not hesitate a single moment lu using the
most stringent measures for the suppression of treason or disloyalty to
our Government, and the officers in command of U. S. troops will
arrest and hold in confinement all persons against whom such charges
can well be established. I fully concur with you as to what should be
done, and the only difficulty we have to encounter is as to the best
manner of accomplishing the object in view. When I do arrest per-
sons, to hold them safely they must be removed beyond the reach of
a civil process, or such writs disregarded. Soon I shall send addi-
tional forces to the southern district and place an experienced officer
in command, who will be instructed to confer freely with yourself and
other civil officers of the United States in that quarter.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
G. WRIGHT,
Brigadier-Oeneral, U. S. Army, Commandimj.
Headquarters District of Southern California,
Near Temecula, Cal., April 19, liiU2.
Col. G. W. Bowie,
Fifth Infty. California Vols., Comdg. at Camp Wright, Cal. :
Colonel: ThecolonelcommandingdirectsthatCaptainThayer'scom-
pany, Fifth Infantry California Volunteers, be prepared to leave Cami>
Wright en route for Fort Yuma on the 20th instant. Captain Thayer
will take with bim ten days' subsisteifce and 100 rounds of ammunition
per man; he will have for transportation two teams from the train of
Wagon-master McDonald, who will reach Camp Wright with his train
tonight. Captain Thayer's company will accompany McDonald's train
from Camp Wright to Fort Yuma.
I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
BEN. C. CUTLER,
First Lieut., First Infantry California Vols., Actg. Asst, Adjt. Gen.
Note. — ^The company, in order not to interfere with those behind,
must march as far as Warner's ranch on the 20th.
B. C. C.
Hbadquabtebs Department of the Pacific,
San Francisco, Cal., April 19, 1863.
Col. Febris Fobman,
Fourth Regiment California Volunteers,
Commanding Camp Union, Sacramento, Cal.:
Colonel : I am directed by the general commanding to inform you
that he wishes you to hold yourself in readiness with your headquarters
and three companies to come to San Francisco to embark on the next
trip of the Senator for Southern California.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
R. W. KIRKHAM,
Captain and Assistant Quartermaster, Actg. Asst. Adjt. Oen.
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1016 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST, [Chap. LXtL
Headquaetbbs Department of the Pacific,
San Francisco, April 19, 1862.
C. A. MuRDOCfi:, Esq.,
Areata, Humboldt County, Cal. :
Sir : I havfi received your comuinnication of the 9th ioAtant, with
a copy of the resclutious passed at a meeting of the citizeus of Areata
couvened ou the 2d. I assure you that the state of our Indian affairs
in the District of Humboldt has received my most serious considera-
tion. I have au officer in command there in whom I place the highest
confidence. I h<ive sent him instructions to prosecute the campaign
against those Indians with the greatest vigor, and to hang on the spot
ail who have been engaged at any time in hostilities. To-day I have
sent up by steamer Oregon Lieut. Col. James N. Olney, with J 60
men of Golonel Lippitt's regiment. With this addition to his force I
am in hopes that the colonel may be able to bring the campaign to a
successful termination. Should we be able to collect those Indians the
question then comes up — what shall we do with themf Just before
receiving your letter I was writing to the War Department on this very
subject, in which I observed that those Indians could not be kept on
reservations near their old homes; that they would run back to their
native wilds in spite of guards, and the only way which occurred to
me was to place them on some of the islands near this coast. The
sixth resolution of your meeting confirms me in what I had already
stated to the War Department.
With great respect, ycrar most obedient servant,
G. WEIGHT,
Brigadier- General, U. 8. Army, Gominanding.
Special Orders, ) Hdqrs. Humboldt Military District,
No. 46. ] Fort Humboldt, April 20, 1862.
Lieutenant-Colonel Olney with Companies H and I, Second Infantry
California Volunteers, will proceed immediately to Port Gaston via
Areata. Begimental Quartermaster Lieutenant Swasey will provide
the necessary transportation.
By order of Lieutenant-Colonel Lippitt:
JOHN HANNA, Jr.,
Acting Assistant Adjutant- Oeneral.
Special Orders, ) Hdqes. Department of the Pacific,
No. CO. ) San Francisco, Cal, April 21, 1862.
• ••••••
4. The two companies of the Second Infantry California Volunteers,
now at Port Vancouver, will be relieved from duty at that post and
proceed to Port Humboldt, and report to Colonel Lippitt, district com-
mander. The means of transportation will be furnished by the quarter-
master's department.
By order of Brigadier-General Wright:
E. W. KIEKHAM,
Captain and Assistant Quartermaster, Actg. Asst. Adjt. Gen.
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Chap. LXn.J COKBESPONDEMCE ^UNION AND CONFEDERATE. 1017
Headquabteks Distbict of Southern Oai^ifobnia,
Gamp near Camp Wright, Oal., April 21, 1862.
Capt. R. W. KiBKHAM,
Acting Assistant Adjutant- General, San Francisco, Gal.:
Captain: Owing to the ill health of Assistant Surgeon Meacham,
U. S. Army, I shall be obliged to have Doctor Wooster in advance of
Fort Yuma. Brigade Surgeon Christian will be at Fort Yuma, and
very properly, as it is a» important point. A citizen physician can be
employed to attend the sick at Camp Latham, but as there is so large a
quantity of medicines and hospital stores accumulated there from the
various posts and camps broken up and to be broken up, I have thought
it best for the service to have these supplies sent to the purveyor to be
u.sed in other districts. There are large amouuts of flour, pork, and
other subsistence stores at New San Diego. I have sent there and with-
drawn a good supply of sugar, coflee, rice, and tea for the expedition.
These small stores can be taken to the front to help make up the ration
where meat and bread can be bought. The stores at San Diego, except
a year's supply for one company which is to garrison that post, I would
respectfully recommend to be sent to the depot at New San Pedro for
the garrison at Camp Latham by the Senator; or, if necessary, shipped
farther north, so that they may be consumed before they deteriorate.
I have established, as you see by the inclosed order, a chain of vedettes
to bring and to carry information. While they will exercise surveillance
upon the route, and in some places guard sub-depots of supplies neces-
sarily deposited here and there upon the road, they will keep me informed
of all that transpires in my rear; all that relates to the approach of
supplies, and keep me in open communication with the general. This
will be done with no increased expense, at least none of importance.
All of which is respectfully submitted for the general's consideration
and approval.
The troops and trains are crossing the desert by installments, and
thus far successfully. Colonel West, with seven companies, will be at
the Pimas on the 30th instant.
liespectfUlly, 1 am, captain, your obedient servant,
JAMES H. OARLBTON,
Colonel First California Volunteers, Commanding,
Ueadquabtebs District op Southern Califobnia,
Gamp Wright, CaL, April 21, 1862.
Distances from Los Angeles, Cal., eastward : To the Monte, 12 miles,
water, grass, wood; to San Jose, 13 miles, water, grass; to Chiuo
Rancho, 14 miles, water, grass; to Temoscal, 20 miles, water, grass,
wood ; to Laguna, 16 miles, Avater, grass, wood ; to Teuiecula, 21 miles,
water, grass, wood; to the Dutchman's, 16 miles, water, grass, wood;
to Oak Grove, 9 miles, water, grass, wood; to Warner's ranch, 16
miles, water, grass, wood;* to San Felipe, 16 miles, water, grass;* to
Vallecito, 16 miles, water, grass;* to Palm Springs, 9 miles, water; to
Carriso Creek, 9 miles, water;* to Sackett's Wells, 18 miles, water
bad;* to Indian Wells, 18 miles, water scarce;* to New River, 16
miles, water scarce and bad; to Norton's Wells, 12 miles, water good;*
to Gardiner's Wells, 8 miles, water bad ; to Cooke's Wells, 17 miles,
water good;* to Algodones, 13 miles, water good; to Fort Yuma, 11
miles, water, grass, wood;* to Gila City, 22 miles, water; to Mission
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1018 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. I^aiP. LXIL
Cauip, 13 miles, water; to Antelope Peak, 12 miles, water, grass; to
Mohawk, 12 miles, water, grass; to Texas Hill, 11 miles, water, grass;
to Stanwix's rauch, 15 miles, water, grass; to Burke's Station, 12 miles,
water, grass (old) ; to Oatman's Flat, 12 miles, water, grass (some) ; to
Keuyon's Station, 14 miles, water, grass (some) ; to Gila Bend, 16 miles,
water, grass (little); to Maricopa Wells, 40 miles, water (salt grass),
grass and water bad; to Casa Blaiica, 11 miles, water; to Pima Villages,
11 miles, water, grass; to Oneida Station, 13 miles, water (in a well),
grass scarce; to Blue Water Station, 11 miles, water (in a well), grass;
to Picacho, 14 miles, water (sometimes in tanks); to Point of Mountain,
24 miles, water (in a well), grass (little); to Tucson, 16 miles, water,
grass, (grain can be purchas^); to Cieuega, 30 miles, water, grass; to
Han Pedro, 24 miles, water, grass (good place to recruit) ; to Dragioon
Springs, 18 miles, grass (plenty), water one mile up caiion ; to Apache
Pass, 40 miles, grass (no water for this distance) ; to San Simon, 16
miles, water, grass; to Steen's Peak, 14 miles, water (scarce), grass; to
Soldier's Farewell, 35 miles; to Cow Springs, 14 miles, water, grass
(plenty), ludiaus bad; to Miembres Biver, 16 miles, water, gi-ass; to
Cooke's Springs, 16 miles; to Picacho (on the river), 52 miles, water,
grass; to Mesilla, 0 miles, water, grass. Total, 859 miles.
All troops and trains in tlieir marches across the desert will make
the camps as marked by the asterisks.
By order of Colonel Carleton :
BEN. O. CUTLER,
First Lieut., First Infty. California Vols., Actg. Asst. Adjt. Gen.
Hbadqtiabters Distbict op Southben California,
Camp Wright, Cal., April 21, 1862.
Capt. Moses A. McLaughlin,
Second Cavalry California Volunteers:
Captain : The colonel commanding direi^ts that immediately npon
your return to Temecula from San Diego, without waiting for the train
which you are escorting, you will proceed without delay to Fort Yuma,
Cai., and report to the commanding officer of that post for further
orders.
I am, captain, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
BEN. C. CUTLER,
First lAeut., First Infty. California Vols., Actg. Asst. Adjt. Oen.
Note. — Yon will take three of your detachment as an escort on your
departure from Temecula for Fort Yuma; the remainder you will leave
with your party at Camp Wright. It may be well for you to know
that upon your arrival at Fort Yuma you will probably be tried before
a general court-martial now in session at that ])ost on charges which
have been preferred against you for cruelly beating and maltreating
Private Michael Burk, formerly of your company.
B. O. C.
HEADQtlARTFES DISTRICT OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA,
Camp Wright, Oak Orove, April 21, 1863.
Maj. David Ferousson,
First Cavalry California Volunteers,
Supposed to be Commanding at Camp Drum, Cal.:
Major : In case you have not left Camp Drum, and in case Allen's
train has not left, this is to inform you that it will not be necessary for
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Chip.LXII.] correspondence — UNION AND CONFEDERATE. 1019
yon to load on at Now San Petlro any more subsistence stores tUan
you will require for the use of your command on its march, say to Car-
riso Greek. I find a good supply at this camp, and have sent to San
Diego for twenty wagon loads, so you can load with barley, say 2,500
pounds per team, including the other stores which you are to bring,
and including your baggage, &c.; thus your teams will be fresh. If
you find any barley or corn at Clancy's, or at Temescal, Teraecula,
Camp Wright, San Felipe, or Carriso Creek, you can keep your supply
up to the original mark at Camp Drum. There are some paulins at
Greenwade's which you must bring. Inclosed is an order for Surgeon
Christian and Lieutenant Frink to come forwaid. They are to come
with you in case yon have left. Be sure they come with you, and be
sure that they have but the regulation allowance of baggage determined
by the scales. The howitzer ammunition, jiercussion caps, cartridges for
revolvers, army size, &c., which may have come down, you are to bring.
Have the troops walk at least half the time, and have at least two
hours' halt to graze midway each day's march. The soldiers must be
drilled at the saber exercise on horseback while marching at least an
hour each day. The horses must be kept fresh and in good condition,
even though the men walk most of the way. Please get from Mr.
Banning two of Captain Moore's umbrellas and bring them on. No
news yet from Tucson.
I am, major, respectfully, &c.,
JAMES H. CARLETON,
Colonel First California Volunteers, Commanding.
Headquarters District of Southern California,
Camp Wriffhtj Cat., April 21, 1862.
Maj. E. A. RiOG,
First Infantry California Vols., Comdg. at Fort Yuma, Cat. :
Major : Captain Shirland with his company of cavalry en route to
Fort Yuma encamped tonight at Vallecito. He is followed by
McDonald's train, divided in two parts, the first part one day behind
him, the second part two days. Have Shirland's horses shod and
ferried across the river the day after his arrival; have McDonald's
mules shod, and his teams ferried over the day after his arrival.
AIcDonald's train is to be loaded, each team as fast as its mules are
shod. You will forward to Lieutenant-Colonel West 20,000 rounds of
ammunition for the rifle muskets, 10,000 rounds of ammunition for the
Sharps carbines; 5,000 rounds for the navy revolvers. You will for-
ward the wagon load of manta which goes with McDonald's train, the
pemmican, the hospital stores about which Surgeon McNulty writes to
Assistant Surgeon Meacham by this express, and forward the wagon
load of tents in McDonald's train. The remainder of the loading of
McDonald's train must bo made up of subsistence stores in due pro-
portion, one article with another. The day following that on which
McDonald's last wagons reach Fort Yuma, Captain Cremony's company
will reach Fort Yuma, followed by Winston's train of thirty-one
wagons in two divisions a day apart. These will be filled in like man-
ner, except that Winston's train will bo loaded with subsistence stores
in due proportion. Shirland will escort McDonald's train, starting iis
soon as the last of that train has crossed the river, and Cremony will
escort Winston's, starting as soon as Winston's last wagon has crossed
the river. Tliis operation will consume six days' time, when other
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1020 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Chap. LXH.
troops and wagons will come, of which you will receive timely notice.
Have the animals fed liberally while at Yama. The teams ought to haul,
starting from there, say 3,000 or 3,600 pounds each, some horseshoes,
muleshoes, horseshoe nails, the forge with McDonald ; the forge with
Shirland (if he has one) should be forwarded. There must be no mis-
take in all this. Give the subject your personal supervision. I regret
you separated those howitzers from the command under Captain
Calloway. I trust no accident will befall them.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JAMES H. CARLETON,
Colonel First California Volunteers, Commanding.
Hbadqttaetebs Depaetmbnt op the Paoipic,
/fian Francisco, Cal., April 21, 1862.
Col. Thomas B. Cornelius,
Comdg. First Regiment Cavalry Oregon Vols., Portland, Oreg. :
Colonel: Your letter of the 15th [14th] instant, with inclosures, is
received and submitted to the general commanding the department.
In reply, he directs me to say that he thinks six companies of cavalry,
if filled to the legal organization, will be ample. Colonel Steinberger,
First Infantry Washington Territory Volunteers, will soon be in com-
mand of the District of Oregon. He will receive instructions as to the
disposition of your troops. Please furnish this office with a return of
your command, naming the commissioned officers. When this is re-
ceived, a general court-martial will be ordered as you request.
Very re8i)ectfully, your obedient servant,
R. W. KIRKHAM,
Captain and Assistant Quartermaster, Actg. Asst. Adjt. Oen.
Headquarters Department of the Pacipic,
San Francisco, Cal., April 21, 1862.
Col. Francis J. Lippitt,
Commanding District of Humboldt :
Colonel: Your telegram of the 20th instant is received and sub-
mitted to the general commanding. He directs me to say that he will
re enforce you by companies of your own regiment soon. Lieutenant-
Colonel Olney, with two companies, sailed for Humboldt on the 19th.
Respectfully, your obedient servant,
R. W. KIRKHAM,
Captain and Assistant Quartermaster, Actg. Asst. Adjt. Gen.
Headquarters Humboldt Military District,
Fort Humboldt, April 21, 1862.
Captain Ketcham,
Third Infantry California Volunteers:
A band of hostile Indians is reported to me in a communication,* of
which a copy is herewith furnished you, to be now encamped ou tlie Van
Dusen, opposite McEnt«e's Crossing, You will proceed immediately to
' Not fonnd.
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CBAP. LXn.) COBBESPONDENCE UNION AND CONFEDEBATE. 1021
capture tbem, using for this purpose tbe whole force under your com-
mand, or such part of it as you may judge suflBcient, including the
detachment under Lieutenant Staples, who will place himself under
your orders. As soon as you have no further use of his detachment in
respect to the object now in view Lieutenant Staples will take post with
it on Yager Creek, opposite Simmons', agreeably to Special Orders,
No. 43.
By order of Colonel Lippitt:
Very respectfully, yours,
JOHN IIANNA, Je.,
Firnt Lieut, and Adjt. Second Infantry California Vols.,
Aetg. Asst. Adjt. Gen., Humboldt Military District.
(Copy to Lieutenant Staples, Third lufautry California Volunteers.)
HEAUC^UABTEBS DlSTBICT OF SOUTHBBN CALIFOBNIA,
Camp Wright, Cal, April 22, lH(i2.
Maj. E. A. RiGG,
Fxrnt Infantry California Vols., Comdg. Fort Yuma, Cal, :
Majob: Since writing to you yesterday circumstances have rendered
it necessary to delay Winston's train in reaching Yuma some two or
three days, so you can have Shirland and McDonald's train await above
Fort Yuma, where there is good grass or hay abundant, and rest until
further orders. Send Cremouy to the same point on his arrival to await
Winston's train. I shall perhaps be at Fort Yuma as soon as Cremony.
I wish you to send two loads of bay out upon the desert to tbe points
Where it is most needed, to be kept exclusively for the use of Shinn's
light battery as it comes on. He will have 125 horses and mules.
I am, mtyor, very respectfully,
JAMES H. CARLETON,
Colonel First California Volunteers, Commanding.
Genebal Obdees, ) Hdqes. Depaetment of the Pacific,
No. 17. ) San Francisco, Cal., April 23, 1802.
The general commanding this department having been appealed to
by many loyal citizens residing on the Pacific Coast, for tbe aidoption of
more vigorous measures against the tresisonable designs of persons
who, while claiming and receiving protection for themselves and prop-
erty, do not blush to denounce tbe Chief Magistrate and Government
of the United States, and do all in their power to raise tbe standard of
rebellion on this coast, it is therefore made the express duty of all
officers commanding districts or posts to maintain within their respec-
tive jurisdictions a due observance of our National and State laws, and
a proper respect for the legally constituted authorities. Treason's hid-
eous crest shall not pollute the fair land of California. Military com-
manders will promptly arrest and hold in custody all persons against
whom the charge of aiding and abetting the rebellion can be sustained;
and under no circumstances will such persons be released without first
subscribing the oath of allegiance to tbe United States.
All persons seeking to furnish supplies of any kind to the army on
this coast must first submit unequivocal evidence of their loyalty to
the Government, otherwise their propositions will not be entertained.
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1022 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Chap. LXIL
The following General Orders of the War Department are repub-
lished for general information.*
By order of Brigadier-General Wright:
E, W. KIRKHAM,
Captain and Assistant Quartermaster, Actg. Asst. Adjt. Gen.
IlDyBS. Advance Guard, California Volunteers,
QrinneVs Ranch, April 23, 1802.
Lieut. B. C. Cutler,
Actg. Asst. Adjt. Gen., District of Southern California :
I have the honor to report the arrival of my command (one company
of cavalry and four companies of infantry) at this station, five days
from Fort Yuma. We proceed to-morrow and should reach the Pimas
on the 28th instant. I take with me thirty-six wagons. Two are left
here to join Bosha's, with twelve now en route from Port Yuma with
11,000 rations subsistence. Then the fourteen Avill go forward escorted
by Lieutenant Nichols, with sixteen men First California Volunteer
Cavalry. To carry through my fifty wagons and the cavalry I draw
from the 35,000 pounds barley; this half-rations the filty wagons back
to this post. I shall send them back without a moment's delay. Unless
otherwise instructed, I shall send Company I, First California Volun-
teer Infantry, back to this post. So my orders of March 31 read. The
300 flour-sack coats, 300 pairs of shoes, and the manta were not on the
four potato wagons. The latter should be expressed on, if possible.
When Bosha's train gets through I shall have rations for 800 men to
June 1.
Very respectfully, yoitr obedient servant,
J. R. WEST,
Lieutenant-Colonelf First Infantry California Volunteers, Comdg.
Report on measures taken to make secure the Overland Mail Route to
California,
Adjutant-General's Office,
Washington, April 24, 1862.
First. November 13, 1861, Major-General McClellan directed Briga-
dier-General Wright to order the necessary force, two or three regi-
ments— if possible, under Colonel Carleton — to protect tlie Overland
Mail Route, and to confer with Louis McLane, esq., about the location
of the troops.
Second. General Wright's reply, marked A,t shows the season to be
too lat« to send troops and supplies, reports he has agreed with the
Governor of Nevada to issue provisions from Fort Churchill (Carson's
Valley) to the Indians, and the Governor and himself feel sure that
measure will keep the Indians quiet and the route secure until spring.
The Governor's letter is inclosed in General Wright's.
Third. December 10, 1861, General Wright reports the Overland Mail
Route cannot be depended on because of storms of rain and snow, and
suggests sending letters by sea through express (marked B.f)
* See General Orders, No. 67, August 26, 1861, Series III, Vol. I.
t See Wright to Thomas, December 9, 1861, p. 753.
t See p. 757.
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CHAP.LXII] CORRESPONDENCE UNION AND CONFEDERATE. 1023
Fourtb. January 9, 1862, Geueral Wrigbt alludes to appreheusions
of Indian hostilities on the overland route, but says quiet has thus
far been preserved, and the issue of provisions has had a good effect
(marked C*).
Fifth. March 21, 1862, orders were sent from the Secretary of War to
IJrigadier-General Wright to make necessary preparations and dispo-
sition of his troops to protect emigrants and the Overland Mail Route
from Indian hostilities and depredations, a report called for of what
he could do, and whether Colonel Oarletou could have the immediate
direction.
Sixth. General Wright's reply, marked D,f received this day by
mail, reports five companies of cavalry (of which two are at Fort
Churchill) and six of infantry ready to move on the overland route
as soon as the season will permit, and says he can protect the route as
far as Salt Lake or Fort Bridger. Mr. McLane's note inclosed says the
Overland Company expect that troops will be permanently stationed
on the mail route for the protection of the mails and treasure. This
ends the report as far as the Department of the Pacific is concerned.
Seventh. February 26, 1862, the commander of Fort Kearny was
ordered to " give protection to the stock and property of the Overland
Mail Company and not allow any interference in carrying the U. 8.
mails, under color of any civil authority or pretense whatever." Copy
of this was sent to General Hunter, commanding Department of Kansas.
Eightli. April 2, 1862, the following dispat«h was sent to Col. E. B.
Alexander, Tenth U. S. Infantry, at Fort Laramie:
Complaints are made that yon have neglected to fumiiih men and arms for pro-
tection to the Overland Mail Route. The Secretary of War now peremptorily directs
that you alVord every necessary protection in men and means, al.so report Tvhy this
has not been previously done.
Ninth. Colonel Alexander's repljr (marked E) does not believe in
reports of Indian hostilities near his post. Will not trust employes of
the mail company because many are secessionists. Refers to report
of March 2 (which should be 22d) for reasons why he did not send men
and arms.
Tenth. Colonel Alexander's report of March 22 (marked F.)
Eleventh. April 10, 1862, the following dispatch was sent to General
Denver, commanding at Fort Leavenworth:
The Secretary of War directs that yon afford every necessary protection to the
Overland Mail Ronto against Indians and other depredations.
Twelfth. And the following was sent to the same officer April 11, 1862:
Send daily a stage load of soldiers from Leavenworth or Atchison, or any nearer
point, until each station in the Indian country where depredations are committed
shall have ample protection. Let rations be furnished from Laramie and Kearny
or until otiier arrangements can be made by the Overland Company, with whom the
Government can settle afterwards. The Secretary desires everything in your power
to bo done to give the fullest protection to the Overland Mail Ronte.
There are no mounted troops in the vicinity and considerable time
would elapse before they could be placed in position to guard the part of
tlie mail ronte said to be subject to molestation, which is nearer Salt
liake than Fort Laramie. The suggestion of the acting Governor and
other civil functionaries of Utah that a regiment of mounted men be
raised in that Territory is not concurred in because it is not supiwsed
so large a force is necessary. The proposition of Senator Latham,
deemecl by him most expedient and reasonable, is that Brigham Young
be authorized to raise, arm, and equip a company of 100 mounted
> See p. 798. t See dispatch of March 26, p. 953.
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1024 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST, [Cbap. Lxn.
men for not less than three months, to protect the mail and route, and
the telegraph line west of Salt Lake near Independence Bock, from
Indian depredations and to recover the stock and property of the mail
company which has been stolen. From the personal interest Brigham
Young is said to have in the telegraphic communication with Salt Lake
and from his known influence over his own people, and over the Indian
tribes around, this plan is supposed to offer the most expeditious and
economical remedy to the obstructions to the mail route. The objection
to this plan is that Brigham Young is not a functionary recognized by
the United States Government, and a requisition for volunteers from
Utah should be made upon the Governor of the Territory. There are
two companies of the Third Kegular Cavalry, paroled men, now at
Detroit. These might be mounted and sent to the point where troops
are required, but a considerable time would elapse before they could
reach there.
Kespectftilly submitted.
L. THOMAS,
Adjutant- General,
Headquartehs Camp Drum,
Near New San Pedro, Cal., April M, 1862.
Capt. R. W. KlRKHAM,
Anifistant Quarter inaster and Actg. Aast. Adjt. Oen.,
Headquarters Department of the Pacific, San Franciaco, Cal. :
Captain : I have the honor to inclose herewith a letter from Capt.
William Jones, Second Cavalry California Volunteers, with a commu-
nication from a Mr. W. L. Kennedy in relation to the expedition to
Owen's Lake under Lieutenant-Colonel Evans, Second Cavalry Cali-
fornia Volunteers. There is nothing left on record at this post to show
the nature of Colonel Evans' instructions or duties, &c. 1 sent this day
to Captain Jones, commanding at Camp Latham, a six-mule team and
wagon and twelve aparejos. The depot quartermaster at the depot at
New San Pedro also turned over to-day to the acting assistant quarter-
master at Camp Latham nineteen mules, considered as unserviceable,
however, being left by Capt. T. Moore, assistant quartermaster, as such.
Being on special duty here I cannot of course take any action in regard
to the relief of Colonel Evans, but 1 suppose Captain Jones, who is an
ofBcer of good judgment, will send to his relief. I sent a message to-day
to Captain Jones to report to the general commanding such facts as be
was in irassession of in regard to this affair, and to re}>ort such action as
he might take in the premises. Colonel Evans has not been heard
from officially since he left. The parties certifying to the reliability of
Mr. Kennedy are themselves entitled to consideration as t«) respectability
and credibility, I believe.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
D. FEKGUSSON,
Major, First Cavalry California Volunteers, Commanding.
P. S. — Though this is not the proper mode of asking it, I would, in
view of the urgency of the case, respectfully request the orders of the
commanding general for two trumpets for the First Cavalry California
Volunteers, to be sent by the Senator on her next trip. They are
indispensable. Lieutenant Morgan, acting assistant quartermaster at
New San Pedro, will receipt for them. Requisitions have been for-
warded for these articles heretofore to no av^.
D. F.
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Our.LXn.] COEBE8PONDEXCE UNION AND CONFEDERATE. 1025
[Indonament.]
Send M^jor Fergasson the tminpets if to be had.
G. WIBIGHT].
[Inolo«iu«.]
Camp Latham, April 23, 1862.
Mj«. D. Febgttsson,
First Cavalry Cali/omia Vols., Commanding Camp Drum, Cal. :
Major: Inclosed I send yon a letter just received from a luun direct
from Owen's Lake. If transportation can be furnished I can send an
e8(!ort with provisions to meet Colonel Evans' command. The informa-
tion seems to be reliabla He gave the name of the sergeant correctly
who is said to be wounded. 1 have no doabt but the command is in
want of provisions, as they were poorly provided, and the time is
nearly up for which tliey took rations. I await your commands.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
WM. JONES,
Captain, Second Can. California VoU., Comdg. Camp Latham, Cal.
[Sab-lncloauro.]
Los Angeles, April 23, 1S62.
Maj. D. Fergttsson,
Commanding Camp Drum:
Sir : I arrived here last evening, having left Keysville (within ninety
miles of Owen's Lake) on Sunday morning last. On Saturday (I9th)
Doctor Owens, who was temporarily attached to . Lieutenant-Colonel
Evans' command while in Owen's Valley, informed me that a party of
citizens, sixty men, had a fight with the Indians of the valley on the
5th instant, in which they were defeated with the loss of three men
killed, viz, Mr. Pleasants, Mr. Morrison, and Mr. Scott, the last named
the sheriff of Mono County. They made good their retreat under
cover of the night, going down the valley, and joined Lieutenant-Col-
onel Evans' command the following day. On the 9th instant Lieuten-
ant-Colonel Evans' command, with fifty dragoons from Fort Churchill
and some thirty citizens, attacked the Indians, who were posted in a
strong position on the top of a very steep hill, and were repulsed with
the loss of Colonel Mayfleld, who commanded the company of citizens,
and Sergeant McKenzie, of Lieutenant-Colonel Evans' command, and
a private whose name I don't know, of the same command, ba<11y
wounded. Previous to the first fight the bodies of two men were found
on the road (near the scene of the fight) murdered by the Indians, and
four more men who were on the road coming south were attacked and
barely escaped with their lives to Aurora, two of the party being badly
wounded. The command from Fort Churchill have returned in that
direction, escorting a large number of cattle and sheep. When last
heard from (about the llth instant) Lieutenant-Colonel Evans' com-
mand was at Owen's Lake coming this way, guarding what stock
remained in the lower portion of Owen's Valley, and at that time was
living on beef, the supply of provisions they had taken from here
having been exhausted some time before. The whole of Owen's Valley,
with the different mining camps in that vicinity, together with the
improvements of the settlers in Owen's Valley and the valuable
machinery in the mines, is entirely exposed to the attacks of the
Indians, and within sixty or eighty miles of Owen's Lake there is an
immigration of about fifty large wagons (going to Aurora, Mono
66 B E— VOL L, PT I
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1026 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. (Cbap.LXII.
County) loaded with valuable goods and machinery which can reach
their destination by no other road than through Owen's Valley. Besides
this there are also on the road a great many thousand head of cattle,
sheep, and hogs for the same destination. I have forwarded by Captain
Dummer, who leaves to-day, a more fully detailed account for the infor-
mation of Colonel Garleton, commanding Southern District of Califor-
nia, at Camp Wright.
I remain, sir, respectfully, your obedient servant,
W. L. KENNEDY.
[Indonwrnent.]
Los Angeles, April 23, isf,2.
We certify that we have read the within stat«ment and know Mr.
Kennedy, and know him to be a reliable man.
H, R. ALEXANDER.
J. B. WINSTON.
J. G. BARKER,
Sutler Fifth Infantry California Volunteers.
J. JONES.
BACHMAN & CO.
FLEISHMAN & SEIBEL.
ITeadquartebs Humboldt Military District,
Fort Humboldt, April 21, 1862.
Maj. R. C. Drum, U. S. Army,
Aaaist^nt Adjutant- General, Department of the Pacific :
Major: Since my personal examination of this country I have
abandoned all idea of the possibility of capturing or subduing the
Humboldt Indians (the only ones now in open hostility) by any military
operations whatever in the usual sense of the term. This country
alone contains some 3,000 square miles, and is made up of steep moun-
tain ridges and covered, three-fourths of it, with dense forests, packed
full of undergrowth and chaparral, all but impenetrable to wlute men,
and with no communications but rough and difficult mountain trails in
many places next to impassable. The task of bringing in the Indians
scattered over such a country as this, stealthily moving about in small
parties, never traveling in the known trails, always unseen, though
constantly watching our movements by their spies and scouts; hiding
when they stop in the most inaccessible places, would be like the task
of bringing in all tlie ground squirrels or the foxes, and will have to be
performed somewhat in a similar way. You will readily perceive that
a combined movement over any section of the country by two or more
columns of troops with the view of hemming them in is entirely out of the
question, as such an operation would require a very large army. On
completing my reconnaissance I saw that the first thing to be done as
being the most urgent was to make such dispositions of the troops as to
protect, so far as possible, the settlements which the Indians had yet
spared and the principal routes. It was with this view that the three
new posts were established on the Van Dusen, on Mad River, and on
Redwood Creek. The commanders of these posts were instructed to
keep one-half of their effective force constantly in the field for the
capture of Indians. This instruction has been faithfully carried out,
except when the want of mules for the transport of supplies has pre-
vented. But it is obvious that these desultory operations over a few
isolated spots can accomplish but very little toward the object in view.
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Chap. LXII.) CORRESPONDENCE UNION AND CONFEDERATE. 1027
The utmost that can be expected from them is the occasional capture of
a few Indians by some lucky chance. The Indians can suddenly attack
and destroy at some unexpected point, and immediately scatter and
disajjpear as they have hitherto done. Whenever the troops approach
they will have only to shift from one to another of the innumerable hid-
ing places with which the whole country is covered, and the work of
capturing them and bringing them in would never be comi)leted. In
view of these difiSculties the only feasible plan, as it seems to me, to
be adopted is, to start from Humboldt Bay as a base; to begin the
district immediately around it and comprised within the semi-circle
having the short line sis its diameter, and described from this post as a
center, with a radius of, say, twenty miles (the district is mostly
covered with a dense forest, in many parts never yet explored by white
men, and known to be constantly infested with the very Indians who
have been committing some of the late outrages, and probably furnish-
ing secure hiding places for large numbers of them); to keep a force
amply sufficient for the purpose constantly employed in scouring this
district in every direction, until every square yard has been explored,
every raucheria destroyed, and every Indian in it has been killed, cap-
tured, or permanently driven away. When this has been done, when
so much ground has been permanently recovered from the enemy, and
not before, to describe another semicircle from the same center con-
centric with the former and exterior to it, and with an increase of
radius of, say, twenty miles. Beconquer this from the enemy in the
same manner, and so continue until the entire country is cleared of
them. The region included between the shore of the bay, Mad River
on the north and Eel River on the south, and as far back as the laqua
Raucli, would be about such a district as I have first described. I gave
this district, calling it the Fort Humboldt District, in charge to Cap-
tain Akey, commanding the cavalry company garrisoning this iwst.
In the one or two short scouts he made he killed 2 Indians and cap-
tured some 30 more, but the limited number of men that he could keep
in the field I found to be entirely insufticieut for the purpose in view,
and since the recent outrages have compelled me to use up his company
in detachments, escorts, and expresses, these expeditions have had to
be, of course, abandoned entirely. In fact, to carry out the plan I
have described promptly and efi'ectnally a whole regiment ought to be
used, bat two companies would certainly be the minimum required.
In this semi-ellipse, A-H represents the shore of the Humboldt Bay;
its two nodes, A and H, Areata and Fort Humboldt, respectively.
Now, the only communication between Areata and Fort Humboldt arc,
lirst, by water, a very exi)ensive one, and second, by a trail around the
bay of fifteen miles, the worst in the country and destructive to ani-
mals. A and H must, therefore, be each an independent base and pivot
of operations. If one company be posted at each of these points the
two together might perh'aps suffice, by unremitting exertions, to clear
the entire segment of the semi-ellipse of the Indians, but certainly not
less than this force could be expected to do it. I trust that this state-
ment explains why I reported in my last letter two more companies
(besides one to garrison this post) to be indispensable. Considerin g the
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1028 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COA8T. (Chap. LXH.
probable increase of the number of Indian prisoners and the great num-
ber of general prisoners, some thirty or more now about to be tried for
their lives, that Captain Akey has only some fifteen privates, more or
less, for duty, all of whom are much needed in the field, I think myself
bound to report another and a well disciplined company for no other
duty than to garrison this post to be also indispensable, and respect-
fully request that one may be sent here, if the exigencies of the service
will permit, as soon as practicable. Being compelled to keep a portion
of the mounted company here as a garrison, the detachment posted at
Liscombe's Hill to furnish the necessary escorts and expresses was
about half what was needed. The result is that, as reported to me
whilst I am now writing, the horses of that detachment are fast break-
ing down from overwork ; one of them has just died on the road. They
will have to be relieved as fast as they give out by fresh horses from
the stables here, which are still in a rather poor condition. To recall
that detachment would be to leave our communications exposed, our
supply trains without escorts, and settlements unguarded. The service
these twenty-seven men are now rendering makes them equivalent to
at least two companies of infantry. All the settlers agree that if the
Hoopas and Klamaths should rise we would have a long and bloody
war on our hands, and that whenever they do rise their first step will
be to attack Fort Gaston, which has no defenses whatever, and pecu-
liarly liable, from its location, to surprise. Deeming it of the first
importance to prevent any such event and to hold these tribes in check
until we have disposed of the hostile Indians in this neighborhood, and
at the same time toqniet the alarm expressed on this point throughout
the community, I have sent the two companies of Lieutenant-Oolonel
Olney's command to that post. Captain Johns will now be able to place
detachments at so many points that all the movements of the Hoopas
can be watched, and if not able to apprehend those of them that are
said to be constantly leaving their valleys to take part in the present
hostilities, will be at least able to verify the fact and to enforce at once
such severe measures upon the leading men of the tribe residing around
the fort as may be necessary to repress the evil. Captain Johns was
here yesterday, and I gave him full verbal instruction on the subject.
The two companies have left, each with its second lieutenant in com-
mand, the other company officers with Lieutenant-Colonel Olney having
to remain here on the court-martial, which will last several weeks. The
inclosed correspondence in relation to the shooting of two Indians by
Lieutenant Flynn near Trinidad will explain itself. I have only to add
that I am informed on good authority that the Indian spoken of as an
old man was about thirty-five or fbrty years of age
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
FRANCIS J. LIPPITT,
Col. Second California Vol. In/ty., Comdg. Humboldt Mil. Dist.
[IncloeoreKo. 1 ]
Tbinidad, April 11, 1862.
Col. F. J. LiPPITT,
Commanding Fort Humboldt:
Dear Sib: The undersigned, secretary of a public meeting held in
this place on the 10th instant, submits the following recital of facts : That
a company of twenty-five men under command of Lieutenant Flynn, a
portion of the command stationed in Humboldt County, having under
a circuitous march from that county, striking Klamath County »t a
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Our. LXII.) C0ERE8P0KDENCE — ^UNIOK AND CONFEDERATE. 1029
point known as the Lagoon district, eight miles from this place, there
sacceeded on the 9th instant in killing one old man and wounding
another belonging to a ranch occapied by three male Indians who have
always been of an inoffensive character, living at least thirty miles
iirom the theater of hostilities in Humboldt Goanty, and belonging to
a different tribe and speaking an entirely different language from those
with whom the people of Hamboldt are at war. At the pnblio meet-
ing called in consequence the following resolutions were unanimously
adopted, with an additional one, that a copy be forwarded to Brigadier-
General Wright and Colonel Lippitt:
Resolved, That while oar earnest sympathies are due to, and are held
by the people of Humboldt Goanty in the present Indian war which
rages within her boundaries, yet we entirely deprecate and enter our
public protest against the invasion of Klamath County by any of the
citizens of Humboldt County or any military command stationed therein
for the purpose of killing peaceable Indians; that such an act will only
bring upon us all the horrors of an Indian war.
Resolved, That a committee should be appointed to wait upon Lieu-
tenant Flynn and represent to him the madness and folly on his part
of attempting the subjugation of 3,000 well-armed Indians by a
force of twenty-live U. S. soldiers, and that we, the people of this
vicinity, can by the same system we have heretofore used toward the
Indians in the neighborhood exert and ase the same control over them
that we have ever bad.
Bespectfully, yours,
CLINTON WOODFORD,
Secretary of Meeting.
A. HANDY,
Chairman.
(Inclosnre No. 2.]
Hbadquabters Humboldt Military District,
Fort Humboldt, April 23, 1862.
Clinton Woodford,
Secretary of a Public Meeting held at Trinidad :
Sir: Before answering your letter of the 11th instant, transmitting a
copy of resolutions passed at a meeting in Trinidad, I have waited to
receive Lieutenant Flynn's ofiBcial report of his scout, ^hat report is
now received, and it appears by it that Lieutenant Flynn has done no
more than his duty. Under instructions from the general commanding
the Department of the Pacific the troops ander my command are now
prosecuting a war against the hostile Indians in this district wherever
they may be found. Lieutenant Flynn, while in command of a scout,
was led to believe, from information received, that a band of some 200
hostile Indians bad crossed to the southerly side of Kedwood Greek
and gone down to its mouth. Ho very properly went in pursuit of
them. Before arriving there he saw three Indians going in that direc-
tion, very possibly, at least, to inform the others of his approach, and so
enable them to escape. He very properly took them prisoners, and
they having attempted to escape after being fully warned of the conse-
quences, Lieutenant Flyun having no other means of stopping them,
and in order to prevent, as he supposed, the entire defeat of the object
of his expedition, as a good and faithful officer fired upon them, by
which fire one of them was killed and another wounded. Whatever
course may be adopted with regard to the peaceable Indians in this
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1030 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. (Chap. LXn.
district, the citizens of Trinidad cannot expect any county boundary
line to constitute a barrier to the pursuit of hostile Indians by the
troops under my command.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
F. J. LIPPITT,
Colonel Commanding Second California Volunteer Infantry,
Commanding Humboldt Military IHatriet.
Headquarters Department of the Pacific,
San Francisco, Cal., April 25, 1862.
Oapt. George F. Price,
Comdg. Co. M, Second Cav. California Vols., Camp Alert, Cal.:
Captain: I have lately received reports of Indian difficulties at or
in the vicinity of Honey Lake, and deeming it necessary to send some
troops to look after affairs in that quarter as well as the country around
Pyramid Lake, I have ordered your company designated for this duty.
The quartermaster's department has made arrangements for your
transportation from this place by steamer to-morrow evening as far as
Sacramento, and from that place you will march via the Placerville
route to Carson City. An agent of the quartermaster will accompany
you and furnish everything necessary for the movement. An order
has been sevt to the commanding officer at Fort Churchill to send to
Carson City in wagons subsistence for your command for one month.
After receiving your supplies I desire you to move with your command
to Susanville, on Honey Lake, or to such point as you may deem your
presence necessary. The main object of sending you is to restore peace
between the white people and the Indians. Should you capture any of
the latter who have been guilty of murder, robbery, &c., execute sum-
mary justice on them. 1 have generally found that by hanging a few
of the worst Indians peace and quiet is soon restored. My instructions
to you must necessarily be of a general character. Knowing your
activity and zeal, coupled with a knowledge of that country, I take
great pleasure in confiding to your judgmetit and management the
entire business. Consult with Governor Nye and the leading citizens
whom you may fall in with, and report frequently to these headquarters.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
G. WRIGHT,
BrigadierOeneral, U. S. Army, Commanding.
Steamer Panama, Near San Francisco, April 26, 1862.
General Wright, U, S. Army,
Commanding Department of the Pacific :
Sir : I take the earliest opportunity to lay before you the inclosed
copies of letters addressed to Governor Pesqueira, of Sonora, Mexico,
by the rebel General H. II. Sibley and his next in command. Colonel
Reily.* Please forward after your perusal to the State Department at
Washington. I also deliver you important extracts of letters t from
reliable persons at EI Paso, made and forwarded by our very worthy
• For first inclosnre see Sibley to the Governor of the State of Sonora, December
16, 1861, p. 7G6 ; and for last inclosure see Escalante to Moody (inclosure of the letter
from Waterman to Wright, April 7), p. 988.
« See Robertson to Wright, April 18, p. 1012.
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CHAT. LXn.) CORRESPONDENCE UNION AND CONFEDERATE. 1031
and efficient consul at Mazstlan, R. L. Robertson. Our loyal citizens
in the northern States of Mexico, especially Sonora, deem it of great
importance our Government should prevent the exit of the rebels into
Mexico; at least to ha^'e an armed vessel at Guaymas to i;uard a^^ainst
any of their contemplated demonstrations at that important harbor.
With the grieatest respect, 1 have the honor, general, to be, your most
obedient servant,
FARRELLY ALDBN,
Ex U, IS. Vice- Consul.
[Inoloaare No. 1.]
IIbadquabtbbs Abht of New Mexico, C. S. Army,
Fort Bli»8, Tex., December 27, 1801. '
His Excellency the Govebnou of the State op Sonoba:
Sib: I have the honor hereby to a<;credit to Your Excellency Col.
James lleily, of the Army of the Confederate States, who is charged
with the duty of delivering to Your Excellency a communication of
importance, and of further explaining the views entertained and objects
contemplated by me. Colonel Reily is the next officer to myself in rank
and command present on this frontier with the forces of the Confederate
States, and Your Excellency will recognize in his selection for this
duty the desire I have of manifesting to yon my high respect and
appreciation. I commend to your consideration the representations
which he shall make to you, and bespeak for htm your highest confL-
deuce and esteem, as well in his private as in his official capacity.
With great respect and the highest consideration, I am Your Excel-
lency's most obedient servant,
H. II. SIBLEY,
Brigadier-General, C. 8. Army, Comdg. Army of New Mexico.
[IoolaaanNo.2.)
IIebmosillo, Sonoba, Mexico, March 14, 1862.
His Excellency Seuor Don Ignacio Pesqueiba,
Qovernor of the State of Sonora, Republic of Mexico :
The undersigned has the honor to inform Your Excellency that I am
here, having a communication to you from Brig. Gen. H. fl, Sibley, of
the Army of the Confederate States of America, and commanding the
Army of New Mexico. In obedience to orders received at Fort Thorn,
on the Rio Grande, 1 was proceeding to Ures, but am hai)py to find
Your Excellency in this city. The undersigned would be pleased if Your
Excellency would designate a time when you would give me a personal
interview, so that I might present you with my letter of credence from
the general, and at the same time deliver the communication with
which I have the honor to be intrusted.
I have the honor to be, with sentiments of the highest consideration
and respect, most respectfully, yours,
JAMES REILY,
Colonel, C. S. Army.
(Inclosure Ko. 3.]
Hebhosillo, Sonoba, March 15, 1862.
His Excellency Sefior Don Ignacio Pesqueiba,
Qovernor of the State of Sonora, Republic of Mexico :
The undersigned has the honor to calf the attention of Your Excel-
lency to an article headed "Mysterious proceedings in the South," in a
newspaper published at San Francisco, Cal., styled The Herald and
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1032 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. (Cha». LXU.
Mirror, and dated February 14, 1862, and circulated in this city. The
nndersigued most respectfally requests to be informed if His Bxcel-
lency credits the falsehood stated in said articlef If His Excellency
the Governor credits the falsebood, the undersigned most respectfully
requests that be be at once informed what action has been taken in the
matter by himself or the General Government. Has General Wright
the privilege to occupy Gnaymas with Federal troops! The ander-
signed most respectfully request^n an early reply to this note to the
communication of General Sibley, and the return of this newspaper
inclosed.
With sentiments of highest consideration and respect,
JAMES REILY,
Colonel, C. 8. Army, Firtt Regiment, Army of New Mexico
[Incloaore No. 4.)
Hbbmosillo, March 17, 1862.
His Excellency Senor l>on Ignacio Pesqubiba, &&,
Sonora:
The undersigned presents his compliments to His Excellency the
Governor of Sonora, and informs him that the undersigned would be
gratified to pay a brief visit by the diligence to-morrow to Guaymas.
The undersigned requests to be informed if His Excellency has any
objection to his visiting Guaymas, as the undersigned is unwilling to
do anything contrary to the wish or policy of His Excellency the
Governor.
With sentiments of great consideration and respect,
JAMfiS REILY,
C, 8. Army.
[Ineloanie No. 5.]
Hbbmosillo, Sonoba, March 18, 1862.
His Excellency Senor Don lONAOio Pbsqubiba, &&,
Sonora, Repid>lic of Mexico :
The undersigned has the honor to acknowledge the receipt on yes-
terday of His Excellency's two notes, one directed to Brig. Gen. H. H.
Sibley and the other to myself. The undersigned requests His Excel-
lency to issue him a passport for himself and escort, and also his let-
ter of recredence to General H. H. Sibley, C. S. Army, commanding
Army of New Mexico. The undersigned is sincere in the expression
of the wish that nothing will occur to obstruct the present friendly
relations now existing between the Confederate States and the State of
Sonora. The undersigned most respectfully requests the return of the
newspaper styled The Herald and Mirror, of date February 14, 1862,
which he had the honor to inclose to Your Excellency.
I have the honor to be, with sentiments of highest consideration and
respect, respectfully, yours,
JAMES REILY,
Colonel, C, 8. Army.
(Inolosnre Ko. 6.]
Hbbmosillo, Sonoba, March 24, 1862.
His Excellency Senor Don Ignacio Pesqubiba,
Qovemor of Sonora, Mexico, at Ures :
The undersigned has the honor herewith to inclose the letter* of
credence from General Sibley, O. S. Army, by which the undersigned
' See inolosoM Mo. L
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OHA». LXU.) CORRESPONDENCE UNION AND CONFEDERATE. 1033
was accredited to the confidence and kind consideratioa of Your
Excellency, and which letter has by some mistake been returned to
the nudersigne<^l. The undersigned respectfully requests from Your
Excellency the letter of recredenoe (usual in such cases) directed to
the i^eueral, and by which he may be informed whether iu my deport-
ment and olficial and private intercourse with Your Excellency, and
during my residence in Bonora, I have obeyed his instructions to culti-
vate the most respectful and friendly relations. Tlie undersigned will
take great pleasure iu reporting to the general the courtesy with which
he has been treated, and his belief in the desire of Your Excellency to
be on good terms with the Government of the Confederate States, and
also your determination to maintain a strict neutrality in the present
war between the South and the North. The undersigned requests
Youi' Excellency would be pleased to direct your answer to this letter
to the care of the prefect at Magdalena.
With sentiments of highest i'«gard and consideration, I remain, most
respectfully, yours,
JAMES REILY,
Colonel, C. S. Army.
Headquaetebs District of Southern California,
Sackett'a WdU, Yuma Desert, Cal., April 26, 1862.
Capt. John B. Shinn,
(Jomdg. Light Company A, Third Artillery, San Felipe, Cal.:
Captain: I presume you will arrive at San Felipe to-day. Stay at
that point the whole of the 27th instant; leave for Yallecito on the
28th; leave Vallecito for Carriso Creek on the 29th; leave Carriso
Creek for Indian Well at 4 p. m. on the 30th. I sh^l cause all the
water at Sackett's Wells to be saved ibr you ; but these wells are dry-
ing up, so you must not count on even one gallon per animal. Have all
your kegs filled at Carriso Creek. Have your barley soaked, so as to
feed of soaked barley at Sackett's Wells five quarts per animal. At
Sackett's Wells you will find a feed of hay. Thus you will arrive quite
fresh at Indian Well early on May 1. Start again at 4 p. m., with
soaked barley for a night's feed. I will send you back word again, if
necessary.
1 am, captain, very respectfully,
JAMES H. CARLBTON,
Colonel First California Volunteers.
Special Orders, ) Hdqrs. Dist. op Southern California,
No. 51. J Indian Well, Cal., April 27, 1862.
After this date companies of troops and Government trains will pass
the Yuma Desert in the night, starting from Carriso Creek at 4 p. m.,
going eastward. Cavalry and quartermaster's trains must be so divided
as to not have over eighty animals leave Carriso Creek twenty-four
hours in advance of the next eighty. Thus the supply of water at
Indian Well, the Alamo, and Cooke's Wells will each afiord a supply for
eighty animals.
By order of Colonel Carleton :
BEN, C. CUTLEE,
First Lieut., First Infty. California Vols., Actg. Asst. Adjt. Oen.
Note. — The above order does not apply to Shinn's battery, which
leaves Carriso Creek April 30 at 4 p. m.
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1034 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC eOAST. iohaj-. 1.AII.
Heajdquaexees District op Southern California,
Indian Well, Yuma Desert, Cai., April 27, 1802.
First Lieut. W. G. Morris,
Second Cavalry California Volunteers, Indian Well:
Sir: The colonel commanding directs that yon remain at Indian
Well in person with the party you have detailed, to be stdtioued per-
manently at that point until after Shinn's battery has passed there.
You will see yourself that the barrels which Judge Winston brings
from Sackett's Wells are properly placed in the earth, and that all the
barrels here are filled with water for the battery which leaves Carriso
Creek April 30 at 4 p. m. The party detailed by yon to remain perma-
nently at Indian Well will relieve the party from Fort Tuma now here.
JThe remainder of your party will proceed to Yuma with Judge Winston's
train. After seeing that every facility is afforded Lieutenant Shinn in
getting a good supply of water at this point, yon can come on to Fort
Yuma with the light Jbattery. The party from Fort Yuma now on duty
here will remain here until after the battery has left, and then go on
to Fort Yuma by the first train which passes for that point. You are
to instruct the party of vedettes stationed here that in addition to their
other duties they will be expected to keep the barrels at these wells
filled up with water at all times. Captain Moore has contracted with
Mr. Williams, of Carriso Creek, to deliver some seven or eight tons of
hay at this point, the first load to be placed here in about one week
from this date.
Very respectfully, &c.,'
BEN. C. CUTLER,
First Lieut., First Infty. California Vols., Actg. Asst, Adjt. Oen.
Headquarters Humboldt Military District,
Fort Humboldt, April 27, 1862.
Captain Douglas,
Second Infantry California Vols., Comdg. Fort Anderson:
Captain: In consequence of the weakening of the force at Fort
Lyon and the withdrawing of the troops at Riley's, you are expected to
extend your operations so as to include the district lying between Red-
wood Creek and Mad River.
By order of Colonel Lippitt:
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JOHN HANNA, Jr.,
First Lieut, and Adjt. Second Infantry California Vols.,
Actg, Asst. Adjt. Oen., Humboldt Military District.
San Francisco, April 28, 1862.
(Received 2.30 a. m. 29th.)
Adjutant-General Thomas:
Will the War Department please assign Bvt. Maj. P. Lugenbeel to duty
according to his brevet? He is at Vancouver, and volunteer troops
assembling there under majors.
G. WRIGHT,
Brigadier- General.
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char.lxii.l correspondence ^union anp confederate. 1035
Headquartebs Department op the Paoipic,
San Francisco, CaL, April 28, 1862.
Brig. Gen. Lorenzo Thomas,
Adjutant- General U. 8. Army, Washinffton, J). C:
General : By the last steamer from the Galf of California I received
a communication from each of the U. S. consuls at Gnaymas and
Mazatlan, which I have the honor to transmit herewith for the consid-
eration or the War Department.* I also inclose copies of communica-
tions from the rebel General Sibley,t and his agent, Ileily,t addressed to
tlie Governor of the State of Sonora. A copy of the communication
from William L. Baker, our consul at Guaymas, I have transmitted to
Flag OiBcer Bell, commanding U.S. naval forces on this coast, for such
action as he may deem proper. Up to the time of the steamer's
departure from (luaymas and Mazatlan it was not positively ascer-
tained what reply had been made to Sibley's communication by the
Governor of Sonora, although it was generally understood that he had
declined to enter into the arrangements proposed by the rebel general.
By the next steamer I shall address a communication to Governor
Pesqueira, referring to the advances made to him by the rebel chief,
and assuming, as a matter of course, that the (iovernor has promptly
rejected the propositions, and intimating at the same time that the
Government of the United States expects that the authorities in the
State of Sonora will not permit any rebel forces to enter their country
under any pretext whatever, and that the very amicable relations now
existing between the Government and people of Sonora and the United
States would be jeopardized should the insidious proposal of the rebel
general be for a moment entertained.§
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
G, WRIGHT,
Brigadier- General, U. 8. Army, Commanding.
HEADQtTABTEBS DEPARTMENT OF THE PACIPIO,
San Francinco, Gal., April 3S, 1862.
Flag Officer Bell, U. S, Navy,
Commanding Pacific Squadron, Mare Island, Cal. :
Sir : Inclosed herewith is a copy of a communication addressed to
me by the U. S. consul at Guaymas, under date of the 8th instant,||
which I deem it proper to submit to you for such action as you may
consider proper. I also inclose correspondence of the rebel General
Sibley with the Governor of Sonora,^ and a letter addressed to me by
F. n. AV'aterman, esq. These two documents I will thank you to
return to me as I have not had time to have copies taken.
Very respectfiilly, your obedient servant,
G. WRIGHT,
Brigadier- General, U. 8. Army, Commanding.
* See Baker to Wright, April 8, and Robertson to Wright, April 18, pp. 992, 1012.
t See Sibley to Pesqueira, December 16, 1861, p. 766.
} See inclosnres, Alden to Wriglit, April 26, p. 1(K)0.
i See also Alden to Wright, April 26, 1862, and Moody to Alden, April 7, pp, 1030,
990.
II See p. 992.
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1036 operations on the pacific coast. [cw*. lxh.
Special Obdebs, ) Hdqes. Depaetment op the Pacific,
No. 69. j San Francisco, Cal, April 28, 1862.
Under the special circumstances Bvt. Maj. P. Lugenbeel, Xiiith
Infantry, is assigned to duty according to brevet rank, subject to the
approval of the War Department.
By order of Brigadier-General Wright:
R. W. KIRKHAM,
Captain and Assistant Quartermaster, Actg. Asst. Adjt. Qen.
Hbadqtjabtees Disteict op Southern California,
Gamp at Norton^s Wells, Yuma Desert, Cal., April 28, 1862.
Col. George W. Bowie,
Fifth Infantry California Vols., Comdg. at Camp Wright, Cal. :
Colonel : About the time this reaches you, say the 30th instant,
some trains will be near your iwst eu route from San Pedro to Fort
Yuma. These trains must be so divided at your camp that not over
eighty animals, whether horses or mules, be at any one point on the
desert on any one day. This precaution is rendered necessary from the
failing of the water at Sackett's Wells. All the marches from Vallecitc
across the desert must be made at night, starting from each point at
5,30 p. m. The increasing heat of tlie weather renders this absolutely
necessary. You will arrange the programme of the movement of the
trains accordingly, giving to each conductor a written pai>er of the
hour and the day when he is to leave each of the following places, viz:
Vallecito (water plenty, perhaps some hay: hardly any grass here to be
obtained). Carriso Creek (water plenty, but bad; no grass, no hay).
Indian Well (water to be drawn up in buckets; more can be gotten by
having a man descend the well there to dip the water into the buckets
by a cup as fast as it runs in; this will take all day steady work to
water the animals: no grass, probably no hay). Norton's Wells (water
abundant, to be drawn up in buckets; no hay, no grass). Cooke's
Wells (water abundant, possibly hay; no grass). Pilot Knob (on the
river; probably hay). Fort Yuma. — Send forwjard by the diflferent
divisions of the trains thus marching a day apart (omitting to send any
of the infantry with the one with which Lieutenant Hammond is to
come on without delay, with a half company of cavalry) one company
of the Fifth Infantry, until only one is left at Camp Wright. Yourself,
staif, band, &c., will come in the next division, following your third
company thus detached. You will find barley at San Felipe, Carriso
Creek, Indian Well, and at Norton's Wells. If you cannot make
arrangements to have fresh beef delivered to each train, each detach-
ment, or each company thus leaving Camp Wright on its march across
the desert, you must be sure to cause your commissary to issue pork,
if necessary, for the whole distance. The teams must not be overloaded,
as the weather is getting hot. Have the teams load mostly with sub-
sistence stores, being sure to have barley enough on to la^t, say, eighty
miles, in case of accident or failure of supply at any one station. Each
company will bring its quota of the rifled -musket ammunition now at
your camp (Wright); will bring ten days' rations of subsistence for its
sustenance en route; will bring each two tents. Under no circum-
stances will any oflBcer or man be permitted to bring any article of bag-
gage, or pound's weight of baggage, not authorized by regulations for
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emit. LIU.) CORRESPOin>BNCE — UKION AND CONFEDERATE. 1037
troops in the field. This rule does not apply to yoarself in greater force
than circumstances in your estimation may warrant. To insure this,
and to insure that the teams are not overloaded, Lave every article or
package or box weighed upon the scales, and a list of such weight made
up against every load. The present acting commissary of subsistence
and acting assistant quartermaster at Gamp Wright you will leave at
that camp until further orders, even though his compauy comes forward.
Assistant Surgeon Randle will also stay there until further orders.
Brigade Surgeon Christian will come on with yourself or with Major
Fergussou in case you have left before the arrival of the latter oflQcers.
1 presume Surgeon Wooster has already left Camp Wright for Fort
Tuma. This letter places you in control of all trains passing your post
eastward until you yourself leave, and enjoins upon you the care that
they shall be so instructed that not over eighty horses or mules,
aggregately, be at any one of the points before mentioned at the same
time. £acb wagon should, if possible, have two water-kegs. Marching
by night, the men and animals will suffer but little for want of water.
The letters for Los Angeles will be sent forward by a dragoon express.
Keene will return to Yuma from Gamp Wright.
I am, colonel, very respectfully, &c.,
JAMES H. CARLETON,
Colonel First California Volunteers, Commandijig,
Headquartees Department op the Pacific,
San Francisco, Cal., April S8, 1862.
Col. Ferris Forman,
Comdg. Fourth Infantry California Vols., Sacramento, Cal. :
Colonel : The steamer Senator will sail from this city for San Pedro
on Saturday morning next (the 3d proximo) at 9 o'clock. The general
commanding directs you to come down with your command destined
for the southern district by Friday's boat. Arrangements have been
made with the California Steam Navigation Company for the men to
remain on board their boat Friday night, but the men must bring one
days' ration in haversack. The Senator will ration the men going from
here.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
R. W. KIRKHAM,
Captain and Assistant Quartermaster, Aetg. Asst, Adjt, Qen.
Headquarters Department of the Pacific,
San Francisco, Cal., April 38, 1862.
Col. Ferris Forman,
Fourth Infantry California Volunteers, Sacramento, Cal. :
Sir : You have been ordered to move with your regimental head-
quarters and staff, with three companies, to the District of Southern
California. On your arrival at San Pedro move as soon as practicable
with your command to Camp Latham, and assume command of all the
troops at or near that place, reporting by letter to Colonel Carleton.
My object in posting you in the southern district is to have an oflScer
of rank there to command the mixed corps located in the Los Angeles
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1038 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. IChap. LXII.
District. I have various reports of dissatisfaction and treasonable plot-
ting in the southern district, and although I do not fully credit all the
rumors afloat, yet I am satisfied that there is in that country a strong
element of disloyalty which is only kept down by the strong arm of
power; but should any reverses happen to our arms, the traitors would
at once show their colors. It will demand of yon great firmness and
prudence to manage affairs in the district, but when it is necessary to
act, let It be done promptly and without a failure. Our laws and insti-
tutions must be preserved, and no open demonstration against our
Government will for a moment be tolerated. There are certain men
about Los Angeles, strong Union men, too, with whose acts I am not
well pleased. From some cause they are constantly trying to throw
suspicion on the loyalty of the oflBcers, especially of Colonel Carleton.
Snoh men are infinitely worse than open and avowed traitors, who can
be dealt with as they deserve. Treason must be dealt with in a sum-
mary manner, and if you make arrests, send them strongly guarded to
Fort Yuma. I have not heard the result of Colonel Evans' expedition
to the Mono country. I of course gave no credit to the vague rumors
of his defeat, or of his failing to accomplish fully the object of his
movement. I desire that a (-avalry command be kept in the Mono coun-
try for a length of time, to give confidence to the settlers and to punish
the Indians who may commit any aggressions. I shall be glad to hear
from you fully and frequently in relation to all affairs in Southern
California.
With great respect, your obedient servant,
G. WRIGHT,
Brigadier- General, U. S. Army, Commanding,
Deadquabtebs Depaetment of the Pacific,
San Francisco, Gal., April 38, 1802.
Col. Justus Steinbebgeb,
First Infantry Washington Territory Volunteers,
under orders for Fort Vancouver, Wash. Ter. :
Colonel: After assuming command of the District of Oregon, I
desire that early measures be taken to concentrate the Oregon regi-
ment of cavalry and move it to the east of the Cascades. The head-
quarters of that regiment will be established at Fort Walla Walla,
from which place a company should be sent to the Nez Perc6 country,
to remain, probably, during the whole summer. But the principal
object in having a large cavalry force in the Walla Walla country is
to move over the mining district of the Salmon Kiver in the spring and
early summer, and as the season advances to be thrown forward to
meet the emigrants as they approach from the Eastern States. Let
the staff officers of the different departments in your district prepare
their estimates and requisitions for everything necessary during the
next fiscal year as soon as practicable. I commit to your hands the
District of Oregon, with full powers to dispose of the troops as you
may deem best to preserve the peace of the country, and to maintain
the honor of our flag and respect for our Government.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
G. WRIGHT,
Brigadier- General, U. 8. Army, Commanding.
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CHAi>.LXn.l CORBESPONDENCE — ^tJNION AND CONFEDERATE. 1039
Sacramento, April 39, 18(12.
(Received 12 m.)
Hon. E. M. Stanton :
Your dispatcb of the 14tli instant received, and will be attended to
immediately.
LELAND STANFORD,
Governor of California.
Adjutant-General's Office, April 29, 1862.
Brig. Gen. George Wright, U. S. Volunteers,
Commanding, &e., Ban Francisco, Cat.:
Tbe Secretary of War says order Surgeon Coolidge to this city, and
report to tbe Surgeon-General for duty as soon as ])ossible.
L. THOMAS,
A (Ijutan t- General.
Hkadqttarters Department of the Pacific,
San Francisco, April 29, 1862.
Brig. Gen. L. Thomas,
Adjutant- General U. 8. Army, Washington, J). C:
General : The route of the overland mail will not be practicable for
wagons before tbe end of May; in the meantime we are preparing tbe
outfit for the troops designated for that line. Tbe southern expedition
under Colonel Carleton has drawn off all our extra means of transporta-
tion, and we shall be compelled to purchase wagons^ mules, &c., here.
Tlie wagons are now being manufactured in this city. We are still
embarrassed for want of funds; the credit of the Government, however,
is good, but we must necessarily pay more than we should have to do
if wc had the cash in band. The mail route at this moment, as far as
the limits of this department, can be traveled in perfect safety; had it
been otherwise, I would have forced a passage over the mountains and
thrown troops on the line at any cost. I presume it is the design of the
department to have troops distributed along the line to afford perma
nent protection for the mails and treasure. With the treasure, of course
the escort would have to be continued all the way, and mounted troops
would be required for this service monthly or semi-monthly. The dis-
tance from Sacramento to Fort Bridger is about 8(K) miles, and it will
be important to have a careful examination of the whole route made
and suitable points selected for posts. Ruby Valley is well spoken of;
it is about midway between Fort Churchill and Camp Floyd. On the
15tli proximo I shall advance Colonel Connor's comn'iand toward the
mountains and have it prepared to cross as soon as possible. A year's
supply of clothing, subsistence, &c., will be sent over as soon as the
roads are in good order.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
G. WRTGHT,
Brigadier-General, U. S. Army, Commanding.
Headquarters Department of the Pacific,
San Francisco, Cai, April 29, 18(12.
Col. Francis J. Lippitt,
Second Infantry California Volunteers,
Commanding District of Humboldt, Fort Humboldt, Cal. :
Colonel : Your letters of the 16th, 23d, and 24th instant are received
and submitted to the general commanding, all of which are approved.
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1040 ■ OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Ctur.LXU.
Two companies of your regiment now at Vancouver are under orders
to report to yon. Tbey will be down on the Panama. She leaves for
Vancouver on the 30th instant. The general says he can spare you no
more troops at present.
I am, respectfully, your most obedient servant,
R. W. KIRKHAM,
Captain and Assistant Quartermaster, Actg. Asst. Adjt Oen.
Headquarters Department of the Pacific,
San Francisco, April 30, 1862.
Brig. Gen. L. Thomas,
Adjutant-General U, S. Army, Washington, D. C. :
General: Colonel Steinberger sailed to-day for Fort Vancouver
with the headquarters and four full companies of the First Infantry
Washingtou Territory Volunteers, leaving in this ci.ty his lieutenant-
colonel to complete the enrollment of three more companies. The
remaining three companies are being raised in the District of Oregon.
On arriving at Fort Vancouver Colonel Steinberger, as the senior offi-
cer, will assume command of the District of Oregon; and as soon as
practicable I have directed that the battalions of live companies each,
of the Second and Fourth Infantry Califortiia Volunteers, shall be
relieved by the troops of Colonel Steinberger's regiment. The Oregon
cavalry regiment of six companies will be concentrated at Fort
Walla Walla as soon as the route is open for service in the mining
districts, and later in the season to be thrown forward toward Fort
Hall to meet the emigrants, as I have previously advised you. On the
26th instant a company of the Second Cavalry California Volunteers
commanded by Capt. George F. Price, left this city to proceed via Sac
ramento and Placerville to Carson City, and thence north to the vicinity
of Honey and Pyramid Lakes, for the purpose of quelling a difficulty
in that quarter between the whites and Indians. This company will
afterward join the troops designated for the protection of the Overland
Mail Route. Colonel Lippitt, commanding the District of Humboldt, is
exerting himself to the utmost to maintain peace in that region. I
have re-enforced him with the two companies of his regiment lately at
Santa Barbara, and two other companies of his regiment now at Fort
Vancouver will come down to Fort Hnmboldt on the return of the
steamernow conveying Colonel Steinberger and his troops up the coast.
South of Fort Churchill about 200 miles, on the Mono River, there has
been a difficulty between bur people and the Indians, and 1 had to send
a detachment of cavalry from Fort Churchill and also a detachment
from Los Angeles to the same point. I have no official report as yet
from that quarter. I am under the impression, however, that it will
be necessary to maintain a small command there during the summer.
The excitement about the mines of the north is unabated; vast num-
bers are rushing to that region; every steamer and sail-ves<«el is
crowded, and it will require great energy and prudence on the part of
the commander of our troops to jireserve peace in the Nez Perc6 and
Salmon Kiver countries during the summer.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
G. WRIGHT,
Brigadier-Oeneral, U, S. Army, Commanding.
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Cbap. txn.) CORRESPONDENCE — UNION AND CONFEDERATE. 1041
Hbadquaetebs Department of the Pacific,
San Francisco, April 30, 1862.
Brig. Gen. LoBENZO Thomas,
Adjutant- Oentral U. 8. Army, Washington, D. C:
General : Major Dram is still absent, inspecting the troops at and
near Fort Yuma. My latest dates from him are of the 14th instant. It
is probable that Colonel Oarleton is now at or iu advance of Fort Yama.
Colonel Bowie^s Fifth Infantry Galifomfa Volunteers is concentrating
at Fort Yuma as a reserve. Carleton's movement will sweep the pred-
atory bauds of Baylor and Reiiy out of Arizona and break up their
plan of obtaining a foothold iu Soiiora, and then with the well-appointed
force under his command, strengthened, if necessary, by the fine reserve
regiment of Bowie, I have no appreiiension as to the result in any con-
flict with the rebels this side of the Rio Grande. Outwardly every-
thing is quiet in this country, but I know that there are many men on
this coast who are traitors at heart, and who are at this moment
writhing under the defeats of the rebels. They are harmless now,
because so greatly in the minority; but such men require close surveil-
lance. In the southern portion of this Stat« there are more sympathiz-
ers with the rebels than anywhere else, and I have now ordered Colonel
Forman, of the Fonrtb Infantry California Volunteers, now in camp
at Sacramento, to proceed by the next steamer to San Pedro with his
headquarters and three companies. The colonel will take post at Camp
Latham, near Los Angeles, where we have already tour companies of
the Second Cavalry. It has been my aim not to create any unnecessary
alarm in the public mind on this coast, but to watch closely the prog-
ress of events and be ever ready to crush any attempt to raise the
standard of rebellion on the Pacific. You will observe by my General
Orders, No. 17, that I am gradually drawing the cords a little closer
around treason.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
G. WRIGHT,
Brigadier-Oeneral, U. S. Army, Commanding.
Hbadquaetebs Department op the Pacific,
8an Francisco, April 30, 1802,
Whereas, it having come to the knowledge of the undersigned that
there are certain persons, either holding office under the rebel govern-
ment, or aiding and abetting the enemies of the United States, and
that such person or persons are owners of real estate or personal
])roi)erty within the limits of this military department, it is hereby
declared that all such estates or property are subject to confiscation
for the use and benefit of the United States.
It is further declared that all sales or transfers of real estate or per-
sonal property, by any person or persons holding office under the rebel
government, or who may be aiding and assisting the enemies of the
Union, whether made by tliem personally, or by their agents, shall be
null and void.
G. WRIGHT,
Brigadier- Oeyieral, U. S. Army, Commanding.
66 R R — VOL L, pt I
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1042 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. (Chip. Lxn.
Hkadquastebs Department of the Pacific,
San Frandaco, Gal., April 30, 1862.
Col. James H. Carleton,
First Infantry California Volunieerg,
Commanding U. 8. Troops, Fort Yuma, Cal.:
Colonel: By the last steamer from the Gulf of California I received
a copy of Sibley's letter to the Governor of Sonora, with several others
from Keily, the agent whom Sibley sent with his dispatches. I send
yon the Bulletin containing the whole corresiwndence. You will
observe the aim of the rebel chief is to gain an entrance into Sonora
ander the pretext of pursuing hostile Indians, and finally to get the
authority of the Governor to establish a depot at Guaymas. When
the steamer sailed the reply of the Governor had not transpired, bat it
was generally understood that he had refused to enter into the arrange
ment proposed by Sibley. By the next steamer 1 propose to address
Pesqueira myself, assuming, as a matter of course, that be has refused
Sibley's request, and reminding him of the embarrassing position the
government of Sonora would be placed in should the rebel forces be
allowed admission within the State. As far as I can judge, from pres-
ent knowledge of the position and movements of the rebels, I am under
the impression that the movement on Sonora has been deferred. How-
ever, you will obtain more reliable information, and later than I have,
but at all events, should the forces of Sibley invade Sonora, you will
pursue them without regard to boundary lines. There are certain per-
sons about Los Angeles professing to be strong Union men who have
been writing letters attacking the loyalty of yourself and other officers
of your command. One of these men, William P. Reynolds, is the
author of the scurrilous attack published in the Call of the 27th;
another letter was sent to the Bulletin by Paul R. Hunt, but not pub-
lished. I do not know either of those men, but their attempt to throw
suspicion on the loyalty of yourself and the gallant officers and soldiers
of the southern army is infinitely worse than open and avowed treason.
I know you and the principal officers under your command, and I can
only say that the confidence I have reposed in the loyalty and devotion
to duty of yourself and those gentlemen is universally entertained by
all true friends of our country on this coast. Wishing you every success,
I remain, colonel, with great respect, your obedient servant,
G. WRIGHT,
Brigadier- Oeneral, U. 8. Army, Commanding.
Hdqrs. Advance Gxtard, California Volunteers,
Pima Villnges, April 30, 1862.
Lieut. Ben. C. Cutler,
Actg. Asst. Adjt. Oen., District of Southern California :
I have the honor to report the arrival yesterday, with my command*
four companies of infantry and two companies of cavalry, in twenty-one
days from Camp Wright. The second company of cavalry I met at
Kenyon's Station, en route to Grinnel's; it has returned here with me.
I have sixteen days' rations on hand, and expect a train here in a few
days with enough to last me until the 1st of June. The country pro-
vides wheat and hay for horses. In a few days 1 shall report more fully
as to such supplies ns I can depend on here. At present appearances
are favorable to a good result in that way.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
J. R. WEST,
Lieutenant-Colonel First Infantry California Volunteers, Comdg.
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Outr. LXll.) CORRESPONDENCE — UNION AND CONFEDERATE. 1043
Special Orders, ) Ud^rs. Dist. of Southern California,
No. 53. J Fort Yuma, Cal, May 1, 1862.
The commanding officer at Fort Yuma is hereby authorized to permit
citizens of the Uuite<i States or of Mexico, while following a lawful busi-
ness, to pass and repass the Colorado River at Fort Yuma, either with
goods or provisions, or with horses, mules, cattle, and teams. This he
will do under such restrictions as in his opinion the exigencies of the
I>ublic service may from time to time require. All persons who avail
themselves of this indulgence for the purpose of gaining information
in order to give aid, intelligence, or comfort to the enemies of the United
States shall be seized, held, and punished as spies and traitors.
By order of Colonel Carleton :
BEN. C. CUTLER,
First lAeut., First InJ'ty. California Tote., Actg. Asgt. Adjt. Gen.
Military Road Expedition,
Camp on HeWs Gate River,
Rocky Mountains, Wash. Ter,, May 1, 1862.
Col. A. Cady,
Seventh U. 8. Infantry, Commanding District of Oregon:
Sir : i have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of the order direct-
ing the escort of my expedition to proceed to the Pacific as soon as the
snows of the mountains would admit, and in reply would state that our
last account from the mountains was that the snow was nine and one-
half feet deep on the summit, and twelve feet on a prairie to its east,
with no forage for animals. The snow is fast disappearing, and will
probably enable the command to cross some time in June, when it will
proceed to carry out the order as therein directed.
I am, sir, truly and respectfully, your obedient servant,
JOHN MULLAN,
First Lieut,, Second Artillery, Comdg. Military Road Ejopedition.
Please have a copy of this sent to the headquarters of the depart-
ment, and oblige.
Yours,
JO.HN MULLAN,
U. S. Army.
War Department, Adjutant-Gbneral's Office,
• Washington, May 2, 1862.
Brig. Gen. G. Wright,
Department of the Pacific, San Francisco, Cal,:
General : In reply to your letter of February 8, with inclosures, I
am directed to approve your action in regard to Col. J. Steinberger,
First Regiment Washington Territory Volunteers, taken for the organ-
ization of that regiment.
I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
GEO. D. RUGGLES,
Assistant Adjutant- General.
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1044 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. ICbap. LXII.
Headquaetees Disteict op Southebn Oalipornia,
Fort Yuma, Gal., May 2, 1862.
Seflor Gobernador Doa Ignacio Pesqueiba,
Vres or Hermosillo, Sonora, Republic of Mexico :
Sib : Yoar Excellency is doubtless aware that for certain military
considerations the general commanding the United States forces on the
Pacific Coast interdicted the crossing by any person of the Colorado
River unless such person bad a passport signed by himself. This
excluded many of the citizens of the State of Sonora in the friendly
Republic of Mexico from coming to work in the rich mines recently
discovered on the Colorado River in California, and also excluded
others from coming to Fort Yuma to sell provisions and other of the
products and commodities of your State. The restrictions as to the
crossing of the Colorado applied no less to citizens of the United States
than to the citizens of our sister Republic. Thus you will see that no
Invidious distinction was made favoring Americans in preference to the
people of Your Excellency. It is now my good fortune to be able to say
to Your Excellency that the prohibitions about crossing the river are
removed, and the people of Sonora are at liberty to come and work in
our mines, or to sell their provisions, forage, fruits, &c., within our
lines. The forces of the United States under my command, now pass-
ing up the Gila River to the Pima Villages, and thence on to occupy the
Territory of Arizona, though abundantly furnished with every neces-
sary article of subsistence and forage, with adequate means of trans-
portation for all additional supplies from the depot at Fort Yuma
which they may need, yet if the people of Sonora desire to bring flour,
pork, beef, mutton, sugar, coffee, wheat, barley, fruit, vegetables, &c.,
to the Pima Villages or to Tucson, after I have occupied it, they will be
paid a fair price in gold and silver coin for what they sell. It is our
sincere desire, as well as our true policy, to maintain the most friendly
relations with the citizens of all nations, but more particularly with
those who, like ourselves, and like our neighbors of Mexico, are endeav-
oring to prove to the world that any brave and intelligent people are
capable of being governed by laws made by themselves, and by rulers
chosen by and from among themselves. Therefore Your Excellency
may rest assured that nothing will be done on our part to disturb the
kind feelings which happily subsist between your pieople and those of
the United States. The people in the South, who are in open rebellion
against the Government of the United States, having an unjust cause,
can never succeed in establishing themselves as an independent nation.
As the war which they have wantonly commenced is an unrighteous
one, they have not the sympathies of a single Christian nation in the
world. Such being the case, you can judge how incredulous I was
when I heard that an oflScer of rank in the army of the so-styled Con-
federate States, who has recenfly been to visit you, had stated publicly
in Arizona, on his return from Sunora, that he had made such arrange-
ments with Your Excellency that what supplies he might need for his
troops could be landed in the ports of Sonora, and be transported,
without let or hindrance, thence through that State to Tucson. I
know that Your Excellency is well aware that the very people whose
emissary it is alleged thus comes to ask of you these commercial privi-
leges, would, as filibusters, usurp the power you yourself hold, and
subjugate your own State, if they had but the ability to do so. There-
fore you can judge of my astonishment at such intelligence. I will
not even ask Your Excellency if what I have heard is true, as such an
utter want of faith toward a friendly neighbor would be so unworthy of
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Chap. Lxn.] C0RRE8P0NDEN0K — UNION AND CONFEDERATE. 1045
your position as a Governor, and so much against your integrity as a
man, that I should shrink from wounding your sensibility by such a
question. I merely mention the rumor that has reached me to show to
Your Excellency how much you have been maligned.
Wishing Your Excellency health and good fortune, and your people
happiness and prosperity, I have the honor to be Yonr Excellency's
obedient servant,
JAMES n. CARLETON,
Colonel First California Vols, and Major Sixth U. 8. Gar., Comdg.
Orders, ) Headquarters,
No. 80. ( Fort Tuma, Cal., May 2, 18('>2.
In pursuance with instnictions contained in Special Orders, No. 53,
dated headquarters District of Southeru California, Fort Yuma, May
1, 18G2, citizens of the United States or of Mexico, while following a
lawful business, will be permitted to pass and repass the Colorado
River at Fort Yuma, either with goods or provisions, or with horses,
mules, cattle, and teams. All persons who avail themselves of this
jndulgence for the purpose of gaining information in order to give aid,
intelligence, or comfort to the enemies of the United States shall be
seized, held, and punished as spies and traitors. All persons bringing
provisions, goods, or cattle or traveling to and from any portion of
Mexico, or Arizona and California, or traveling from California into
Arizona, or any portion of Mexico, will be required to report to the
commanding officer of this post.
By order of Maj. Edwin A. Rigg:
FRANCIS S. MITCHELL,
First Lieut., First Infantry California Volunteers, Post Adjutant.
Headquarters District op Southern California,
Fort Yuma, Cal., May 2, 1862.
Lieut. Col. J. R. West,
Commanding Advance Guard, California Volunteers,
I'ima Villages, N. Mex.:
Colonel : About the time this letter reaches you Companies B and H,
First Infantry California Volunteers, will have reported to you. Shir-
land's cavalry will be near Grinnel's, with Smith's company of infantry
and Shinn'a battery, supported by, say, three companies of infantry, and
Cremoiiy's cavalry will be en route to Antelope Peak or its vicinity,
where they will remain for a few days to recruit the horses, while I am
waiting for means of transportation now on the road hither from New
San Pedro. It is well for you to know all this. The spades, scythes,
tape line, pickax handles, some hospital supplies, tents, ammunition,
manta, and subsistence stores left here this morning on McDonald's
train to be delivered to you. I do not believe the Confederate troops
who may be at Tucson are in any considerable force, nor do I believe,
unless they are taken by surprise without time to retreat, that they will
make any stand at that place. It is possible, but not to my mind prob-
able, that Captain Hunter still remains there. Of all these matters you
are doubtless well informed by your scouts. As you are near Tucson
and better informed than I can possibly be of the condition of affairs at
that place, I authorize you to take it if yoo feel able to do so without
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1046 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. (Chap. LXn.
any risk to the sub-depot which you have been ordered to establish or
without too much delay in completing its defenses. The manner in which
this is to be accomplished and whether you will lead the party in person
or designate some other officer to do so I leave with yourself to deter-
mine. The town once taken, it must be held as one of the steps toward
the liio Grande, and measures must at once be taken after that event
to gather in wheat, flour, &c., from Sonora for the use of our troops. I
inclose for your information some notes of the route by the way of the
San Pedro, which if followed you will attack the town in reverse. A
feint should perha})s be made along the route recently attempted by
Captain Calloway, but 1 suggest that the real attack should be made
by a party moving light without knapsacks, saddle-bags, great-coats, or
any incumbrance, bnt arms, ammunition, provisions for wounded men,
pemmican, bread, and forage, via Fort Breckinridge, up the San Pedro
to the stage road, and in on that to Tucson. The side of the town next
to this approach is exposed. The other side next to the Pima Villages
by the route from Picaclio is cat up by fields, gardens, corrals, &c., with
live fences, making it difficult for men and horses to get up to the houses
themselves. If you take the two howitzers, they must be well supported
by infantry. Having made your feint by moving a force over the route
recently taken by Calloway, would it not be well to march the force
destined to move via the San Pedro by night — at all events the first
nightl Have your sabers very sharp, that they may readily cut through
clothing. Cavalry recently mounted on California horses cannot use
any kind of fire-arms with success. The men should practice dismount-
ing to fight on foot a great deal. If a rush is made by Texans ou horse-
back with revolvers upon your cavalry while mounted, if the sabers are
sharp I would recommend closing in with them as quick as thought.
The cold steel will win against the pistol. If they fly, follow with the
pistol, but with our men well kept together and well in hand, or they
will not succeed. In closing with cavalry against cavalry and in hand-
to-hand encounters on horseback, it is well to get your enemy in your
power by cutting off his reins, killing his horse, &c. If your cavalry
happen to be on foot and the Texans happen to be on foot and attempt
to make a rush upon your men with revolvers, as is their custom, teach
your men to use their fire-arms iintil the enemy is about to close, then to
draw the saber and rush upon him with the speed of lightning. If he
run, use the pistol until the shots are exhausted and then the carbine.
It is my opinion that a judicious use of the saber on foot or on horse-
back will tell very much in your favor. Pray teach your men not to
despise their enemy. Those men whom they go to encounter are deter-
mined men and will fight with desperation. You must be sure to take
or send men enough to overpower them without a doubt. The Texans
are fond of getting into an adobe town and of loop-holing the houses
and there making a stand. In this event, by seizing some prominent
row of buildings and by cutting your way from room to room until you
get into the heart of the town, you gain all the advantages they them-
selves possessed. (At Taos, F. Mex., in February, 1847, our people cut
holes through walls and threw, by hand, 12-pounder shells with fuses
lighted in among the enemy. These cleared the place they occupied in
a few moments.) In doing all this your wagons should be well guarded
by infantry in the wagons, if necessary. In wagons infantry are very
formidable, as it may seem. You can take any number of men you
think necessary, provided the supplies at the sub-depot are left per-
fectly secure. I fully rely on your prudence and vigilance and resolu-
tion both eu route and when you get your enemy under fire. Should
you succeed you will hold the town and have your wounded cared for
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I
Chap. LXn.) COEBESPONDfiNCE UNION AND CONFEDEKATE. 1047
at that i)oint. If the eaemy is in force at Tucson then you are not to
move against it until further orders, and not even now unless iu your
judgment the chances of success are nearly all in your favor.
I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JAMES H. CAELETON,
Colonel Fimt California Volunteers, Commanding.
Note. — In case you move against Tucson, the Fifth Infantry, under
your coiiimaud, must have equal chances iu the expedition with the
First Infantry.
J. H. 0.
Hbadquaetebs Department op the Pacific,
San Francisco, Cat., May 2, 1862.
Col. Febbis Foeuan,
Fourth Infty. California Vols., Commanding U. 8. Troops,
En route for Southern IHst. of Cal., San Francisco, Cal. :
Colonel: I have received several deputations from the people liv-
ing near Owen's Lake and Eiver, and from those residing in tlie neigh-
borhood of Lake Mono, representing their situation as critical, and
asking that troops may be sent at once for their protection. 1 have
not yet received any report from Lieutenant-Colonel Evans, but I
learned uuofQcially that he was on his mar(;h back to Camp Latham.
As soon as possible after your arrival in the soutliern district I wish a
command of mounted troops dispatched for the Owen's Lake country to
chastise those Indians and protect our people; the command to con-
sist of the two companies of the Second Cavalry, or, if you deem it
necessary, send these companies with an ample supply of ammunition
and provisions for sixty days. I think it probable that we shall have
to maintain a command in that country until fall. Lieut. Col. G. S.
Evans, Second Cavalry, will command the expedition. If you have
not public transportation which can be spared for the tran8()ortation
of the supplies for the command the deficiency can be supplied by
hiring private wagons. Take measures to keep the command supplied
with at least one month's provisions in advance as long as it remains
in the field. I have full confidence in the energy and ability of Lieu-
tenant-Colonel Evans, and I expect those Indian difticulties to be
brought to a speedy termination, and such punishment inflicted on the
guilty as will prevent another Indian outbreak in that quarter.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
G. WRIGHT,
Brigadier- General, U. S. Army, Commanding.
General Orders, ) Camp Latham,
No. 34. ] ■ May 2, 1862.
The undersignetl hereby takes command of this camp.
GEO. S. EVANS,
lAeut. Col. Second Cavalry California Vols., Comdg. Detachment.
nnQRs, ir. S. Military Department op the Pacific,
San Francisco, Cal., May 3, 1862.
His Excellency Sr. Don Ignacio PesqueieA,
Governor of the State of Sonora :
Sir: By the last steamer from the Gulf of California I received a
copy of a communication addressed to Your Excellency, under date of
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1048 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Coir.LXIl.
the 16th of December, 1801, by H, H. Sibley, the rebel chief in com-
mand of a body of iu8ur{;^euts in New Mexico, and although I did not
receive a copy of Your lixcellency's reply, yet I was much gratified by
the assurances of my corresi)ondeut that Your Excellency had declined
enteringinto any arrangements proiwsed by the lebel commander. Con-
sidering the friendly relations subsisting between the Government of
the United States and that of the Itepublic of Mexico, as well as
between the citizens of tlie contiguous States of Sonora and California,
any other decision than that which Your Excellency has made would
have been deeply regretted. I need not point out to Your Excellency
the utter ruin and devastation which would inevitably befall the beau-
tiful State of Sonora should the rebel forces obtain a foothold within its
limits, as in that event it would be indispensably necessary that the
frontier should be passed by the U. S. forces, and our enemies pursued,
possibly, to the city of Guaymas. 1 beg Your Excellency to rest assured
that under no circumstances will the Government of the United States
permit the rebel horde to take refuge in Sonora. I have an army of
10,000 men ready to pass the frontier and protect your Oovernmeat and
people.
With the greatest resiiect, I have the honor to be. Your Excellency's
most obedient servant,
G. WRIGHT,
Brigadier-General, V. S. Army, Conidg. Department of the Pacific.
[May 3, 1862. — For Carleton to Ganby, reporting operations, &c.,
see p. 95. J
Fort Yuma, Cal., May 3, 1862.
My Dear West : By this express you will get authority to move
with or send a part of your force to take Tucson, if that place has not
been re-enforced so much as not to render such a movement on our side
practicable at this moment. We can well afford to wait a few days
until our troops and supplies are more to the front, so as to make the
matter one in the ordinary course as we proceed eastwaid. It occurred
to me that the Texans under Hunter knowing of our approach would
soon leave for the Rio Grande. I do not believe that Sibley can spare
troops enough from the Rio Grande to make a respectable stand against
us in Arizona, nor do I believe that he would come 300 miles away from
his magazines to fight us, when if he waits we will doubtless attempt
to go to him ; so, admitting that Hunter still lingers there to watch
our movements and to count our force up to the last moment, then to
go, I have thought it would be well to entrap him, if possible. This
duty, if practicable, from intelligence in your possession, I leave with
yon. I have fancied that it would be agreeable to you to put up the
Stars and Stripes in Arizona; but we can afford to wait until all is
ready, in case the enemy is too strong for you. Keep the horses and
mules fresh. When you are obliged to tie them to a line at night have
the men cut hay even with knives and bring it in blankets to lay before
the animals. After Tucson is taken the valley of the San Pedro, doubt-
less at Fort Breckinridge, will be a good place for horses and mules to
recruit. I wish you to report to me on the grazing facilities in the val-
ley of the San Pedro after you have seen or learned from a reliable
source all about it. One of these prisoners taken at the Picacho
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CHAF. LXII.] CORRESPONDENCE UNION AND CONFEDERATE. 1049
informs me that if Barrett bad called upon them to surrender before
he commenced firing upon them they would have done so. Employ
Mr. Jones to go with the party that you may direct against Tucson.
Some essential part of the machinery of White's mill was hidden by
the Texans, so the mill could not be run. This one of the prisoners
tells me. The belting is now en route from Los Angeles to this point.
If you can have everything ready for it to run against this comes, we
can soon have flour enough. Have some adobe ovens made. This is
an easy way to make them : Make the hearth of your oven, say, three
feet in height, and have it nicely leveled off with clay. When this is
dry build upon it with woo<l, covered with hay, tlie form of the inside
of the oven. Spreatl a layer of clay over this, let it dry, spread another
layer of clay over the first, and so on until the required thickness is
obtained. Then burn out the wood, and the oven is done. I send by
an ambulance, which you can keep, Mr. Weaver and Sergeant Wheel-
ing, of F Company, First Infantry California Volunteers. Get some
animals, if necessary, from the Pimas, and have them escorted up the
Salinas toward Zuni. When they are past danger from the Apaches
the escort can return, and these men proceed to New Mexico to gain
information. Wheeling should be disguised. If necessary yon can add
a cou])Ie of reliable men, citizens, if they can be got of the right stamp,
to the party for New Mexico. Talk with Weaver on the point and
agree upon the best plan. Canby, if he is still at liberty, can send au
escort of his own cavalry bivck with Weaver. I wish you to fix this
matter in the best possible manner, and so manage it that no one will
know when the party gets off, except the party and yourself, or where
it is to go but Weaver and yourself. He can have sealed instructions
for the escort to return to be banded to the commander at the proper
jyiint. I send you a roll of papers. Pray distribute them among the
command when you have read them.
Very truly, yours,
JAMES H. CABLETON,
Colonel First Cavalry California Volunteers, Commanding.
Camp Latham, Southebn District of California,
May 3, 1862.
Lieut. Col. George S. Evans,
Second Cavalry California Volunteers, Commanding Camp:
Colonel : I have the bouor to make the following report of my trip
to the Mojave :
lu pursuance of the annexed written instructions* I left Camp Drum
on the Gth day of April, A. D. 1862, and arrived at Camp Cady on the
14tb day of Ai)ril, A. D. 1862, seeing and hearing of nothing unusual
on the route, except at Lane's Crossing of the Mojave, where I was
informed by Mr. Lane that a wagon loaided with powder had crossed
there a few days previous, said to be going to Salt Lake. I remained
at Camp Cady until the 24th of April, seeing and hearing of nothing
unusual, and meeting no parties that I could suspect of treasonable
intentions toward the Government. On the 24tb I left Camp Cady for
Camp Latham, and on arriving at Lane's Crossing, some seventy miles
above Camp Cady, I was informed by Mr. Lane that during my absence
at Camp Cady another wagon loaded with powder, said to be for Salt
• See Cutler to Pierce, April 5, p. 985.
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1050 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC" COAST. (Chap. LXIL
Lake, had passed. I was informed by the parties keeping the toll-gate
at Gajon Pass that armed men in small parties had been passing
through all the winter and spring.
All of which is most respectfully submitted.
N. P. PIERCE,
Second Lieut. Co. Q, 2d California Cav. Vols., Comdg. Detachment.
Special Orsebs, ) IIeadqvabtebs Disteict of Oregon,
No. 11. ) Fort Vancouver, Wash. Ter., May 5, 1862.
I. Companies A and E (Smith's and Gibbs'), Second Infantry Cali-
fornia Volunteers, will be held in readiness at a moment's notice to
embark for Port Humboldt on the st«an]er by which the companies
under the command of Colonel Steinbeiger will arrive at this post.
• ••••••
A. CADY,
Lieutenant-Colonel Seventh Infantry, Commanding District.
Hdqrs. Advance Guard, California Volunteers,
Fima Villages, May 4, 1862.
Lieut. B. C. Cutler,
Aetg, Asst. Adjt. Oen., Distriet of Southern California :
Lieutenant : I am as yet unable to report upon the supplies for
troops available at this post with any degree of confidence. Mr. Ammi
White, who was taken prisoner by the rebels, was the only person here
conversant with the Indian resources. I have as yet only succeeded
in eking out daily a supply of forage for the command. I can neither
get any stock of forage in advance, nor have the Indians yet produced
their flour in any but trifling quantities. I am, however, trading under
every disadvantage. It is difficult to make this people understand the
magnitude of our demands, and further, I have nothing but promises to
off'er them in payment. When the manta arrives I shall then under--
stand whether they hold back their wheat and flour from fear of non-
payment, or because they have but limited quantities on hand. The
first of the new crop of wheat should begin to come in within a fort-
night. Of hay I can get but a mere daily ration. I am negotiating,
with what prosp«ct of success it is impossible to tell, for a standing
field of wheat, with the intention of feeding it and keeping the grain
that comes in for future uses.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
J. E. WEST,
Lieutenant-Colonel First Infantry California Volunteers, Comdg.
Headquarters Department of the Pacific,
San Francisco, OaU, May 5, 1862.
William L. Baker, Esq.,
U. 8. Consul, Guaymas, State of Sonora:
Sir : I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of yonr commani-
cation of the 8th ultimo, for which please accept my thanks. I sent a
copy of yonr letter to Flag Officer Bell, and in reply he informs me
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CSBAP. LXn.] COBEESPONDENCE UNION AND CONFEDERATE. 1051
that he has ordered the Saint Mary's to Guaymas. You need be under
no apprehension that the rebels will gain a foothold in Souora. I have
written to Governor Pesqueira on the subject, informing him that I
have 10,000 men ready to pass the frontier and pursue our enemies
should they enter the State of Sonora. Herewith inclosed is a com-
munication for Governor Pesqueira, which I will thank you to forward
to His Excellency.*
With great respect, your roost obedient servant,
G. WEIGHT,
Brigadier- General, If. 8. Army, Commanding.
HEADQTTABTEBS DePABTMENT of THE PACIFIC,
Sa7i Francisco, Cal., May 5, 1862.
E. L. Eobebtson, Esq.,
U. 8. Consul, Mazatlan:
SiB: I have tlie honor to acknowledge the receipt of your communi-
cation of the 18th ultimo, for which please accept my thanks. Flag
Ofiicer Bell informs me that be has sent orders for the Saint Mary's to
proceed to Guaymas. The rebel chief (Sibley) has been roughly handled
in jSTew Mexico since the date of his letter to Governor Pesqueira, and
should he attempt to enter Sonora I have 10,000 men ready to pass the
frontier and pursue him, even to Guaymas, if necessary. I have so
written to the Governor of Sonora.
With great respect, your most obedient servant,
G. WEIGHT,
Brigadier- General, U. 8. Army, Commanding.
Union Ibon Wobks, San Francisco, May 5, 1862.
(Eeceived 8.30 a. m. 7th.)
Hon. Edwin M. Stanton:
Sib; In the event of the Government deciding to build an iron-clad
steamer, with ram or steel bow, permit me to say that I have every
fa<;ility for building the same, together with engines and boilers. My
foundry, machine-shop, blacksmith and boiler shops, and tools are
equal to any in the Atlantic States, consisting of blooming furnace,
Kesmitb steam hammer for forging, a large lathe, the largest in Cali-
fornia, and the same as the one in the Gharlestowu Navy-Tard ; can forge
and turn the largest shafts, punching and riveting machines of the
largest sizes; also shoars. And I am now getting up a rolling-mill.
I have on hand 300 tons of blooms made from wrought scrap, and have
every variety of iron, and would, in the event of obtaining a contract,
give any bond the Government would require for the entire completion
of the ship and fulfillment of the contract to the satisfaction of the
Government. I would respectfully refer to Senators Latham and
McDougall, or any of the California delegation ; to General Seawell,
U. S. engineer, who superintended the building of the Saginaw at my
works, or to any gentleman in Washington from CaUfornia, for my
ability to perform the work. Please telegraph me on receipt of this u
it will be necessary for me to visit Washington.
I remain, your obedient servant,
PETEE DONOHOE.
* See Wiigbt to Pesqueira, May 3, p. 1047.
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1052 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Chap LXII.
Hdqbs. Advance Guard, California Volunteers,
Pima Villages, May 5, 1862.
First Lieut. Benj. O. Cutler,
Actg. Asst. Adjt. Gen., District of Soutliern California:
Lieutenant: The following scale of prices has been agreed upon
with the Indians: Four quarts flour, weighing 4 J pounds, for 1 yard
manta; 7 quarts wheat, weighing 13 iwunds, for 1 yard nianta; 4 quarts
pinole, weighing 6 J pounds, for 1 yard manta; 50 pounds hay, or 150
pounds of green fodder, for 1 yard manta. These prices are much for
the interest of Government, and it is to be hoped that the facilities for
purchasing of the Indians will enlarge. Manta may be called the staple
article with them, but such goods as were asked for by the colonel
commanding, in his letters of December, 1861, on the Mojave expedi-
tion, are indispensably necessary for the practice of an economy of
great advantage. The daily consumption of the present command for
forage is as follows :
Tarda manta.
'%^^^^:Z^tU\i^t'^'^-\'''^^'''''''^-^'^''^'^ ^i
345 animals, bay 14 pounds, 4,830 pounds, equals 06^
Daily consumption of manta 400
Not enough flour to make mention of has yet been brought in, and
pinole is an article of small consumption, unless of necessity. A brief
observation of these people and their habits shows me that they are
disinclined to sell their produce or any other property unless the article
offered in exchange is such as they habitually and at the moment need.
I do not believe that they would trade wheat for more manta than they
wanted for the moment, and further, that after 20,000 yards of that
goods have been distributed among them it would cease to be a ready
currency. These opinions may be erroneous ; my experience with the
people has been of less than a week's duration, and that with only prom-
ises to offer in payment. Obligations for near 3,000 yards mantA are
already outstanding from the quartermaster's and commissary depart-
ments. Even without any increase of the command, the 10,000 yards
daily expected at the post wih be exhausted by the 20th instant. If,
when the manta arrives, the Indians do not bring in their wheat more
freely (the animals only get half rations to-day) I see no recourse but
to enter their wheat fields and cut the grain for forage. As yet nego-
tiations for purchasing their standing grain have not been consum-
mated. I enlarge more upon the difficulties of getting supplies here
with reference to the part of the expedition that i.s in my rear than to
the command now here. I am anxious to see a supply on hand lor an
advance, and shall endeavor to accomplish it.
Respectfully, your obedient servant,
J. R. WEST,
Lieutenant-Colonel Firtt Infantry California Volunteers, Comd^.
Headquarters Department of the Pacific,
San Francisco, Cal., May 5, 1862.
Col. Francis J. Lippitt,
Second Infantry California Volunteers,
Commanding District of Humboldt, Fort Humboldt, Cal. :
Colonel: In the operations within your district you will of course
be compelled to establish many small posts oi' depots, but they must be
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p. LXII] CORRESPONDENCE UNION AND CONFEDERATE. 1053
sidered as temporary and no expense incurred for building, aa the
)1)3 under your command are regarded as in tlie field. I beg of you
juforce the most rigid economy in all the departments. Of course
necessary expenditures, such as are authorized for the troops in
ipaigu, must be made; nothing further.
^'ery respectfully, your obedient servant,
G. WRIGHT,
Brigadier- General, U. S. Army, Gmnmanding.
Headquabtees Humboldt Military District,
Fort Humboldt, May 5, 1862.
)t. Charles Heffernan,
Second Infantry California Volunteers, Gomdg. Fort Lyon:
5APTAIN : You are directed immediately on receipt of this to proceed
a point near the head of Larrabee's Greek, about one mile east of
inter's ranch, with as many men of your command as can be spared
m the service of the post for the purpose of capturing a band of
liaiis reported to be concealed there. The bearer of this, Mr. Fair-
d, offers to guide the detachment to the spot. If you think proper
I are authorized to detach Lieutenant Dobbins in command of the
)edition instead of taking command in person.
{y order of Colonel Idppitt:
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JOHN HANNA, Jr.,
First Lieut, and Adjt. Second Infty. California Vols,,
Actg. Asst. Adjt, Gen., Humboldt Military District.
Headquarters District of Oregon,
Fort Vancouver, Wash. Ter., May 5, 1862.
sisTANT Adjutant-General,
Headquarters Department of the Pacific, San Francisco, Cal. :.
iiR: I have the honor to report that in obedience to Special Orders,
, G5, head(|uarters Department of the Pacific, dated San Francisco,
ril 18, 1862, 1 have this day relieved Lieut. Col. A. Cady, Seventh
Liutry, U. S. Army, from the command of this district.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JUSTUS STEINBERGER,
Colonel First Washington Territory Infantry, Gomdg, District.
NKRAL Orders, ) Hdqrs. District op Oregon,
No. 3. ] Fort Vancouver, Wash. Ter., May 5, 1862.
u compliance with Special Orders, No. 65, headquarters Department
tbe Tiicific, the undersigned hereby assumes command of this
trict.
JUSTUS STEINBERGER,
Colonel First Washington Territory Infantry.
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1064 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Chap. LXIL
Hdqbs. Advance Guard, California Volunteers,
Pima Villages, May 0, 1862.
Lieut. Ben. 0. Cutler,
Actg. Asst. Adjt. Oen., District of Southern Califomia :
Lieutenant : I have the honor to report fair progress in obtaining
forage for the animals now here, bat as yet no prospect presents itself of
my being able to accumulate a surplus for an onward movement or to
meet the wants of any additional number of animals suddenly placed
here. Immediate payment in manta may work a change, but until that
fact is proved I must continue doubtful about daily supplies even. The
crop of mesquite beans will mature in all this month, and some of the
wheat; then the problem will be solved of the dependence that can be
placed upon supplies here. I state these facts for the information of
the colonel commanding, whose plans may hinge upon them somewhat.
No flour comes in, and 1 fear will not as long as we call for their wheat
so freely. If, however, we can get enough wheat for forage, the flour
can be brought up from Fort Yuma in lieu of it.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
J. R. WEST,
Lieutenant- Colonel First Infantry California Volunteers^ Comdg.
IlDQBS. Advance Guard, California Volunteers,
Pima Villages, May 6, 1862.
Lieut. Benjamin 0. Cutler,
Actg. Asst. Adjt. Gen., District of Southern California .
I have the honor to rejwrt the following express arrangements by
Indians from here to Grinnel's: To leave weekly every Wednesday
morning from here; to arrive at Grinnel's on Friday; to remain there
until ordered back by the commanding ofScer, and to be fed daring
their stay at that post; to be paid forty yards of manta for each trip to
Grinnel's and back. This will save much fatigue and labor to cavalry-
men and horses. I believe it to be the most economical arrangement
for the Government and that the dispatches will be carried safely.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
J. E. WEST,
Lieutenant- Colonel First Infantry Califomia Volunteers, Comdg.
Headquarters Humboldt Military District,
Fort Humboldt, May 6, 1862.
Lieut. Charles G. Hubbard,
Second Infantry Califomia Volunteers,
Comdg. Detachment at Reed^s Ranch, Humboldt Mil. Digt. :
Lieutenant : A baud of some thirty Indians, i)erhaps a great many
more, are now on the northern side of Eel Eiver close to the month of
the South Fork, as shown by the diagram annexed.* You are directed
to march thither as soon as the re enforcement arrives from Fort Baker
and capture them. Mr. Camptou is regularly employed as the guide
for your command.
By order of Colonel Lippitt:
Very respectftally, your obedient servant,
JOHN HANNA, Jr.,
Acting Assistant Adjutant- General, Humboldt Military District.
•Omitted.
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chai>. lxu.] correspondence union and confederate. 1055
Headqtjabtebs Dbpabtuent of the Pacific,
Saw Franciacoj Cat, May 6, 1862.
CoL J. Steinbebgee,
First Infantry Woighington Territory Volunteers,
Commanding District of Oregon:
Colonel : The general commanding directs we to say that he desires
Colonel Cornelius with his six companies of Oregon cavalry, after con-
centrating in the Willamette Valley, prepare to cross the mountains to
The Dalles as soon as the route is passable. Transportation (the allow-
ance for the field) will be provided at The Dalles for his command to
move to Walla Walla, where the headquarters of Colonel Cornelias
will be established.
I am, respectfully, your most obedient servant,
B. W. KIRKHAM,
Captain and Assistant Qtiartermaster, Actg. Asst. Adjt. Gen.
Headquabtebs Depabtment op the Pacific,
San Francisco, May 7, 1862.
Brig. Gen. L. Thomas,
Adjutant- General U. 8. Army, Washington, D. C:
General : Since my communications of the 30th ultimo, addressed to
you, nothing of special importance has occurred in this department.
My latest advices from Fort Yuma are dated on the 2l8t of April.
Colonel Carleton's advance was at the Pima Villages, and it is pre-
sumed that at this moment his entire command is moving into Arizona.
I have received no further intelligence in relation to the design of the
rebel chief, Sibley, to enter the State of Sonora. It is probable that
he has abandoned the project, if, as is currently reported, his army
is completely demoralized and on the retreat from New Mexico. How-
ever, should the rebel forces enter Sonora, I have ordered Colonel
Carleton to pass the frontiers at once and pursue them. On the 3d
instant I addressed a communication to His Excellency Don Ignacio
Pesqueira, Governor of the State of Sonora, a copy of which is herewith
submitted.* I also inclose herewith my General Orders, No. 17, of the
23d ultimo • and my proclamation of the 30th.* The latter was promul-
gated with the view of preventing as far as possible the transfer of
property by persons in arras against the United States or who are
aiding and abetting the rebels. I have not at this moment power to
enforce my decree, but my object was to hold it in terrorem until such
time as legal proceedings could be had. Quiet prevails throughout the
country. Our Indian difficulties have made it necessary to send small
commands to different points, but I doubt not we shall speedily restore
peace between the white and red man.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
G. WRIGHT,
Brigadier- General, U. 8. Army, Commanding.
[Indorsement, ]
Adjutant-General's Office, June 4, 1862.
Respectfully submitted to the Secretary of War, esptecially in refer-
ence to the inclosed proclamation in regard to confiscation and prohibi-
tion to transfer of property belonging to disloyal persons.
L. THOMAS,
Adjutant-General.
•See pp. iat7, 1021, 1041, respectively.
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1056
OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST.
[Chap. LXIL
General Oedebs, ) Hdqes.Dist.op Southeen Oajlifornia,
No. 6. ) Fort Yuma, CaL, May 7, 1863.
The following itinerary of the marches from Fort Yuma to Pima
Villages, made by Lieutenant-Colonel West, is published for the infor-
mation of all concerned :
To-
1 Dis-
taoce.
I
Gila City
Mission Camp. . .
FUibnster Camp
Antelope Peak..
Hohawk Station
Texas BlU
Lagoon Camp...
GnDners ranch .
GraesTCamp
Bnrke% Station .
Oatman Flat
Kenvon Station .
Shady Camp
Gila Bend
DesertStation. ..
The Tanks
Maricopa Wells .
Pima Villages...
Total
MUet.
17.56
11.40
6
9.14
12.83
10.98
S
11.13
3
6.43
11.22
13.48
10.10
4
21.82
7.42
11.15
11.35
184.10
Marches
recom.
mended.
Bemarks.
No ffraas, wood ; camp on the river.
Wou<l, water, and a little ^rass at Mission Camp. Wood and
water at -l''ilibu»ter Camp; grass four miles farther on.
Grass within tliree-qnarters of a mile of Antelope Peak. The
camels at the station; nograss. Camp on the river, at Mohawk
Station.
A little grass on the hill. Station half a mils back flrom tha
river. Lagoon Camp, fine water, wood, shade, and grass.
Very dusty and disagreeable at Grinnel's. Men or animals can-
not recruit much. At Grassy Camp they do much better.
A very poor camp at Burke's, and littlo better at Uatmnn Flat;
no grass at either.
Poor camp at Senyon Station ; no grass. At Shady Camp all
good.
At Gila Bend, wood and water, but no grass; thence to Mari-
copa Wella good road, but de.'ttitnte of water and graits.
At the wells abundance of w-iter, but brackish. Some salt
grass.
Brad fair, with some sloughs.
By order of Colonel Carleton :
BEN. C. CUTLER,
First Lieut,, First Infty. California Vols., AcUj. Asst. Adjt, Gen.
Headqttaeters District op Southern California,
Fort Yuma, Cal., May 7, 1862.
Capt. John B, Shinn,
Commanding Light Battery A, Third Artillery, Present:
SiE : In addition to the amount of ammunition now in your caissons —
that is to say, 50 rounds of C pounder shot, 40 rounds of 6-pounder
case-shot, 10 rounds of 6 pounder canister shot, 40 rounds of 12-pouiider
case-shot, 30 rounds of 12-pounder shells, 8 rounds of canister for how-
itzers— I desire that you will select from the ammunition which has
been shipped from Benicia Arsenal to your address the following arti-
cles, together with a due proportion of fuses, &c., to make your battery
effective — that is to say, 252 rounds of C-pouiider shot, 196 rounds of
6pouncler case-shot, 84 rounds of 6pounder canister shot, 200 rounds of
case-shot for 12-pounder howitzers, 150 rounds of shells for 12-])ounder
howitzers, 80 rounds of canister shot for the same. This will leave
remaining at Fort Yuma the following ammunition pertaining to your
battery, viz, 148 rounds of 6-pounder shot, 104 rounds of 6-pounder
case-shot, 210 rounds of 0-pouuder canister shot, no spherical case shot
for howitzers, 250 rounds of shell for 12-pounder howitzers, 316 rounds
of canister for 12-pounder howitzers. The ammnnition before enumer-
ated, which you are to select to be transported on wagons, I desire to
have weighed and placed by itself to-day ready for loading on the
train.
I am, sir, very resiiectfnily, your obedient servant,
JAMES H. CAKLETON,
Colonel First California Volunteers, Commanding.
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CBAP.Lxn.l COBBE8PONDENCE UNION AND CONFEDERATE. 1057
Ii£AD(jUABTEBS DiSTBICT OP SoUTHEEN OALIFOBNIA,
Fort Yuma, Gal., May 7, 1862.
Lieut. Col. Joseph E. West,
Commanding Advance Guard, California Volunteers,
Pima Villages, N. Mex. :
Colonel : In case you should wish to move on Tucson, as authorized
iu my letter of the 2d instant, but desire to leave a stronger force than
you can well spare to guard the sub-depot at the Pima Villages while
you are gone, this is to inform you that you are at liberty to order
Smith's infantry or Shirland's cavalry or both to join you from Grin-
nel's. If the enemy should happen to have 600 men at Tucson, which
I do not believe he has, and which of course you will know beyond a
doubt before you leave your present position, you must wait until you
have force enough to outmau him if necessary, he being without doubt
more or less protected by houses and barricjwies. Nothing will be lost
by delay in getting yourself well and strongly prepared. It is possible
if he has that force that some fine morning he may enliven your own
camp. I mistake you very much if he ever can surprise you. If re-en-
forcements are reaching Tucson from the Bio Grande I am very glad.
The issue may as well be tried at Tucson ; besides, we shall be
saved a march of 300 miles. Beard has just reached here with a
herd of cattle. He has the contract for supplying us all with beef.
The train, at the rate of twelve wagons a day, is coming in from the
desert. I shall stay here a few days longer to send such supplies for-
ward as I think may be necessary and then come on. All the com-
panies of the Fifth, except one at San Diego and one at Camp Wright,
will be here and iu advance of this post. Colonel Bowie after his arrival
will remain at Yuma for the present, when Bigg and all of the First will
move forward. I hope you will get Weaver safely off. The pemmican
is the stuff for that party. Weaver must be safely escorted through
the Apaches. Let me suggest to you to have an advance guard and a
strong support of infantry in the canons to be deployed as skirmishers
well in front of your force in moving to the San Pedro, should you go
by that route. If the enemy is as enterprising as I think he is he will
watch and guard that route. If he does not, and you once get on to
the stage road between Tucson and the Bio Grande, I believe you will
capture all who remain in Tucson. Send Expressman John Jones
directly back. I shall feel anxious to know what is going on at the
front. The percussion caps, belts for the mill, &c., leave here on a
train to-day.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JAMES H. OAELETON,
Colonel First California Volunteers, Commanding.
Office Supebintendent op Indian Affaibs,
Portland, Oreg., May 7, 1862.
Brigadier-General Wbight,
Comdg. Department of the Pacific, San Francisco, Cal. :
Genebal : My advices from the southern part of this State indicate
very positively that a military force in that region not far from Jack-
sonville is imperatively necessary. An unusual number of Indians,
mostly Klamatlis, are already hovering about the settlements, and a no
inconsiderable number areiu and around Jacksonville, where they per-
sist iu remaining, greatly to the aunoyauce of the citizens there. That
67 E E — vol l, pt i
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1058 OPEKATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. (Chap. LXn.
tLey meditate harm is evident from the fact that their boldness and
impudence increases as the population becomes weaker by the enlist-
ment and withdrawal of the troops of Lieutenant-Colonel Maury's com-
mand from that part of the State, and the heavy migration to the now
mines up the Columbia liiver. I have a sub-Indian agent in that dis
trict, but he is powerless without military aid. I think that two com-
piinies of cavalry are absolutely requisite for the protection of the
citizens of that section, and that they should be placed on duty there
as soon as possible. This communication I presume should be addressed
to the commander of this military district, but as the steamer for Sau
Fraucisco leaves here this evening, and believing that no time should
be lost in laying this matter before yon, I take the occasion to address
you direct. I beg yon to excuse this informality and give the subject
immediate consideration.
I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
WM. H. RECTOR,
Superintendent Indian Affairs /or Oregon.
Special Orders, ) Hdqes. Dist. of Southeen Oalifoenia,
No. 57. ) Fort Yuma, Cal, May 8, 1862.
I. First Lieut. William A. Thompson, of Company E, First Infantry
Oaliforuia Volunteers, will receive from Maj. Edwin A. Rigg, First
Infantry California Volunteers, two 12-pounder mountain howitzers on
prairie carriages, with fixtures and implements complete, so that the
pieces will be ready for service at a moment's notice, and will receive
an adequate supply of spherical ca«e-shot, shell, and cauistcr-shot fixed,
to fill the boxes and limbers of these pieces, and also receive a good
supply of friction tubes, metallic tubes, port fire, slow-match, extra
fuses, &c., to serve the howitzers. A detachment of men will then be
placed under Lieutenant Thompson's command to proceed with these
pieces to the Pima Villages, in New Mexico. This detachment will be
composed of Corporal Russell, of Company F, First Infantry, and Cor-
poral Carey, Company C, Fifth Infantry, and the following privates of
the First Infantry California Volunteers, viz: Keho, Swan, Andrews,
and Wmchlll, of Company A; Monihon, Jay, Hundertmark, and
Magill, of Company F; O'Brien, Winuell, Pape, and Fleming, of
Company G, and Webber, of Company D, and Baxter, of Company K.
This detachment will be armed with muskets with thirty rounds of
ammunition per man.
II. Lieutenant Thompson will be furnished by Captain Moore, assist-
ant quartermaster, with two four-mule teams for the howitzers and two
good teamsters. He will provide himself and party with subsistence to
include the 31st of May, 1862. He will proceed with Veck's train to
the place of his destination and there report for duty to the command-
ing officer.
By order of Colonel Carletou :
BEN. C. CUTLER,
First Lieut., First Infty. California Vols.., Actg. Asst. Adjt. Qen.
Hdqes. Poueth Infantet Califoenia Volttnteees,
Gamp Latham, May 8, 1862.
Capt. R. W. KiUKHAM,
Acting Assistant Adjutant- Oeneral:
Captain : I have the honor to report that immediately on my arrival
at this post, in pursuance to instructions, I determined to dispatch
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LXII] COEBESPONDBNCE ^UNION AND CONFEDERATE. 1069
itenant-GoIonel Evans, Secoud Culifoniia Oavaliy, to Owen's River
>mniaud the troops to chastise the hostile Indians. You will judge
y surprise upon my arrival at Camp Latham to find the soldiers of
command were destitute of everything (nearly) pertaining to a
ier, excepting only commissary stores. Colonel Evans' command
bits an aggregate of 204, of which number 114 are reported as duty
. To mount these men scarcely 100 horses are fit for service, a
\i number of the horses attached to the command having been x)re-
sly condemned in First Cavalry and turned over to Second. To
the command there are 114 pistols and only 2,000 pistol cartridges
y revolvers). The Government has not a single team fit to be
in an expedition of this kind, but I have made arrangements to
)ly the same by private contract through my quartermaster, subject
3 hereafter approved by the Quartermaster-General. Permit me
iggest that a mountain howitzer with the necessary ammunition
1(1 accompany the expedition, and that the deficiency in pistol
•idges should be immediately supplied, say 40,000, for neither of
ibove are to be found at Camp Latham or the depot at San Pedro — in
no ammunition of any kind is to be had this side of San Francisco
enicia. Should my command be ordered forward at an early day
»0 musket cartridges would not exceed our wants. I deem the force
to be put in the field totally inadequate to the purpose intended,
I will start so many as can be moved at an early day, believing
the general commanding will concur with me in the necessity of
ilorcing them. I shall send no infantry with the expedition unless
rected, believing that the settlers of the valley will with alacrity
ly any deficiency in that particular. In the article of pantaloons
shoes I have ordered liegimental Quartermaster Williamson to
ibute to Second C'avalry any supplies he may have on band, which
be probably sufficient for the present wants. In the estimate of
above, eighte<?n men and six noii-commissioned officers are to be
cted,by order of Colonel Carletou,to be distributed along the line
Camp Wright to Fort Yuma to act as vedettes. I think of noth-
iiore at present to suggest in relation to the Owen's Kiver expedi-
1 have spent a day in Los Angeles since my arrival at Camp
am, and taken considerable x)ains to ascertain the state of things
ing here, and should give it as my opinion that though the loyal
nicnt is not in the ascendant, yet the disloyal sentiment is not to
■eaded. No man of sense here donbts the loyalty of Colonel Carle-
yet under him many contracts have been given to parties not
dly to the Government. Whether this could fairly have been
led I have no means of judging. I fear the command of Colonel
IS has been greatly weakened to strengthen the command under
immediate supervision of Colonel Carleton. Military necessity
tless required this, but the facts are as I have stated. Your coiu-
cation of April 28 only justifies me in being thus prolix.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
F, FORMAN,
Fourth Infantry California Volunteers.
Headquarters District of Southern California,
Fort Yuma, Cal,, May 10, 1862.
11. C. Drum, U. S, Army,
Assistant Adjutant-General, San Francisco, Cal.:
lJOB: By this ex])res8 a requisition for clothing for the troops
r my command to December 31, 18C2, will be forwarded by Captain
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1060 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Chap. LXH.
Moore, assistant quartermaster. I beg to impress upon tbe mind of the
general that some other person than the one who made the last pur-
chases of clothing for these troops should, in my opinion, be selectwl to
make the next purchase. You know from actual inspection here how
wretchedly poor the quality of this clothing is. The shoes should be
sewed, and of the first class. The hot sands of the desert shrink the
X)eg8 of the pegged shoes, and they come to pieces. It is indispensably
necessary that this clothing, or half of it at least, should be forwarded
without delay. I will send wagons to New San Pedro for it, and count
on its being at that point by the steamer which will leave San Fran-
cisco on the 3d proximo. By this express I also, cause to be sent a
requisition for Indian goods. Yon see by the inclosed letters from
Lieutenant-Colonel West how important it is that we have these
goods.* They are better than money for trade to the Indians, and
they are a great saving to the Government. I will expect to receive
them by the train which goes for the clothing.
I am, major, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JAMES H. CAELETON,
Colonel First California Volunttera, Commanding.
Headquabters District of Southern California,
Fort Yuma, Cal., May 10, 1862.
Maj. E. C. Drum,
Assistant Adjutant-General, U. S. Army, San Francisco, Cal. :
Major : I inclose herewith certified copies of letters just received
from Lieutenant-Colonel West, dated respectively May i. May 5, and
May 6, 1862. By these you will see how matters are progressing at the
Pima Villages. In a private letter to myself Colonel West says : " You
will recollect your request for 5,000 pounds of Indian presents, which was
declined. If it is not too late to get the same goods now as property
they would be of great service. Placed in chaige of the depot party
here I believe they would work wonders." If the general will have
those goods forwarded even now they will be a great saving of money
in the purchase of grain and flour at the sub depot for the use of the
troops stationed there, for the use of trains coming with supplies, and
to bo forwarded if necessary. If necessary these goods can be receipted
for and expended as money. It is doubtful if any troops are coming
from the Eio Grande to make a stand against us in Arizona. I am for-
warding supplies as fast as possible to the sub-depot, and when I have
got enough in front to justify it I shall without delay make still another
stride onward. It is said the rainy season in Arizona commences about
the 24th of June. Until then it is impossible to cross a large command,
80 I hear, from Tucson to the Eio Grande, a distance of 300 miles. It
will not do, for obvious reasons, to arrive on that river by small detach-
ments. The general may rely upon it that all justifiable risks will be
taken. I hear that nine Americans have just been murdered at Lally's
mine in Arizona. I hope to be clothed with powers to regulate all mat-
ters in that Territory. Of course I shall take upon myself all necessary
responsibility to give order and safety of life and property in that cha-
otic country. I am having the road up the Gila to Fort Breckinridge
reconnoitered, and shall 'soon occupy that post. You may know that
before the reoellion. Fort Breckinridge was to be a six-company post.
It was commenced at a site near the junction of the Aravaypa and San
• Se« West to Cutler, May 4, 5, and 6, pp. 1050, 1052, 1054.
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CHAP. IXII.] . CORRESPONDENCE UNION AND CONFEDERATE. 1061
Pedro, the best point for a post in Arizona. The adobe walls of many
buildings were made, and some were roofed over. These may be in
good preservation. I wonld recommend that this fort, with a change
of name, be reoccupied. The grazing in the valley of the San Pedro,
the year ronnd, is reported as being very fine. Aside from its being
one of the jrasts on the chain of cummanication from California to the
Kio Grande, it is a fine place for weak and broken-down animals to
recruit.
I am, major, very respectfully,
JAMES H. CARLETON,
Colonel First California Volunteers, Commanding.
General Orders, ) Hdqrs. Dist. op Southern California,
No. 8. ) , Fort Yuma, Cat., May 10, 1S62.
The post just established by Li^nt. Col. Joseph R. West, First
Infantry California Volunteers, at the Pima Villages, Ariz. Ter., is
hereby designated as Fort Barrett, in honor of the memory of Lieut.
James Barrett, of Company A, First Cavalry California Volunteers,
who fell in defense of his colors near that point on the 15th of April,
1862. The names of Privates Johnson, of Company A, and Denerd, ot
Company I), First Cavalry, who fell by his side, will until the end of
the war be called at every stated roll-call of their respective com-
panies, and a comrade shall always respond, " He died for his country !"
By order of Colonel Carleton :
BEN. C. CUTLER,
First Lieut., First Infty. California Vols., Actg. Asst. Adjt. Gen.
Hdqrs. Advance Guard, California Volunteers,
Pima Villages, May 10, 1862.
Lieat. Chauncey R. Wellman,
First Cavalry California Volunteers, Pima Villages:
With forty men of Company A, First Cavalry California Volnnteers,
provided with fifty rounds carbine ammunition and twenty rounds pis-
tol, also with sixteen days' rations, you will escort a man named Weaver
and his companion for eight or nine days at most through an Apache
country by such road as he may designate. At the expiration of the
time, or as much sooner as Weaver may deem it judicious to dispense
with your escort, you will return with all possible expedition to this
post consistent with maintaining your animals in fair condition. Ob-
serve the country well through which you travel, the general direction
of your route, and the water and grazing upon the same. Report to
the commanding oflBcer of this post upon your return.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
J. R. WEST,
Lieutenant-Colonel First Infantry California Volunteers, Comdg.
Fort Ter- W aw, Cal., May 10, 1862.
Col. Francis J. Lippitt,
Second Infty. California Vols., Comdg. Humboldt District:
Colonel : I have the honor to communicate some facts in relation to
the present situation of this ]K>st and my command. In obedience to
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1062 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. (Chap.IXII.
yotir order (No. 53) of tlie 1st instant, I dispatched my second lienten-
ant, Mr. Shepheard, with one sergeant, three corporals, and sixteen
privates, to Elk Cam)). I have made inquiries and gained some infor-
mation concerning the place of their destination. Elk Camp is some
fifty miles distant from Fort Ter-Waw. The men as they left had to be
ferried across the Klamath by Indians in canoes. (We have no canoes
of our own, and are dependent upon the Indians for water conveyance.)
Provisions, freight, &c., had to be taken down the river likewise in
canoes to its mouth. Prom this point freight either from Ter-Waw or
Crescent City has to be packed to the mouth of Kedwood Creek, there
to be ferried again. From thence the trail is along the coast to within
about eighteen miles of Trinidad ; from thence to Elk Camp, crossing
again Redwood by raft. There is no way of getting pack-mules except
from Crescent City, and that only by swimming the animals at the
mouth of the Klamath. Can they take the trail? Freight from the
mouth of the Klamath to Elk Camp will be' at least 12 cents per pound
and 6 cents from Crescent City, makiug 18 cents. This is the only
course except up the river in canoes, thirty miles, toCapell; from thence
twelve miles to Elk Camp. Elk Camp from Ter-Waw in a direct line
is about twenty-five miles distant. The route is impracticable, so much
so that Indians never travel it. As for Indians working gratuitously, it
is out of the question. Theirs is the dearest kind of labor. We can-
not get them to do a thing without paying them well for it — their own
price. To cross the river they charge 1 [cents] each way. We are
hemmed in here in every way, and have no outlet except the trail down
the river upon the south side to the coast, which I opened a few weeks
since, intersecting the trail leading from Humboldt to Crescent City,
All our travel is by canoes and at great expense. The command here
now is weak, and 1 fear too weak. I have now (the detachment having
left) no men to send out upon duty. The men have only one night in
bed. I sent the best men I have with Lieutenant Sbepheard. Crescent
City and Smith Kiver country are unprotected, and there appears, from
what 1 can learn, considerable anxiety there relative to the disposition
of the troops. Now, I have no means of assisting them and no way of
getting to them except by canoes down to the mouth of the Klamath.
Then there are twenty-six miles over the worst trail in the country
along the coast and through the Redwoods; so to reach them in case
of trouble would be diflBcult. I have now but two sergeants, five cor-
porals, and seventeen jirivates left for duty, with five general prisoners
to guard, besides post duties. I have lost four men by desertion, two of
whom we captured. The balance are sick or on daily or extra duty. I
had to take five men off extra and daily dutj to make the above num-
ber for guard duty. I will start on the 14th (Wednesday) of May up
the river to Capell ; from thence to Elk Camp by trail, and will endeavor
to make my way through the woods to the fort (Ter-Waw) if a practi-
cable trail can be cut, and report to the regimental headquarters. I
would further state that the people at Crescent City are quite indig-
nant about the withdrawal of troops from this post. Two-thirds of the
male population have left Crescent City and vicinity for the northern
mines. There are about 150 families left behind, mostly women and
children, and only about thirty men to protect them against the Smith
River Indians. All they can raise in Crescent City is about thirty guns,
and many of them flintlocks. The people there think hard of the
reduction of this command, this post being all Del Norte County has to
depend upon. With some 8UU Klamath Indians iu the south, and as
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Chap. LXII.) CORBESPONDENCE UNION AND CONFEDERATE. 1063
many more on Smith River, of the Indians and others fat] Humboldt,
aud with no assistance at hand they are liable at any uioment to be
sacrificed. Furthermore, the Iloopas are coming down the river daily
in scores to fish and trade on the coast. From reliable information I
learn that the Indians in this vicinity are said to have some 400 staud
of arms which they keep concealed (supposed to bo some of the arms
floated away from the fort during tlie floods of last winter), and that
persons from Ilumboldt Bay have been selling them ammunition. They
look with great care after bullets that have been fired away in target
practice, cut them out, and save them. The Indian agent has abandoned
this reservation, which is across the river from the fort. I learn that
siuce his abandonment they have dug up quantities of lead pipe and
took it away, with all the old iron they could find. Upon my arrival at
this post I fonnd the quartermaster's and commissary departments with-
out money and a small amount of provisions, quartermaster's stores,
but by paying Indians in clothes, &c., at the sutler's store, giving him
vouchers on Government, we could get them to work transporting Gov-
ernment stores, but now they will not do anything except for cash,
which we have not got. They even threaten that the Hoopas and
others np the river will come down and clean white men ont from their
fishing grounds, saying, " Indians all fight against white men." I would
suggest that, if it be necessary, twenty of this command be stationed
at Elk Camp. It appears that their subsistence can be furnished from
Humboldt for aboiit one-third the expense it can from Crescent City
via Fort Ter-Waw. When I visit Elk Camp, however. I will report
what I know from observation, and let hearsays go.
I am, respectfullv, your most obedient servant,
WM. W. STUART,
Captain, Second Infantry California Volunteers, Commanding.
Headquarters District of Oregon,
Fort Vancouver, yVaah. Ter., May 10, 1863.
Col. T. R. Cornelius,
First Oregon Cavalry, Portland, Or eg.:
Colonel: In obedience to instmctions from the headquarters
Department of the Pacific, you will take prompt measures to organize
the men already enlisted in your regiment into six companies in accord-
ance with existing regulations and orders from the Adjutant-General's
Office for tlio tavalry volunteer service. The headquarters of your reg-
iment will be at Fort Walla Walla,Wash. Ter., and you will hold your-
self in readiness to move to that post with such companies as h»ve
completed their organization. Companies not yet mustered into serv-
ice with the minimum standard of seventy-six enlisted men will be so
merged and consolidated as to comply with the formation in the aggre-
gate of six companies to the required standard, and upon notification
to these headquarters an oflicer of the Army will be assigned to muster
them into service and complete company organization. It is required
that early and frequent information be furnished these headquarters
as to the movement of the troops under your command, specifying the
strength of the companies, their officers, and where jwsted.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JUSTUS STEINBERGER,
Colonel First Washington Territory Infantry, Comdg, District.
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1064 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Chap. LXn.
Hdqbs. Advance Guard, OALrFORNiA VoLtTNTEERS,
Pima Villages, May 11, 1862.
Lieat. Benjamin 0. Cutler,
Actg, Asst. Adjt. Oen., Dint, of Soutliern California, Fort Yuma :
By authority of the colonel commanding I shall march for Tncson on
the 14th instant with Companies B, First Cavalry California Volou-
teers, and 0, I, and K, First Infantry California Volunteers, and B and
G, Fifth Infantry California Volunteers, with two howitzera, ammuni-
tion, and seventeen days' rations. Lieutenant-Colonel Eyre, First Cav-
alry California Volunteers, will remain here in command at this post
with Company D and a portion of Company A of his regiment; also
witli B and H, First Infantry California Volunteers. This force I deem
ample for the protection of the supplies here with the present and pro-
I)osed disposition of other troops of the expedition. I have sent for
Company A, Fifth Infantry California Volunteers, to come up from
Grinnel's and assist in completing Fort Barrett. Captain Shirland's
company (C), First Cavalry California Volunteers, will remain at Gria-
nel's either until Lieutenant-Colonel Eyre absolutely wants him here,
or until the colonel commanding determines whether his horses cau be
foraged to most advantage there or here. The principal object that I
have in view in occupying Tucson is to derive supplies from Sonora.
On this point the translation of a letter received yesterday from Gov-
ernor Gaudara, herewith transmitted,* will afi'ord the colonel command-
ing some information. Its occupation will also be an onward step to
the expedition, and secure an important point on the route. I have
good reason to believe that the enemy has retired from Tucson. Gov-
ernor Gaudara couiirms other reports to tliat effect, but I shall proceed
as though he were there and be prepared to give him battle whenever
he shows himself. The suggestions of the colonel commanding as to
marches, encounters, &c., with the enemy have my careful attention.
His instructions to hold Tucson shall be complied with. There are ten
wagons now at this post. I shall take ten ft"om McDonald's train, march
with fifteen or less if possible, and leave five here. With less, the com-
mand left here cannot be supplied. As there is no water at the Picaclio
and little at the other stations, I shall go from here to Fort Breckin-
ridge, and unless I can then take a route through the Canada del Oro,
sixty-five miles direct to Tucson, I shall follow up the San Pedro and
strike the Butterfield road and approach Tucson from the east. Infor-
mation about tlie enemy will influence my route also. It has occurred
to me that if such supplies as Governor Gaudara represents can be
obtained at Tucson, and the Canada del Oro road can be opened to
Fort Breckinridge, that the establishment of a temporary depot at the
laljter point will avoid the necessity of the main part of the expedition
diverging to Tucson and enable us to proceed eastward and approach
the Apache Pass by two routes. The colonel commanding will, how-
ever, determine this according to his judgment and such circumstances
as may hereafter develop themselves.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
J. R. WEST,
Lieutenant-Colonel First Infantry California Vohinteers, Comdg.
* Not found OH an iaolosure, but see West to Gaudara, May 11, p. 1066.
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CHAP.LXII.] CORRESPONDENCE UNION AND CONFEDERATE. 1065
HsQBS. Advance Guard, Oal,ifornia Volunteers,
rima Villages, May 11, 1862.
Lieut Benjamin O. Cutler,
Actg. Asst. Adjt. Oen., Di»t. of Southern California, Fort Yuma:
I have tbe lioiior to report that the scotit, Weaver, accompanied by
Sergeant Wheeling, Company F, First Infantry California Volunteers,
left this post this morning under the escort of Lieutenant Wellman
and forty men of the First Cavalry California Volunteers. This was
the number of men required by Weaver, and upon inquiry 1 decided to
send them. Lieutenant Wellmaii's orders are to escort Weaver through
the Apache country by such road as he may designate, for eight or nine
days at most. At the expiration of that time, or as much sooner as
Weaver may dispense with the escort. Lieutenant Wellman is to return
to this post. The escort took sixteen days' subsistence, pemmican and
panole chiefly, on pack-mules. Weaver and his companion were well
equipped.
Very res]>ectfidly, your obedient servant,
J. E. WEST,
Lieutenant- Colonel First Infantry California Volunteers, Comdg.
Headqxtarters District op Southern California,
Fort Yuma, Cal., May 11, 1862.
Lieut. Col. George S. Evans,
Second Cavalry California Volunteers :
Colonel : I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of yonr
report* of your recent scout to the valley of Owen's Lake, and regret
to learn that you found tlie Indians in that neighborhood in a state of
hostility toward the whites. The general commanding the department
to whom I understand you forwarded a duplicate of your report, will
doubtless give such orders in the case as in his opinion may be neces-
sary to restore quiet to that part of the country. I take pleasure in
assuring you that your operations were conducted with judgment, dis-
cretion, and gallantry, and in bearing testimony to the cheerfulness
and courage of your men under great hardships, exposure, and peril.
I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JAMES II. CABLETON,
Colonel First California Volunteers, Commanding,
IlDQRS. Advance Guard, California Volunteers,
Pima Villages, May 11, 1862.
Sir Don Manuel Gaitdara,
Cubabi :
Esteemed Friend: I have your letter from Cubabi of the 8th
instant. Do what you can to gather corn, flour, cattle, or any supplies
needed by troops at Tucson. There will soon be a force there to con-
sume them, and fair prices will be paid for them. I beg you will keep
me advised of your success, and also of the movements of my enemies.
Kespectftilly, your obedient servant,
J. R. WEST,
Lieutenant- Colonel First Infantry California Volunteers, Comdg.
•See p. 46.
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1066 OPERATIONS ON THE PAjCIPIC COAST. (Chap. LXIL
Headqtjabtees Disteict op Southern Calipobnia,
Fort Yuma, Cal, May 12, 1862.
Maj. R. C. Drum,
Assistant Adjutant- Oeneral, San Francisco, Cal.:
Major: Inclosed herewith please find a copy of a letter* written to
Lienteiiant-Oolonel West, dated the 7th instant, which I omitted to
send yesterday. I am desiroas of keeping the general informed, even
to details, of all I do, partly because I conceive this to be my duty,
and partly because it places in his hands the means of defending uie
in case I am assailed while my back is turned. The people of Cali-
ibruia have ever been very kind to me, but among them are men who
forget that I am not a politician; that I have no need to court their
favor unless simply doing my duty obtains it. They seem likewise to
forget that a man can do his duty and be true to his colors, and not
proclaim it from house tops or from the corners of the streets. I allude
to this l>ecanse to-day I have been informed that a petition forty pages
in lengtli to the Secretary of War has been drawn up by some people
in Los Angeles County asking that I be removed from this command
for reasons which, from the reported length of the petition, I conclude
to be fully set forth. Now, I beg respectfully that the general will take
immediate steps to ascertain if this be true. I have heard that it is
urged that I am not considered as being a good patriot; that I have
shown undue favors to secessionists; that I have been guilty of cor-
ruption in my administration of the aflfairs of this district. If this be
true that I am thus assailed 1 demand it as my right not to be kept in
command of troops a single hour v/ith any doubt attaching to my name aS
to my loyalty or my integrity. Not only is this due to the United States
and to Oalifornia, but it is eminently due to the brave men who stand
here by my side. I trust and pray that whatever action is taken it will
be prompt, effectual, and final. I ask for no favors, and pray that none
may be shown to me. I have worked pretty hard for the past year,
and have felt great anxiety that California should be spared the spec-
tacle of civil war and the shedding of fratricidal blood. I had really
felt happy when I left the southern portion 'of the State that ray hum-
ble eflTorts to this end had been crowned with success, and as I started
out with the gallant men of Oalifornia to cross the desert and put up
our colors where they had been pulled down and trampled in the dust,
I was greatly cheered by own self-api)rovai in wliat I bad accomplished.
What is the return for all this? Certainly not honor. If the manner
in which I have discharged my duties does not speak loud enough in
my behalf I shall not trouble myself about other vindication. This,
however, I say: The cause in which I am engaged deserves the brain
and arm of our best men, and I stand ready to give place to any one
who may be deemed more worthy than myself to fill the position I now
occupy, and all this without a single murmur.
I am, major, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JAMES H. CARLETON,
Colonel First California Volunteers, Commanding.
Orders, \ Hdqrs. Advance Guard, California Volunteers,
No. 5. ) Fima Villages, May 12, 1862.
I. Company B, First Cavalry California Volunteers, now in advance
of this post, and Companies C, I, and K, of the First Infantry, tod
* See p. 1057.
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Cbap.LXII.] correspondence — UNION AND CONFEDERATE. 1067
B and G, of the Fifth Infantry California Volnnteers, will march on
Wednesday morning, the 14th instant. The rales for the march pre-
scribed by Orders, No. 1, from these headquarters, will be observed
without the slightest deviatiou.
• ••••••
J. R. WEST,
Lieutenant- Colonel First Infantry California Volunteers, Comdg.
Headquarters District of Oregon,
Fort Vancouver, Wash. Ter., May 12, 1862.
Assistant Adjutant-General,
Headquarters Department of the Pacific, San Francisco, Gal. :
Sir: I have the honor to transmit inclosed copy of coramuuication*
to Colonel Cornelius, Oregon Cavalry. Seven companies of this regi-
ment have been mustered into service with their officers. Three of them
have reached the minimum standard, and have under the authority
granted been mustered into service in accordance with general orders
from the Adjutant-General's Office, announcing the plan of organization
for the volunteer corps. Of the remaining four companies there will be
enough enlisted men from the returns exhibited at these headquarters
by the colonel to complete the regimental organization for six companies,
as directed by the commanding general of the department. General
Orders, No. 1, Adjutaut-Geuerars Office, dated January G, 18G2, pre-
scribe the mode of mustering into service volunteers, and in my instruc-
tions to consolidate and merge into six companies, compliance is made
therewith. Information is furnished me by Colonel Cornelius tliat four
companies of his regiment are now marching from Southern Oregon
north, in obedience with directions from headquarters Department of
the Pacific, to concentrate in the Willamette Valley. Colonel Cornelius
has met much embarrassment from the peculiar character of his instruc-
tions and the mode of organization adopted by him, and in the reduc-
tion of the number of companies will be compelled to drop some com-
pany officers improperly mustered into service. Of the twenty company
officers mustered in and borne on his return, only eighteen can be legally
received. I have had frequent interviews with the colonel on the sub-
ject of his regimental organization, and while submitting the embarrass-
ments incident thereto he recognizes the necessity of conforming to the
laws governing the service. A plan has also been suggested to him for
the early and correct formation of his command. He expresses himself
impressed with its value, and will receive from me every assistance to
make these troo])8 fit for active service. Many of the men of this regi-
ment have been enlisted five and six months without having received
clothing from the Government. The colonel represents the difficulty he
has had in providing for the positive necessities of his men in this
respect, and since recent directions which he has received from depart-
ment headquarters "not to make anymore purchases," of actual suffer-
ing. To diminish the expense of quartering and subsisting a fraction
of one company (Captain Carrey's), now at Camp Barlow, near Oregon
City, and to complete com[)any organization by merging w^ith a detach-
ment now at this post, under Captain Kelly, I offered to receive Captain
Currey's men here temporarily. The colonel represents such actual
destitution of the necessary articles of clothing as to prevent their
* See p. 1063.
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1068 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [OaiF.txn.
movement. As a matter of pressing importance for the prompt organ-
ization and movement of this regiment, I have respectfally to refer to
the commanding general its urgent need of clothing and camp and gar-
rison equipage. The commanding officer of the district who preceded
me has directed in some instances the issoeof subsistence by the depot
commissary at this post to companies and detachments of companies of
this regiment on account of their pressing necessities. The same plan
will be pursued when practicable and actually necessary upon requisi-
tion approved by the colonel commanding until the consolidation and
organization of the regiijient.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JUSTUS STEINBERGER,
Colonel First Washington Territory Infantry, Gomdg. District.
Headquarters Department op the Pacific,
San Francisco, Gal., May 12, 1862.
Col. Justus Steinbebgbb,
First Infantry Washington Territory Volunteers,
Gomdg. District of Oregon, Fort VawxMUver, Wash. Ter.:
Colonel: The general commanding has directed one company of
Colonel Cornelius' regiment of Oregon mounted volunteers left at
Jacksonville, Oreg. Lieutenant-Colonel Maury has been telegraphed
to tliat efl'ect.
I am, respectfully, your most obedient servant,
R. W. KIRKHAM,
Gaptain and Assistant Quartermaster, Actg. Asst. Adjt, Oen.
Headquarters Department op the Pacific,
8an Francisco, Gal., May 12, 1862.
Lieut. Col. R. F. Maury,
Oregon Volunteer Gar airy, Jacksonville, Oreg.:
One company of the Oregon regiment will be left at Jacksonville.
By order:
R. W. KIRKHAM,
Gaptain and Assistant Quartermaster, Actg. Asst. Adjt. Oen.
Headquarters Department of the Pacific,
San Francisco, Gal., May 12, 1862.
W. H. Rector, Esq.,
Supt. of Indian Affairs in State of Oregon, Portland, Oreg. :
Sib : I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your two com-
munications of the 7th instant. The Indian chief John and son will be
sent to yon by the first opportunity. I have given orders for one com-
pany of Oregon cavalry to remain at Jacksonville. I have had several
appeals made to me by the citizens of Jacksonville to leave a command
there, biit I declined to do so, as I was anxious to send Colonel Cor-
nelius with his entire command to the eastern frontier of the State. I
assured the people of Jacksonville that shoiild any danger threaten
them I would promptly send troops there. I do not believe there is
any real danger from Indians at Jacksonville, yet, as there have been
so many men withdrawn from that section of the coantry, I deem it
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Cbap. um.] CORRESPONDENCE UNION AND CONFEDERATE. 1069
proper to leave a company of cavalry there to give a feeling of security
to the women and children, whose natoral protectors are saving their
country.
With great respect, your obedient servant,
G. WRIGHT,
Brigadier-Oeneral, U. S. Army, Oommanding.
Headquarters Department op the Pacific,
San Francisco, May 13, 1862.
Brig. Gen. L. Thomas,
Adjutant- General U. 8. Army, Washington, I). C:
General: I have just heard from Major Drum. He was at Fort
Yuma on the last day of April; had completed his inspection, and
would leave the same day on his return to these headquarters, inspect-
ing the troops near Los Angeles and San Pedro on his way. Colonel
Carleton was at Fort Yuma, pushing his troops forward into Arizona.
The major, after inspecting the troops, says: "The troops are all in
fine spirits, and anxious for the movement eastward;" and iurther, "It
has fallen to the lot of few men to take into the field so well instructed
a body of volunteer troops as compose Garleton's command." With
such men and ofiicers, I look for a speedy re establishment of our author-
ity over Arizona and New Mexico. In Arizona it will be necessary to
hold the country under a military governor until such time as the civil
authorities can be reorganized. To-day 1 received a telegraphic dispatch
from Governor Nye, at Carson City, Nev. Ter. The Indian disturbances
at Honey Lake and that region of country have been (]uelled, and every-
thing is quiet. Colonel Steinberger, First Infantry Washington Terri-
tory Volunteers, has reached Fort Vancouver with four full companies
of his regiment, and assumed command of the District of Oregon.
Colonel Lippitt, Second Infantry California Volunteers, commanding
the District of Humboldt, is at work energetically, bringing those
Indians under subjection. The country is a difficult one to operate in,
and it will take time to collect all those Indians and place them on
reservations. A large assemblage of Indians at the Owen's Lake coun-
try, some 300 miles southeast from here, rendered it necessary to send
a force of three companies of cavalry from Los Angeles to protect our
people and their property and chastise the Indians. The country gen-
erally is quiet and prosperous. The sympathizers with the rebels are
careful to keep within the pale of the law. The season is more than a '
month later than usual. The snow on the Sierra Nevada Mountains is
very deep, and certainly not before the middle of June will it be possi-
ble for Colonel Connor, with his troops and supplies, to cross over
toward Salt Lake.
Very respectfully, your most obedient servant,
G. WKIGHT,
Brigadier-Oeneral, U. S. Army, Commanding.
Headquarters District of Southern California,
Fort Yuma, Gal., May 13, 1862.
Maj. R. C. Drum,
Assistant Adjutant- Oeneral, U. 8. Army, 8an Francisco, Gah:
Major : Please inform me without delay if by any treaty or conven-
tion any arrangement has ever been made, Avhich is now in force, by
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1070 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Cbaf.LXII.
which the U. 8. military forces have a right to pass throagh any por-
tion of the Bepublic of Mexico. If such an arrangement has been
made, I beg you will forward to me by express an official copy of it. I
have been endeavoring to accumulate supplies at Fort Barrett. To
this end every wagon has been at once employed as soon as it reached
here from the desert. I could not afford to have but force enough there
to make all safe until this was done, as the remainder could be sub-
sisted here cheaper in point of time and labor of trains than there.
What may have appeared as a delay is really the gainiug'of time. I
have received the general's kind and considerate letter in relation to
the effort which has been made by some persons in Los Angeles to cast
a suspicion on my loyalty and my integrity. So the general pays no
heed to this I think I can well afford to be abased. If such men as
these who have abused me had complimented me, I should at once have
cast about to see wherein I hiid done some rascally act.
I am, major, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JAMES H. OABLBTOIJT,
Colonel First California Volunteerg, Commanding.
Hdqss. Advance Guard, Califobhia Volunteebs,
Pima Villages, Fort Barrett, May 13, 1862.
Lieut. Benjamin C. Cutleb,
Actg. Asst. Adjt. Gen., Dist. of SoutJiem California, Fort Tuma:
I wish to state ofScially my reasons for advancing upon Tucson in
accordance with permission granted by the colonel commanding the
district in official and private letters. It is my opinion that Tucson is
the most available point for introducing supplies from Souora; that
none such can be looked for to be taken there until an authorized agent
of the United States shall present himself with a sufficient force to
protect them; that the infantry of my command will consume no more
of our own supplies there than here, and that pasturage for cavalry
can be found in that vicinity; that all information about the enemy dis-
closes no risk to the command with which I move, nor to the sub-depot
at this post under the protection of the troops that will be left here.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
J. R. WEST,
lAeutenant-Colonel First Infantry California Volunteers, Comdg.
Hdqbs. Advance Guabd, California Volunteebs,
Fort Barrett, Pima Villages, May 13, 1862.
Lieut. Ben. 0. Outleb,
Actg. Asst. Adjt. Oen., Dist. of Southern California, Fort Yuma:
Lieutenant: The Apaches made a foray in this vicinity this morn-
ing and killed three Pimas. Captain Pishon's cavalry is looking after
them, but I have little hopes of their coming up with them. The
Pimas and Maricopas complain bitterly that the Apaches have fire-
arms and that they can get none. If the colonel commanding can pro-
cure some arms for issue to them it would be of much benefit to us in
our negotiations about supplies. The manta, calico, flannel, and drills
arrived yesterday. About 30,000 pounds wheat have been taken in
since, and nearly all outstanding credits redeemed. Yet there is no
guarantee how long the flow of grain will continue, as there are no
means of ascertaining how much they have iu reserve. But when the
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CBAP. LXn.] COEEESPONDENCE UNION AND CONFEDIJEIATE. 1071
new harvest ripens an abundance can be procnred, say 400,000 pounds.
Blue drills, blue and orange prints, red flannel, indigo blue drills,
paints, beads, and tobacco, if furnished in the required quantity, will
do all that is necessary for the supply of grain. Cattle are very
scarce. I have only been able to procure six. The majority of the
stock is poor, and they will not sell their "work cattle. The condition
of the flour mill here, and the little probability of being able to trans-
port that at Tucson to this point to any great advantage, induces the
suggestion to have a small mill sent for from San Francisco at once.
A millwright to put it up could also, with such material as is to be
found here, soon erect a horsepower. A shaft, large drum, and belts
(leather) from San Francisco are all that would be required.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
J. K. WEST,
Lieutenant-Colonel First Infantry California Volunteers, Comdy.
Carson City, May 13, 1802—ls.lO p. m.
Brigadier-General Wright,
Commanding Pacific Coa^t:
I understand the troops eu route for this place are destined for Honey
Lake. I have direct information from there that all is quiet. A fight
there now will involve an Indian war throughout this Territory. Our
Indians are all quiet, and I can keep them so if allowed to accompany
the troops with presents. Strange troops among them unaccompanied
by an agent of their department will, I fear, produce difficulty.
Answer.
JAME9 W. NYE,
HEADQUABTEBS DlSTBIOT OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA,
Fort Yuma, Gal., May 14, 1802.
Maj, E. C. Drum,
Assistant Adjutant- General, If. 8. Army, San Francisco, Cal.:
Major: If it shall prove that Pesqueira has made any bargains with
an agent of the Confederate States to join the Southern Confederacy
with the State of Souora, I respectfully submit if it would not be a
kind act to Mexico, now that she is embarrassed by her complications
with the allied powers of Europe, to seize Sooora and hold it in good
faith in trust for our neighbor, to be given up whenever the Central
Government of Mexico claims it Ethically we have the right, and I
doubt very much if it is not our duty to do this.
I am, major, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JAMES H. CARLETON,
Colonel First California Volunteers, Commanding.
Carson City, Nev. Ter., May ll, 1862.
Oapt. R. W. KiBKHAM,
Atst. Quartermaster and Actg. Asst. Adjt. Gen., San Francisco:
Captain : I have the honor to report that I arrived in Carson City
this day at 12 m. The command is in excellent condition. 1 have
made the following marches since the 12th instant: From Strawberry
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1072 * OPEEATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Chai-. LXU.
Valley to Billy Mac's, 17 miles; from Billy Mac's to Van Syckle's, 15
miles; from Van Syckle's to Oarson City, 15 miles; [total], 47 [miles].
Upon my arrival at this place I found, mucb to my disappointment,
that neither wagons, forage, nor provisions were in waiting tor me. It
appears that there is a misunderstanding un the 2)art of the command-
ing officer at Fort Churchill as to the movements of my command. He
expected me to pass Fort Churchill and take ray supplies firom that
place, and with this understanding on his part he sent me one day's
rations to this place. Upon learning these facts I immediately started
an express to Fort Churchill, requesting the commanding officer at
that post to forward my supplies as speedily as possible to this place,
lam credibly informed that the Government has no six-mule teams,
nor any other kind of teams ior me' in this vicinity. I will go to Fort
Churchill to-morrow. I would be much pleased if the general com-
manding the department would give me permission to take one of the
small howitzers at Fort Churchill with my command. From the little
knowledge I have of Indian warfare 1 think good service could be done
with one of them, if occasion required. In the event of not being able
to obtain teams at this place I will be compelled to engage a pack train
and crowd through to Snsanville in three days (110 miles), and rely
upon the generosity of Lieutenant-Colonel Babbitt to confirm my action.-
The general commanding instructed me to confer with Governor Nye
and other leading citizens upon my arrival in the Territory. In obe-
dience to these instructions I waited upon the Governor, and soon dis-
covered that there were two parties in the Territory, to wit, the war
party and the peace party. Governor Nye has urged upon me, and
informs me that he has telegraphed the same in substance to the gen-
eral, that the Indiana are all peaceable, and will so remain if he is
allowed to direct the business. If an attack is made upon any portion
of them the entire Territory will be plunged into an Indian war, which
will cause a great loss of life and property- without securing any good
result. He is very anxious to have me go to Pyramid Lake, he going
with me, and there he will try to effect a meeting with the leading
Indians, and by giving them presents, &c., secure a peace which will be
permanent. He sets forth another fact which my own experience con-
firms, to wit, that the stealing time for the Indians is about gone by /or
this season. It is rarely that they disturb property in the summer
when roots and berries are plentiful. Governor Nye also informed me
that he had offered to muster into service a number of citizens of
Honey Lake Valley and arm them, provided they would hold them-
selves subject to his orders. This they refused to do, desiring to have
the arms and be allowed to fight upon their own responsibility, when
and where they pleased. On the other hand it is urged by Mr. Isaac
Boop and others [that the Indians] are very bad in that section of the
Territory (Honey Lake Valley); that troops should bo in that vicinity
to protect the emigration, &c. If I may be permitted to make the
remark here, I will say that the idea of having troops to protect the
Humboldt route for the emigration this season will naturally cause the
emigrants to travel that route, thereby greatly benefiting the town of
Susanville and Honey Lake Valley. Unless all other routes into
Nevada and California are protected by troops I infer that this portion
of their argument falls to the ground. Such is in substance the results
of my first interview with Governor Nye, and of conversations with
Mr. Eoop and others. I will be able to fully understand the whole
affair upon my arrival at Susanville. I have in a former communication
referred to the admirable manner in which Mr. Wyse, quartermaster's
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CHAP. LXU.] CORRESPONDENCE UNION AND CONFEDERATE. 1073
agent, has discharged the duties devolviiig upon bim in connection
with the command, and I cannot refrain from again, at the close of my
official intercourse with him, expressing my entire satisfaction with his
conduct of business. His knowledge of the road, suitable camping
grounds, and economy in the transaction of business have beeu of much
value to me. I will communicate again with the department before
leaving this place.
I am, with much resi>ect, your obedient servant,
GEO, F. PRICE,
Captain, Corndg. Company M, Second California Vol. Cavalry,
Headquarters District of Oregon,
Fort Vancouver, Wash. Ter., May 14, 1863.
Assistant Adjtttant-Geneeal,
Headquarters Department of the Pacific, San Francisco, Gal. :
Sir : Since my communication of the 12th instant I have ascertained
that t here is at the quartermaster's depot at this post cavalry clothing
enough for the partial equipment of two companies. To expedite as
far as possible the movement of these troops, I have directed the com-
pany of Oregon cavalry now at Salem, under Captain Harding, and
the detachment of fifty-eight men under Captain Currey, to move to
this post. The latter fraction of a company will be merged with a por-
tion of the detachment under Captain Kelly, now here, and the organi-
zation of Captain Currey's company completed. I propose to have these
two companies inspected and mustered into service immediately, and
with the clothing referred to, equipped as far as possible. At the
earliest practicable moment Colonel Cornelius with his surgeon, regi-
mental adjutant, and quartermaster and these two companies will be
sent to Fort Walla Walla. From the best information I can get it will
be impossible for troops to cross the Cascade Mountains before the mid-
dle of July, and to wait until that time to move Colonel Cornelius'
command would prevent their becoming available at the moment when
they will be most needed. I am the more immediately urged to pre-
l)are the two companies of this regiment for early departure to Fort
Walla Walla from the reports, official and otherwise, of the complete
disorganization of the troops now there and the extreme jeopardy of
public property. Captain Dent, who carries this, will report to you
the urgent necessity of some prompt measures to correct abuses of
vital interest to the public service at that post. The acting assistant
quartermaster is inefficient and incapable of the important trust
involved, and the report is reliable and direct that the medical officer
is incapacitated from habitual drunkenness. I do not, to be sure, look
for much valuable addition to the military strength of the i)ost for the
present from these two advance companies of the Oregon cavalry, for
they will undoubtedly be very raw troops; but I have much confidence
in the rectitude of purpose and integrity of Colonel Cornelius, and in
the capability and character of Surgeon Watkins. The regimental
quartermaster, who will also be ordered to Fort Walla Walla with the
colonel and his command, bears the character of an active and efficient
officer, thoroughly acquainted with his duties. Another important con-
sideration prompts this early movement. I only know from rumors, 'tis
true, but frequent and reliable accounts represent the expensive and
extravagant support of Harding's and Currey's companies where they
68 R R— VOL L, PT I
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1074 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Chap. LXIL
now are. At present I have no control over them, and cannot direct
their economy. As soon as they are here they wUl be placed under
proper restraints and must submit to the usages of service. Besides,
it is of much importance that these troops are properly posted and the
eftbrt made to discipline and drill them. The indications now are that
they will be needed, and unless prompt measures are taken to get them
east of the Cascade Mountains they will be useless for any active oper-
ations this summer. I cannot wait for Colonel Cornelius to put his
whole command into position at one camp near Oregon City as he pro-
poses, and then organize the whole body together by taking from one
company and adding to another,, consulting his captains and deferring
to their interests and wishes. This will be done for him. If his returns
are correct there will be no difScnlty. He has enough enlisted men for
six companies, and after he has marched toward Fort Walla Walla to
accomplish, as I hope, a pressing demand of the public interest, his
field ofiQcers under directions can organize the balance of his regiment.
I trust that the commanding general will approve my action in direct-
ing the issue of such articles of cavalry equipment now here as will be
required for the two companies referred to.
Very respectftilly, your obedient servant,
JUSTUS STBINBERGER,
Colonel First Washington Territory Infantry, Comig. District.
Headquabtees Depaetment of the Pacifio,
San Francisco, May 15, 1862.
Brig. Gen. L. Thomas,
Adjutant-General U. 8. Army, Washington, D. C;
General : I have nothing of importance to report since my letter of
the 13th instant. At the earnest request of the superintendent of
Indian alFairs for Oregon, I have left one company of Oregon cavalry
in the Rogue River Valley, near Jacksonville, to afford protection
against Indian depredations in that quarter. The remaining three
companies, enrolled in Southern Oregon, will move as soon as practi-
cable, under command of Lieut. Col. R. F. Maury, Oregon cavalry, to
the valley of the Columbia, where, uniting with the two companies now
there, the whole under Colonel Cornelius wUl move eastward to Fort
Walla Walla, with a view to carry out the plan of operations for the
summer as already indicated in my communication to you. My latest
reports from the remote posts of Colville and Walla Walla, as well as
from the mining districts, represent the Indians as peaceable and quiet.
A«t the special request of Mr. Victor Smith, the U. S. collector at Port
Townsend, Wash. Ter., I have authorized him to take jwssession of the
buildings at Fort Townsend for a marine hospital, until such time as
they may be required for military purposes. 1 have done this without
any special authority from the War Department, assuming that it
would be approved, as the garrison buildings will be better taken care
of by an officer of the Government, and much expense saved to the
Treasury Department, by using them for a marine hospital. The mail
leaves here by steamer for New York four times a month and my
dispatches will be habitually made up to the steamer day.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
G. WRIGHT,
Brigadier- General, IF. S. Army, Commanding.
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chat. lxn.] cobeespondence union and confederate. 1075
General Orders, ) Hdqrs. Dist. of Southern California,
No. 9. J Fort Yuma, Gal., May 13, 1862.
I. By direction of the general commanding the Department of tbe
Pacific the undersigned hereby relinquishes the command of this district
to Col. George W. Bowie, of the Fifth Infantry California Volunteers,
whose headquarters for the present will be at this post.
II. Lieut. Richard 8. Barrett, First Infantry California Volunteers,
will until further orders remain on duty at Fort Yuma as depot quarter-
master and depot commissary of subsistence. He will make timely
requisitions for all the supplies which may be needed for the troops from
California which are to operate in Arizona and New Mexico until such
time as he may be otherwise directed.
III. The system of vedettes established by virtue of Special Orders,
No. 49, current series, will be continued in operation under tbe super-
intendence of Second Lieut. James P. Bennett, Second Cavalry Cali-
fornia Volunteers, who will proceed without delay to Camp Latham,
Cal., and receive from Captain Morris, assistant quartermaster, U. S.
Army, all the Government property on the route, for which that oflBcer
was responsible as superintendent of the vedettes before his promotion
from the Second Cavalry California Volunteers to his present position
in the Army. Captain Morris will impart to Lieutenant Bennett in
writing all the details in relation to the vedettes and how they are to be
supplied, &c., which have been agreed upon between himself and the
district commander.
IV. The mail matter, especially the letter mail from TjOS Angeles, for
all the troops from California now operating in the field, or stationed
at posts east of that city, whether in California, Arizona, New Mexico,
or Texas, will be made up by the depot quartermaster at New San
Pedro and forwarded to their destination every Tuesday by a vedette.
V. An account of the supplies at each station on the route, including
Camp Wright, will be forwarded to the district commander of Southern
Calilbrnia, at Fort Yuma, Cal., twice a month.
JAMES H. CARLETON,
Colonel First California Volunteers, Commanding.
General Orders, ) Hdqrs. Column from California,
No. 1. ) Fort Yuma, Gal., May 15, 1862.
The forces belonging to the United States which are now moving
from tlie Department of the Pacific toward Arizona and New Mexico
will hereafter be known as the Column from California. The following
are announced as staff ofKcers attached to these headquarters, viz:
First Lieut. Benjamin C. Cutler, adjutant First Infantry California
Volunteers, acting assistant adjutant-general; Capt. Tredwell Moore,
assistant quartermaster, TJ. S. Army, chief quartermaster; Surg. James
M. McNulty, First Infantry California Volunteers, medical director;
First Lieut. Lafayette Hammond, regimental quartermaster First
Infantry California Volunteers, chief commissary.
By order of Colonel Carleton:
BEN. C. CUTLER,
First Lieut., First Infty. California Yols., Actg, Asst. Adjt. Oen.
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1076 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. (Catf.LXn.
San Francisco, May 16, 1862—11.40 a. m.
Capt. George F, Price,
Second Cavalry California VoUt., Fort Churchill, Nev. Ter. :
Limit your inovemeuts to points where your presence may be neces-
sary, escorting the Governor to talk and make presents to Indians.
Economize your forage. We can send none from here. Purchase as
little as possible. Graze your horses.
G. WRIGHT,
Brigadier-General, U. 8. Army, Commanding.
Special Orders, ) Hdqrs. Humboldt Military District,
No. 61. J Fort Humboldt, May 16, 1862.
I. On disembarking, Company A, Second Infantry California Volun-
teers, will immediately proceed to the crossing of Yager Creek opposite
to Simmons' ranch, where it will take post until further orders.
II. Company E, Second Infantry California Volunteers, will take
post at Fort Humboldt. The lieutenant commanding will reiK>rt to
Captain Akey, in command at this post.
By command of Colonel Lippitt:
JOHK HANNA, Jr.,
First Lieut, and Adjt. Second Infantry California Vols.,
Actg. Asst. Adjt. Oen., Mumboldt Military District.
Headquarters Department of the Pacific,
San Francisco, Cal., May 16, 1862.
Col. Thomas E, Cornelius,
First Cavalry Oregon Volunteers, Portland, Oreg. :
Colonel : I have placed Colonel Steinberger, of the First Infantry
Washington Territory Volunteers, in command of the District of Ore-
gon, to whom you will please report for special iustructious in relation
to the diities upon which I propose to employ your regiment during
the approaching summer and fall. I have ordered sixty pistols to be
sent to each of your companies, and as many sabers as can be supplied
by the ordnance department. I am happy to hear that your companies
are nearly filled, and I doubt not that the Oregon regiment will be a
credit to that State.
With great respect, 1 am, colonel, your obedient servant,
G. WRIGHT,
Brigadier-General, U. 8. Army, Commanding.
Headquarters Department of the Pacific,
San Francisco, Cal., May 16, 1862.
Col. Justus Steinberger,
First Infantry Washington Territory Volunteers,
Comdg. District of Oregon, Fort Vancouver, Wash. Ter. :
Colonel ; I have written to Colonel Cornelius to report to you for
special iustructious in relation to the movements of his regiment, and
the duties which I propose to devolve on him during the approach-
ing summer and fall. He will have five companies to move with to
Fort Walla Walla, one company being left at Jacksonville. Let one of
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CHAP. LXn.) CORRESPONDENCE — ^UNION AND CONFEDERATE. 1077
the majors of the regiment remain at Jacksonville in command. When
the regiment shall be concentrated on the Willamette I wish it moved
at as early a day as practicable to Fort Walla Walla. It will save
much expense if the march can be made entirely by land, but should it
be found impracticable to cross the mountains to The Dalles by the
20th of June you can send them up by water. From The Dalles to
Fort Walla Walla it is an eight days' march. With field baggage only
it will require but a few wagons. The heavy supplies can be sent up
by water. Ascertain the best disposition to be made of the cavalry
during the summer to preserve peace between the Indians and our
X)eople in the mining districts, bearing in mind that at the proper time
a suitable force must be advanced on the road to give protection to the
emigrants as fuey approach. As soon as the companies of your regi-
ment are prepared for service I wish the three companies of the Second
Infantry California Volunteers relieved and sent to Fort Humboldt to
relieve the three companies of the Third Infantry California Volun-
teers, under orders for the protection of the Overland Mall Route.
With great respect, your obedient servant,
G. WRIGHT,
Brigadier- Qeneral, U. S. Army, Gommamliiu].
ACAPTTLCO, May 17, 1862.
(Via San Francisco, May 29.)
Hon. Abraham Linoolnj
President ;
France wUl take and keep Acapuico and Western Mexico. Prevent
them.
WM. PICKERING,
Governor of Washington Territory.
General Orders, ) Hdqrs. Dist. op Southern OALrpoRNiA,
No. 1. ) ' Fort Yuma, May 17, 1802,
I. In the pursuance of orders from the headquarters of the Depart-
ment of the Pacific, the undersigned hereby assumes command of this
district.
II. The following is announced as staff oiiicer attached to these
headquarters, viz: First Lieut. James A. Zabriskie, adjutant Fifth
Infantry California Volunteers, acting assistant adjutant-general.
G. W. BOWIE,
Colonel Fifth Infantry California Volunteers, Commanding.
Headquarters Column from California,
Qila City, N. Mex., May 17, 1862.
Maj. R. C. Drum,
Assistant Adjutant Qeneral, U. 8. Army, San Francisco, Cal,:
Major: I have the honor herewith to inclose the last advices from
Lieutenant-Colonel West.* I shall occupy Forts Breckinridge and
Buchanan and Tucson this month, and after gathering in what forage
I can, and after setting the tiies of our wagons and making other
• See West to Cutler, May 13, p. 1070.
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1078 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Chaf. LXO.
essential repairs, we shall move on to the fiio Grande. The kind of
Indian goods in the way of nianta, &c., and the small mill recom-
mended to be purchased and sent to the Pima Villages, I trust will be
gotten at once. The mill will be of importance to the Government at
that point, in all our operations, even after this rebellfon is crushed
out. Captain Rirkham can tell exactly what kind of a mill would be
best, with bolting cloths, &c. The mill, if possible, should be sent
from San Pedro to save time.
I am, mi^or, respectfully, your obedient servant,
JAMES H. CAKLETON,
Colonel First California Volunteers, Commanding.
Cottonwood Seeing, May 17, 1862.
[Lieutenant-Colonel Eybe:]
Dear Colonel: I have your note of yesterday. The two letters
of Gandara relate principally to the serious illness of one of bis sons,
for whom he is much alarmed. He is chary of other information, prob-
ably distrusting his messengers. You did right fo open them. Pray
do so with others that can by any possibility be official. So Hunter
staid at Tucson until the 14th. When Carpenter was over there Hun-
ter was playing bopeep in the neighborhood. I suspect that he is doing
so yet. If he flickers around the candle a little longer he will get his
wings singed. I understand that Lennan, from Tucson, is looking for
me, having, he says, something important to communicate. I hope that
he will come up to-night. I find the road much as described, bat it
is not the way to Tucson. The Ojo Verde Spring I did not go to. It is
there, four miles oflf the road, described as somewhat like Palm Springs,
both as to quality and quantity of water, with some grazing. It is no
easy matter for a stranger to find it. The descent in the notes yoa
have leads to a basin of some thirty acres area, midway of the north
side of which a trail makes out to the Ojo Verde. As it was four miles
out and back, I preferred coming on here, which I did last night.
Wagons can run easy to Dry Camp (the above basin), but the road
from there this way runs up to a sandy arroyo for six miles, where the
pulling is heavier than from Vallecito to Palm Springs; then It is nine
miles more uphill to this ])lace, and no favorable prospect ahead. At
present I think that Oneida Station and the Blue Water should be
cleaned out. From the latter to Point of Mountains are forty-three
miles ; fine road. By this road one may have to dodge Ojo Verde, and
is sure to encounter fifteen miles of very severe traveling for both men
and animals, besides for six miles this side of Dry Camp an enemy
could annihilate a train and have a column at great disadvantage. I
do not expect to find a turnpike from here through the Canada del Oro.
This is a good spot to camp, and easy to reach as described. There is
plenty of bunch grass on the hills and an abundance of very fine water;
300 animals and, say, 500 men could be supplied. I mention all these
matters because we should all become as intimate as x>ossible with the
topography of the country. The distances are from Fort Barrett: To
Sacaton Station, 11,39 miles; to White's ranch, 15.42 miles; to Dry
Camp, 20.21 miles; to Cottonwood Spring, 15.30 miles; total, 62.32
miles. We are laying by here all day. I shall push on in the morning.
I expect to have to go within six miles of Breckinridge, and to reach
my destination on Tuesday.
Regards to all and to yourself.
[J. R.] WEST.
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Chap. LXH.] CORRESPONDENCE UNION AND CONFEDERATE. 1079
Heasquabtebs Department of the Pacific,
San Francisco, Cal., May 17, 1862.
Msy. Heney Hancock,
Fourth Infantry California Volunteers,
Cmnmanding Camp Union, Sacramento, Gal.:
Major : In the coarse of next week break up your camp and move
your command by water to Benicia Barracks and report to Colonel
Connor. All the lumber belonging to the Government, whether in tem-
porary buildings, sheds, storehouses, tent floors, or otherwise, will be
disposed of at auction, and the proceeds accounted for by the acting
quartermaster. All other public property of every description bring
with you to Beuicia.
Very resiiectfuUy, your obedient servant,
G. WRIGHT,
Brigadier-Oeneral, U. 8. Army, Commanding.
(Copy to Captain Kirkham.)
Headquarters District of Oregon,
Fort Vancouver, Wash. Ter., May 17, 1862.
Assistant Adjutant-General,
Headquarters Department of the Pacific, San Francisco, Cal. :
Sir : Lieut. W. B. Hughes, of the Ninth Infantry, having within a
few days returned from Fort Walla Walla, and after completing his
report connected with his recent duties at that post, I have retained
him at these headquarters as acting assistant adjutant-general. Hia
services will be in this capacity of much value during the operations in
this district for the coming few months, and I have respectfully to ask
of the commanding general his approval of my order placing him on
duty as such. Lieutenant Hughes, from his experience in the staff
department while posted ea«t of tlie Cascade Mountains, and his prac-
tical knowledge of much of the country involving the movement of
troops the coming summer, will give me valuable assistance. I find,
tooj that I will require probably at an early moment the services of an
active and well-informed officer in the organization of the volunteer
force in this district. His presence at headquarters will provide for a
demand, that I doubt not will soon become urgent, for the employment
of an officer capable and reliable in the investigations growing out of
reported irregularities and abuses now existing. At the present
moment, and undoubtedly for some time to come, much valuable service
can be secured to the public interest by the employment of a well-
informed and active officer of the Army on the special duty I have
referred to, and I trust the requirements of the department will permit
the assignment I have made in this instance.
Veiy respectfully, your obedient servant,
JUSTUS STEmEERGER,
Colonel First Washington Territory Infantry, Comdg. District.
General Orders, ) Headquarters District of Oregon,
No. 5. ) Fort Vancouver, Wash. Ter., May 17, 1862.
First Lieut. W. B. Hughes, Niuth Infantry, is assigned to duty and
announced as acting assistant adjutant-general at these headquarters.
He will be obeyed and respe<^ted accordingly.
JUSTUS STEINBERGEB,
Colonel First Washington Territory If^faulry, Comdg. District.
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1080 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Chap. LXn.
Caeson City, Nbv. Tek,, May 18, 1862.
Capt. E, W. KiRKHAM, U. S. Army,
Asgt. Quartermaster and Actg. Asat. Adjt. Oen.,
San Francisco, Cal.:
Captain : I have tlie honor to respectfully report that I received a
telegraphic dispatch from the general commanding, under date of May
16, 1862, 11.40 a. m., directing me to confine my movements to such
points as rendered my presence necessary, and to escort the Governor
of Nevada Territory to such Indians as he desired to visit. I proceeded
to Fort Churchill on the 15th instant, leaving my command at this
place, and obtained from the commanding officer of the post two six-
mule teams (all that he had at the fort) and thirty days' rations, and
returned to this place yesterday evening, when I received the tele-
graphic dispatch above referred to. The commanding officer at Fort
Cliurchill failed to receive any orders from headquarters relative to my
movements, hence the delay in securing transportation and supplies.
After receiving the telegraphic dispatch from the general commanding
I immediately had an interview with Governor Nye. There were also
present with us, Maj. Charles McDermit, Second California Volunteer
Cavalry, commanding Fort Churchill, and Mr. Wassen, acting Indian
agent. Mr. Wassen informed us that he had made arrangements to
meet the Pyramid Lake Indians (Pah-Utes) and make them certain
presents. The Indians desired to see the military officers, when he told
them that if the officers came the soldiers would have to come also.
To this the Indians consented. Governor Nye and Mr. Wassen were
very anxious that I should move with my command to the place of ren-
dezvous agreed upon with the Indians. The interview resulted in
determining me to move with the command to Pyramid Lake via Fort
Churchill, eflFect a treaty with the Indians, and thus prevent any
troubles in that section of the Territory. Understanding from the gen-
eral's orders, as well as from my own experience, that peace is more
desirable than an Indian war, I the more readily concurred in many of
the excellent suggestions of the acting Indian agent, whose long resi-
dence in the Territory has made him familiar with the Washoe and
Pah-Ute tribes. There are many Indian chiefs in these two tribes who
could cause the Government an immense expense of money if hostilities
were provoked between them and the whites. It is understood that
Governor Nye, Mr. Wassen, acting Indian agent, and Mr. Boop mil
accompany me. After consummating the interview at Pyramid Lake
I will return to this place, and if no further orders are given me will
move with my command to Susanville. I will leave this place on the
20th or 21st instant, taking fifteen days' rations and twenty rounds of
ammunition to the man. The remaining portion of my provisions, for-
age, &c., will be stored here at the rate of $2 per ton per month. I
cannot learn of any Indian difficulties in the vicinity of Susanville.
Indians report that Smoke Creek Sam, a very, bad chief, has been killed
by the Pah-Utes. Mr. Wassen tells me that if I co-operate with him
no difficulty will be experienced. I will act with him so far as my own
duties will admit. I remark here that I have not made any record of
march from Sacramento City to Carson City further than has already
been communicated to you, judging the route to be so well known as to
render it iinnecessary; but from this point will make such record and
forward it to your office. The suggestion as regards economy contained
in the general's dispatch will receive my cordial co-operation. My men
are behaving finely, are healthy and contented. The horses have
improved at least 20 per cent, since leaving San Francisco.
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CHAP.Lxn.) CORRESPONDENCE — UNION AND CONFEDERATE. 1081
Trusting that this statement of contemplated movements will meet
the approval of the general, I remain, with much respect, yoar obedient
servant,
GEO. P. PRICE,
Captain, Cotndg. Company M, Second California Volunteer Cavalry.
Special Orders, i Hdqbs. Department op the Pacific,
No. 82. ] San Francisco, Cah, May 19, 1862.
1. Colonel Connor, commanding Third Infantry California Volun-
teers, will move his regiment from Bepicia Barracks to the vicinity of
Stockton, and be prepared to cross the mountains, as soon as the route
is practicable for the protection of the overland mail.
2. Capt. Julian McAllister, ordnance officer, will furnish Colonel Con-
nor with two 6-iK)under brass field pieces and two mountain howitzers,
with equipments and ammunition.
• ••••••
By order of Brigadier -General Wright:
R. W. KIRKHAM,
Captain and Assistant Quartermaster, Actg. Asst. Adjt. Oen.
Headquarters District op Oregon,
Fort Vancouver, Wash. Ter., May 19, 1862.
Assistant Adjutant-General,
Headquarters Department of the Pacific, San Francisco, Cal. :
Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge by the steamship Pacific,
arrived at Portland on the 17th instant, your communication of the 6th
referring to the disposition of the regiment of cavalry under Colonel
Cornelius. Before the reception of your letter the two companies of
this regiment referred to in my communication of the 14th instant had
arrived here in pursuance of directions for that purpose. Believing
that the commanding general was not informed of the supply of cavalry
equipment available'at the depot here, and that under the advisement
of my letter of the 14th instant approval will be given to the movement
of the troops as indicated therein. Colonel Cornelius with his staff and
Companies B and E, of his regiment, will leave to-morrow morning for
Fort Dalles by water, en route for Port Walla Walla. I have much
confidence that the general commanding will agree with me as to the
urgent necessity of this movement, from the reasons mentioned in the
letter referred to, and will sanction this departure from his instructions
in your letter of the Cth instant. Information is given rae by Colonel
Cornelius that Lieutenant-Colonel Maury with four companies of the
Oregon cavalry will be at Camp Barlow, two miles north of Oregon
City. It is the place selected by him for encampment in conformity to
instructions to him from department headquarters, "to concentrate his
force in the Willamette Valley preparatory to his proceeding east of the
mountains." Until further directions are received for the movement of
these four companies no arrangements will be made for their march.
The past winter has been an unusually severe and prolonged one, and
since the reception of your letter Colonel Cornelius reports to me that
it would be nnsafe to attempt to cross the Cascade Mountains until the
Ist of August. Other well-informed persons agree iu this opinion.
The march in that direction will even then be a hard one and attended
with some risk. For any operations this summer as a cavalry force, I
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1082 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC <!0A8T. [Chap. LXII.
respectfnlly submit that it is important that the regiment should be at
Walla Walla at the earliest practicable moment. The presence of one
company at the Fez Perc6 Eeservation is already urged by the Indian
superintendent as of great necessity for the preservation of our friendly
relations with that tribe of Indians. For operations in the Salmon
Biver country and along the emigrant trail I am fearful the object
would be defeated if we were compelled to wait for the snow to melt on
the Cascade Mountains before marching these troops. Forage of every
description is selling at very high rates in the valley and in this neighbor-
hood, and the difference in the cost of supporting these four companies
at Camp Barlow and east of the mountains would go far toward paying
the transjwrtation by water to-Fort Dalles. At Camp Barlow and,
indeed, throughout the Willamette Valley, grazing must be hired and
short forage purchased, while east of the Cascade Mountains the season
is further advanced and forage of all kinds to be procured at less cost
to the Government. As some time will of necessity elapse before they
can be equipped to move in either direction, the commanding general
will have fuU opportunity to become informed of the proper route to take
for these companies. I am well impressed that to promote the success-
ful employment of these troops in the movements indicated in the letter
of instructions to myself on leaving San Francisco, that it would be
eminently advisable to send them by water to Fort Dalles, and thence
to Fort Walla Walla by land as soon as they are in readiness to move.
Trusting that my action in the case of Colonel Cornelius, his staff,
and Companies B and E will be approved, and awaiting further direc-
tions as to the balance of the regiment, I am, very respectfully, your
obedient servant,
JUSTUS STEINBBEGEB,
Colonel First Washington Territory Infantry, Comdg. District,
Special Orders, ) Headquarters District of Oregon,
No. 14. ) Fort Vancouver, Wash. Ter., May 19, 1863.
I. Col. T. II. Cornelius, First Oregon Cavalry, with Companies B
and E, of his regiment, will move without delay by water to Fort
Dalles en route to Fort Walla Walla.
II. On arriving at Fort Dalles the necessary arrangements will be
promptly made for the continuation of the march by land to Fort
Walla Walla; departure from the former post made at the earliest
practicsible moment.
III. Colonel Cornelius on his arrival at Fort Walla Walla will
assume command of that post.
By order of Colonel Steinberger:
WM. B. HUGHES,
First Lieutenant, Ninth Infantry, Actg. Asst. Adjt. Oen.
Headquarters Column prom California,
Camp above Oatman Flat,
Oila Biver, Ariz. Ter., May 20, 1862.
Maj. T. A. CouLT,
Fifth Infantry California Volunteers,
Comdg. Troops at Orassy Camp, Gila River, Ariz. Ter. :
Major: Through some strange oversight the trains leaving the
Pima Villages are only furnished with half rations of forage. This
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CHIP. LXn.) CORRESPONDENCE UNION AND CONFEDERATE. 1083
renders it absolutely necessary that Shirland's and Creroony's horses
receive no grain until they leave Grassy Gamp for Fort Barrett. The
train under Somers, which arrived from Fort Barrett at Grassy Gamp
to-day, is to rest and be carefully fed for three days, when it is to
return to Fort Barrett with the loading of Sergeant Naper's fifteen
wagons, just arriving from Fort Yuma. This latter train (Naper's) is
to return to Fort Yuma. All trains leaving Fort Yuma are ordered
to be loaded one-half with barley, so that shortly you will be likely
to have enough for an onward movement. As soon as your wagons
arrive which you sent to Yuma for barley, if you can then have
enough to move to Fort Barrett with the artillery and infantry, do so,
and leave the cavalry to follow as soon as they can get forage to do so,
one company at a time, commencing with Shirland's. There is no hay
at Oatman Flat. You should see that some is put there at once, par-
ticularly for the artillery horses. If necessary have your animals under
a strong guard herded, in the daytime only, on the opposite side of the
river from Grassy Gamp. Be sure and have your command cut hay
enough to keep a good supply in front of all the horses and mules every
night. I wish you to prepare at or near Grassy Gamp a defensive
work large enough to shelter 20 men, 10 horses, and to protect, say,
50,000 rations of subsistence stores. This must be done at once. Con-
sult with Captain Shiun as to the best plan. The kind of work I have
reference to you can make in two or three days. Thus, when the troops
leave there a small detachment of one sergeant and six first-rate men
from the Fifth Infantry,. and one first-rate corporal and three light
men, with fine horses for vedette service, from Captain Cremony's com-
pany, will be left there, and in charge of the sergeant, all the public
property and stores which may be necessarily left behind, including all
now at Grinnel's, which may not be needed by your command moving
on. This will all be done under your own supervision. I shall count,
on seeing all your force except this detachment at Fort Barrett by
the '^Oth instant, with the animals in first-rate condition; if it be
necessary to, get some of Grinnel's barley. He should press some hay
at once and have it out upon the road. The two wagons now at Grin-
nel's should be left at the redoubt, or others in their place. The men
left at the redoubt must be temperate and of the first class. They will
be relieved in one month. I trust greatly to your forecast and indus-
try and acknowledged resources to give practicable effect to all this.
I am satisfied your horses and mules will hold their own on the fine
grass at and near your camp, including that across the river; so you
can watch carefully your supply of barley to be used on the road. The
mules must be well fed, even though you buy some of Grinnel's barley;
so must the artillery horses. With these in good heart, you may have
no fear.
I am, m^or, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JAMES n. GARLETON,
Colonel First California Volunteers, Commanding.
Caeson, May 30, 1S02—9JS0 a. m.
Capt. R. W. KiBKHAM,
Acting Assiatant Adjutant- General:
Command left this morning for Pyramid Lake. Governor Nye with
me. All well.
GEO. F. PEICB.
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1084 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Chap.LXII.
Office Indian Afpaibs, Xobtheen Dist. California,
San Francisco, May 20, 1862.
Brig. Gen, George Wright,
San Francisco, Cal.:
Sir : I regret tbat the most urgent necessity compels me to call niM>n
you asking a company of troops for the protection of the Indians and
U. S. employes on the Nome Cult or Round Valley Indian Reservation,
located in the extreme northeast corner of Mendocino County, against
some of the white people in said valley. Recent occurrences, attempts
to assassinate the supervisor, and threats to kill the whole of the
Indians on the reservation and take possession of the reserve, clearly
demonstrate that the ann of Government protection should be at once
extended iu that direction ; and in carrying out this object it is very
desirable that orders to prevent the troops from intermixing \nth any
of the Indians on said reserve should be given and strictly observed.
And furthermore, there are persons who are trespassing upon lands
inclosed by the United States for the Indian service on said reserva-
tion who have entered said inclosnres and settled upon said lands,
claiming the same as "swamp and overflowed lauds," and the only
civil officer (a justice of the peace) in said valley is one of those tres-
passers, before whom we have on several occasions brought oft'enders
against our rights and the laws of the State, who have by him been
invariably discharged, showing clearly the necessity of mUitary force
at that point for our protection. In consulting the U. 8. attorney on
this subject he advised that military force b0 used to "put all such per-
sons oft" the lands inclosed and used for the Indian service, whether
they be swamp lands or otherwise." I have thus been particular to
detail our grievances, that your orders may meet the necessities of the
occasion, as your officer in command may not be willing to act upon
the request of myself or my supervisor in charge.
I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
GEO. M. HANSON,
Superintendent Indian Affairs, Nortliem District of California.
[Indorsement.]
Headquarters Department of the Paoipio,
San Francisco, May 21, 1862.
Col. F. J. Lippitt, commanding District of Humboldt, will take
prompt measures to carry out the wishes of the superintendent of
Indian affairs, as contained in the within communication.
G. WRIGHT,
Brigadier- General, U. S. Army, Commanding.
Headquarters District of Oregon,
Fort Vancouver, Wash. Ter., May 20, 1862.
Assistant Adjutant-General,
Headquarters Department of the Pacific, San Francisco, Cal. :
Sir: I have the honor to report that Companies B and B, First
Oregon Cavalry, were this morning inspected by Actg. Asst. Adjt. Gen.
Lieut. W. B. Hughes, presenting each three officers and seventy-six
enlisted men, and moved toward Fort Dalles, en route to Fort Walla
Walla. Colonel Cornelius, commanding the regiment, accompanies
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Chap. LXn.) CORRESPONDENCE UNION AND CONFEDERATE. 1085
with his 8ta^ this command. I transmit inclosed a copy of my letter
of instructions to Colonel Cornelias for the information of the coii^-
manding general.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant.
JUSTUS STEINBERGER,
Colonel First Washington Territory Infantry, Comdg. District.
[iDclosore.]
Headquarters District of Oregon,
Fort Vancouver, Wash. Ter., May 20, 1862.
Col. T. B. CORNBLITJS,
First Oregon Cavalry,
under orders for Fort Walla Walla, Wash. Ter, :
CoLONBL: In carrying out the order for your movement to Fort
Walla Walla with your staff aud Companies B and E, it is expected
that the greatest dispatch will be used consistent with the safety and
good condition of your command. Four six-mule teams with wagons
will be furnished you by the commanding officer at Fort Dalles for the
transportation of your supplies on the march. This number of wagons
will be amply sufBcient to carry ten days' rations from that post with
the field allowance of camp and garrison equipage. Use your own
judgment as to the maximum number of rations you take with you,
being governed by the information you can gather as to the condition
of the roads and the probable time occupied iu the march, but in no
event take less than ten days' subsistence. Your medical ofiicer should
be supplied with the necessary medicines for the troops on the march.
For the successful i)rosecution of the march to Fort Walla Walla, and
for the subsequent good order of your oflBcers and men, it is earnestly
enjoine<l upon you that enforcement be made and in strict conformity
to the Eegulations of the discipline and military requireijpents on a
march. Report to me as opportunity offers your progress, as well as
any items of intelligence that you may think useful in the future dispo-
sition of troops in or near the country through which you march. In
assumingthe importantand responsible command of Fort Walla Walla
a high and delicate trust devolves upon you, and much confidence is
felt in the oflftcers and troops of your command for the proper discharge
of their duties. A large amount of jjublic property is now and from its
important position will of necessity for the future be kept at that post,
and I desire to impress upon you, and through you your stafif officers,
the weighty obligations and accountability it imposes. In the prevail-
ing excitement about the gold mines and the large emigration to Indian
country contiguous to your headquarters, there is reasonable prospect
of dissatisfaction among the tribes upon whose grounds the discoveries
are made, and in some instances the probability of conflict. To prevent
the outbreak of hostilities, protect settlers, and secure justice on either
side, for the preservation of amicable relations, it is expected that the
force under your command is mainly to be employed. It is therefore
required that strict attention be given to the discipline and drill of
your companies, and their efficiency for active service be industriously
promoted with a view to their readiness to march into the mining coun-
try at short notice. The force under your command should, from pres-
ent indications, be large enough to accomplish the desirable object of
preventing outbreak i f j udiciously disposed of. To prevent rather than
combat hostilities with the Indian tribes on our frontiers should be the
poUcy pursued, aud with this view I have to request early aud frequent
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1086 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Chap. LXn.
information to tbese headquarters upon any int«lligeuce that, may
involve the movement of troops or be usefiil to our military establish-
ment.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JUSTUS STEINBEBGEE,
Colonel First Washington Territory Infantry, Comdg. District.
Hbadquartebs Disteiot of Orkgon,
Fort Vancouver, Wash. Ter., May 20, 1862. ■
Assistant Adjutant-General,
Headquarters Department of the Pacific, San Francisco, Cal. :
Sib : Inclosed I have the honor to transmit communication from Ool.
T. R. Cornelius, First Oregon Cavalry, referring to means and cost of
transportation of his regiment by the emigrant trail across the Cascade
Mountains. The matter has already been referred to in former com-
munications from this ofSce, and this paper is forwarded in confiriua-
tion of some views expressed therein.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JUSTUS STEOTBERGBR,
Colonel First Washington Territory Infantry^ Comdg. District.
[Incloaure.]
Hdqes. Fiest CavaliEy Oeegon Volunteees,
Portland, Oreg., May 19, 1862.
Col. J. Steinbeegee,
Commanding the District of Oregon, Vancouver, Wash, Ter.:
Colonel: I submit to your consideration the following facts and
statements relative to the movement of my regiment across the Cascade
range of mountains by the emigrant road, the only route of possible
land t^ave^before September, which route, on account of the depth of
snow and high water, could not b« traveled before the middle of July,
and then would be accomplished with great difQculty. I estimate the
ways and means of transportation by this route to The DallC'^ as fol-
lows, viz : Forage, which on account of there being no grass upon the
route would bo absolutely necessary for ten days, for 500 horses and
400 mules, 96,000 pounds of barley at 2 cents, « 1,920; for hire of 400
pack animals, which would be required for the transportation of forage
and subsistence for the regiment ten days, at $2 \wr day, $8,000; total,
$9,920. I would also state that the thousands of miners proceeding to
the northern mines this spring with pack trains going light, in no
instance have they deemed the route possible or practicable for travel,
and would ask if a route discarded by miners as impracticable could be
traveled with safety and economy by a military force.
T. R. CORNELIUS,
Colonel First Cavalry Oregon Volunteers.
Adjutant-Geneeal's Office,
Washington, May 21, 1862.
Brig. Gen. Geoege Weight, U. S. Volunteers,
San Francisco, Cal.:
The Secretary of War directs you to order Major Burton, Third
Artillery, to report in person at this office without delay.
L. THOMAS,
Adjutant- Qeneral.
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Chap. LXU.J C0BBE8P0NDENCE ^UNION AND CONFEDERATE. 1087
IlEADQUABTERS DePAETMENT OF THE PACIFIC,
iSan Francisco, Cal., May 21, 1862,
Geoboe M. Hanson, Esq.,
Swperintendent of Indian Affairs,
Northern District of California, San Francisco, Cal. :
SlB : I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your communi-
cation dated on the 2()th instant. I have this day sent an order to Gol.
F. J. Lippitt, Second Infantry California Volunteers, cominaudin;!; the
District of Humboldt, to take immediate steps to carry out your wishes.
A copy of your letter has been forwarded to Colonel Lippitt.
Very respectfully, your most obedient servant,
G. WEIGHT,
Brigadier- General, U. S. Army, Commanding.
Office Indian Affairs, Nobthebn Dist. of Califobnia,
San Francisco, May 21, 1802.
Brig. Gen. George Weight :
Sib: I am just in receipt of a letter from the judge of the county
court of Del Norte County, which I beg leave to inclose you. 1 have
but little apprehension of trouble myself in that quarter, but still it
would give qniet to the nerves of those who are apprehensive, and I
expect the Indians will be continued there until the Government makes
other provisions, even if the lands are not purchased for the use of a
reservation. Hence I would be glatl there should be troops stationed
in that quarter.
I have the honor to be, respectfully, your obedient servant,
GEO. M. HANSON,
Superintendent of Indian Affairs, Northern District of California.
^luclosuro.l
Crescent City, May 19, 1862.
Geobge M. Hanson, Esq. :
Deab Sib : I feel it a duty to write you a few lines and represent to •
you the feeling of the citizens of this county at this time about the
Indians. They having relied ui)on your promise to have at least one
company of troops in Smith River Valley by the 1st of April, tamely
acquiesced in your i>lacing the Indians among them, upon your repre-
sentation that the Government would purchase these lauds for a reser-
vation. Most of the men in the valley have left and gone to the
northern mines, many leaving their families in the valley. Since they
have left the Indians are becoming quite impudent, going to houses
where there are no men and demanding food and clothing. This has
alarmed the women and children, and some have already moved to
town lor protection, and we are informed that there are now between
200 and 300 more Indians iu Humboldt under arrest, and that they are
about to be brought here by the steamer. If this is the case it is the
wish of every man, woman, and child that troops should come at the
same time, and I sincerely trust that you will fnlfiU your promise and
have them sent at the same time. The Smith Kiver Indians were very
much displeased when the Humboldt Indians came to the valley, and
were unwilling to have them fish or get mussels on their possessions;
but lately they have become Mendly, and old Has, the chief who has
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1088 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. (Cbap.LXIL
always been at enmity with the Klamath Indiaus, has made three
visits to the Klamaths, and fears are eutertaiued that a plot is made
for a general outbreak. The Klamath Indians are well armed, they
having over 200 guns between the mouth of the Klamath Eiver and
forty miles above. This is ascertained to be the fact, and we only have
in this county for protection a small body of troops stationed at Fort
Ter-Waw. Twenty of that company have been ordered by Colonel
Lippitt down on Mad River. You are well aware of the position I
took when you first brought the Humboldt Indiaus here. I was unwil-
ling to have them iu our midst without an adequate number of troops
to keep them in awe and protect our families and our property. This
feeling has now become universal, and I doubt if the citizens will i)er-
mit any more Indians to land without troops. I trust, sii-, that you
will give this matter your serious attention.
Respectfully,
E. MASOK
Headquaetebs Column fbom California,
Oila Betid, Ariz. Ter., May Ul, 1862.
Lieutenant-Colonel Eyee,
First Cavalry California Volunteers, Fort Barrett, Ariz. Ter. :
Colonel : Veck's train and Winston's train, now near Fort Barrett,
will remain near that fort, if possible, where grazing can be found,
until further orders. Send at once a suitable party of men under Cap-
tain Pishon to have the wells cleaned out between the Pima Villages
and Tncson, especially those referred to iu Colonel West's letter to
yourself dated May 17, 1862. The bearer of this need not return.
I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JAMES H. CARLETON,
Colonel First California Volunteers, Commandirig.
Note. — If Francis' train has not left to return, give him ten pounds
of wheat i)er mule each day lor his trip to Yuma.
J. H. C.
Hdqrs. Advance Guaed, California Volunteers,
Tucson, Ariz. Ter., May 21, 1862.
Lieut. Benjamin C. Cutler,
Actg. Asst. Adjt. Oen., Fort Barrett, Pima Villages:
I have the honor to reiwrt the occupation of this place by the forces
under my command. Capt. Emil Fritz with Company B, First Cavalry
California Volunteers, entered the town yesterday. The five companies
of infantry arrived to-day. Captain Hunter with eighty rebels evacu-
ated the place on the 4th instant, and was last heard of on the 18th
instant at Dragoon Springs in full retreat for Mesilla. A rumor is cur-
rent that he was recalled iu consequence of a late severe reverse met
by the rebels in New Mexico. The colonel commanding can rely upon
this place being held against the enemy.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
J. R. WEST,
Lieutenant-Colonel First Infantry California Volunteers, Cotndg.
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char.lxii.] c0bre8p0ndence union and confedebate. 1089
Hdqbs. Advance Guabd, Oax.ifprnia Volunteers,
Tucson, Ariz. Ter., May 21, 1862.
Lieut. Benjamin C. Cutler,
Actg. Asst. Adjt. Oen., Fort Barrett, Pima Villages:
I transmit herewith itinerary* of the march of this command from
Fort Barrett to this point, with a rough sketch f showing in what
manner it is expected to make a cut-off. If this succeeds, it will avoid
iwenty-flve miles of excessively heavy traveling. With the above
object Lieutenant Baldwin, First Cavalry California Volunteers, with
ten men will leave for Fort Barrett to-morrow morning; the Scout
Weaver goes with them to report to the colonel commanding and to be
of assistance in opening this road. It is the shortest way of sending
him to headquarters. The acting commissary of subsistence of this
command sends to the acting commissary of subsistence at Fort Bar-
rett for 1U,000 small rations. Ours will all be consumed by the 31st
instant. Shonld the cut-off be opened by Lieutenant Baldwin I have
to re(]nest that they be sent forward without delay. I would send
teams from here, but they cannot go the cut-off yet. As soon as I have
s«)iue opportunity to look ubont uie the train, here shall eiilier be sent
back to the Fimas or be profitably employed in collecting supplies at
some point for the main expedition. At present all I can reiM)rt is that
the supplies of beef, flour, and forage for this command will be obtained
here. 1 trust to be able to do more. The valley of the Sau Pedro
would scarcely answer to recruit cavalry animals; the grass is mostly
sacaton, and does not fatten without grain. I judge that at the Cala-
bazas Ranch 1,000 animals could be well foraged with grass and grain,
while the troops could get large rations from Souora. This shall be the
subject of a future definite reiK)rt.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
J. B. WEST,
Lieutenant-Colonel First Infantry California Volunteers, Comdy.
Hdqrs. Advance Guard, California Volunteers,
Tucson, Ariz. Ter., May 21, 1862
Lieut. Benjamin C. Cutler,
Actg. Asst. Adjt. Oen., Fort Barrett, Pima Villages:
I have the honor to inclose reportj: made by Lieutenant Wellman,
First Cavalry California Volunteers, of his ineffectual attempt to escort
Wesiver through the Apache country, and respectfully call the atten-
tion of the colonel commanding to my indorsement thereon. Weaver is
at tills post soliciting an escort for another route. This I do not deem
judicious to furnish. First, 1 doubt the man's knowle<lfjre of the coun-
try that he now proposes to travel through, and second, 1 would i>refer
that the colonel commanding should determine what fixrther is to be
done in the premises. With that view, and for another purpose
e\i)lained in a letter of equal date herewith, I send him back with an
escort to headquarters.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
J. R. WEST,
Lieutenant- Colonel First Infantry California Volunteers, Comdg.
* Kmbodied in McNulty'd report, p. 140.
t Omitted.
X Not found as an inolosnre.
69 R R — vol L, PT I
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1090 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. (Chap. LXIL
IIdqks. Advance Guabd, California Volunteers,
Tucson, Ariz. Ter., May 31, 1862.
Lieutenant Baldwin, .
First Cavalry California Volunteers, Tucson:
With ten men of Company B, First Cavalry California Vohmteers,
and the Scout Weaver, four days' rations for your men, a pack-mule,
and such forage as j'ou can carry, take the road for Fort Barrett via
the Canada del Oro. Then endeavor on the following day to open a
wagon road cut-ott' to Cottonwood Springs. If you do not succeed in
this go around by Fort Breckinridge, spin out your rations, and go
through to Fort Barrett. Be on the alert for Apaches; keep your men
together and close by their horses at night. If you succeed in opening
this road you will render a very essential service. Keport to the com-
manding officer at Fort Barrett.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
J. E. WEST,
Lieutenant-Colonel First Infantry California Volunteers, Comdg.
Pbivatk Residence,
Cottage Orove, Oreg., May 21, 1862.
Hon. E. M. Stanton,
Secretary of War, Washington City, D. C. :
Sib : Your circular communication of the respective dates of April
11, 1862, and April 28, 1862, are this day received, and the acknowledg-
ment is made by telegraph, via San Francisco. As your circular of the
latest date appears to be a duplicate of the first, an answer to either is
deemed to be sufficient. You desire me to "send to your Department
a full aud accurate statement of all the troops from this State which
are now in the service of the General Government, together with a sep-
arate list of all not mustered into the service; and all used as home
guards." In reply I have to say that the Governor of this State is not
officially informed that there are any troops from this State now in the
service of the General Government. In September last, Colonel Wright,
then commanding the military in Oregon, made a requisition on the
Governor of this State for one company of mounted volunteers, intended
for the Indian service on the frontiers of this State and Washington
Territory. The requisition was responded to and the recruitment about
completed, when the authorities were informed that the volunteers were
not needed, and soon after the Governor was ordered by Colonel Wright
to disband the men already enrolled, which, however, had been done
before the receipt of the order. During the winter and spring just
passed there has been, as I learn through the public prints, a regiment
of mount«d men raised in this State, but as to their strength I have no
official knowledge, they having been recruited and officered by officers
appointed by the President; the authorities of this State have never
been called upon or consulted with, in the matter of raising troops hero
or appointing their officers, except in the case of Colonel Wright, above
referred to. There is not a figure or the scratch of a pen in the execu-
tive office which would enable nie to answer your inquiries. As to
home guards I am not aware that there are any such as your inquiries
are intended to cover now in this State, nor indeed has there ever been.
I am, sir, with great respect, your obedient servant,
JOHif WHITEAKER.
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chap.lxil] coere8pondence union and confederate. 1091
Headquastebs Dbpabtment of the Pacific,
San Francisco, May 22, 1862.
Brig. (ien. L. Thomas,
Adjutant- Oeneral U. 8. Army, Washington, D. C:
General : I have just received reports from Colonel Carleton, dated
at Fort Yuma, on tlie 10th iustunt, aud from Lieuteuant-Colonel West,
First Infantry California Volanteers, commanding at the Pima Villages,
as late as the tith instant. Copies are herewith inclosed for information
of the Department.* Onr Indian difSculties in the District of Ilum-
lM>ldt have been admirably managed by Colonel Lippitt, and it is uon-
tidently expected that all the Indians will soon be collected together
and placed upon their reservations. In the District of Oregon all is
<)uiet. Colonel Connor, with seven companies of his regiment (Third
Infantry California Volunteers), will move on the 2Gth instant and
encamp beyond Stockton, preparatory to crossing the mountains at the
earliest moment practicable, and a<lvance on the Overland Mail Itoute.
The cavalry force designated for the same service will be thrown for-
ward at an early day. I am happy in being able to assure the Depart-
ment of the firm and unwavering fidelity to the Union and the
Constitution of the people on the Pacific Coast, although we have in
our midst rebels and ardent sympathizers with the rebellion; yet their
voices are drowned by the overwhelming majority of patriotic Ilnion-
loving citizens on this far distant shore.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
G. WRIGHT,
Brigadier- General, IT. S. Army, Commanding.
Headquarters Colttmn prom California,
Oila Bend, Ariz. Ter., May 22, 1862.
Col. George W. Bowie,
Fifth Infantry California Volunteers,
Comdg. District of Soutliern California, Fort Yuma, Cal. :
Colonel: The colonel commanding the Column from California
directs me to say to you that he will be much obliged if you will
endeavor to havie a good supply of hay placed at once at Gila City and
Mission Camp. There is no hay at those points, and without it the
teams passing over the road will be broken down. Could yon not make
arrangements with Mr. Yager or some other responsible person to con-
tract to place the hay at the points designated, at least five tons at
each point ? The colonel commanding directs me also to say to you
that Francis' train left Fort Barrett for Fort Yuma on the 21st, and
that at least by the return trip of that train to Fort Barrett he will
require Major Kigg to come forward with Company G, First Infantry
California Volunteers, and perhaps Captain Thayer's company of the
Fifth Infantry. The colonel commanding the coiunin suggests that in
order to keep the animals in good heart on the road they should be fed
most liberally while at Fort Yuma. Any quartermaster attached to
this expedition will receipt to your quartermaster for all forage fed to
the animals over and above the regulation allowance, as a quartermaster
in the field can make his accounts balance at points where he cannot
feed the full allowance himself.
I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
BEN. C. CUTLER,
First Lieut., First Infty. California Vols., Actg. Asst. Adjt. Gen.
- See pp. 1060, 1054.
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1092 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Ca^p. Lxn.
Headquabtees Depaetment of the Pacific,
8cm Francisco, Gal., May 22, 1862.
George M. Hanson, Esq.,
Superintendent of Indian Affairs,
Northern District of California, 8an Francisco, Gal.:
SiB: 1 have this moineut received your commnuicatioii of the2l8t
instant, together with the letter from the judge of tlie county court of
Del Norte, addressed to you. I have previously given orders for the
company now at Fort Ter-Waw to prepare to move to the new reserva-
tion which you have selected on Smith's Eiver, and I was only waiting
until such number of Indians should be assembled there as would
render necessary the presence of troops. I will thank you to let nie
know what number of Indians are now on the Smith's River lieserva-
tion, and whether all those which were near Ter-Waw have been
removed.
Very respectfitlly, your most obedient servant,
G. WRIGHT,
Brigadier-Oeneral, U. 8. Army, Gommanding.
Headquarters Department of the Pacific,
San Francisco, Gal., May 23, 1862.
Brig. Gen. Lorenzo Thouas,
Adjutant-General U. 8. Army, Washington, D. G.:
General : The steamer with the mail sails to-morrow morning for
Panama. 1 have but little to add in relation to affairs in the depart-
ment. I have just received a report from Captain Price, Second Cavalry
California Volunteers, who was sent to Carson City, Nev. Ter., with his
company, with a view to settle Indian difficulties at Honey Lake and
Pyramid Lake. 1 am happy to say that all appreliensions of an Indian
war in that country have passed away. Cajitain Price has moved with
his company to Pyramid Lake, accompanied by Governor Nye and the
Indian agent. Soon he will fall back to Fort Churchill and join the
command under orders for the protection of the Overland Mail Route.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
G. WRIGHT,
Brigadier-Oeneral, U. 8. Army, Gommanding.
Headquarters Department of the Pacific,
San Francisco, Gal., May 23, 1862.
Brig. Gen. Lorenzo Thomas,
Adjutant- General U. S. Army, Washington, D. G.:
General: Inclosed herewith is an application to the Honorable Sec-
retary of War, which General Allen has requested me to forward. The
light artdlery battery company was organized in this city last summer,
and 1 take great pleasure in bearing witness to its rapid progress and
tine appearance on the field. The company drills very frequently. It
)>assed iny office yesterday en route for exercising on the Presidio
grounds. The officers and men in full uniform, the guns, horses, and
c(inipments, all in splendid ordei. Thi.? is the only light battery organ-
ized in this State, and has involved the officers and men in considerable
expense, a part of which only has been covered by a recent appropria-
tion by the Legislature. Such organizations should be cherished and
fostered by the Government, and I beg leave to recommend to the
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CH*p. LXII.) C0BRE8P0NDENCE UNION AND CONFEDERATE. 1093
Honorable Secretary that tbe request of General Allen bo granted, and
that tbe same nllowance be authorized for this company as is made to
bgbt batteries in tbe Kegnlar Army annually for practice. Tbe entire
militia of this State is under tbe new organization, commanded by one
major-general, and Lucius H. Allen, a graduate of West Point, has
beeu appointed to that office.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
G. WRIGHT,
Brigadier-General, U. 8. Army, Commanding.
Office Indian Afpaies, Northekn Dist. of California,
San Francisco, May 23, 1862.
Brig. Gen. George Wright:
Sir: Your letter of 22d instant making inquiries about "tbe number
of Indians now on Smith Kiver Beservation," also ''whether all those
which were near Ter-Waw have been removed," [has been received. |
In answer to tbe first inquiry, I will say, previous to my leaving Smith
Kivcr I had removed all, or nearly all, tbe Humboldt and Eel liiverand
a very few of the Klamath Indians up to Smith Kiver. The Smith River
Indians included would number about 1,000. Since that time I have
understood some others have voluntarily removed. The Klamatlis, for-
merly being at enmity with the Smith liiver Indians, seemed disin-
clined to emigrate at that time, and believing in their old haunts they
conld shift or provide for themselves better than the others who bad
been brought there, I permitted them to remain until I had more means
to ]irovide for them, and I think there cannot be more than 200 or 300
witiiin three or four miles of Ter-Waw, and I think no white settlers
within some thirty mUes in any direction with the exception ot a very
few "squaw men," so-called, and but very little stock, if any, belonging
to white people on any part of the Indian Reserve on Klamath. I would
be pleased that the troops could be located at some good point between
Crescent City and Smith Biver, but nearest the latter, so as not to cross
the river into the Indian settlements, with orders to those in command
also strictly forbidding tbe admixture or commingling of tbe troops with
the Indians. I think like Mr. Bryson, my supervisor (whose letter I
also inclose you, as well as another gentleman in Crescent City), that
the apprehensions of danger from Indians are unfonnded in facts, but
troops maybe necessary for the protection of the Indians and employes
as against the whites, as it is at Nome Cult. As soon as harvest is over
I ]>ur|K>se removing all the Klamath and Iloopa Indians also, provided
Congress appropriates money to pay for the Smith Biver lands and
improvements I have been negotiating for.
I have the honor to be, very truly, your obedient servant,
GEO. M. HANSON,
Superintendent Indian Affairs, Northern District California.
llnclOBOTe No. 1.]
Office Indian Affairs, Northern Dist. of California,
Crescent City, May lO, 1862.
Hon. G. M. Hanson:
Dear Sir : I have been requested by the citizens of Smith River
Valley and Crescent City to ask you to have a company of troops sta-
tioned at or near this place. Fears are entertained that the Smith
Biver and Klamath Indians will unite and reclaim this (■x)untr.v. The
late emigration to the new mines would make this country an easy
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1094 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. (Chap. LXIL
prey to them in case tbey would attempt it, as there is scarcely any-
thing left here but Avomeu and children. I have no fears of the Hum-
boldt Indians that we have here, and very little of any others, so far as
my own feelings go, but as this country will be so nearly depojralated this
summer, and almost at the mercy of the Indians in case they break out,
I would think it best to have a company of troops here, as prudence is
said to be the better part of valor, and it would make all parties feel
more secure. It has been showery for the last few days. The young
grain is coming finely. We are looking for you by every steamer, and
would be much pleased to see you and Mrs. H.
Very truly, yours,
WM. BEYSON.
[Inoloanre No. 2.]
Cbescent City, May 18, 1862.
Hon. G. M. Hanson:
Dear Sir: I am requested by a number of individuals to write you
at this time. There is a good deal of feeling manifested by the citizens,
especially in Smith Iliver Valley, in relation to the Indians. We learn
by passengers per steamer Panama that the tug-boat at Humboldt will
bring up in a few days 200 more Indians — as they say, Indians that
have been captured, not disposed to peace. The people in the valley
are feeling alarmed. I learned the other day they were making prep-
arations to build a fort in case of an emergency. The people were
expecting you up on this steamer. If you think the Uniteid States
Government will not purchase the valley do not send any more
Indians, for if an outbreak would happen there would be hardly men
enough left to protect themselves. There seems to be a strong feeling
in our midst that the valley will never be purchased by the Govern-
ment. If you have any doubts upon that subject do not send any more
Indians. Please write per return steamer.
I remain, yours,
G. KINGSBUBY.
Headquarters Department of the Pacific,
8an Francixeo, Gal., May 23, 1862.
(Via Carson City, Nev. Ter.)
Capt. George F. Price,
Gomdg. Company M, Second Gav. Galifornia Vols., SusanviUe:
Captain: Your letter of the 18th instant from Carson City is
received. The general commanding directs me to say that he is
extremely gratified by its perusal, and that he fully approves of all
you liave done and purpose to do. The propriety of going to Susan-
viUe is left entii-ely to your own judgment.
I am, respectfully, your most obedient servant,
R. W. KIEKHAM,
Gaptain and Assistant Quartermaster, Avtg. Asst. Adjt. Oen.
Headquarters Column from California,
Fort Barrett, Pima Villages, Aria. Ter., May 24, 1862.
Maj. Richard (J. Drum,
Assistant Adjutant-Oeneral, U. 8. Army, San Francisco, Gal. :
Major: I have the honor to inform you that I arrived here yester-
day evening. The weather has been intolerably hot during the last
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Chap. LXn.] CORRESPONDENCE — UNION AND CONFEDERATE. 1095
few (lays, but the troops have marched admirably uot^vithstandiug.
Colonel VVest with live companies of infantry, and one of cavalry and
two howitzers, you may remember, was ordered to occupy Tucson. He
doubtless arrived there last Tuesday, the 20th instant. I am in hourly
exi>ectation of hearing from him. The rebels, from the best informa-
tion 1 can get, have retired from Arizona toward the Rio Grande. The
Apaches attacked Captain Hunter's company of Confederate troops
near Dragoon Spring and killed 4 men and ran off 30 mules and 25
horses. The Pima and Maricopa Indians have already sold to us for
nianta and on credit 143,000 pounds of wheat. Of the new crop, it is
estimated that they will have for sale, say, 200 tons of wheat. I held a
council with them to-day and promised to have sent down from San
Francisco the additional 8ui)ply of manta and the Indian goods asked
for in my letter of the 10th instant. I have directed a train of fifteen
wagons to proceed to San Pedro, Cal., for these goods and for clothing
for the troops. The depot quartermaster at that point should be
instructed to forward these articles, and particularly the clothing, the
moment it comes down from above. The troops must have the clothing
at once. Once their feet come to the hot ground and their clothing
comes to be greatly worn, they will suffer immeasurably. The Pima
and Maricopas are the finest Indians I have ever seen, and will be of
great service to us and to the Overland Mail Company, which eventu-
ally is certain to run over this route. The Apaches are their heredi-
tary enemies. The Apaches have murdered people on the route and
possessed themselves of arms, with which they now, for the first time,
8U(;cessfully assail the Pimas. The latter pray to be furnished with
arms, not only to defend themselves, but to punish the Apaches. I
beg respectfully to request that the general will cause to be sent to my
address, at Fort Barrett, 100 stiind of the old muskets (percussion),
with 10,000 rounds of buck and ball cartridges, and with a supply of
bullet molds for the muskets. These can be issued direct to the chiefs,
who will be responsible for them, or, which would not be iis well, to the
commanding officer at Fort Barrett, for the use of the Indians when
necessary. The general may rely ui)on it, this would be a great favor
to this worthy people, who have always been our fast friends, I shall
proceed to Tucson in four or five days. I am now having all the wells
repaired and made deeper which lie between the Gila ai..^ that place
on the old stage road. As soon as the rebels are brushed away from
Mesilla, the overland stage from Independence, Mo., via Santa F6, Fort
Thorn, Tucson, Los Angeles, to San Francisco, can commence its trips
before the snows of winter again set in. I suggest that attention be
drawn to this subject even now.
I am, major, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JAMES H. CARLETON,
Colonel First California Volunteers, Commanding.
General Orders, ^ Hdqrs. Column from: California,
> Fort Barrett, Pima Villages, Ariz, Ter.,
No. 2. ) May 21, 1862.
1. The post on the San Pedro River in this Territory hitherto known
as Fort Breckinridge will hereafter be known as Fort Stanford, in honor
of the Governor of the State of California.
2. Lieut. Col. Edward E. Eyre, First Cavalry California Volunteers,
with all the troops of his regiment now at Fort Barrett, will proceed
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1096 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Chat. LXII.
without delay to Fort Stanford and reoccupy it. Lieatenant-Colonel
Eyre will take 100 rounds of ammunition per man, and sabsistence for
his command to include the 30th proximo.
3. Lieut. Col. Joseph K. West, First Infantry Oalifuruia Volunteers,
in command of the advance guard of this column, having taken pos-
session of Tucson in this Territory, will leave that town under the com-
mand of Capt. William McMullen, First Infantry California Volunteers,
and proceed with Fritz's company of cavalry, and such other troops
from the advance guard as he may deem necessary, and reoccupy Fort
Buchanan.
4. The post returns of Fort Buchanan, Tucson, and Fort Stanford,
Ariz. Ter., for the moutli of May, 1862, will be forwarded through these
headquarters to their i)roper destination.
5. The chief quartermaster, the medical director, and chief commis-
sary will give such orders as may be necessary to aid. in carrying the
foregoing paragraphs into due eft^ct.
By order of Colonel Carleton :
BEN. C. CUTLER,
First Lieut., First Infty., California Vols., Actg. Asst. Adjt. Oen.
Headquarters Department of the Paoipio,
San Frandsco, Gal., May 24, 1862.
George M. Hanson, Esq.,
Superintendent of Indinn Affairs,
Northern District of California, San Francisco, Cal.:
Sir: I have received your letter of the 23d instant with inclosures.
I will send up orders by Col. F. J. Lippitt, who is temporarily in this
city, for posting a company of troops between Crescent City and the
reservation. I have had several applications made to me for troops at
various points, and the reasons advanced are that the men have gone to
the mines and left the women and children to the mercy of the Indians.
A very poor argument. There is either no danger from Indians or the
men who will thus abandon their wives and little ones for the gold fields
deserve death.
With great respect, your obedient servant,
G. WRIGHT,
Brigadier-Oeneral, U. S. Army, Commanding.
Hdqrs. Fourth Infantry California Volunteers,
Los Angeles J)iMrict, Camp Latham, May 25, 1862.
[Brig. Gen. George WRIGHT:]
General: In your letter of instructions of the 28th April I am
directed to proceed to the Soutliern District of California with three
(companies of my regiment and staff, and take command of the mixed
corps located in the Los Angeles District. Believing that your letter
o»" instructions contemplated that the command of the southern dis-
trict yas intrusted to my charge, I yet hesitated to assume com-
mand until after consultation with Major Drum, who confirmed me
in my original impressions, and acted thereon until Orders, Nos. 9
and 1, the one signed by Colonel Carleton and the other by Colonel
Bowie (copies of whjch are herewith inclosed),* reached me two or
* S«e May 15, ante.
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CB*f. LXII.l CORRESPONDENCE UNION AND CONFEDERATE. 1097
tbree days since. If Colonel Garleton can assign an oflBcer to the com-
mand of this district, then of course my command is coextensive with
Cant]) Latham, but this latter Adew will not be actetl upon by me except
by further instmctions from headquarters Pacific Department. It is
probable that the action of Colonel Carleton was based niton published
register of May 1, 1.S62, by which it appears that Colonel Bowie ranks
me by one day, he taking rank from the 8tb November, 1861, and
Colonel Forman November 9. This was doubtless copied from Adju-
tant! ieiieral Kibbe's annunl report, which is full of mistakes. As an
evidence of the error in my case it is only necessary to refer to Special
Orders, No. 209, hesulquarters Department of the Pacific, dated at San
Francisco, November 8, 1861. This order recognizes me as a colonel
at thsit date, bnt also orders me to my regiment at Camp Sigel. In
connection with this subject, permit me to inclose a copy of a letter*
addressed by me to General Kibbe. To the reasons contained in that
letter I would add another — the number of Bowie's regiment and my
own and the rank of the commanders thereof, our predecessors. Cap-
tain J udab commanded the Fourth, my regiment, Lieutenant Kellogg
the Filth, Bowie's. I hope not to be deemed a stickler for rank, but
the same points would be insisted apon by me under similar circum-
stances did I hold but the position of a non-commissioned officer.
Wfth the hope that I may be pardoned for thus obtruding my views,
partaking perhaps more of a private than public character, I subscribe
myself, very reapectfnily, your obedient servant,
F. FORMAN,
Colonel Fourth Infantry Gali/omia Volunteers.
Hdqbs. Poueth Infantry California Volunteers,
Camp Latham, May ^.5, 1863.
[Brig. Gen. G. Wright:]
General: I have nothing to modify in regard to my views of the
loyalty of the people here and of their utter harmlessness. Since my
letter of May 8 most of the supplies therein applied for have reached
here. The expedition I had intended should move from this place on
Monday or Tuesday week, but from a communication f addressed to me
through the adjutant of my regiment from Lieutenant-Colonel Evans,
and which I inclose to the acting assistant adjutant-general, with an
indorsement favorable, the expedition may be delayed three or four
days to hear from headquarters Department of tiie Pacific. Should it
be determined to establish a post on Owen's Kiver for winter quarters,
tools and materials for erecting tents or temporary buildings for the
command should accompany the expedition, and would require asb'ght
modification of my plans. I had already intended to send out rakes,
s(;y thes, and mechanical tools in anticipation of a necessity for a winter
campaign. The views of Colonel Evans, if concurred [in], show the
necessity of a considerable expenditure of money in erecting buildings
to shelter the men and public property. Of the amount re<iui8ite I csin
form but an inadequate idea, though from the distance timber must be
hatiled, the expense must be large, as the Government must deitend
upon hiring teams. In connection herewith I would state that I have
caused the regimental quartermaster to enter into a contract with a
responsible individual who has agreed to haul .lOjOiiO pounds for 7^
* Omitted as unimportant. t Not found.
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1098 OPEBATIONS ON THK PACIFIC COAST. (Chap. LXn.
cents per poand with ox teams. Tbis man lives on Owen's River, or
did, and bas also agreed to do what hauling may be required in the
valley. From the contract already made with him, I judge favorable
contracts may be made with him for subsequent labor to be performed
by him.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
F. FORMAN,
Colonel Fourth Infantry California Volunteers.
P. S. — I am just advised by the surgeon of the regiment that he has
no supply of medicines on hand to supply the expedition, or surgical
instruments. These, together with an assistant surgeon, should be
supplied. The latter can be obtained here.
Headquarters Column prom California,
Fort Barrett, Pima Villages, Ariz. Ter., May 25, 1862.
Col. George W. Bowie,
Fifth Infantry California Volunteers,
Comdg. District of Southern California, Fort Fuma, Cal. :
Colonel : Please order Major Bigg, First Infantry (^alifornia Folnn-
teers, and Captain Greene's company. First Infantry California Vol-
unteers, and Captain Thayer's company, of the Fifth Infantry California
Volunteers, to march to thih post at the time when Francis' train, now
en route to Fort Yuma, returns to this post. Our people took posses-
sion of Tucson without a fight on the 20th instant. The secession troops
have all left the Territory, and a rumor is afloat that Sibley lias been
badly whipped. I inclose for your information General Orders, Ho. 2,
from these headquarters; also a letter for Major lligg, and an open
letter to Lieutenant Barrett, depot quartermaster and commissary at
Fort Yuma.
I have the honor to be, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient
servant,
JAMES H. CABLETON,
Colonel First Infantry California Volunteers, Commanding.
[May 25, 1862.— For Carleton to Wright, relating to occupation by
the Union forces of Tucson, Ariz. Ter., see p. 88.]
Headquarters Column from California,
Fort Barrett, Pima Villages, Ariz. Ter., May 25, 1862.
Lieut. Col. E. E. Eyer,
First Cavalry California Volunteers,
Fort Barrett, Pima Villages, Ariz. Ter. :
Colonel : I am directed by the colonel commanding the column to
say to you that fi-om some information which he has this day received
it is possible that on your arrival at Fort Stanford you may find the
grazing facilities in that neighborhood not good enough to warrant
the keeping of cavalry horses and quartermaster's mules in large num-
bers at that point, with a hope of having them recruit their flesh and
strength. Should this prove to be the case, after a careful and
extended examination of the country in that vicinity, you will move by
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C^AP.LXII.] CORRESPONDENCE ^UNION AND CONFEDERATE. 1099
easy marches up tbe valley of the Sau Pedro to the point where the
road from Mesilla to Tucson crosses that valley, and there encamp and
await further orders. You will retain with your conimaud the quarter-
master's train and the herd of beef-cattle which starts from this point
with you until liirther orders. Should you come across any fields of
wheat on your route be careful that these fields are not molested. The
Apache Indians must not be attacked by the troops under your com-
mand unless they manifest hostility by some overt act, such ns firinf;
upon your command or running off your stock. As soon as yon have
taken possession of Fort Stanford the colonel commanding directs that
you will make a detailed report on the present condition of Fort Stan-
ford and the resources of the country between this point and (in case
you go that far) the point on the San Pedro where yon are to encamp
and await further orders.
I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JAMES H. CARLETON,
Colonel First California Volunteers, Commanding.
CUSTOM-IIO.USE,
Port Townsend, Wash. Ter., May 26, 1863.
Brig. Gen. Gboboe Wright,
Commanding Department of the Facific:
General : I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of a com-
muni(;ation from you, dated 14th instant, authorizing Victor Smith,
collector of customs, now absent, to take charge of the post and pub-
lic buildings atFortTownsend to be used as a marine hospital. Being
satisfied tliat you granted this authority under the impression that
some benefit would accrue to the Government, I deem it my duty to
inform you how far the interests of the United States are subserved by
the occupation of said buildings for the purpose designated in your
letter. There are three classes of marine hospitals, viz : First, where
a building is erected for the purpose and the officers and servants
ai)pointed, and the whole expenses defrayed by the Government,
tlirough its agent, the collector of customs. Second, when the United
States erect a building and place the same in charge of the city author-
ities under a contract for the accommodation of sick and disabled sea-
men at a certain rate per week, per capita. The only hospital of this
class was at Charleston, S. <J. Third, when contracts are made with
medical or other incorporated Iwdies or individuals for the relief of the
si(;k and disabled seamen in hospitals under their charge at certain
rates per day or per week. The marine hospital here is of the third
class, and Dr. John Allyn has contracted with the United States in the
manner and form prescribed by law, " to provide said seamen with good
and suitable lodging, medicine, and medical attendance, at the rate of
$1.50 per diem for each and every patient." The military barracks
at Fort Townsend have thus been occupied by Allyn since last Sei)tem-
ber, and he has paid Victor Smith $218 for the rent thereof, to April 1,
which sum Smith has appropriated to his own use. I have reported
Victor Smith to the Secretary of the Treasury for embezzlement of the
sum of $4,354.98, and for official misconduct of the most disgraceful
character. Much of it in connection with the marine hospital.
With great respect, your obedient servant,
J. H. MERKYMAN,
First Lieutenant, U. 8. Revenue Service, and Acting Collector.
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1100 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. {Cei».I,XIL
Hdqbs. Batt. Foueth Begt. Califobnia Infty. Vols.,
Benicia Barracks, May 26, 1862.
Gapt. E. W. KiBKHAM, U. S. Army,
Assistant Quartermaster and Acting Assistant Adjutant- General:
Sib: I have the honor to report to the general commanding that
upon the departure of Col. P. Edward Connor this morning I assumed
the command of this post, as shown by the accompanying order:
Hdqrs. Battauon Fourth Bbgiment Caufornia Infantry Vols.,
Benicia Barrackt, Mag S6, 186t.
The commanding ofiBcer of this post, Col. P. Edward Connor, Tfainl Kegiment
California Infantry Volunteers, having departed this day, the undersigned oasnmes
the command. - All existing orders will remain in force until oonntermanded by
competent authority.
By order of Miy. Henry Hancock, Fourth Regiment California Infantry Volunteers :
JACOB AUSTIN,
Fint Lieutenant and Acting Adjutant.
HENEY HAIfCOCK,
Major Fourth Regiment California Infantry Volunteers.
Special Obdebs, ) Hdqbs. Colitmn pbom Califobnia,
No. 3. ) Fort Barrett^ Pima Villages, Ariz., May 26, 1862.
Company H, First Infantry California Volunteers, with 300 rounds
of ammunition per man and ten days' subsistence, will proceed witb
Winston's train, starting this afternoon to Tucson, Ariz., and there
become attached to the command already stationed at that po^t. Lieu-
tenant Hammond will superintend the weighing of the baggage of the
company, and see that nothing goes on the wagons not authorized by
existing orders.
By order of Colonel Carleton :
BEN. C. CUTLER,
First Lieut., First Infty. California Vols., Actg. Asst. Adjt. Oen.
Hdqbs. Advance Guabd, Colttmn pbom Califobnia,
Tucson, Ariz. Ter., May 26, 1862.
Lieut. B. C. CuTLEE,
Acting Assistant Adjutant- General, Column from California:
I have the honor to report as follows in regard to procuring supplies
at this post, and first as to the resources of the immediate vicinity:
The extreme lateness of the season occasions a scarcity of breadstufts.
No flour was to be found here, and all the wheat, in quantity 50,000
pounds, was held by one party. For currentconsumptiou the purchase
of this was imperative at the exorbitant i)rice of 6 cents per pound.
Flour from this purchase will cost the Government $9 per 100 pounds,
less the quantity of bran and shorts taken for forage. A small mill
within two miles of town is now in our possession. It is a water power,
but cannot be served more than twenty out of twenty -four hours, dur-
ing which time it turns out 1,200 pounds of flour. The quantity of
flour available from the above wheat amounts iu round numbers to
24,000 rations. In from two to three weeks the standing and now
nearly ripe harvest of wheat in the vicinity will be gathered. It is
estimated that 100,000 pounds will be offered for sale, and, should there
not be a pressing necessity for its purchase, the price will abate. The
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Chap. LXn.] COREE8PONDENCK — UNION AND CONFEDEBATE. 1101
introduction of a train load of wheat from the Pimas wonid have a good
eflect to that end. The ravages of the Apaches havQ cut oflF the supply
of cattle; but teu head fit for beef could be procured on the spot. A
contract has been made with J. M. Ellas for fresh beef at 10 cents per
pound for the commaud for thirty days, terminating June 25. No small
rations can be procured here. All sulIi must [be| introduced from the
(lovernment depots. The necessary supply of fresh vegetables for the
health of the command can be obtained. The immediate supply of
fonige barely furnishes the command; 20,000 pounds of barley have
been purchased at 3J cents per pound, with bran and shorts at 2^ cents.
CJood hay iroui mesquite grass is delivered to the assistant quarter-
master at $16 per ton. 1 am of opinion that 200,000 pounds barley
will be offered for sale here from the fields now ready to be cut, and
venture to hope that a lower price will bny it than is now demanded.
The general commanding will observe that the expenses of maintaining
this command here are for the present high. I have used every exertion
compatible with our necessities toward a proper economy, but I have
to regret being so situated as to be compelle<l to submit to such heavy
expenses. As to supplies from Sonora, the matter is still vague.
Communication has been almost entirely cut off. The news of our being
here and of our want will soon spread; with some of our troops protect-
ing the road to Santa Cruz and Magdalena, Bui)plies ot dour, corn, and
cattle may be looked for from that region. Some expelled Unionists,
men of business, will shortly return to this post, and through them
supplies will most probably be obtainable. There are two good black-
smith shops here and a carpenter shop, all worked by Government.
Kiiough charcoal for present uses, and more can be made, considerable
iron, a few horse and about 200 |)outids mule shoes. No nails are as
yet discovered, but may be as things develop daily. Some wagon tim-
ber is here, but inferior to that at Fort Stanford, where a supply exists.
I have the honor to be, your obedient servant,
J. B. WEST,
Lieutenant- Colonel First Infantry California Volunteers, Comdg.
Hdqbs. Advance Guard, California Volunteers,
Tucson, Ariz. Ter., May 36, 1862.
Lieut. B. C. Cutler,
Acting Assistant Adjutant-General, Column from California:
I have the honor to report that in compliance with General Orders,
No. 2, 1 shall to-morrow turn over the command of this town and pro-
ceed with forty of Captain Fritz's company of cavalry to occupy Fort
Ituchaoan. The general commanding can rely upon receiving a post
return for May of U. S. troops stationed at that point. Inquiry makes
me of opinion that the Calabazas Kanch will be a desirable locality for
the full cavalry command of the column. Its occupancy is genergusly
ottered by Governor Gaudara, who represents the grazing fine and
buildings sufficient to quart«r 400 men. It is on the main road to
Sonora, and scouting parties could readily be sent out from there to
)>rotect such supplies as will likely come forward from that State. I
shall take the Calabazas Ranch en route to Fort Buchanan and report
the results of my observations.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
J. R. WEST,
Lieutenant- Colonel First Infantry California Volunteers, Comdg.
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1102 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Chap. I.XI1.
Camp,
Aurora, Mono County, Cal., May 26, ll>0:i.
(3apt. K. W. KiSKHAM,
Assistant Quartermaster and Actg. Asst. Adjt. 6en.,
Hdqrs. Department of the Pacific, San Francisco, Cal. :
Oaptaix: As I deem it an imperative duty to address this comma-
nication to department headquarters, no further excuse for so doin<;
I presume will be necessary. Having left Fort Churchill on the 14th
instant, per verbal orders from the major commanding, to join the
expedition stationed at this place, I have the honor to report my arrival
on the 17th instant. Finding this community still in a considerable
state of excitement and anxiety in relatioii to- Indian difficulties exist-
ing in this neighborhood and upon Owen's River I have exerted myself
to establish tranquillity. To this end I took thirteen men and made a
scout into the Indian country of some ninety miles in circuit. I had
secured the services of an Iiidiau as interpreter, and first visited Mono
Lake, some twenty-eight miles distant from this place. There I suc-
ceeded in getting fourteen Indian warriors to visit my camp and
have a "talk." The head chief (Man-na-wa-he) was present, as well as
some of the Indians lately engaged in the disturbances on Owen's
liiver. They pretended to have no connection with the Owen's River
Indians, but nevertheless were anxious to convey to me the idea that
the Owen's Rivers from this time forward desired peace. They said
that since the Owen's Rivers had killed some white men they were now
satisfied. Of course this talk must be interpreted with judgment.
But my object was not so much to have a talk at this time as to see if
I could meet them, as no white man has been able to do so since the
late difficulties. Having accomplished this object, I assured them they
would not be molested during good behavior, and promise«l to meet
them again at the same place in twelve days, which will be on the 5th
of J une, hoping in the meantime to be able to hear from the general
coniniandiug, or at least from Governor Nye, or Mr. Wassen, Indian
agent of Nevada Territory. If I should fail to receive instructions or
to hear from either source I propose to take to them such provisions as
I may have to spare and distribute among them for the purpose of keep-
ing open this the only avenue to reach the Owen's River Indians in
case negotiations are contemplated. Although these Indians professed
to be friendly yet they exhibited a sulkiness and war tone not to be
mistaken. There were but thirteen men with me (fourteen in all), and
there were fourteen of them all armed with bows and arrows, with the
exception of three, who had splendid Kentucky rifles; notwithstand-
ing all this they can be managed with prudence and judgment. I shall
write to-day to Governor Nye and Indian Agent Wassen, stating the
fiuts as I find them. Leaving Mono Lake I proceeded to visit Adobe
Valley, which lies nearly due east from the lake about thirty-two miles.
It contains some twelve or fifteen square miles of good agricultural
land^ with an abundant supply of water and timber. It is through
this valley that the Owen's River road passes to this place and viciniiy.
There are no Indians living in the vaUey, but in the hills adjacent there
are a few. It is in this valley also through which the boundary line
runs dividing the Pah-Utesfrom theOwen'sRivers. This valley is about
thirty miles from Aurora. If the general commanding will excuse my
presumption I will suggest here that a smaU force stationed in Adobe
Valley would be able to exert an influence over a greater extent of
country than from any other point between Fort Churchill and Owen's
Lake. It looks to be important just now that troops should be some-
where in this vicinity. If troops have been sent to Owen's River from
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Chap. LXII.] COEEESPONDENCE tTNION AND CONFEDERATE. 1103
below it will have a tendency to drive the Indians to this region, and a
small force could check them if disposed to violence. From Adobe
Valley I returned to this camp, which is one mile from Aurora. With
this 1 forward a rough sketch* which may be of some service in form-
ing an estimate of this country. I will say here that the character of
the country is very rough — mountains and valleys, sand and sage
brush, occasionally a pat(;h of grass and stream of water. There is
more timber, however, in this section than there is either north or south
for 100 miles. In traveling from here in almost every direction wc are
obliged to pass through snow, which yet covers the mountain tops all
around. This command of fifty men of Company A, Second Cavalry
California Volunteers, has now been absent from Fort Churchill since
the 28th of March. The expenses of the command have from necessity
been heavy, principally for forage. The inclemency of the season has
rendered grazing impossible. The parties from whom forage, &c., has
been purchased are getting somewhat -^anxious for their pay, and I
\rould most respectfully inquire whether a requisition for funds to meet
these outstanding debts shall be made from here direct or from Fort
Churchill f Some early action should be taken, and 1 hope the general
commanding will not consider it out of place for me to speak of it here
and at this time, altliough I suppose I should more properly atklress
the chief of the quartermaster's department in relation to the matter.
I should have stated in the forepart of my letter that the number of
Indians in the vicinity of Mono Lake at the present time is about
eighty — men, women, and children. This being in California, it is very
uncertain whether Governor Nye will take any further steps in relation
to these Indians. I therefore hope that my acts will be approved by
the general commanding, and that further orders or instructions may
be received at an early day. If consistent with the views of the
department it would be considered a great favor if in the future Com-
pany A could all be together.
EDWIN A. KOWE,
Captain Company A, Second Cavalry California Volunteers,
Commanding Aurora Expedition.
HEADQTTABTEBS OOJiUMN FROM CALIFORNIA,
Fort Barrett, Pima Villages, Ariz. Ter., May 37, 1862
Col. George W. Bowie,
Commanding District of Southern California, Fort Yuma, Cal. :
Colonel: I find that when I start for the Rio Grande it will not, in
my opinion, be necessary for the time being to have over two companies
stationed at this post and three in other parts of this Territory; so if
Cai)tain Thayer's company, of your regiment, has not already left Fort
Yuma to join me please retain it at that post. If it has left, and is not
over three marches up the Gila, I beg you will recall it. Let me im|)ress
upon your mind the great importance of having the clothing asked for
sent forward with the greatest possible dispatch. The suttering for the
want of shoes on the hot deserts will be terrible. Pray urge the gen-
eral, as well as the depot quartermasters at Camp Drum and Fort
Yuma, to admit of no delay in this matter. The weather is getting
very hot in this part of the country. The Indians have already com-
menced to harvest their wheat.
I am, colonel, very respectfully,
JAMES H. CARLETON,
Colonel First Infantry California Volunteers.
' Not found.
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1104 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Chap. LXTL
General, Orders, ) Hdqrs. Column from California,
> Fort Barrett, Pima Villages, Ariz. Ter.,
No. 3. ) May 27, 1862.
I. The chief commissary will give bis personal attention to the repair
of barrels, boxes, bags, &c., containing subsistence stores, that no waste
or damage take place, and that supplies shall be kept m a state of readi-
ness for immediate transportation. This rule is to be in force at all
parts of the column wherever that officer may be.
II. In order to insure that all the savings of the rations issned to the
sick in hospitals are devoted to the purpose of procuring such nourish-
ing diet for the patients as may be gotten by exchange or purchase, it
is hereby made the especial duty of every surgeon and assistant sur-
geon in this column to give a close attention to this matter, that not an
ounce of provisions which properly belong to the sick or to the men
in hospitals be wasted, or be deflected from its legitimate use. It is
expressly forbidden for officers of the medical department to mess in
their hospitals, or to have their meals served from there. Commanding
officers will see that this order is duly enforced to the minutest detail.
III. The troops of this column being in a desert country far from the
base of operations and source of supply, it is hereby made the impera
tive duty of every officer and soldier, and employ^ of the Government
serving with the column, to practice the most rigid economy in the use
of every article of ammunition, food, forage, clothing, medical supplies,
and quartermaster's "property. Commanders of regiments and com-
panies will personally see that not a round of ammunition is wasted,
that no more rations are used than are absolutely necessary, and that
they are properly cooked; that the clothing of the men be kept in
repair, &c., and for the i)reservation and repair of pubhc property they
are the agents and guardians to look after interests of the Government
in this respect as closely as if these interests were their own.
IV. The subsistence department will pay cash at the end of each
month for every article of subsistence stores saved in companies during
that month.
• ••••••
YI. This order will be copied into all the regimental and company
order books, and be read at dress parade for three successive evenings
after its receipt.
By order of Colonel Carleton :
BEN. C. CUTLER,
First Lieut., First Infty, California Vols., Actg. Asst. Adjt. Gen.
Hdqrs. Third Infantry California Volunteers,
Gamp Halleck, Stockton, Cal., May 27, 1862.
Capt. E. W. KiRKHAM,
Assistant Quartermaster and Actg. Asst. Adjt. Getu, Han Francisco :
Captain : I have the honor to report the safe arrival of my command
at this camp at 6 p. m. yesterday in good health.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
P. EDW. CONNOR,
Colonel Third Infantry California Volunteers.
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cmap.lxn.l correspondence union and confederate. 1106
Hbadquaetbes Department op the Pacipic,
San Francisco, Cal, May 27, 1862.
Capt. William W. Stuaet,
Second Infantry California Vols., Comdg. Fort Ter- Waic, Gal. :
Sir : The general commanding the department desires you to break
up the post at Fort Ter-Waw and proceed with your company to
Smith's River, north of Crescent City, and select a site for a i)Ost near
where the Indians have been recently located. The post must be
located within the limits of the Indian reservation, bat not too near
the Indian camps. The general desires you to consult with Mr. Ilanson,
superintendent of Indian affairs, with reference to this matter. Fort
Ter-Waw will continue as the depou for supplies, and you will leave
there such stores and property too inconvenient to take with you.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
RICUD. 0. DRUM,
Assistant Adjutant- Oeneral.
Headquaetebs Department of the Pacipic,
San Francisco, Cal., May 27, 1862.
Col. Francis J. Lippitt,
Second Infantry California Volunteers,
Commanding District of Humboldt, Fort Humboldt, Cal. :
Sir: The department commander has directed Captain Stuart's
company to proceed to and establish a post on Smith's River, north of
Crescent City, and near to where the Indians have recently been located,
A copy of the instructions to the captain are herewith inclosed.* The
general desires that all the men belonging to this company now on
detached service should be sent without delay either to Fort Ter-Waw
or the point designated for the site of the new ]M>st; thence to their
company.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
RICHD. C. DRUM,
Assistant Adjutant- Oeneral.
Headquarters Department op the Pacific,
San Francisco, Cal., May 27, 1862.
Col. Justus Steinberger,
First Infantry Washington Territory Volunteers,
Comdg. District of Oregon, Fort Vancouver, Wash. Ter. :
Sir: The general commanding the department directs me to say that
Colonel Cornelius with the companies of his regiment not already dis-
posed of can, under the circumstances, be sent to Fort Walla \Valhi.
This commantl will proceed to The Dalles by water, and thence by land
to Walla Walla.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
RICHD. C. DRUM,
Assistant Adjutant- General.
' S«e next, ante.
70 R R— VOL L, PX I
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1106 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. (Chaf. LXn.
Headquaetees Department op the Pacipic,
San Francisco, Gal., May 28, 1862.
Col. James H. Carleton,
First Infantry California Vols,, Gomdg. Column from Caiifomia:
Sir: In reply to your letter of tbe 13th instant, the general com-
manding the department directs me to inform yon that there is no evi-
dence at these headtiuarters of any authority having been granted,
either by treaty or otherwise, on the part of the Mexican Republic for
the passage of troops through her territory. Should the contingency
alluded to in a former letter arise, the instructions therein given will
be your guide. The general directs me to say that your letters to Lieu-
tenant-(3olonel West have been carefully perused and receive bis
approval.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
RICHD. 0. DRUM,
Assistant Adjutant- Oeneral.
Executive Department,
Carson City, Nev. Ter., May 28, 1862.
Brigadier-General Wright,
Commanding Department of the Pacific, San Francisco, Cal. :
Sir: Ou the 12th instant Agent Wassen received a communication
from Lieut. H. Noble, commanding detachment at Aurora, under date
of the 7th instant, informing him of the condition of Indian afifairs in
that locality, the purport of which i»3 as follows, tof wit: On the 5th
instant a white man was shot and severely wounded in two places by
a renegade Indian from California, by the name of Spanish Ceorge.
The citizens, iittribnting the outrage to the Pah-Utes, proceeded to
arrest and confine every one of that tribe they could find, and would
have hanged them immediately had it not been for the prompt action
of Lieutenant Noble, who investigated the matter, and after ascertain-
ing the above facts released the Pah-Utes, thereby securing their friend-
ship and giving them assurance of the disposition of the Government
to protect them in their rights. The citizens of Aurora becoming
greatly excited over this affair, and fearing other assaults of a similar
nature would be made, it became apparent that something must be
done to preserve peace in that section. I accordingly requested Capt.
E. A. Rowe, on tbe 13th instant, to take charge of Indian affairs in that
end of this Territory while his command remained there; circumstances
requiring the presence of the attaches of the department in other places,
and having unlimited confidence in Captain Rowe's will and ability to
manage the business properly, I left him to be governed by the circum-
stances that might surround him. I am informed by Capt^u Eiowe, in
a communication of the 25tb instant, that he has just returned to
Aurora from an expedition south of that place, and that he has opened a
communication with the hostile Indians of Owen's River, who expressed
a desire to have their existing difficulties with the whites amicably
adjusted. I would, therefore, respectfully suggest the propriety of
your giving Captain Rowe discretionary power sufficient to enable him
to accomplish this much-desired object. It is true that the Indian
difficulties above alluded to occurred out of my jurisdiction, yet if a
force is sent into Owen's River Valley and succeeds in defeating the
Indians there it will have the effect to drive them into this Territory to
renew their depredations and involve the Pah-Utes in their difficulties,
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CHAP.LXH.] CORRESPONDENCE UNION AND CONFEDERATE. 1107
unless a sufficient force is kept along the line separating the territory
claimed by the Pah-Utes from that claimed by the Owen's River Indians.
This boundary passes along the south side of Adobe Valley. I am
informed by Agent Wassen (who has a thorough knowledge of the toi)og-
raphy and resources of that section of country) that Adobe Valley pos-
sesses peculiar advantages over any other place in that vicinity for the
establishment of a post to protect the southern portion of this Territory.
It is on the line between the two tribes and commands the principal
jtasses from Owen's River into this Territory. It is supplied with wood,
water, and grass. I think there should be at least one company
stationed there, or in that vicinity, until the difficulties on Owen's River
are settled. I have just returned from Pyramid Lake on a visit to old
"Winnemucca and his tribe, to inquire into and settle a difficulty between
the Pah-Utes of the Truckee River and those of the Walker River, grow-
ing out of the killing of the third chief of the Pah-Utes, Wah-IIee, by the
Walker River Indians some two or three weeks since. Wah-IIee being
a brother of old Winnemucca, the head chief of the Pah-Utes, I had
no little trouble in reconciling him. I trust now the matter is perma-
nently settled. I was accompanied on this expedition by Captain Price
and his command. It attbrds me pleasure to assure you of their uni-
formly courteous and soldierlike conduct on all occasions while with
me, and I am confident he and his entire company will do credit to
the service in any emergency. The Indians in my snperintendency
were never more peaceable and prosperous than they are at this tune,
and soliciting your co operation to preserve this state of affairs,
I remain, with great respect, your obedient servant,
JAMES W. NYE,
Governor, tfcc.
Cabson City, Nev. Tee., May 28, 1862.
Capt. R. W. KiRKHAM,
Aitst. Quartermaster and Aetg.Asst.Adjt. Oen., San Francisco, Cat.:
Captain: I have the honor to respectfully report that I received
your commnnication of May 23, 1862, inclosing Special Orders, No. 80.
I have also to report that I arrived here this day with my command
from Truckee River, nineteen miles southeast of Pyramid Lake. (Gov-
ernor Nye, Indian Agent Lockhart, and U. S. Marshal Wassen were
with my command. We met 200 Pah-Ute warriors, who were accom-
panied by their principal chief, Winnemucca, on the bank of the
Truckee at the point above referred to, and held an interesting talk
with theui on the 24th instant, which I am gratified to say resulted in
entire satisfaction to both parties. The agent gave the Indians a num-
ber of presents and about 400 pounds of provisions. The Indians
expressed their earnest desire for peace with the whites, and only
asked that their lands on the Truckee be preserved to them by the
(Jovernnient. Several chiefs of the Bannock tribes were also j)resent
and expressed a «lesire to be at peace with the white men. They have
gone north to call their people together to meet me one day's march
beyond the Truckee. The Bannocks have been represented to me as
the most dangerous tribe in the Territory. I am fully satisfied that
with reason, kindness, and firmness all difficulties with Indians in
this Territory will be avoided. An agent of the Indian Department
(Mr. Burch) will accompany me to distribute presents. Governor Nye
will, if possible, go with me. I move with my command to-morrow
morning en route for the Honey Lake district. After holding an inter-
view with the Bannocks, or other Indians who may meet me beyond
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1108 OPERATIOMS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Cb*p. LXn.
the Truckee, will move to Sasanville if I deem it necessary. I will
return to this point within twenty-five days. Communications intended
for me should be directed to Carson City, " to remain until called for"
indorsed on the face of the envelope. My transportation is wholly
inadequate for my necessities. The two six-mnle teams furnished ine
at Fort Churchill are very inferior articles. I must have an additional
team in order to move my command promptly. Inclosed please find
journal of march from this point to Truckee River; front thence, from
information received, the direction to Pyramid Lake.
I remain, with much respect, your obedient servant,
GEO. F. PRICE,
Captain, Comdg. Company M, Second CaXifomia Volunteer CaveUry.
Hbajxjuaktees Humboldt Military District,
Fort Humboldt, May 29, 18f>2.
First Lieut. Charles G. Hubbard,
Second Infantry California Volunteers,
Comdg. Detach, at Reed's Ranch, Hwnboldt Military Dist. :
Lieutenant : Upon arriving with the detachment under your com-
mand at Mattole Valley you will encamp where in your opinion you
can most effectually afford protection to the settlers against the inroads
of hostile Indians, this being the principal object to be kept in view iu
your operations. At the same time you will by careful reconnaissance
endeavor to ascertain if any considerable bodies of Indians are in that
vicinity, and report promptly to these headquarters what informafioii
you may acquire upon this subject. Should it appear to be neces^^ary
for an escort to the train upon its return Lieutenant Flyun will at your
request furnish the same.
By order of Lieut. Col. James N. Olney:
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JOHN HANNA, Jr.,
First Lieut, and Adjt. Second Infty. California Vols.,
Actg. Asst. Adjt. Gen., Humboldt Military District.
War Department, C. S. A.,
Richmond, Va., May 29, 1862.
Col. John B. Baylor^
Oovemor of Arizona, Present:
Sir: You are authorized to raise five battalions of partisan ranjE^ers
of six companies each, either mounted or on foot, as may be found m<»st
practicable, the said men to be regularly enlisted and mustered into
service for the war, and the several battalions and companies to be
organized as required for other corresponding corps. The men will
receive bounty with the pay of other volunteers, but must furnish, so (at
as i>08sible, their own arms and equipments and the mounted men thoir
own horses. These troops will be under your command as Governor of
Arizona, and will be organized under your direction. Field officers
will be appointed to each battalion upon your recommendation; com-
pany officers must be elected.
GEO. W. RANDOLPH,
Secretary of War.
P. S. — One battalion may be enlisted for twelve months, into which
no ]>er.son liable to conscription c;in be admitteil.
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Cmj. Lxn.] C0EBB8P0NDENCE ^UNION AND CONFEDERATE. 1 109
Hbadquaetbes Dbpaetment of the Paoipic,
8an Francisco, Cal, May 30, 1862.
Brig. Gen. LOBENZO Thomas,
Adjutant-Oeneral U. 8, Army, Washington, J). C:
CiENBRAL : Nothing of special interest has occurred in this depart-
ment since my reports of the 23d instant. My latest dates from Colonel
Caileton were on the 14th instant. He was then at Fort Ynma with
his lulvance gaard, a strong force nnder Lieutenant-Colonel West, at
the Pima Villages. Colonel Carleton wonld proceed with his main
force immediately, and it is presumed that by this time he has occn-
]iie<1 Tucson. A slight skirmish had taken place between a detachment
of the First Cavalry California Volunteers and a small band of rebels,
resultmg in the death of Lieut. James Barrett, First Cavalry California
Volunteers, and two privates, and the capture of two of the rebels and
the dispersion of the party. I do not think that Colonel Carleton will
encounter any large bmly of rebels in Arizona. His force, however, is
ample to meet any emergency — his own regiment (First Infantry), six
companies of cavalry, and the light artillery battery. Company A, Third
Artillery, commanded by Lieutenant Shinn; besides, he has a [mrtion
of the Fifth Infantry California Volunteers, with the balance of that
regiment as a reserve at Fort Yuma. His command has been sujjplied
with everything necessary for the campaign. It is not believed that,
the rebel forces under Sibley will prosecute the design they had of
entering the State of Sonora. If they do so, I have ordered Colonel
Carleton to pursue them even to the gates of Guayroas if necessary.
I have no late news from Sonora, and I have no positive information
as to the final action of Governor Pesqneira on the communication
addrcsseil to him by the rebel chief Sibley. If it should turn out that
I'esqueira has yielded in the least to Sibley's request, it appears to me
that we should take the initiative in the matter by seizing Guaymas
and the ])rincipal cities and towns, and holding the State under martial
law. In the District of Oregon everything is quiet. Colonel Corne-
lius, with a sqiia<lrou of Oregon cavalry, has moved to Port Walla
Walla. The three companies of the same regiment now in the Willam-
ette Valley will also proceed without delay to Walla Walla. The other
company of Oregon cavalry, with one of the field officers, I have
ordered to remain near Jacksonville for the present. The troops in
the District of H nmboldt, under command of Colonel Lippitt, Second
Infantry California Volunteers, are actively employed in collecting the
Indians, with the view of placing them on the reservations.
1 am, very resiiectfully, your obedient servant,
G. WRIGHT,
Brigadier- Oeneral, U. 8. Army, Commanding.
Headquarters Department op the rAciKio,
8an Francisco, May 30, isiii>.
Brig. Gen. L. Thomas,
Adjutant-Oeneral U. 8. Army, Washington, D. C:
General: Since I received instructions from your oflHce to prepare a
command for the protection of the Overland Mail Route, 1 have received
uo iustructions as to how far east it was intended that I should send
my tioops. Col. P. E. Connor, Third Infantry California Volunteers,
whom I appointed to command all the troops on the mail route, has
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1110 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. (Chap. LXIL
advanced with seven companies of his regiment and is now encaini>ed
near Stockton. Supplies are being collected and transportation pre-
paring for crossing tbe Sierra Nevada, as soon as tlie roads are practi-
cable for wagons, probably about the 20th of June. I have two
companies of cavalry at Fort Churchill, and one company temporarily
near Pyramid Lake, which, with the two companies of the same regi-
ment. Second Cavalry (California Vohinteers, now near this city, will
constitute the mounted force I designed for Colonel Connor's command.
Three companies of the Third Infantry California Volunteers are now
serving m the District of Humboldt. I propose, as soon as their serv-
ices can be spared, to order them to join Colonel Connor. At present
there seems to be no danger apprehended on the mail ronte between
here and Salt Lake. Unless otherwise instructed, I shall advance
Colonel Connor to the neighborhood of Salt Lake, establishing one,
possibly two, intermediate stations between Fort Churchill and Utah.
Colonel Connor has with him two field pieces and three moontaiu
howitzers, with equipments and ammunition.
With great respect, your most obedient servant,
G. WRIGHT,
Brigadier-General, U. 8. Army, Commanding.
Headquarters Department of the Pacific,
San Francisco, Cal., May 30, 1862.
Assistant Adjutant-General, D. S. Army,
San Francisco, Cal.:
Sir: I have the honor respectfully to report that, in compliance with
instructions received from the general commanding the department, I
proceeded to the District of Southern California, on the steamer leaving
this port on the Cth of April. On my arrival at Camp Drum, which is
situated half a mile back from the landing, on tbe main road leading to
Los Angeles, on a ridge suflQciently elevated to afford drainage during
the rainy season, and surrounded with abundant grazing. The troops
were supplied with good water from wells dug within the limits of the
camp. There being no timber in the immediate vicinity, fuel was sup-
plied by contract. During the afternoon of the 8th and morning of the
9th of April I insi)ected Captains Mead's, Shirland's, and Cremony's
companies of cavalry and Lieutenant Shinn's battery (A) of artillery.
The equipment of all these companies was complete and, with their
clothing, in very good condition. The comi)anies of cavalry were exer-
cised in platoon and squadron, and evinced care in their instruction
and a tactical knowledge on the part of their respective officers. The
battery was exercised for one hour at battery drill, and when you con-
sider the short time in which Lieutenant Shinn has had to operate, it
is not too much to say that its instruction is excellent and displays
intelligence and zeal on the part of its officers. The discipline at this
camp, as well as the general appearance of the troops, was good.
Their messing received the attention of company commanders and was
generally very well conducted. By direction of the district commander
the cooks of each company at this and other camps and posts were
instructed in making bread. The object of this was to lessen the
amount in bulk of subsistence to be transported. It has succeeded
admirably, and the men much prefer this to the hard bread usually
provided on a campaign.
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OBAP.LXn.! CORRESPONDENCE — UNION AND CONFEDERATE. 1111
At Kline's ranch I found Captain McLanghlin's company, Second
Cavalry. One third of this company are on detached service, as
expressmen, teamsters, &c., and the captain could give me no satisfac-
tory information of the condition of their horses, clothing, or equip-
ments. The portion of the company at this station I found admirably
instructed in all their duties (excepting their clothing, which is very
bad), and in good condition for active service. This officer is, I think,
one of the best instructed in the cavalry force from this State, and
prompt and active in the discharge of all his duties. I arrived at
Camp Wright early in the morning of the 14th of April and remained
there until late in the afternoon of the same day. During that time
Major Coult exercised the command, which consisted of six companies
of the Fifth California Volunteer Infantry, in battalion drill, both at
the quick and double-quick, equipped in complete marching order.
These companies have been carelessly instructed, for neither in their
marching nor in executing the evolutions in battalion did they display
that careful training so necessary to military movement. With the
exception of Major Coult none of the officers appeared familiar with
tactics, and from what I ascertained I am satisfied that no regular reci-
tations have ever been required of them. In Major Coult I found an
exception, for he is not only familiar with all his duties, but in tactical
knowledge has probably no superior In the volunteer service. I
inspected these companies at diflferent points on the route subsequently,
and found their equipments and clothing, except in the article of knap-
sacks, in very good order. The latter were generally rotten, and very
inferior to those used in service. I could not ascertain positively, but
think that many of those on hand were made in this city; the material
of which they are manufactured is not serviceable, and the officers
generally jirefer the old army pattern.
The messing arrangements in the several companies were very good;
everything indicated neatness and a proper care on the part of the
officers. Examined carefully company records and found company
commanders almost totally deUcient in their knowledge of keeping
their accounts. There was a very general desire to be instructed, and
a disposition to assume the entire responsibility of the losses resulting
from their negligence in not keeping properly their clothiTig accounts.
The hospital at this camp was in the charge of Surgeon Wooster, Fifth
Infantry California Volunteers, and was apparently properly con-
ducted. All the officers of the regiment appear to have great respect
for and confidence in this gentleman. Camp Wright is under the com
luand of Colonel Bowie, Fifth Infantry. Owing to the necessities of
the service the companies of his regiment have been much scattered
since their arrival in the district, which has prevented his giving
greater personal attention to their instruction. His recent orders,
however, if faithfully carried out, will go far to remedy many of the
defects now so apparent. I arrived at Fort Yuma on the 20th of April,
and reviewed and inspected the troops the next day. The garrison
consisted of seven companies of the First Regiment of Infantry Cali-
fornia Volunteers, under the command of Maj. E. A. Rigg, same regi-
ment. The battalion passed in review both at quick and double-quick,
equipped in heavy marching order, displaying a steadiness and regu-
larity of movement that would have done credit to regular troops.
The arms and equipments as well as the clothing of these companies
were in excellent condition.
The influence of the large number of old soldiers in this regiment is
made apparent in the neatness of their quarters and great care taken
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1112 OPEEATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. (Chat. tXlI.
of their clothing aud equipments, and more particularly in the messing
arrangements. Indeed everything about the quarters was highly cred-
itable. On the 22d and 23d the command exercis^ at company drill ;
the first day at Hardee's tactics and light infantry, and the second
at the bayonet exercise. I required all the company oflBcers to drill,
giving the necessary explanations previous to the execution of any
command. They were generally very well instructed in tactics. The
companies executed their movements in a manner displaying much care
in their instruction. Much of the credit for the great degree of esi-el-
lence in the military duties of this command is due to Lieutenant-
Colonel West and Major Kigg, both of whom have been untiring io
their efforts to make their regiment little short of regular troops. All
their orders to secure tliis end indicate a knowledge of men and a
familiarity with tbe details of the service. The company books were
neat, and the clothing accounts properly kept. The reports aud
returns required in Regulations have been regularly furnished. 1 n this,
as in all other commands in the district, I find that the men have been
permitted to overdraw their allowance of clothing, many of them even
exceeding eighteen months' allowance. This was owing to a want of
experience on the part of company commanders and the impression
that all accounts of this character were to be settled annually.
In the recent payment of the troops in this district the excess was
generally deducted on the pay-rolls, so that the error is partially cor-
rected and not likely to occur again. Agreeably to instructions, sero^
earth- works have been thrown up at different points around the barracks
for the protection of the position from assault. In executin g this i t was
necessary to instruct the men in making gabions and fascines, with which
duty they are now familiar. The tracing of the works is, to speak crit-
ically, defective, but when you recollect that the whole was executed by
oflBcers who had no previous experience and no military works to refer
to, it is altogether one of the most creditable undertakings and exe-
cuted in a manner worthy of commendation. The police of the garrinm
was very good, and everything indicated that the place was garrisouetl
by a well-disciplined regiment. Tlie howitzers sent to Fort Yuma by
the department commander were mounted on a commanding position
and a detachment well and regularly instructed by an ofiicer of the reg-
iment who had served in the Army. I had now inspected all the troops
connected with Colonel Carleton's expedition, and in every respect
found them, so far as equipment and clothing were concerned, provided
as the general commanding desired they should be for active service in
the field. The condition and quality of the supplies i)ertaining to staff
departments will be found in another part of this report.
lieturning I arrived at Camp Latham on the 10th of May. The camp
is under the command of Colonel Forman, Fourth Infantry, and its
garrison consists of three companies of the Second Cavahry under Lien-
tenantColonel Evans, and three companies and headquarters of tbe
Fourth Infantry. I ins])ected and reviewed the companies of cavalry
(I), C, and I) on the following day. The men rode very well and the
management of their horses was excellent. The clothing ofthe.se com-
panies was in a most wretched condition; much of tbe material was
evidently made of shoddy and was actually rotten when received, while
other parts had so faded that all trace of the original color wiis lost.
This was particularly so with the pantaloons and caps. The equip-
nionts generally were in pretty good order, as were also the arms. In
the latter, however, many small parts in quite a number of pieces were
I
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Chap. LXn.] COERESPONDENCE UNION AND CONFEDERATE. 1113
wanting, such as screws, &c., which have been lost, no doubt in conse-
quence of the men being permitted to take their arms to pieces. I
called the special attention of company commanders to General Orders,
No. 2, on that subject. The company books were neatly and carefully
kept, and the messing well conducted. These companies were exer-
cised at squadron and platoon drill, mounted and dismounted, and
acquittetl themselves very creditably. All the officers were familiar
with the tactics and appear zealous in the discharge of all their duties.
At least 90 or 100 of the horses pertaining to these companies are
unserviceable for active operations. Most, if not all these, were trans-
ferred from the First Cavalry and replaced by taking good, service-
able horses from the Second Cavalry. This was done by order of the
district commander; the consequence is that the command in its pres-
ent condition is not fitted for field service. For some time after this
exchange very serious results were apprehended, for the taking away
their horses came near demoralizing the whole command. It was only
the assurance that the department commander would give them an
equally good remount that satisfied them that they were not entirely
neglected. Tlie system of detachments carried on in this district has
done much to weaken the authority of company commanders and in-
terfere with the instruction of the men and officers. Nevertheless
Lieutenant-Colonel Evans has, under all these adverse circumstances,
kept his command in as good condition for service as could possibly
have been expected. He is certainly one of the best and most reliable
volunteer officers I met in the district. I reviewed and inspected the
infantry battalion in marching order on the 11th. Their marching was
very unsteady, and it is very evident that but little care has been taken
in the instruction of these companies. Their clothing, equipments,
and arms were in excellent condition. The company books were well
kept and the messing arrangements of the companies very good. The
hosi»ital, under the direction and charge of Surgeon Todd, Fourth
Infantry, was very neat and clean ; the sick were made very comfortable.
The doctor represents that many of the sick belong to companies on
or beyontl the Colorado, and are here without descriptive lists. I
gave the necessary directions in the matter, find suggested the pro-
priety of discharging those of them who were i>ermaiiently injured.
Staff Depabticbnts.
port yuma.
Second Lieutenant Barrett, First Infantry, discharges the duties of
quartermaster and commissary at the post and depot. He appears
zealous in the performance of the duties assigned him, and in the
transaction of the business pertaining to these departments proves
himself both competent and faithftil. The amount of quartermastei^s
funds on hand was $21.30. The amount actually paid out fi-om Novem-
ber 1, 1861, to April 1, 1862, was $253.86, of which $146 was for secret
service, by direction of Colonel Carleton, district commander. The
outstanding indebtedness of this department is $2,860, incurred princi-
pally as follows: For guides and expressmen, $%!; mechanics, $76;
interpreter, $326; teamsters and extra-duty men, $966; purchase of
implements and manta, $562. There was a sufficient amount of cloth-
ing on hand to meet the wants of the command ; it was in good condi-
tion. There was on hand 5,184 pairs of infantry bootees, 1,721 flannel
shirts, 800 cotton shirts, 4,262 pairs of drawers, 6,928 pairs of stockings,
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1114 0PEKATI0N8 ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Chip. um.
1,023 blankets, 1,832 trousers. This, in addition to the amount of
clothing then en route, of which the quartermaster had received
invoices. There was in store and en route (invoices received) 16I,<MM>
pounds of barley; a large quantity bad already been thrown forward
to points on the Gila. Most of the barley received at this depot by
steamer was in very bad condition, owing partly to the sacks being
defective, but principally caused by rough handling. The result has
been very gi-eat wastoge. There are but two citizens employed, one as
carpenter, the other as wagon maker. The services of one of these can,
I think, be dispensed with now that the trains have passed beyond
this point. All repairs could be made by one with the assistance of the
the extra-duty men. I would respectftUly recommend that instructions
be given to have the quartermaster's store-house floored. It is very
much needed and would add much to the security and preservation of
property as well as conduce to the comfort of those employed in it. The
best floor would be one made of cement. The clothing room is quite
dry and admirably adapted for storing clothing. I have been thus
minute in stating the amount of clothing actually on hand because of
the general's desire that Colonel Oarleton's command should have
everything necessary to insure its success and the comfort of the men.
The total amount of subsistence funds received since November 1,
1861, is $3,461.67. The expenditure for the same period has been
$3,378.02, leaving a balance on hand April 1, 1862, of $83.65. The
principal part of this expenditure has been for the purchase, under
contract, of fresh beef. The outstanding indebtedness is $3,204.49.
The amount of subsistence stores on hand and en route, 230 barrels of
pork, 2,100 barrels of flour, 11,000 pounds of hominy, 800 bushels of
beans, 15,000 pounds of rice, 37,000 pounds of coffee, 54,000 pounds of
sugar, and about 10,000 pounds desiccated vegetables, as also a propor-
ti<u)ate amount of less important parts of the rations. Stores sent by
steamer to this point are generally delivered in bad condition; many
]iackages are broken and all more or less injured, and large wastage is
reported. The packages in which sugar and rice are sent from here are
very bad and I would suggest that some other mode of pit«king for these
stores be resorted to. There is no difficulty in preserving pork, candles,
and soap if stored in the cellar of the building on the hill, which is now
used for that purpose; but great wastage is reported on molasses, vine-
gar, pickles, and whisky. This is owing to the shrinkage of the vessels
containing these stores, and, although several have been tried, no place
has yet been devised preventing this loss. It would be advisable to
send pickles in glass jars to this post, otherwise they cannot be pre-
served. In the absence of other vegetables the commissary has pur-
chased and issued pumpkins, which are relished by the troops. The
ordnance at this post was generally in a serviceable condition. What
was not required at the post will be sent to Benicia Arsenal.
CAMP WEIGHT.
The quartermaster's and subsistence departments at this camp were
under the immediate control of Lieutenant Bayley, Fifth Infantry.
This officer was totally ignorant of his duties, and I had to depend for
accurate information on the quarterniuster and commissary sergeants.
As the camp lias been entirely supplied from the depot at New San
Pedro, the only expenditure has been the pay of extra duty men. The
outstanding indebtedness for this purjHJse does not exceed $20. The
amount of qnarteriuaster's stores on hand include 1,500 sacks of barley,
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CBAP.LXn.] CORRESPONDENCE UNION AND CONFEDERATE. 1115
800 horsesboes, and 900 mulesboes. As all the trains belonging to
Carleton's expedition had passed this point previous to my inspection,
most of these articles will have to be sent elsewhere, for they will not
be required by the few expressmen who pass over the route. The
indebtedness of the commissary department is $118.50, principally
incurred in the purchase of fresh beef. There was on hand May 6
about 10,000 rations, except that there was of sugar, pork, and beans,
respectively, 25,000, 20,000, and 10,000 rations. Nearly all of this
amount would be over and above what could be required by the part of
Carleton's command yet to pass Gamp Wright. If the camp is to be
broken up, directions should be given to have these stores removed to
some ix)int where they will be required.
CAMP LATHAM.
First Lieut. D.J.Williamson, regimental quartermaster Fourth Infan-
try California Volunteers, the quartermaster and commissary for this
command, is intelligent and active in the discharge of his duties. He
had just been assigned to them. He reports great irregularity in the
discharge of these duties by his predecessors, and as evidence of the
fact states that much of the public property in use is not borne on any
of their returns. I advised him to take up all (xoverument property
found in camp, stating its condition. Many of the tents are much
worn and were being repaired. The only outstanding indebtedness at
this camp pertains to the subsistence department, and was principally
for the purchase of fresh beef.
BAN PEDRO DEPOT.
Lieut. F. A. Morgan, Fifth Infantry Oalifomia Volunteers, is in charge
of the de])ot at this place. He i.s represented as a man of strict integ-
rity and exceedingly zealous in discharging his duties. His accounts
are regularly and correctly made out, and, what is much in his favor,
gives his personal attention to the business intrusted to his care.
The outstanding indebtedness of the quartermaster's department is
$21,635.14, of which $4,125 is for purchase of mules by Captain Moore,
but taken up on Lieutenant Morgan's accounts, and the balance prin-
cipally for the purchase of barley and pay of teamsters. The amount
of money on hand was $61.77, received for sale of public property. I
found in store quite a number ot carpenter's and mason's tools, which
1 advised Lieutenant Morgan to liavc carefully packed and in readiness
to be used should they be required for Lieutenant-Colonel Evans' expe-
dition ; also 70 Sibley, 20 wall, and 25 common tents, more or less worn,
50 pack-saddles complete, and 1,900 pounds of nails. The new build-
ings used for store-houses are admirably adapted for this purpose,
although the ground on which they are located is very damp; yet I
think they are raised sufficiently high to prevent any injarious effects.
At present there are no teams at the disposal of the depot quarter-
master, consequently transportation for all stores lauded on the wharf
has to be hired to transport them to the warehouses, a distance of about
200 or 300 yards, which costs $1.50 per ton. This has cost the Govern-
ment during part of the month of May, 1862, $725.25, enough almost
to have purchased the mules for one team. A corral is much needed
nt this point for securing the animals belonging to trains coming in for
supplies; there is abundance of room on the lot ceded by Mr. Banning
both for this purpose and any sheds it may be necessary to erect. The
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1116 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. (CHAf. LXn.
ainount of subsisteuce funds ou haud was $214. The expenditnres in
this department are very li$;ht. There was in store 38,000 rations. I
would suggest that instructions be given for the troops within striking
distance of this depot to draw all their subsistence from it. This will
prevent the accumnlation af large supplies at diflPerent jwints where
temporary camps may be established. In conclusion, I would respect-
fully suggest that in sending stores and supplies to the different points
where water transportation is used, sail vessels should be used when-
ever circumstances will permit. At every point I beard complaints ot
the great injury done to property carried by steamers, while all the
ofiBcers stated that tliat sent by sail vessels was invariably delivered iu
good condition. This will apply particularly to Fort Yuma. I am con-
fident that much would be gained by the use of sailing vessels to this
point.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
RIOHD. O. DRUM,
Assintant Adjutant- OeneraU
Headquabteks Department of the Pacific,
San Francisco, Cal., May 31, 1862.
Col. Febris Fobman,
Fourth Infantry California Volunteers,
Commanding Gamp Latham, near Los Angeles, Gal. :
Sib : The question of relative rank between Colonel Bowie and your-
self having been determined by the State authorities, and the dates
fixed having been accepted by these headquarters, the general com-
manding the department cannot make the change requested in your
letter of the 25tli instant. The general will direct no arrangements for
the establishment of a winter post at or in the vicinity of Owen's Lake
until Lieut«naut-Colonel Evans has again been over that country. The
general is impressed with the belief, &om statements made by persons
resi<ling in that country, that by the next fall such numbers will have
settled there as will render the presence of troops unnecessary.
Very resi>ectfully, your obedient servant,
RICHD. C. DRUM,
Assistant Adjutant- Oeneral.
Headqttartebs Department op the Pacific,
San Francisco, Gal,, May 31, 18(13.
Capt. E. A. RowE,
iSecond Cavalry California Vols., Aurora, Mono County, Cal. :
Sib : Your very excellent report relative to Indian affairs in the Mono
country has been submitted to the general commanding the depart-
ment, who approves of the course pursued by you and your suggestions
relative to future operations. The necessary instructions will be given
for the balance of your men to be sent to you. You will then send to
Fort Churchill such of your present command belonging to Captain
McLean's company. Your acting assistant quartermaster will send in
requisitions for the amount of money required for your command.
Very respectfidly, your obedient servant,
RICHD. C. DRUM,
Assistant Adjutant- Oeneral.
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cmaf.lxn.] correspondence — union and confederate. 1117
Hbadquabtebs Humboldt Military District,
Fort Humboldt, May 31, 1H62.
Capt. Thomas E. Ketcham,
Company A, Third Infty. California Vols., Comdg. Fort Baker :
Captain: Your communication dated is received. Any
ai)ecial charges against eitlier officers or men for neglect of duty or
tiimpering with the Indians at this post will, when forwarded to the
lieutenant-colonel commanding, receive prompt attention. Measures
have been taken to prevent any intercourse between the Indian prison-
ers and soldiers or citizens at Fort Huml>oldt. The lieutenant-colonel
eommandiug desires that the order to send the Indian prisoners in your
]>o.ssession to this post be complied with as speedily as possible. You
will report to these headquarters at what time the pack train and
escort must be at Hydesviile to take charge of the prisoners. If you
deem it expedient you may retain a few of the Indians to be used for
the purpose of bringing in others.
By order of Lieut. Col. James N. Olney:
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JOHN UANNA, Jr.,
First Lieut, and Adjt. Second Infty. California Vols.,
Actg. Asst. Adjt. Oen., Humboldt Military District.
Headquarters Department op the Pacific,
San Francisco, Cal., May 31, lSt>2.
Col. Justus Steinberger,
First Infantry Washington Territory Volunteers,
Comdg. District of Oregon, Fort Vancouver, Wash. Ter. :
Sir: The general commanding the department approves your letter
of instructions to Colonel Cornelius, Oregon cavalry. Until furtlier
orders are received on the subject the general cannot grant authority
for further enlistments.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
RICHD. C. DRUM,
Assistant Adjutant-General.
Adjutant-General's Office,
Washington, June 2, 1862.
Brig. Gen. George Wright, U. S. Volunteers,
San Francisco, Gal.:
There are no recruits here to send you. The escort of Lieutenant
Mullau cannot be withdrawn now.
L. THOMAS,
Adjutant- General.
State of Sonora, in the Republic op Mexico,
Hermosillo, June 2, 1862.
James II. Carleton, Esq.,
Colonel of the First California Volunteers, Major of the
Sixth U. S. Cavalry, Commander-in-Chief at Fort Yuma:
The government of this State has had much satisfaction in receiving
your official communication under date of the 2d of May. The govern-
ment esteems highly the kind offers wMch you make on behalf of the
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1118 OPEEATION8 ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Chap. LXH.
inhabitants of this State to the effect that they may cross the Colorado
River and take advantage of the gold diggings recently discovered and
sell their produce and goods to the forces under your command. And
the government has no doubt but that its inhabitants will find it to
their further advantage to cultivate the best of relationship with your
citizens, who, for many reasons, must be considered as both friends and
brothers. On behalf of this government you ought to be fully satis-
fied, dear colonel, that all my movements will correspond with the
friendly demonstratious which you may manifest toward me; I follow-
ing always the express orders which I have received from the Govern-
ment of the Union and my own sentiments; because you will readily
comprehend, dear colonel, that besides the great political interest which
this Republic has in cultivating friendship and limited relations with
its neighbor of the United States, my jwlitical sympathies have been
and always will be with those nations which are so fortunate as to be
governed by purely democratic institutions.
The government of this State considers the assertions circulated by
Mr. Reily (and to which you refer in the latter part of your communi-
cation) as exaggerated, or perhaps badly interpreted, and it even
esteems, as it ought to, your delicacy or politeness in not exacting an
explanation of this matter. But this delicacy corresponded compels
me to make known to you that no arrangement nor agreement was
entered into between the forces or authorities of the States callecl Con-
federate and this government, althougb it is true we otlered theiii all
the rights of the neutrality circular which we have been compelled to
adopt in the question now agitating the United States. This does not
interfere in any way with arrangements or compromises which have no
existence, nor does it oiler any more than that which can be granted
without failing in the duties of hospitality. Be assured, dear colonel,
I give you my most expressive thanks for the sympathy which you
manifest for our people and our government, expressed in terms which
at once set forth both your gentility and your refined education. The
government repeats that these sympathies being reciprocal, I shall be
compelled to correspond as far as possible, and on every occasion that
may present itself. And now, dear colonel, is the time for me to offer
you my distinguished consideration and esteem. Liberty and refor-
mation.
I. PESQUEIEA.
Headquabtees Department op the Pacific,
San Francisco, OaL, June 2, 1862.
His Excellency James \V. Nye,
Governor of Nevada Territory, Carson City, Nev. Ter. :
SiE : I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of Your Excellency's
communication of the 28tli ultimo. A few days since orders were sent
to Captain Howe to concentrate his whole company and take a position
at or in the vicinity of Adobe Valley, in which region of country ho
will remain for the present. I am highly gratified to learn from Your
Excellency that the Indians within your superintendency are peaceable
and prosperous, and to assure Your Excellency that I shall always be
ready to afford active co-operation to maintain this state of affairs.
With great respect. Your Excellency's obedient servant,
G. WRIGHT,
Brigadier-Oeneral, U. 8. Army, Commanding.
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Ctur.LXn.] CORRESPONDENCE UNION AND CONFEDERATE. 1119
Headquarters Department of the Pacific,
San Francisco, June 4, 1862.
Brig. Gen. L. Thomas,
Adjutant- General U. S. Army, Washington, D. C:
General: Inclosed herewith is a communication addressed to me
by His Excellency J. W. Nye, Governor of Nevada Territory, under date
of May 28;* also a copy of my rei)ly to His Excellency, dated on the
2d instant, f respectfully submitted for information of the War
Department.
With great respect, your obedient servant,
G. WRIGHT,
Brigadier- General, V. 8, Army, Commanding.
Headquarters Department op the Pacific,
San Francisco, Cal., June 4, 1862.
Col. Francis J. Lippitt,
Second Infantry California Volunteers,
Commanding District of Humboldt, Fort Humboldt, Cal. :
Sir: The department commander has read with interest your letter
relative to operations in your district, and is pleased with the activity
and zeal displayed by yourself and the officers and men under your
c(>mmaud.| Your regimental quartermaster wilt receive instructions
th tough Lieutenant-Colonel Babbitt to purchase tiie mules (seventy-
live) required. The general desires you to send to Benicia the Third
Infantry companies, now in the Humboldt District, as fast as you can
relieve them with the companies of your own regiment. The companies
of your regiment still in the District of Oregon will ioin you so soon as
they can be relieved.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
RIOHD. C. DRUM,
Assistant Adjutant- General,
Headquarters Department of the Pacific,
San Francisco, Cal., June 4, 1862.
Col. Justus Steinbbrger,
First Regiment Washington Territory Volunteers,
Comdg. District of Oregon, Fort Vancouver, Wash. Ter. :
Sir : Inclosed you will receive letter of instructions to Captain Marsh,
Second Infantry, commanding escort to Lieutenant Mullan's expedition.
The department commander desires you to forward the inclosed as soon
as possible.
Vt-ry respectfully, your obedient servant,
richd. c. drum,
Assistant Adjutant- General,
[Inclosare.]
Headquarters Department of the Pacepio,
San Francisco, Cal., June 4, 1862.
Capt. Salem S. Marsh,
Second Infantry, tf. 8. Army, Commanding Fscort at
Fort Walla Walla, and Fort Benton Wagon Road
Expedition, via Fort Vancouver, Wash. Ter. :
Sir: The orders withdrawing the escort to Lieutenant Mullan's party
having been revoked, the general commanding the department desires
* See p. 1106. t See next, antt. \ See p. 55.
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1120 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. (Chap. txri.
you to continne on this duty with the men under your couunand. You
will continue to make your returns and reports to these head()uarters,
even though you pass beyond the limits of this military department.
You will notify Lieutenant Mullan of the general's orders on this
subject.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
EIOHD. C. DlfUM,
Assistant Adjutant- General.
Okders, > Headquarters,
No. 105. i Fort Walla Walla, June 5, 1S62.
In compliance with Special Orders, No. 14, headquarters District of
Oregon, the undersigned hereby assumes command of this post.
T. K. CORNELIUS,
Colonel First Cavalry Oregon Volunteers, Commanding Post.
Arcata, June 6, 1862.
Lieutenant-Colonel Olney,
Commanding Humboldt Military District, Fort Humboldt:
Dear Sir: I inform you herewith that the report came in this
evening that the Indians have attacked, some two hours ago, Mr. Still-
man Daley's house, on Mad Kiver, five miles from town, and have mur-
dered Mrs. Daley and their children, with exception of one child, which
was hid in the brush. A party of citizens have started out to the place
to find the dead bodies.
Very respectfully, yours, &c.,
H. MANNHEIM.
P. S. — Just now I am informed that the Indians have munlered Mr.
Daley's hired man and the two soldiers who were stationed there belong-
ing to Captain Johns' command, Fort Gaston.
H. M.
Headquarters Department op the Pacific,
San Francisco, Cal., June 6, 1862.
Brig. Gen. Lorenzo Thomas,
Adjutant- General U, 8. Army, Washington, D. 0. :
General: Herewith I have the honor to transmit a commnnicatioa
from Brigadier-General Carleton, commanding Column from California;
also one from Lieutenant- Colonel West, commanding the advance at
the Pima Villages, dated on the 17th and 13th of May.* These letters
contain the latest advices I have received from General Carleton's com-
mand. With reference to the Indian goods mentioned in these letters,
I beg leave to submit the following explanation : I ordered the quarter-
master's department to purchase certain articles suitable for trading
with the Indians, such as manta, prints, &c., and turn them over to the
quartermaster of General Carleton's command. This was done on the
score of economy, as the purchases of supplies from the Indians in Ari-
zona and New Mexico can be made on much more favorable terms by
paying in goods than by paying in cash. Under these circumstances I
trust that the department will approve of my action. I have no later
•SeeppTlOTT, I07oi ""
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CHAP. LXII.] COBBESPONDENCE — UNION AND CONFEDERATE. 1121
news from District of Oregon than contained in my report of the 30th
ultimo. I have broken up the recruiting rendezvons of the Third Artil-
lery and Ninth Infantry in this city. Want of success in obtaining
recruits is attributable in a great measure to the excitement consequent
on the discovery of rich mines in various quarters. I have ordered
Captain Stewart, Third Artillery, to report at these headquarters for
special duty. I wish him to mai^e a critical inspection of the troops,
and particularly of the staff departments at several remote stations.
With great respect, your most obedient servant,
G. WRIGHT,
Brigadier- General, U. 8. Army, Commanding.
Headquarters Department op the Pacific,
San Francisco, Gal., June 6, 1863.
Capt. Julian McAllister,
Ordnance Corps, Commanding Benicia Arsenal, Benicia, Cal. :
Sib: In reply to your letter of yesterday I am directed by the gen-
eral commanding the department to inform you that when the three
companies of Connor's regiment now in the Humboldt District join
their regiment there will probably be about 800 infantry op the line
and at Salt Lake.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
RICHD. 0. DRUM,
Assistant Adjutant-General.
Oaitp Latham, Southern District of California,
June 6, 1862.
Mjy. B. C. Drum, U. S. Army,
Assistant Adjutant-General, San Francisco, Cal.:
Major : I am really afraid that I shall be ranked in that most unen-
viable position in the Army, as a grumbler, but taking the chances and
hoping for the best £ must speak. The steamer Senator arrived here
yesterday, and on her came 120 horses, not good serviceable horses as
the order, a copy of which you forwarded me, required, but a mixed lot
of American and Spanish animals, the most of them too poor to do
service until they are fed and groomed for at least a month, instead of
horses coming from Captain DeMerritt that had been grain fed and fit
for service. The order requiring the animals to be sent by this steamer
has been complied with in letter, but not in spirit. Captain DeMerritt
has not turned over a single horse, except some that had been con-
demned; and all the horses that came down are the refuse horses that
the quartermaster had on hand and running out on a ranch near San
FraTicisco. It does seem to me that it is a poor rule that won't work
both ways. If it was right for Colonel Carleton because the "exigencies
of the service required it" to take my best horses when my men had
worked on them for eight months to get them gentled, drilled, and in
condition for service, and turn over to my officer in place of the ani-
mals taken, the refuse and condemned horses of the First Cavalry,
certainly I have a right to ask that the companies of my command, now
that they are under orders for actual service, may be equipped and
mounted properly, even to the taking of the horses from the pet Com-
pany P if necessary, who have no use for anything more than ponies to
71 R B— VOL L, PT I
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1122 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. (CBAP.LXn.
ride around the city with. Not more than one- half of the horses that
came down are fit for service at any time, and two-thirds of them are
not fit for service at the present time, and will not be until they have
at least one month's feed and attention. I write this letter because
I know from the reading of the order and from seeing the horses that
came down that the general has been trifled with, and as I said before,
the letter of the order has been obeyed, and the spirit and intention of
it intentionally avoided. I am informed by Captain Goodman that
there was no water on the vessel for the horses, and that they were not
watered from the time that they left San Francisco until their arrival
here, except at San Luis Obispo, where they were allowed one bucket
each; and that although the invoice of the horses contains an item of
6,000 pounds of hay and no grain to feed them, that, in fact, there was
but eight or nine bales of hay, and that the horses suffered for food as
well as water; all of which, of course, places them in a condition for
everything else rather than immediate service. Captain Goodman also
informs me that he receipted for the hay and for 121 horses upon the
representation made to him that they were placed on board of the
steamer before he came down, and that npon landing the animals there
was found to be only 120. I have received no order from Colonel For-
man about the expedition, and don't know when I am to start or what
arrangements have been made. I am almost as much in the dark as
you are at San Francisco. Had I been allowed the privilege of fitting
out my own expedition I should have been at Owen's Lake before this,
and at an expense to the Government of less than one-half what it will
cost under the present arrangements, so far as I can learn. I have
made application to Colonel Forman for information as to how I am to
do, what number of men I am to take, and for positive orders as to
whether I am to build temporary quarters and prepare for the winter, or
not, &c., and have asked for two howitzers and for money to pay the
expenses of the trip, to all of which I have received no answer and am
still in the dark. Since yon were here twelve more men have been
taken from the Second Cavalry here to serve as vedettes, and I expect
every moment that six more will bo called for. As you are aware, twenty
men of the Second Cavalry are being used as teamsters; that, too, when
there are plenty of infantry all through the district to perform such
duty, and in direct conflict, it seems to me, of paragraph 910 of U. S.
Army Regulations. Again, I have but two captains and two lieuten-
ants for the three companies here, Lieutenants Bnfl'um, Pierce, Morris,
and Oliver having resigned and Captain McLaughlin being at Fort
Yuma awaiting orders from headquarters; so yon can easily see that I
will start off pretty much with my fingers in my mouth, without any
officers and with but few men ; and, more than all, with no positive
orders from any one of what I am to do, more than that I am to go
to Owen's River. I don't even know who I am to report to ; whether this
Owen's Kiver country is in this district or not, and if in this district
whether it is commanded by Colonel Bowie or by Colonel Pormau. If
by Colonel Bowie, how am I to report to him and ask for any infornia-
matiou or instructions that I may require when he is at Fort Yuma and
I at Owen's Lake! I am more than anxious that the expedition should
not be a failure, not only for my own reputation, but for the reputation
of the general commanding as well as the good name of the Govern-
ment, and I must confess that I can't see how it can be anything else than
a failure, unless I am furnished some means, the howitzers, and have
some say so about its management.
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CHAP.LXII.J CORKE8PONDENCE UNION AND CONFEDERATE. 1123
By giving these matters your attention at your earliest convenience,
you will confer a special favor on very respectfully, your obedient
servant,
GEO. S. EVANS,
Lieut. Col. Second Cavalry California Volg., Comdg. Battalion.
P. S. — Two of the horses that came down are so badly injured that
1 will have to have them shot.
Special Obdebs, ) Hdqbs. Humboldt Militaby Distbict,
No. 67. J Fort Hvmboldt, June 0, 1862— Midnight.
1. Second Lieutenant Davis, Second Cavalry Oaliforuia Volunteers,
will proceed immediately to Daley's Ferry with a detachment of four-
teen men of Company E, Second Cavalry California Volunteers, on a
scout in search of the Indians that have committed the depredations at
that place.
2. The commander at Fort Lyon will immediately furnish any assist-
ance which may be required by Lieutenant Davis to facilitate him in
his operations.
• ••••••
By order of Lieut. Ool. J. N. Olney:
JOHN HANNA, Jb.,
First Lieut, and Adjt. Second Infty. California Vols.,
Actg. Asst. Adjt. Oen., Humboldt Military District.
Headquarters District of Oregon,
Fort Vancouver, Wash. Ter., June 6, 1862.
Assistant Adjutant-General,
Headquarters Department of the Pacific, San Francisco, Cal. :
Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of communications
from department headquarters under dates of the 12th, 16th, 20th, 19th,
and 27th ultimo. As previously advised, Colonel Cornelius and staff
with two companies of his regiment have left for Fort Walla Walla.
They were heard from a few days since as far as Umatilla River and
progressing in good condition. They have no doubt been at Fort Walla
Walla some days. Four companies of this regiment are now at Camp
Clackamas, below Oregon City, completing their company organization
in compliance with orders from these headquarters, and awaiting
their arms and clothing preparatory to moving to Fort Walla Walla.
The order for Lieutenant-Colonel Maury to leave one company of his
battalion at Jacksonville did not reach him until he was so far advanced
on his march toward his present camp as to find it impracticable to send
the company back. Presuming that yon aire already informed as to the
non-compliance of Lieutenant-Colonel Maury with the order referred to,
and in the absence in this ofiBce of instructions, I await further orders.
If the demand for troops at Jacksonville could be supplied from any
other source, and in view of the very probable demand for all of these
companies east of the Cascades, I recommend that the four companies
be permitted to move to Fort Walla Walla. Under date of the 17th
ultimo I requested the approval of the commanding general to the
assignment of Lieutenant Hughes, Ninth Infantry, as acting assistant
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1124 , OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Chap. LXII.
adjutant-general at these headquarters. I have respectfully to renew
the request and report increasing necessity for his services in that
capacity.
In obedience to your instructions dated 27th ultimo, J. G. Ainsworth,
president of the Oregon Steam Navigation Company, has been advised
of the consent of the commanding general to the construction of a rail-
road over the military reserve at Fort Cascades. A clause in the com-
munication of the general commanding refers to the "preparation for
service of the three companies of the First Washington Territory Infan-
try to take the place of three companies of the Second CaUfornia
Infantry, required at Fort Humboldt to relieve the same number of com-
panies of the Third California Infantry under orders for the protection
of the Overland Mail Route." The four companies of First Washington
Territory Infantry now at this post are rapidly progressing in all the
soldierly qualities to fit them for any service. Under the careful and
judicious direction of Major Lugenbeel, commanding the post, a high
degree of military efQciency has been attained, and I feel no hesitation
in intrusting both officers and men at distant posts. I regret very much
that the movement involves the withdrawal from this district of Major
Curtis from Fort Colville. The period of my command of this district,
although short, has highly impressed me with his admirable qualities as
a soldier. I propose, in compliance with the wishes indicated in the
commanding general's letter, to relieve this oflBcer by Major Bumrill,
with two reliable companies now at this post. The distance between
here and Fort Colville will of necessity involve some time in making
the required disposition, and in view of the demand mentioned for the
peculiar service of the Third Infantry and my own impressions for dis-
patch, the movement will be promoted at once. The third company of
Second Infantry California Volunteers is at Fort Hoskins, &e., occupy-
ing a peculiarly important position. The relieving of this company,
with some intelligence of the complicated duties of its officers, will be
referred to in another communication.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JUSTUS STEINBERGER,
Colonel First Washington Territory Infantry, Gomdg. District.
Headquabtebs Distbict op Obegon,
Fort Vancouver, Wash. Ter., June 6, 1862.
Assistant Adjutant-Geneeal,
Headquartms Department of the Pacific, San Francisco, Cal. :
Sib: In pursuance of directions from the commanding general of the
department. Company B, Second Infantry California Volunteers, at
Fort Hoskins, will be relieved by Company D, First Washington Ter-
ritory Infantry, Captain Seidenstriker. I have selected this company,
composed almost entirely of Germans, for duty at that place from my
impression of their entire reliability in the trusts involved. The officers
are intelligent, worthy, and well informed, and the men particularly
subordinate. A detachment of the company at present posted at Fort
Hoskins is now serving at Fort Umpqua, and should this latter post
be deemed of sufficient importance it will be necessary to reUeve it. I
have recently been in communication with well-informed persons fiwm
that section of country (among others Mi^or Alvord, lately returned
from Fort Umpqua), and am impressed of the entire inutility of a mili-
tary force of any size at the mouth of the Umpqua. When first estab-
lished it was the thoroughfare of the Indians from the reservation on
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CHIP. LXn.] CORRESPONDENCE — UNION AND CONFEDERATE. 1125
Alsea River to Port Oxford, and on account of hostilities then existing
near the latter place served no doubt a valuable purpose. The Indians
about Port Oxford have been for two years thoroughly subdued and
altogether incapable of any outbreak, besides on the reservation they
nre cont«nted, peaceable, and all engaged in the cultivation of lands
which they consider their proper homes. The trail that Fort Umpqua
professes to guard is not used by Indians and has not been for some
time. Fort Umpqua serves no other purpose for military defense or
protection, and from its position entails upon the Government an unwar-
ranted expense. I have respectfully to recommend that on the with-
drawal of the detachment of Company B, Second California Volunteer
Infantry, under Lieutenant Watson, the post be abandoned and the
public property be put in charge of an employ6 of the quartermaster's
department. Should any necessity occur in the future for the presence
of troops at that point, it cau in the fall of the year be promptly sup-
plied from Fort Hoskins. The company at Fort Hoskins will be of
necessity divided, part required at the Siletz Reservation. A further
division will seriously impair the efficiency of the company.
Trusting to have the decision of the commanding general on the sub-
ject, I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JUSTUS STEINBERGER,
Colonel First Washington Territory Infantry, Comdg. District.
Headquarters District op Oregon,
Fort Vancouver, Wash. Ter., June 6, 1862,
COMMANDINO OFFICER AT FORT IIOSKINS, ObEG. :
Sir: The colonel commanding directs me to notify you to hold your-
self in readiness with your command to be relieved from Fort Hoskins
at an early date. You will therefore instruct the commanders of the
detachments from your company at the Siletz Reservation and Fort
Hoskins to be ready to be relieved at short notice.
I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
WM. B. HUGHES,
First Lieut., Ninth Infantry, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.
Headquarters District of Oregon,
Fort Vancouver, Wash. Ter., June 6, 1862.
Commanding Officer at Fort Colville, Wash. Ter, :
Sir : I am directed by the colonel commanding the district to notify
you to hold yourself in readiness to be relieved with your command
from the post of Fort Colville by two companies of First Infantry
Washington Territory Volunteers, under Major Rumrill, of that regi-
ment, who will arrive at your post about the 1st proximo. It is the
intention of the colonel to send you with the two companies under
your command to Fort Humboldt, Cal., of which you will be fully
advised in due season.
I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
WM. B. HUGHES,
First Lieut., Ninth Infantry, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General.
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1126 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Chap. Lxn,
Hdqbs. Advance Guard, Coi.xjmn prom California,
Tucson, June 7, 1862.
Oapt. Edward B. Willis,
Company A, First Infantry California Volunteers:
With twelve picked men of your company, with fifty rounds ammu-
nition each and rations, inclading pemmican, to the 10th instant, you
will march this evening to San Xavier ; to-morrow take the road to Gal-
abazas Kanch ; three miles from San Xavier, on the left of the road
behind some corrals, yon will find water; twenty-two miles farther on
the bed of a stream lies on the right of the road among some large cot-
tonwoods. Five miles farther on take the right-hand fork of the road,
cross the creek, where you will find a large adobe house inclosed by a
wall. Encamp there and await further orders. The acting assistant
quartermaster will furnish yon witii a large light wagon and 300 pounds
of forage. Should you meet Indians let them be the aggressors in any
hostilities.
Your obedient servant,
J. R. WEST,
Lieutenant-Colonel First Infantry California Volunteers, Comdg.
Special Orders; ) Hdqrs. Humboldt Military District,
No. 68. J Fort Humboldt, June 7, 1862.
I. Captain Douglas, Second Infantry California Volunteers, will
proceed immediately to Fort Lyon, or the vicinity of Mad Kiver, and
take the general direction and command of the detachments herein
ordered to co-operate in pursuing and exterminating the band of Indians
engaged in the murders and depredations at Daley's Ferry.
II. Captain Ketcham, Third Infantry California Volunteers, will
immediately march with all the men of his command that can be speedily
collected (leaving a sufficient guard at the camp) and cross Mad Eiver
at or above the Weaverville trail, and scout the country bordering on^
the river and in a westerly direction toward Fort Lyon, unless otherwise
directed by Captain Douglas.
III. Lieutenant Gonnisson, Second Infantry California Volunteers,
will proceed to Fort Lyon and take command of a detachment consist-
ing of all the available force at that post, to be detailed by Captain
HefiTeman (leaving a sufficient guard at the camp), and immediately
upon receiving directions from Captain Douglas proceed to co-operate
in the movement herein ordered.
IV. Captain Douglas will order all the available force of his own
company (leaving a sufficient camp guard) to unite in this movement.
V. Lieutenant Flynn, Second Infantry California Volunteers, will
immediately with all his available force (leaving a sufficient camp guard)
proceed to co-operate in the movement herein ordered, by scouting along
the banks of the Van Dnsen in a northeasterly direction, and thence
toward Fort Lyon, subject, however, to specific orders from Captain
Douglas.
• ••••••
By order of Lieut. Col. James N. Olney :
JOHN HANNA, Jr.,
First Lieut, and Adjt. Second Infty. California Vols.,
Actg. Asst. Adjt. Qen., Rumboldt Military District.
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chap.lxn.i cobee8pondence — ^union and confederate. 1127
Special Ordebs, ) Hdqbs. Humboldt Military District,
No. 69. J Fort Humboldt, June 7, 1862.
I. A re enforcemeut being called for by Lieutenant Davis now engaged
in a fight with Indians on Mad Kiver, three miles flrom Areata, Captain
Akey, Company E, Second Cavalry California Volunteers, will imme-
diately proceed to the field of action with all available men of his com-
mand.
II. A detail of twenty men from Company E, Second Infantry Cali-
fornia Volunteers, under the command of Adjutant Uanna, will proceed
immediately to the place of action and report to Captain Akey for
orders.
• ••••••
By order of Lieut. Col. J. N. Olney:
JOHN HANNA, Jr.,
First Lieut. OTid Adjt. Second Infty. California VoU.,
Actg. Asst. Adjt. Qen., Humboldt Military JHstrivt.
[June 8, 1862. — For proclamation of Col. James H. Carleton, rela-
tive to the organization of Arizona as a Territory, see p. 96. J
Special Orders, ) Headquarters Advance Guard,
> Column from California,
No. 11. ) Tucson, June 8, 1863.
I. Capt. Bmil Fritz, commanding Company B, First Cavalry Califor-
nia Volunteers, with fifty men of his company, including one farrier,
with 2,000 rounds carbine and 1,000 rounds pistol ammunition, and
with ten days' rations, will leave this post to day and proceed to Bre-
voort's ranch, on the Santa Cruz Biver, and there await further orders.
• ••••••
J. R. WEST,
Lieutenant-Colonel First Infantry California Volunteers, Comdg.
Headquarters Column from California,
Tucson, Ariz. Ter., June 8, 1862.
Lieut. Col. J. R. West,
First Infantry California Volunteers,
Commanding U. 8. Forces, Tucson, Ariz. Ter. :
Colonel: Inclosed herewith please find an order* from the colonel
commanding the Column from California declaring this Territory under
martial law. The colonel commanding directs that this order be at
once copied into all of the company books, and that it be read in front
of each company at this post at tattoo roll this night; that it be pub-
lished to the entire command at dress parade to-morrow night, and
that copies of it be furnished to three or four of the principal citizens
of this town.
I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
BEN. C. CUTLER,
First Lieut., First Infty. California Vols., Actg. Asst. Adjt. Qen.
' Se« proolamation June 8, p. 96.
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1128 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Chap. LXn.
Special Orders, ) Hdqrs. Column from Californla,
No. 9. ) Tucson, Ariz. Ter., June 9, 1862.
The commander at Fort Barrett, Ariz. Ter., will order Company D,
and First Sergt. Philip A. J. Bussell, of Company B, First Infantry
California Volunteers, to proceed to Tuscon, Ariz, Ter. The company
will move to Tnscon via the Picacho as an escort to the train which
proceeds to that post after the receipt at Fort Barrett of this order.
By order of Colonel Carleton :
BEN. C. CUTLER,
First Lieut., First Infiy. California Vols., AeUj. Asst. Adjt. Oen.
San Francisco, June lo, 1862 — i p. m.
(Keceived 25th, 10 p. m.)
General L. Thomas,
Adjutant- General :
General Carleton, at Pima Villages May 25, reports that Colonel West
took possession of Tucson, Ariz. Ter., on the 20th instant, without
opposition. Rebel troops fled to the Rio Grande. As soon as the
rebels are brushed away from Mesilla the Overland Mail Route will
be open via Santa ¥6, Fort Thorn, Tucson, and Fort Yuma to San
Francisco.
GEO. WRIGHT,
Brigadier- Oeneral.
HEADQUARTEfiS DEPARTMENT OF THE PACIFIC,
San Francisco, Cal., June 10, 1862.
Lieut Col. George S. Evans,
Second Cavalry California Volunteers:
(Through Col. F. Forman, Fourth Infantry California Volunteers, Com-
manding Camp Latham, Cal.)
Sir : In reply to your letter of the 6th instant I am instructed by the
general commanding the department to say that Colonel Formau
received instructions to send your command to the Owen's Lake country
as soon as possible, and if there was no public transportation on hand
at Camp Latham or the depot, the colonel was authorized to hire teams
and wagons for this purpose. You will therefore receive your orders
on this subject from Colonel Forman. The general does not design
sending mountain howitzers with your command. Inquiry will be
made into the complaints regarding the lot of horses sent your
command.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
RICHD. C. DRUM,
Assistant Adjutant- Oeneral.
Headquarters Column prom California,
Tucson, Ariz. Ter., June 10, 1862.
Maj. R. C. Drum,
Assistant Adjutant- Oeneral, U. 8. Army, San Fra/neiseo, Cal. :
Major : I have the honor to report that, owing to the fact that all
the buildings at Fort Buchanan had been destroyed, and to the fact
that the site of that post being one of no military importance in the
present condition of this Territory, I ordered its garrison to be withdrawn
to this post. The colors were put up there, thus consecrating the ground
anew to the country, and the general's order, so far as that post and
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Ctur. LXII] CORRESPONDENCE UNION AND CONFEDERATE. 1129
Fort Breckinridge went, was literally fulfilled. The troops at Fort
Stanford (once Fort Breckinridge) will soon be withdrawn for similar
reasons, with the additional ones that its garrison, being cavalry, can
find better grazing ground up the Santa Oruz Biver, nearer Sonora,
where the horses will fare better and the troops be more cheaply and
more readily supplied. I have here Shinn's light battery, with the
horses in good condition; two companies of cavalry, with the horses in
good working order, and six companies of infantry. The remainder of
the column is at present at Fort Stanford and Fort Barrett. It would
surprise you to see how the great heat and the dry air of the desert
have aiiected our wagons. The tires have to be cut and reset and a
large amount of other repairs have to be made to keep them from going
to pieces. This, with our limited means for such work, is a great task,
but every preparation is making for an onward movement as soon as
the rains fall to fill the natural tanks between here and the Bio Grande.
Now not over one company at a time could pass a night at many of
the wells, which are a march apart. The 24th of June is the average
time when the rains commence. I am making every endeavor to get
supplies together against that time. Meantime I shall try to straighten
up matters here, so that when a man does have his throat cut, his
house robbed, or his fields ravaged, he may at least have the consolation
of knowing there is some law that will reach him who does the injury.
I inclose herewith a paper which seems to touch this point.* I have
not called it a proclamation, because, nowadays, every military com-
mander makes one, and I had hoiied to shun, in this respect, their
example. Whatever name the instrument may go by, I hope the gen-
eral will see nothing in it that is not just and called for by the neces-
sities of the case. It already seems to have gratifying results. I shall
send to Fort Yuma for confinement, starting them to-day, nine of the
cutthroats, gamblers, and loafers who have infested this town to the
great bodily fear of all good citizens. Nearly every one, I believe, has
either killed his man or been engaged in helping to kill him. I shall
send on a detailed account of the causes which justify their arrest and
removal from the Territory. They should be held prisoners at Alca-
traz until the end of the war. If discharged at Fort Yuma they will
all get back here again and give trouble. I have sent to arrest Mr. Syl-
vester Mowry and all the people at his mine. It is possible I shall be
obliged tohold Mr.Mowryas a prisoner. That he has been guilty of overt
as well as covert acts of treason there is hardly a doubt. 1 consider
his presence in this Territory as dangerous to its peace and prosperity.
Inclosed are copies of certain charges against him and of the instruc-
tions for his arrestt In a few days I will inform the general of my for-
tune and prospects in getting supplies from Sonora. Thus far I have
been unable to get any reliable news from the Bio Grande.
I am, major, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JAMES H. CABLETON,
Colonel FirHt California Volunteers, Commanding.
Headqttabtees District op Oregon,
Fort Vancouver, Waak. Ter., June 10, 1862.
Assistant Adjutant-Gbnekal,
Headquarters Department of the Pacific, San Francisco, Cal. :
Sir : Inclosed I have the honor to transmit copy of Special Orders,
No. 17, trom these headquarters. Lieutenant-Colonel Maury has for-
* See p. 96. t Omitted.
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1130 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Chap. LXII.
warded return of Oompaniea A, C, D, and F, of the Oregon cavalry,
showing an aggregate of 326 enlisted men, 3 field and 12 company offi-
cers. Camp Clackamas, near Oregon City, affords a good location for
his command for temporary purposes. I am advised that clothing and
arms have been received, and in a few days the equipment of these
troops will be complete. A detachment of Company C (Captain Kelly's)
will be retained at this post until the battalion marches to Fort Walla
Walla, when it will be taken up en route. Recent advices from depart-
ment headquarters mention that one company of this battalion was
ordered to remain at Jacksonville, Oreg. As stated in my communica-
tion of the 6th of June, Lieutenant-Colonel Maury did not receive the
order referred to until he was so far on his way north as to make it
impracticable to send the company back. The wishes of the command-
ing general will no doubt be received here for the disposition of this
company in time to prevent any embarrassment in the movement of
the battalion. Under date of the 5th instant I am advised of the safe
arrival of Colonel Cornelius and his command at Fort Walla Walla on
the 3d instant. The colonel has assumed command of that post, and
in obedience to instructions will make a detailed report at an early
moment of its coudition and that of the troops and material under him.
Eeports from the country east of Fort Walla Walla indicate the neces-
sity for the early concentration of the Oregon cavalry at that post, and
active measures to push them forward to the mining country on Salmon
River and the emigrant trail toward Fort Hall. Although most of
these troops have been six months in service they are sadly deficient in
drill and discipline. This defect, incident to embarrassments in the
organization of the regiment and other causes, will I trust be cor-
rected by the attention and energetic efforts of the officers, now that
they are placed on duty in this district. Directions and instructions
have been full and authoritative from these headquarters, and they
should in all respects be impressed with their duties and obligations.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JUSTUS STBINBERGER,
Colonel First Washington Territory Infantry, Gomdg. District.
[Inolosan.]
SPEorAL Orders, ) Hbadquabtees District op Oregon,
No. 17. ) Fort Vancouver, Wash. Ter., June 10, 1862.
I. Lieutenant-Colonel Maury, First Oregon Cavalry, will establish a
temporary camp near tlie mouth of Clackamas River, Oreg., with Com-
panies A, D, and F, and the detachment of Company C, now under his
command.
II. Detachment of Company C, First Oregon Cavalry, under com-
mand of Captain Kelly, will report to the commanding officer at Fort
Vancouver for temporary duty at that post.
III. Prompt and active measures will be taken by the troops above
indicated for the march at an early date to Fort Walla Walla, and
with this view the commanding officer of the battalion will direct the
careful and proper equipment of his command and the necessary
preparations for the march.
IV. Daily reports will be made to the headquarters from Camp
Clackamas.
By order of Colonel Steinberger:
WM. B. HUGHES,
First Lieut., Ninth Infantry, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General.
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Chap. LXU.) CORRESPONDENCE UNION AND CONFEDERATE, 1131
Hbadquabtebs Dbpartment op the Pacific,
San Francisco, June 11, 1662.
Brig. Gen. L. Thomas,
Adjutant- General U. 8, Army, Washington, D, C. :
Oenebax, : Inclosed herewith I have the honor to transmit copies of
Colonel Garleton's commnnications of the 24th and 25th of May.*
They contain the latest information I have received from Arizona. In
organizing the expedition under Colonel Carleton, we had much to
contend with; the unprecedented heavy rains which continued for
several months delayed the movement until May. However, the
troops are now at Tucson, well supplied in every particular, and will
very soon push on to the Eio Grande, sweeping the rebels out of that
country, and re-establishing the authority of the United States.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
G. WRIGHT,
Brigadier- General, U. 8. Army, Commanding.
Hbadquaeters Dbpabtment of the Pacific,
8aM Francisoo, June 11, 1862.
Brig. Gen. L. Thomas,
Adjutant-General U. 8. Army, Washington, D. 0.:
General: In my communication which I had the honor to address
you on the 15th ultimo I reported tbat I had authorized Victor Smith,
esq., the collector of customs at Port Townsend, Wash. Ter., to take
charge of and use the public buildings at Fort Townsend as a marine
hospital. Mr. Smith stated to me that he was going to Washington
City and that during his temporary absence his duties at Port Town-
send would be performed by Lieutenant Merryman of the U. 8. Rev-
enue Service. Lieutenant Merryman, on receipt of my permission to
Mr. Smith, addressed a communication to me, under date of the 26th of
May, which is herewith transmitted. t
As marine hospitals at certain points have been thrown open for the
reception of sick or wounded soldiers I have assumed that the War
Department would grant the use of any vacant buildings for marine
hospitals at military posts at present unoccupied. Under these cir-
cumstances I have not revoked the permission I gave to the collector
at Port Townsend, deeming it better to submit Lieutenant Merryman's
communication through your office to the Secretary of the Treasury.
Very respectfuUy, your obedient servant,
G. WEIGHT,
Brigadier- General, U. 8. Ar y. Commanding.
Special Orders, ) Hdqrs. Humboldt Military District,
No. 72. ) Fort Humboldt, June 11, 1862.
I. Lieutenant Davis will return to this post forthwith with his
detachment.
II. With the remainder of the troops belonging to Fort Humboldt,
Captain Akey will take post at such point near Areata as will best
enable him to protect that place and the neighboring settlements from
attack, taking care to keep picket guards constantly posted on the
trails or other approaches to the town.
* See pp. 10»4, 88. t See p. 1099.
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1132 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. (Chap. LXH.
V. On his return to Gamp Swasey, Lieutenant Flynn will at once
take such measures as he may judge iiecessju-y for the protection of
Hydesville and the neighboring settlements. Be is authorized to use
for this purpose a detachment at Cooper's Mills, if needed.
VI, The detachments from Companies F and K, Second Infantry
California Yolnnteers, including Lieutenant Dobbins' command, will
report to Captain Douglas, who will continue the operations in the
field at his discretion until further orders.
VIT. All Indian prisoners taken will be reserved as hostages for the
return of the child captured at Daley's Ferry.
YIII. Every white man found in arms among the Indians will be
hanged on the spot.
• ••••• •
By order of Colonel Lippitt:
WM. P. SWASET,
Ist Lieut, and Regimental Quartermaster 2d Infty. Cal. Vols.,
Acting Assistant Adjutant-General, Humboldt Mil. District,
Hbadquaktebs District op Oregon,
Fort Vancouver, Wash. Ter., June 11, 1862.
Assistant Adjutant General,
Headquarters Department of the Pacific, San Francisco, Cal. :
SiB : All the records of the former Department of Oregon up to the
21st January, 1861, and to the time when it was merged into the
Department of the Pacific, were ordered to be sent to San Francisco,
and I am informed are now at department headquarters. Among them
are many reports from officers commanding expeditions to the country
east of the Cascade Mountains, and in a district to be occupied during
the present summer by the troops of this command, as well as orders
directing their movements, &c. Much valuable information is con-
tained in these records that it will be difficult if not imjiossible to
obtain at the present time here. With the view to secure a correct
knowledge of the country along the emigrant trail from Fort Hall to
Walla Walla, and the adjacent country, as well as the orders directing
their movements, I have the honor respectfully to request that the
commanding general will sanction the use temporarily at these head-
quarters of any reports and orders referred to that will secure the pur-
pose indicated. I have directed the commanding officer at Fort Walla
Walla to furnish me with all the information he can collect that may be
useful in the movements of troops east of that post for the protection
of settlers in the mining country and of the emigration this season to
Oregon and Washington Territory; yet I am convinced that the papers
and books I refer to will supply data that he cannot procure. If this
request is complied with the most reliable and prompt means of trans-
portation will be steamer express.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JUSTUS STEINBERGER,
Colonel First Washington Territory Infantry, Comdg. District.
[June 11, 1862.— For Carleton to Canby, relative to co-operation of
movement in driving rebels from New Mexico, see p. 95, and for appoint-
ment of Benjamin Clarke Cutler as secretary of state of the Territory
of Arizona, &c., see Vol. IX, p. 692.]
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Ciup.iacil.) COBBESPONDENCE — UNION AND CONFEDERATE. 1133
Headquabtess Column prom California,
Tucson, Ariz. Ter., June 11, 1862.
Maj. David Febgusson,
First California Volunteer Cavalry, Chief Commissary:
Majob: Yon will proceed, suitably escorted, to Magdalena in Soaora
and ascertain the resources in the way ot forage and subsistence of that
part of the country and the prices at which responsible parties are
willing to forward supplies and deliver them at this place for the use of
the troops under my command. Sugar, flour, beef on the hoof, mutton
on the hoof, salt, wheat, corn, barley, &c., are comprised in the list of
articles which we require. Make the most favorable arrangement you
can for the public interest to deliver to this point by the 30th instant,
say, 80,000 or 100,000 pounds of good sweet flour, to be paid for in cash
on delivery; and at the same time see what, say, 200 good fat beeves
can be delivered tor per head at Tucson. Encourage the people of
Sonora in every laudable way to bring in for sale to the troops all kinds
of subsistence, fruits, forage, &c., and cultivate with them such feel-
ings of kindness and good neighborhood as shall show to them that we
are friends who wish to deal honorably and frankly and pay fairly for
what we get.
I am, mtyor, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JAMES H. OABLETON,
Colonel First California Volunteers, Commanding.
Headquabtbbs Dbpabtment of the Pacific,
San Fraiusisco, June 12, 1862.
Brig. Gen. L. Thomas,
Adjutant- General U. 8. Army, Washington, D. C:
General : I have nothing later from Brigadier-General Garleton's
command than was reported in my communication of yesterday. I have
this morning received reports from Colonel Lippitt, commanding the
District of Humboldt. The colonel has ten companies of infantry and
one of cavalry actively engaged in subduing the Indians in his district.
Nearly 300 Indians have been collected and brought into Fort Hum-
boldt preparatory to their removal to the reservation ; still there is a
strong band of Indians, well armed, who are constantly attacking small
parties and isolated settlements. This band must be subdued and cap-
tured before we can have peace throughout that region. The country
presents almost insurmountable obstacles to the movements of the
troops. The dense forests, with obscure trails, with which the Indians
are well acquainted, afi'ord them every advantage. Nevertheless, Col-
onel Lippitt and the troops under his command have exhibited a zeal,
energy, and perseverance which must ultimately result in success.
Colonel Connor, Third Infantry California Volunteers, is, with his reg-
iment, encamped near Stockton. Transportation and supplies are being
collected for a movement on the Overland Mail Koute as soon as the
mountain road is passable for wagons. The department quartermaster-
general, Lieutenant-Colonel Babbitt, is now closing his contracts for
the transportation of supplies to Kuby Valley, and also to Salt Lake.
From the District of Oregon I have nothing special to report. Colonel
Steinberger having relieved Lieutenant-Colonel Cady in command of
the Distnct of Oregon, I have authorized the latter officer to remain at
Fort Vancouver for the present, he being in ill health and receiving
medical treatment by the surgeon at that post. Most of the volunteer
regiments of California require a considerable number of recruits to fill
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1134 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Chap. LXIL
them up. Owing to the pressing wants of the service, companies were
organized at the minimnm namber and hastily thrown oat to remote
posts to relieve the regular troops ordered Bast. Those companies have
received no accessions to their numbers since that time, and have been,
in fact, materially reduced by the casualties of the service. Under
these circumstances I would re^ctfully ask that authority be grantMl
to fill the volunteer regiments in this department by reopening the
recruiting stations.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
G. WRIGHT,
Brigadier- General, U. 8. Army, Commanding.
San Fbanoisco, June 12, 1862.
(Received 7 p. m. 24th.)
Adjutant-General Thomas:
I request that the TJ. S. marshal in this city be required to remove
trespassers on Government reservations under act of March 3, 1807.
G. WRIGHT,
Brigadier- Oeneral.
RtTSS House, San Francisco, June 12, 1H62.
Brig. Gen. Geoboe Weight,
Commanding Pacific Division, TJ. 8, Army:
Dear Sib: The citizens of Humboldt County, at a public meeting
held at the court-house in Eureka on the 9tli and 10th instant, dele-
gated me to lay before you the present alarming condition of Indian
aflairs in that section of the State and to secure if }>ossibIe further
assistance to enable the officer in command of that district by more
vigorous action to kill or capture the armed bands of murderous sav-
ages now laying waste the country. This is the only way, I beg to
suggest, by which to bring the present hostilities to a speedy close and
to prevent the war now being waged by these Indians trom being
protracted indefinitely, and thereby causing the further sacrifice of
the lives and property of our people at the hands of the savages. I
inclose herewith an extra from the office of the Humboldt Times,
which will give you the particulars of the more recent daring outrages
and containing also the proceedings of the public meeting to which I
have referred.
Trusting that it will be in your power to extend relief to the people
in that section without any great delay, I am, very respectfully, your
obedient servant,
WALTER VAN DYKE.
Headquabtebs Depaetment OP the Pacific,
8an Francisco, Cal., June 12, 1862.
Hon. W. Van Dyke,
San Francisco, Cal.:
Sib : I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your communi-
cation of this date, inclosing an extra f^om the office of the Humboldt
Times. For several months past the Indian difficulties in the District
of Humboldt have been watched over with much anxiety. Oolonel
Lippitt, an officer of much ability, was placed in the immediate com-
mand, and the zeal, perseverance, and energy which have been dis-
played by the colonel and those under his orders have thus far been
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CHAP.LXn.) CORRESPONDENCE UNION AND CONFEDERATE 1135
highly commendable. Colonel Lippitt has in his district ten companies
of infantry and one of cavalry, and it was 8ui>po8ed that this force
would be ample for the maintenance of peace between the whites and
Indians. Recent events show that although nearly 300 Indians have
been collected at Fort Humboldt preparatory to their removal to the
reservation, yet there is a band of determined warriors still acting in
open hostility to the white people, and not until this band shall be
subdaed can peace and quiet be restored. I am informed that many
men have left their families in that country and gone to the mines.
This is to be regrett«d, as women and children thus left defenseless
invite attacks from marauding bands of Indians. However, the volun
teer soldiers of California will not turn a deaf ear to the api)eals of
helpless women and children thus bereft of their natural protectors,
but go on battling with the savage foes until a permanent peace shall
be obtained. Orders have been sent to the commander of the District
of Oregon to send the three companies of Colonel Lippitt's regiment to
Fort Humboldt as soon as they can be relieved by the Washington
Territory Volunteers. One of the companies may be expected down
by the 25th instant. The others, being at a more remote station, will
not reach Humboldt for some weeks. In conclusion, I beg to assure
you, and the people whom you represent, that I take a deep interest in
maintaining peace in their country, and that no efforts on my part shall
be wanting to afford them protection and security against their savage
enemies.
With great respect, 1 have the honor to be, your obedient servant,
G. WRIGHT,
Brigadier-General, U. 8. Army, Commanding.
Hbadquabtees Department op the Pacific,
San Francisco, Cal., June 12, 1862.
Col. Francis J. Lippitt,
Second Infantry California Volunteers,
Commanding District of Humboldt, Fort Humboldt, Cal. :
Sir : Your letter of the 10th instant giving a record of the military
events in your district having been submitted to the general command-
ing the department, I am instructed to say that your action regarding
the sending of troops to Round Valley is approved. The general cau-
tions you against the too general distribution of your small force, and
l»articnlarly the sending out of small detachments. Small parties
invite attack from Indians, with a good prospect of success; and, if
successful, it emboldens them for further outrages.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
RICHl). C. DRUM
Assistant Adjutant- General.
Headquarters Department of the Pacific,
San Francisco, Cal., June 12, 1862.
Col. Francis J. Lippitt,
Second Infantry California Volunteers,
Commanding District of Humboldt, Fort Humboldt, Cal. :
Sir: The general commanding the department has perused with
much satisfaction the report* of Lieutenant-Colonel Olney relative
•OInoy to Wright, Jane 8, p. 67.
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1136 OPEBATION8 ON THE PACIFIC COAST. IChap. LXII.
to movements of troops ap^ainst hostile Indians in the District of
Humboldt, and is exceedingly gratified at the gallant conduct of Pri-
vates Bacon, Company I, and Wyatt, of Company H, Second Regi-
ment of Infantry California Volunteers, at Daley's Ferry. The general
approves of the construction of a corral for the purposes mentioned in
Lieutenant-Colonel Olney's letter.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
KICDD. O. DRUM,
Assistant Adjutant-Oeneral.
Headquarters Department of the Pacific,
San Francisco, Cal., June 12, 1862.
Ool. Justus Stbinbkegee,
First Regiment Washington Territory Volunteers,
Comdg. District of Oregon, Fort Vancouver, Wash, Ter. :
Sir : The general commanding the department desires you to reUeve
the companies of Lippitt's regiment (Second Infantry California Vol-
unteers), now stationed in your district, as soon as possible, and order
the same to Fort Humboldt. If it is possible, the general desires these
troops landed at Port Humboldt direct from Vancouver. If this
arrangement cannot be made, the companies will come directly to
this city and be landed on Alcatraz Island, where they will remain
until transportation to Humboldt is procured.
Very respectfiilly, your obedient servant,
RICHD. 0. DRUM,
Assistant Adjutant- Qeneral.
Headquarters District of Oregon,
Fort Vancouver, Wash. Ter., June 12, 1862.
Assistant Adjutant-General,
Headquarters Department of the Pamfie, San Francisco, Cal. :
Sir : Inclosed T have the honor to transmit copy of communication*
from Lieut. John Mullan, military road expedition to Fort Benton,
dated May 1, 1862. On the 13th of May a letter was received at this
oflBcefrom Lieutenant Marsh, commanding the escort to this expedition,
announcing his probable arrival about the 1st of July at a point where
the military road intersects the Fort Walla Walla and Fort Colville
road. He reports also that he will be out of flour, and requests the
supply be furnished him to provide for the remainder of his march to
Fort Walla Walla. The commanding officer at that point has been
instructed to make the necessary arrangements for the relief of this
command. Recent intelligence from that country indicates that this
escort will, on account of the depth of snow on the mountains, be delayed
beyond the time mentioned in Lieutenant Marsh's and Lieutenant Mul-
lan's letters. In examining the records of the district I find orders for
this "escort to proceed to Fort Vancouver with all the means of trans-
portation." Orders have not been received at these headquarters for
the disposition of the detachments of companies of the Ninth Infantry
composing this escort other than extract of telegram dated San Fran-
•Seep. 1043.
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CHAP.IJai.) CORRESPONDENCE IJNION AND CONFEDERATE. 1137
Cisco, October 1, 1861, addressed to Col. B. L. Beall, Fort Vancouver,
aud signed B. G. Drum, assistant adjutant-general, as follows :
Notify the regular troops in the District of Oregon to be in readiness to be relieved
liy volnnteers. Recall the detachment now with Lientenant MiUlan. All the regu-
lars go to New York. By order.
Presuming tbat it is the wish of the general commanding the depart-
ment that these troops be distributed to the different companies to which
they belong, unless otherwise ordered when they arrive here, those
belonging to Major Lugenbeel's company (A) will l)e retained at this
post. The remainder, under Lieutenant Marsh, will be sent by steamer
to San Juan Island, leaving at Camp Pickett the detachment belonging
to Company C (Captain BisselPs); and thence to San Francisco the
remaining detachments belonging to companies not in this district. The
transportation employed by this escort not being required at this post,
(and the demands involved in the movement of troops from Fort Walla
WaUa referred to in another communication), will be directed to be
turned over at the latter post. I have the honor to reiiuest instrnctions
at an early moment that will make any change in the contemplated dis-
posal of these troops.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JUSTUS STBINBERGER,
Colonel First Washington Territory Infantry, Comdg. District.
Headquarters Department op the Pacific,
San Francisco, Gal., June 13, 1862,
Ad[jntant-General Thomas,
Washington, D. C. :
What orders have been sent for Brigadier-General Alvord ?
G. WRIGHT,
Brigadier -Oeneral, .U. 8. Army, Commanding.
Camp Nye, Washoe Valley,
Five Miles north of Carson City, Nev, Ter., June 13, 1862.
Gapt. R. W. Eirkhah,
Asst. Quartermaster and Actg. Asst. Adjt. 6en.,
San Francisco, Cat. :
Captain : I have the honor respectfully to report that I arrived at
this place from Susanville on yesterday. I left Carson City on the 29th
ultimo, and proceeded by easy marches through Washoe, Pleasant,
Liong, and Honey Lake Valleys to Susanville, making the march in
seven days. A severe attack of paralysis prevented Governor Nye
from accompanying me on the expedition. Everything is quiet in the
country through which I passed. At Susanville much complaint is
uiade by the settlers of thefts committed by the Indians. I am of the
opinion that these complaintfi are well founded. At a meeting of the
citizens of Honey Lake Valley the inclosed communication was pre-
pared and addressed to me. It contains the names of many of the
most prominent citizens of the valley. I take the liberty of forwarding
it to you for the consideration of the department commander. The
day atter my arrival at Susanville I sent out a scouting party to Wil-
low Creek Valley. The day following I sent another party in the direc-
tion of Pitt River. Neither of the parties succeeded in meeting any
72 R R— VOL L, PT I
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1138 OPEBATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. (Chap. LJOI.
Indians. I intended to make a trip among the Sboshones, but the
upsetting of one of my wagons in Susan River, which resulted in
losing some commissary stores and 1,000 rifle cartridges, prevented me
from doing so. Added to this, I was almost entirely destitute of funds.
These causes rendered it imperative for me to return to this point as
speedily as possible. There is a bad feeling among some of the settlers
in the vicinity ot Susanville. Several of these told me that if I made
a treaty with the Indians they (the settlers) would kill the first Indian
they saw. On the other hand, a lar^e and respectable portion assured
me that any action had by the miUtary authority would be sacredly
observed by them. I gather the following facts from my observations:
The stealing does not api)ear to be done by any one particular tribe,
but by a band of renegades who are gathered from the Pah Utes,
Pitts, Bannocks, Modocs, and Shoshones. The country north of Snsan-
ville is not settled by the whites, and presents a succession of beautiful
valleys as far as the lakes iu Oregon. This baud of renegades makes
forays into the valley, steal stock, and. run it off over the monutaius
into these valleys. If there is any chance of the stock being retaken
the Indians slaughter it without hesitation. Eleven white men have
been killed by these Indians during the past four years. Settlers will
naturally become exasperated when they are subjected to such annoy-
ances. A military post established in the vicinity of Honey Lake Val-
ley would have a tendency to greatly check these outrages. I inclose
to you for the information of the department commander a map* of
the country through which I have passed, together with such portions
of the country east of my route as I am personally acquainted with.
Having only a pocket compass, pointers, and stars to guide me, this
map must necessarily be very imperfect; still it is sufficiently accurate to
afford a general idea of the territory through which I traveled. Should
the department commander determine to locate a command in the
vicinity of Susanville I respectfully offer the following suggestions for
his consideration : Cavalry would be better than infantry. Stores of
all kinds can be transported from San Francisco via Eed Bluff to Susan-
ville cheaper and quicker than by any other route. Willow Creek Val-
ley, fifteen miles north of Susanville, would be an excellent location for
a post. There is an abundance of grass, wood, and water. A reserve
could be located from which could be cut out nearly all the hay required
for a company of cavalry. The abundance of timber would remove all
heavy expense as regards the building of quarters. A natural wagon
road could be run to the post from Susanville. Oats or barley can be
purchased' in the fall for 2 cents per pound. In addition to these facts
the post would be located in the immediate vicinity of several tribes of
Indians, rendering it comparatively easy to hold them in constant check,
while the valley would soon be settled by enterprising men. After
obtaining all the information possible I aj" candidly of the opinion that
the citizens ot Honey Lake Valley and vicinity are in need of military
protection. I have endeavored to the extent of my ability to carry out
the wishes of the general commanding as embodied in his orders to me
dated April 24, 18G2, and I have been thus particular and lengthy in
details because I deemed that the expedition warranted it. Inclosed
please find map of route from Carson City to Susanville and back. I
will await at this point frirther orders from the general commanding.
I have the honor to remain, with much respect, your obedient servant,
GEO. F. PBIOE,
Captain, Comdg. Company M, Second California Vol. Cavalry.
* Omitted as unimportcnt.
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C»up.LXn.j COBBESPONDEKCE — UNION AND CONPBDEEATE. 1139
(InakMBre.)
Gapt Geoboe F. Pbioe,
Company Af, Second California Volunteers:
The undersigued, citizeus of Uouey Lake Valley, woald respectfully
represent that ever since the settlement of this valley we have been
annoyed by the depredations of hostile Indians; that according to the
best information we can obtain this valley does not belong to any par-
ticular tribe, but was the common resort of the Pah-Utes, Shoshones,
Modocs, Pitts, and Bannocks, and consequently the valley is subject to
the depredations of all these tribes, and it is very difficult to fasten the
roguery where it belongs. One tribe will commit outrages and lay it to
the others. Also, that there has never been an Indian agent in this
valley, and no attention paid to the most of the tribes who are in the
constant habit of molesting usj also that there are several portions of
these diflerent bands who are renegades from their tribes, and whose
location is in the country east and north of us, watered by Smoke Greek,
Willow Creek, and outlets from Eagle Lake. These renegades are sub-
ject to no treaties made with the heads of their different tribes, but are
under the control of petty chiefs, who rove about the frontiers stealing
stock and killing small parties of whites. Our northern fl-ontier is that
character of country well adapted to these thievish bands, and which
will never be settled by whites. In the last four years there have been
no less than 3,00() head of stock stolen from this valley and eleven of
our citizens killed. We have been obliged to turn out armed parties
every spring, and have been and are subject to expense and annoyance
which we do not feel able to bear. We claim to be loyal citizeus, and
as such we are entitled to the protection of our Government. We
therefore most decidedly object to the removal of your company from
this valley, and, if such must be the case, we ask that you use your
influence for the establishmeut of a permanent post here immediately.
JOHN 8. WARD,
H. 8. BONETTE, M. D.,
JOHN H. NEALB,
[And 48 OTHERS.]
Headquarters Humboldt Military District,
Fort Humboldt, June 13, 1862.
Capt. William M. Johns,
Third Infantry California Volunteers, Gomdg, Fort Oaston :
Captain : By an order from department headquarters, Company G,
Second Infantry California Volunteers, at Fort Ter-Waw, is directed
to proceed to Smith's Biver, calling in the detachment at Elk Camp.
You are hereby directed to send a detachment of twenty men with an
officer to that post immediately to relieve Lieutenant Shepheard and his
command stationed there. Yon will not detach Lieutenant Schindler
or Lieutenant Campbell from their companies, if it can possibly be
avoided. The officer you send in command will promptly report to
these headquarters his arrival there, and the departure of Lieutenant
Shepheard's command. Leaving always a sufficient force at his post
for its protection, he will be instructed to operate actively against the
Indians in every direction, taking care not to molest the Klamath or
Hoopa Indians unless they should commit or threaten some act of hos-
tility. He will make regular reports of his operations on the 1st and
15th of every month to the commanding officer at Fort Gaston, who
will transmit them to these headqoartera. He will continue under the
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1140 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. IChap. LXTL
orders of the commander at Fort Gaston, but will draw liis sap])Iies
from Fort Humboldt. Rations for twenty men to the 6th of July are
now at Elk Camp.
By order of Colonel Lippitt:
JOHN HANNA, Jb.,
First Lieut, and Adjt. Second In/ty. California Vols.,
Aetg. Asst. Adjt. Gen., Humboldt Militarg District.
Ordebs, ) Headquarters,
No. 110. J Fort WalUi Walla, June 13, 1862.
Capt, E. J. Harding, First Cavalry Oregon Volunteers, will take four
non-comuiissioued officers and seventeen privates of his company and
proceed tomorrow morning to the Umatilla Indian Reservation and fur-
nish the Indian agent there such assistance as may be in his power and
he may deem necessary for the suppression of Indian troubles at that
point. Captain Harding will report to the commanding officer for
special instructions.
By order of Colonel Cornelius:
HEKRY MoCANN,
First Lieut., Fourth Cavalry California Vols., Post Adjutant.
Headquarters,
Camp Latham, Cal., June 14, 1862,
Mai. B' 0. Deum:
Major: I have the honor to report that on the 11th instant the
Owen's River Expedition, consisting of Companies D, G, and I, com-
prising 201 men, under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel Evans, was
dispatched by me to their point of destination, to wit, Owen's River,
leaving this camp at 9 o'clock of that day. A train of forty-six wagons
accompanies the command, carrying, in addition to their camp, garrison
equipage, and ammunition, rations for the men, and forage for the
horses and teams for sixty days. I have made arrangements >f itli Mr.
Whipple to furnish transportation sufficient to kee]) the command sup-
plied, with rations and forage, always thirty days in advance. 1 have
ordered Colonel Evans to report to me as frequently as practicable, to
the end that yonr department may be kept frequently [informed] of the
doings of the expedition.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
F. FORMAN,
Col. Fourth In/ty. California Vols., Commander of Camp Latham.
[June 15, 1862. — For Carleton to Canby, relating to operations, &c,
see pp. 96, 97.]
Executive Department,
Santa F6, June 15, 1862.
General E. R. S. Oanby,
Commanding Department:
Sir : I received to-day a letter from Placido Romero, inclosing one to
him from his father at Mesilla, dated June 1, in which there is this pas-
sage, and only this, in relation to the approach of troops from California :
On the 27th of May there arrived here a company of Texans that had been stationed
at TncBOD, and they said positively that there were arriving at that place 2,500 Gov-
ernment troops from Callfomia, and that they saw that nmnber, but that the Pinoa
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CBip.LXn.) CORRESPONDENCE UNION AND CONFEDERATE. 1141
Indians had told them that in the rear of those there were coming 4,000 or 5.000,
with many cannon and wagons. The Sonthem soldiers here are retiring, and the
reason is that they have consumed and destroyed everything, even to the growing
crops. The people here are with their eyes open toward the North, in the hope of
being relieved from the devastation of these locnsts. More than 1,000 men ore wait-
ing with open arms to receive the liberal Government of the North.
What reliance is to be placed in the account given you will have a
better idea than myself.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
HENRY CONNELLY.
Hbadquabtebs Department op the Paoepio,
San Francisco, June I'i, 1862.
Brig. Gen. L. THOMAS,
Adjutant- Oeneral U. 8. Army, Washington, D. C:
General: I have the honor to sabmit a copy of an order* issued by
General Garleton, commanding the Column from California, dated at
Fort Barrett, Pima Villages, 24th May, showing the disposition of
troops and progress making at that time for the reoccnpation of that
country. I have reports from Districtof Oregon up to the 10th instant;
nothing of importance has transpired in that quarter.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
G. WRIGHT,
Brigadier- Oeneral, U. 8. Army, Commanding.
State op Calipobnia, Exeoxttive Department,
8acramento, June 16, 1862.
Brig. Gen. George Wright, U. S. Army,
Commanding Department of the Pacific:
General : Inclosed I send you a copy of a petition of the citizens of
the town of Areata, Humboldt County, asking me " to call out a volun-
teer force and protect us." I have no doubt that you are already in
possession of the facts in relation to the recent Indian dextredations in
Humboldt County, and if yon have not already done so I would roost
respeotfblly ask of you that a sufficient force be immediately forwarded,
that the citizens of Humboldt County shall have the protection to
which they are entitled.
I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
LELAND STANFORD,
Oovemor.
[InolMIlTO.]
Arcata, Htjmboldt Bay, Cal., June 9, 1862.
Uis Excellency Leland Stanpobd,
Governor of California :
Sir : The undersigned represent to you that our relations with the
Indians here are of the most deplorable nature. The events of the last
few days will reach yon no doubt through the press and other sources.
We have no time, on account of the hasty departure of the steamer, to
ask yoa through the authorities or through the people. This morning
•Seep. 1096.
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1142 OPEEATION8 ON THE PACIFIC COAST. (Chap. Lxn.
we have lost a mnle train, the men having been dispersed by the
Indians. We respectfully ask of Tonr Bxceflency to call out a volun-
teer force and protect us.
We remain, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servants,
N. H. FAUNTLBROY,
J. CUTHBERT,
GEO. H. TILLEY,
[And 26 OTHBBS.]
Special Orders, ) Hdqbs. Department op the Pacifio,
No. 100. J San Franeisooy Cal., June 16, 1862.
• ••••••
2. The headquarters of Companies K and L, Second Cavalry Cali-
fornia Volunteers, will be prepared to move on the Overland Mail Route
by the 1st of July. The quartermaster's department will provide the
necessary transportation for this force.
• ••••••
By order of Brigadier-Oeneral Wright:
R. C. DRUM,
Assigtant Adjvtant-OeneraL
Hdqrs. First Cavalry California Voltjntbers,
Tucson, Ariz. Ter., June 16, 1862.
Lieut. Benjamin C. Cutler,
Acting Assistant Adjutant- Oeneral, Column from California:
Lieutenant: In compliance with orders received from the colonel
commanding, dated June 8, 1862, 1 have the honor to report that I on
that day left Tucson, Ariz. Ter., having with me the number of men
allotted, and taking such precautionary measures as to insure the
secrecy of my movements. Arrived in a deep canon about six miles
firom the Patagonia Mine, at 12 m. on the 12th instant, and camped.
At 1 a. m. on the 13th left camp, marched to within 400 yards of the
residence of Sylvester Mowry, where an arroya leads to a place called
the Commission. Here I detached Captain Fritz with thirty men, with
orders to surround the Commission ; to search each house and arrest
all persons he might find there; while I with the rest of the command
moved on to and surrounded the corral, inside of which was the house
of Mr. Mowry. It was about 3 a. m. I found the gateway closed and
fastened, but on knocking it was at once opened by a man whom I
afterward learned was the night watchman. On the gate being opened
I immediately passed through, taking with me Captain Willis and
twenty men. On being admitted to the yard I inquired of the man
who opened the gate if Lieutenant Mowry was at home. He replied
in the afSrmative, and pointed to his bedroom door. I knocked at the
door and almost immediately thereafter Mr. Mowry made his appear-
ance in his night clothes. I informed him who I was and the object ot
my unseasonable visit. He was then placed in arrest, as well as all
those who were found inside the corral, the list of names of whom
being herewith inclosed. On being arrested Mr. Mowry asked for
himself, together with the others, to be paroled and left at the mine.
This I declined doing, my orders being i)eremptory to bring them aU
with me back to Tucson. Soon after daylight Captain Willis and
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CHAP. I.xn.l CORRESPONDENCE ^UNION AND COITFEDERATE. 1143
Mr. Mills, private secretary to Lieatenant Mowry, made an inven-
tory in duplicate of all the movable property at the mine, signed by
Captain Fritz, Captain Willis, Mr. Mowry, and myself, and I placed
Captain Willis with twenty-four men in charge of the same. Lieu-
tenant Mowry and Ool. P. Eobinson handed me each a written protest
against their arrest, which I herewith inclose. Colonel Robinson, I
understand, served the notice of confiscation of Colt's silver mines.
He at the time of his arrest was the guest of Lieutenant Mowry. On
the morning of the 14th instant left the mine with Lieutenant Mowiy
and twenty-one other prisoners for Tucson, where I arrived on the
16th instant, and turned over the prisoners to Lientenant-Colonel
West, First Infantry California Volunteers, by order of the colonel
commanding.
I am, lieutenant, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
E. B. BYRE,
Lieutenant-Colonel First Cavalry California Volunteers, Comdg.
Headquarters Department op the Pacific,
San Francisco, Cat., June 16, 1862.
Col. JUSTTTS Steinbergbr,
First Regiment Washington Territory Volunteers,
Comdg. District of Oregon, Fort Vancouver, Wash. Ter. :
Sir: The general commanding the de^mrtment desires you to give
the necessary instructions for the withdrawal of the present garrison
of Fort Umpqua to Fort Vancouver. Fort Umpqua will be abandoned
and all the movable public property sent either to Hoskins or Yamhill,
as you may direct. You will select and appoint a reliable person as
agent to take charge of the public buildings and such property as may
be left. If the company to which the detachment belongs has left for
Humboldt, you will retain it at Vancouver until the departure of one of
the other companies of the same regiment. Lieutenant Watson will
remain at Fort Vancouver until the board has examined into his con-
duct. Letters receivetl to-day state that the general's dispatch directing
one company of Oregon cavalry volunteers to remain at Camp Baker
was not received until the arrival of the troops at Camp Clackamas. If
upon consultation with the superintendent of Indian affairs you think
a military force in the vicinity of Jaoksonville necessary, you will
direct one company of Colonel Cornelius' regiment to proceed to and
take post at Camp Baker. Your action in this matter will be promptly
reported.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
RICHD. C. DRUM,
Assistant Adjutant-General.
Headqitartbrs Department op the Pacific,
San Francisco, Cal,, June 17, 1862.
His Excellency Leland Stanford,
Oovemor of the State of California, Sacramento, Gal. :
Governor: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of Your
Excellency's communication of the IGth instant, with a copy of a peti-
tion of the citizens of Areata, Humboldt County, asking yon to call out
a volunteer force for their protection. I can assure Your Excellency
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1144 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Chap. LDL
that I am well advised of all the facts in relation to our Indian difficul-
ties in the District of Humboldt. Colonel Lippitt has ten companies of
infantry and one of cavalry, and the remaining three companies of the
Second Infantry California Volunteers have been ordered to Humboldt,
and one of them may be expected by the 26th. With this force it is
believed that peace caTi be maintained in the district.
W ith great respect, I have the honor to be, Your Excellency's obe-
dient servant,
G. WRIGHT,
Brigadier- General, U. 8. Army, Commanding.
General Orders, ) Hdqrs. Department op the Pacipic,
No. 22. ) San Francisco, Gal, June 17, 1862.
I. General Orders, No. 16, from the Headquarters of the Army, dated
on the 18th of February, 1862, having reached the military posts in
this department too late for a compliance with its requirements, it is
ordered that on the approaching anniversary of our National Inde-
pendence the extracts from the farewell address of George Washington
be read to the troops at every military post and at the head of the
several regiments and troops of the Army of the Pacific.
II. Having reported for duty agreeably to instructions from the
War Department, Surg. Peter G. S. Ten Broeck, medical department,
is announced as medical director and purveyor at these headquarters,
and will relieve Surg. Charles McCormick in the discharge of these
duties.
By order of Brigadier-General Wright:
E. C. DRUM,
Assistant Adjutant-Oeneral.
[June 17, 1862, — For Carleton to Eyre, conveying instructions, etc.,
see p. 98.]
Headquarters Colttmn prom California,
Tvoson, Ariz. Tor., June 17, 1863.
Oapt. N. J. PisnoN,
First California Volunteer Cavalry,
Commanding Fort Stanford, Ariz. Ter. :
Captain: The colonel commanding directs me to write to you as
follows: Owing to the fact that great numbers of wagons have been
shrunk and rendered almost useless as means of transportation on
acconnt of the great heat to which they have been exposed in crossing
the desert, the supplies of subsistence stores come in slowly. Every
point is being strained to the utmost to accumulate subsistence stores
at this point to last the entire command for sixty days, in order that we
may be enabled to move toward the Rio Grande by the 1st of July. In
order to accomplish this end great economy must be used in everything
relating to the stores now on hand. Therefore the colonel directs that
for the present you issue to your command only half rations of sugar
and coffee, and that you issue one pound of flour to the ration, and one
and one-half pounds of beef, and that you send to these headquarters
a list of all subsistence stores on hand, with the number of days your
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CHAP. LXll.] COBKE8PONDENCE — UNION AND CONFEDERATE. 1145
command will be supplied after the ration has been reduced as above.
Colonel Eyre leaves Tucson in two days from this date with 100 men to
make a forced reconnaissance toward the Rio Grande. He takes noth-
ing bat a little pemmican, some floor, and nothing bat the clothes the
men stand in. He will doubtless not return this way, but go on
directly to the river, so that the First Cavalry may have do opportunity
of retrieving the losses they have already sustained at the hands of
the enemy. The colonel commanding starts for Fort Barrett to-mor-
row, to be gone eight or ten days, and he does not wish the Apache
chiefs to come to Tucson until he returns. You will be notified at once
of his return to this place.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
BEN. 0. CUTLER,
First Lieut., First California Vol. Infty., Actg. Asst. Adjt. Oen.
Headquaetebs Column from California,
Tucson, Ariz. Ter., June 17, 1862.
Second Lieut. R. S. Barrett,
First Infantry California Volunteers,
Depot Quartermaster, Fort Yuma, Cal. :
Sir : The colonel commanding theColumn from California desires that
by the first train coming up the Gila yon send to the depot at Fort
Barrett, Pima Villages, Ariz. Ter., a good supply of axes and helves,
also as large a quantity of horse and mule shoes as you can spare, and
a proper supply of nails for the same. The colonel commanding dis-
likes to call your attention to minor matters, but it does really seem as
if there was some neglect, for which some one should be responsible.
Since leaving Fort Yuma it has become apparent that the stores for
ofiicers have never been kept up to the proper standard. Small stores,
such as crushed sugar, coffee, &c., are almost unknown at this point.
Trains come up the Gila in accordance with instructions, but not one
of them seems to be loaded with small [stores.] This seems unaccount-
able from this fact — before the colonel commanding left California a
train was ordered up from San Diego to Fort Yuma, loaded exclusively
with sugar, cofifee, &c., expressly for the use of the Column from Cali-
fornia. The column will shortly move from this point toward the Rio
Grande. We are sadly deficient in canteens. The colonel commanding
desires that if it is possible to do so that you send forward some 300 or
400 canteens. This must be done with the approval of Colonel Bowie,
commanding the District of Southern California, who can then make
estimates on the quartermaster's department for a new supply to replace
those sent by you to the front.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
BEN. C. CUTLER,
First Lieut., First Infty. California Vols., Actg. Asst. Adjt. Oen.
San Francisco, Cal., June 17, 1862.
Maj. R. C. Drttm,
Asst. Adjt. 6en., Hdqrs. Deptofthe Pacific, San Francisco, Cal.:
Major : Herewith I inclose to you a copy of a letter from the Adjutant-
General's OflBce, dated the iilst of April, 1862, directed to me at Fort
Vancouver, Wash. Ter., forwarding to me a commission of brigadier-
general of volunteers, and directing me to report by letter to Brig.
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1146 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Ciup. LXEt.
Qen. George Wright, eommanding this department. I hereby report to
him accordingly. I accepted said appointment by letter to the Adjutant-
General, dated the 16th of May. I arrived in this city on the 14th
instant in part compliance with Special Orders, "So. 89, from yoar ofiBce
of the 29th nltimo. 1 turned over on the 6th instant (the day I received
said order) all the remaining funds in my hands as paymaster, to M^j.
Simeon Francis, paymaster, IT. S. Army.
I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
BENJ. ALVORD,
Brigadier-Oeneral, U. 8. Volunteers,
[iDClosnre.]
Adjutant-Genebal's Office,
Washington, April 21, 1862.
Brig. Gen. Benjamin Alvoed, U. S. Volunteers,
Fort Vancouver, Wash. Ter.:
Sie: I forward your commission of brigadier-general, your receipt
and acceptance of which you will please acknowledge without delay,
reporting at the same time your age and residence, when appointed,
the State where born, and your full name, correctly written. Fill up,
subscribe, and return as soon as possible the accompanying oath, duly
and carefully executed. On receipt and acceptance hereof you will
report by letter to Brig. Gen. George Wright, at San Francisco, Cal.,
for temporary duty under his command.
1 am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JULIUS P. GARESCHfi,
Assistant Adjutant- General.
Hbadqttartees Column from Calipoknia,
Tncson, Ariz. Ter., June 18, 1862.
Maj. R. 0. Dritm,
Assistant Adjutant- General, U. 8. Army, San Francisco, Gal. :
Major: I have the honor to inform you that I was obliged to place
Major Fergusson, First Cavalry, in charge of the subsistence depart-
ment of the column. He could better be spared from his regiment
than any other officer above the rank of lieutenant, as the cavalry is
siecessarily very much scattered. His experience and ability qualify
him for the position, and he takes off' my hands a great deal of labor.
I have sent him into Sonora under a letter of instructions, a copy of
which is herewith inclosed, marked A.* With the assistance of Gov-
ernor Gaudara and a gentleman named Gonzales, who lives in Magda-
lena, Sonora, 1 was enabled on the 11th instant to send ofiF a letter to
General Ganby through Sonora and Ghihnahna and via El Paso into
New Mexico. It is the first letter on the paper, marked B,t herewith
inclosed. On the 15th instant I sent Expressman Jones and a Ser-
geant Wheeling, of the First Infantry, guided by a Mexican named
Chavez, directly across the country to communicate with General
Canby. Jones and Sergeant Wheeling took each a copy of the paper
placing Arizona under martial law, and a letter which the enemy was
expected to read in case the expressmen were captured. This letter is
on the second page of the inclosure marked B. The expressmen took
each a copy of a secret dispatch,]; which is marked C, and is herewith
' See Carleton to Forgnsson, June 11, p. 1133.
tSeo Carleton to Canby, June 11, p. 95.
t See Carleton to Canby, June 15, pp. U^ 97.
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CHAF.LXn.] CORRE8PONDEKCE — UNION AND CONFEDERATE. 1147
inclosed. By the last express I sent joa a copy of my instmcttona to
Lieutenant-Colonel Ejrre to arrest one Sylvester Mowry, who has,
without a doabt in my mind, been active in his endeavor to help the
caase of the Confederate States in this Territory. Inclosed herewith,
marked D, please find a copy of Colonel Eyre's report,* made on his
return from the Patagonia mines. On the arrival at Tucson of Mr.
Mowry I ordered a board of oflQcers to meet, and after due inquiry
to report whether there are just grounds to restrain Mowry of his
liberty. Inclosed herewith, marked E,t please find a copy of a letter
of instructions to the president of the board (Col. J. II. West) on the
subject. The board has not yet completed its labors. When I first
came into the Territory I gave orders that the Apaches, who have for
the last two years overrun it, killing every one they met and running off
stock, &c., should not be fired upon or molest«d until they committed
toward us some act of hostility. They were to be the aggressors so far
as this column was concerned just now. The result thus far has been no
man has been fired upon and no stock run off. The Apaches, ventur-
ing little by little, have at length come into Fort Stanford, and I shall
have a talk with them in a few days. If I can so bring matters about
that people can travel in this country without fear of their lives at
every step from the hordes of Indians of this tribe which roam over it,
I shall have accomplished a creditable end. See a letter X to Captain
Pishon, commanding at Fort Stanford, on this subject. I shall with,
draw the garrison at that fort as soon as I can have an interview with
the Indians. Lientenant-Colonel Eyre, First Cavalry, will leave Tuc-
son for a march toward the Bio Grande, under instructions marked G,§
herewith inclosed, on the 21st instant. I have been obliged to detail
a line officer to assist Captain Moore in his very responsible duties.
(See a copy of the order, herewith inclosed, marked H.||) The intoler-
able heat and the alkali dnst of the Gila desert makes the transporta-
tion of supplies from Port Yuma to Tucson a matter of great diflQculty.
The teamsters suffer greatly with inflamed eyes and with coughs. Tou
can judge of how thick this dnst is when I assure you that through the
extensive mesquite thickets through which the road leads it is impos-
sible for a teamster to see his own lead mules. The dust is impalpable
and spreads out over the country on either hand like a lake, and there
it remains for some time after the wagons have passed along. By these
lakes of dust I have seen the exact. position of a train more than ten
miles distant. The tires of the wagons get loose, and the sand working
in the joints of the wheels soon grinds them into an utterly unservice-
able condition. Therefore a great many wagons have to be laid by
until they can be repaired. I have two shops in operation in Tucson,
but not over two wagons a day can be put in running order with all the
force I can bring to work upon them. If I can manage to get up
enough supplies to keep the command in force and get, say, sixty days'
ahead for an onward movement when the water falls, say early in
July, I shall feel very happy. I shall leave for Fort Barrett this
evening to regulate matters at that place and beyond.
I am, mi^or, respectfully, your obedient servant,
JAMES H. CARLETON,
Colonel First California Volunteers, Commanding.
* See Eyre to Cutler, June 16, p. 1142.
t See Cntler to West, Jane 16, Vol. IX, p. 694.
t See Cntler to PJBhon, Jane 17, p. 1144. •
$ See Carloton to Eyre, June 17, p. 98.
II See next, pott.
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1148 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Cbap. LXH.
Speoiax Orders, ) Hdqrs. Column prom California,
No. 18. ) Tucson, Ariz. Ter., June 18, 1862.
At the solicitation of Capt. Tredwell Moore, assistant quartermaster,
TJ. S. Army, and from the fact that the exigencies of the service abso-
lutely require it, Capt. Nicholas S. Davis, of the First California Volun-
teer Infantry, is hereby relieved from the command of his company and
will occupy the responsible position in this column of acting assistant
quartermaster and sui)erintendent and director of all trains and means
of transportation. He wUl therefore receipt to Capt. Tredwell Moore,
the chief quartermaster, for all the trains and all means of transporta-
tion referred to, and proceed to organize, systematize, repair, arrange,
and employ them to the best interests of the service.
By order of Colonel Carleton :
BEN. C. CUTLER,
First Lieut., First California Vol. Infty., Aetg. Asst. Adjt. Oen.
Headquarters Department op the Pacipio,
San Francisco, Cal., June 18, 1862.
Lieut. Col. George S. Evans,
Second Cavalry California Volunteers, Camp Latham, Gal.]:
SiB: The superintendent of Indian affairs for the southern district
of California is at this time on a visit to the Indian reservations in his
district. Should he call upon you for a force to remove intruders from
the reservations, the general commanding the department desires you
to send a partyfrom your command sufficiently strong for that purpose.
Tou will direct the officers in charge of any detachments to report for
instructions to the superintendent.
Very respectfuUy, your obedient servant,
RJOHD. 0. DRUM,
Assistant Adjutant-Oeneral.
Headquarters Department op the Pacific,
San Francisco, Cal., June 18, 1862.
Capt. Q-EOBGE F. Price,
Second Cavalry California Volunteers:
(Through Commanding Officer Fort Churchill.)
Sib : The general commanding the department directs that you will
move with your company to Fort Churchill and report to the command-
ing officer thereof for duty at that post. The demand for troops in
this department will not permit of the establishment at present of a
post at SusanviUe. The matter, however, will be considered at a future
day. Tour report of the march to Honey Lake has been read with
much interest, and is very satisfactory.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
RICHD. C. DRUM,
Assistant Adjutant-Oeneral.
Marietta, Ga., June 18, 1862.
Hon. G. W. Randolph,
Secretary of War, Richmond :
Sib : Referring to the personal communications I had the honor of
making to you in Richmond, I can now inform the department that I
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Chap.LXII.) COBRESPONDENCE — UNION AND CONFEDEEATE. 1149
have satisfactory assurances that the necessary exchange on Europe
based upon the sale of cotton for neutral accoant can be had by the
Government for the purchase of arms, munitions of war, &c. I am
now in relation with the parties in Georgia and Alabama representing
the foreign buyers, and am satisfied that the occasion now offers for
importing arms, medicines, munitions, &c., into Texas and Arizona by
the way of Guaymas, in Mexico, on the Gulf of California. I take this
occasion of renewing the suggestion of thus supplying the military
necessities of the department west of the Mississippi. The port of
Guaymas is not suspected by the enemy, and a large and valuable sup-
ply of winter clothing, powder, &c., can be thus imported. There is
cotton enough in Texas thus utilized to arm and equip an army in Texas
and Arkansas capable of holding that country against the whole power
of the enemy.
I have the honor to be, sir, your obedient servant,
JNO. K. BAYLOR,
Governor of Arizona, Commanding C. S. Forces.
ADJUTANT-GENEBAi'S OPPIOB,
June 19, 1862.
Brig. Gen. Gboboe Wbight, U. S. Volunteers,
San Francisco, CaL:
No action to be taken in arrests spoken of in your letter of May 7.
L. THOMAS,
Adjutant- General.
Cabson City, June 19, 1862.
Maj. R. C. Dbttm,
Assistant Adjutant-Oeneral :
Governor Nye is going to Owen's River to see the Indians. He desires
me, with a detachment of twenty men, to go with him. Will be gone
ten days. Shall I got
GEO. F. PRICE,
Captain, Second California Volunteer Cavalry.
Hbadquabtebs Distbict of Obegon,
Fort Vancouver, Wash. Ter., June 19, 1862.
Assistant Adjutant-Genebal,
Headquarters Department of the Pacijic, San Francisco, Cat.:
Sib:' I have the honor to report advices from the commanding officer
at Fort Walla Walla of a detachment of twenty men under Captain
Harding, Oregon cavalry, having been sent to the Umatilla Reserva-
tion (Indian) to quell disturbances among the Indians. It appears that
a serious outbreak occurred on the 12th instant, and in the effort to
arrest it the agent, Mr. Barnhart, was compelled to shoot one of the
Indians. Representing danger to himself and other citizens on and
near the reservation, he applied for troops to the nearest post. I have
approved the action of Colonel Cornelius in the assistance rendered,
and directed the recall of the detachment as soon as quiet is restored.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JUSTUS STEINBERGER,
Colonel First Washington Territory Infantry, Comdg. District.
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1150 OPERATIONS ON THE PACM-'IC COAST. [Chap. LXn.
HEADQ0ABTEBS DISTRICT OP OBBOON,
Fort Vancouver, Wash. Tar., June 19, 1862.
Assistant Adjutant-Genebal,
Headquarlers Department of the Pacific, San Francisco, Cat. :
Sib : Siuce my last communicatioQ referring to the movement and
disposition of troops east of the Cascade Mountains, I have the honor
to report that a serious obstruction now exists to transportation
between here and Fort Dalles. The extraordinary flood in tlie Colum-
bia lliver has carried away a great portion of the railroad at Cascade
Portage, on the Oregon side, destroying as well the bridges, and malt-
ing otherwise impassable the wagon roads on this side. Meanwhile
delay occurs from this cause to the early movement of Oregon cav-
alry and of the two companies of Washington Territory infantry under
Major liumrill now in readiness to march to Fort Colville. The season
is already far advanced, and from the peculiar and lengthened severity
of the i)a8t winter operations of every description throughout the dis-
trict have been impeded. Transportation of supplies especially has
been in every direction retarded. To accomplish successfully the
designs of the commanding general for the employment of the Oregon
cavjdry in protective purposes east of Fort Walla Walla, it is eminently
important that this regiment should at an early moment be concen-
trated at that post. Beference has been made in former communica-
tions to this necessity, and arrangements have been made in furtherance
of the general plans contemplated with the transportation and portage
companies to repair the damages to roads, and press forward in mlvance
of all others the supplies and troops required by the Government.
The cavalry companies will be sent in advance and at the earliest
moment that the transit is practicable. Immediately after assuming
command of the district I directed full and complete returns to b©
made to these headquarters from each post of tbe property on hand,
with the view,among other purposes, to ascertain the amount of trans-
portation available beyond the ordinary garrison requirements. Adopt-
ing the plan heretofore practiced at Fort Walla WaUa^ and as I am
informed contemplated the coming season, there will be insuflBciency of
animals to fit out the expeditions to the mining conntry and on the
emigrant trail east. On this subject I have directed a full and detailed
report from the commanding ofBcer at Fort Walla Walla, whose views
when received will be forwarded for the consideration of the command-
ing general. Fort Golville can provide its own transiK)rtation if the
route now proposed is adopted, viz, to have the troops and supplies
sent by steamer to tbe mouth of Palouse on Snake River, thence by
their own teams. This mode after full investigation I recommend as
the quickest, safest, and most economical. All the surplus transporta-
tion at the depot will be shipped to Fort Dalles and used with what is
not required at this latter post to convey the subsistence for the cav-
alry on the march to Fort Walla Walla. Application has recently
been made for a detachment of troops at the Warm Springs Indian
Beservatioo. In the change that the large emigration to the whole
country east of the Cascade Mountains will effect in the disposition of
troops and the claims for protection, the necessity for compliance with
this request is not clear. To provide for such requirements, however,
sufftcient transportation will either be retained or returned from Fort
Walla Walla to send the requisite force and keep it supplied. A large
number of public animals have within the past year been removed from
the district, and at Fort Walla Walla especially casualties in the means
of transportation have been during the past winter serious and numer-
ous. The posts on this side of the Cascade Mountains will be brought
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CBAP.LXH.) COBBE8PONDENCE UNION AND CONFEDERATE. 1151
down to the most economical allowance. With our present means it
seeniB to nie obviously prudent to ])rovide at once at Fort Walla Walla
all the disposable transportation.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JUSTUS STEINBBllGEE,
Colonel. First Washitufton Territory Infantry, Gomdg. District.
Headquartkbs Department of tue Pacific,
tian Francisco, June ~'/, 1802.
Ihifj. Oen. L. Thomas,
Adjutant- OcHeral U. S. Army, Washington, D. (J. :
General: My latest dispatches from Brigadier-General Garleton
were received this morning, dated June 1. The general was then at
Fort Barrett, Pima Villages, Ariz, Ter. The general says that the
crossing "the Gila desert was terrible." Lieutenant Shinn, command-
ing the light artillery battery, reached Fort Barrett on the 31st of May,
and was to march for Tucson on the Ist of June; his horses in good
working order, but a little tliiu. Thus far the expedition has been
successively prosecuted. Arizona is securely occupied notwith-
standing the predictions of traitors that we should be compelled to
abandon everything in the midst of the desert. General Oarleton
dispatched a messenger with a communication to General Canby, but
he was unable to go up the Salinas on account of the high water in
that river. The general would again make an eilbrt to communicate
with Canby from Tucson. From the District of Oregon my latest date,
June 10, represents everything as quiet. Colonel Cornelius, with two
companies of Oregon cavalry, had reached Fort Walla Walla, and
three more companies of the same regiment had reached the Willamette
Valley en route for Walla Walla. Colonel Connor, Third Infantry
California Volunteers, with his regiment, is still encamped near Stock-
ton, in readiness to cross the mountains at an early day. Colonel Sims,
Second Cavalry California Volunteers, now at Camp Alert, near this
city, has been ordered to hold himself in readiness to move with his
headqnarters and two companies to join the command of Colonel Con-
nor for the protection of the Overland Mail Boute. I have not yet
designated the positions to be occupied along the mail route, but in the
absence of any special instructions from the War Department I have
assumed it as Important that a strong post should be established in the
vicinity of Salt Lake, and contracts have been made for the transpor-
tation to that place of a year's supply for 800 men. An intermediate
station, probably at Ituby Valley, will also be established for 300 men.
Under instructions from your office, Brigadier-General Alvord has
reported to me for temporary duty. I have receivedno orders as to
the wislies of the Department as to the disposition of General Alvord,
and I shall assign him to the command of the District of Oregon.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
G. WRIGUT,
Brigadier-Oeneral, U. S. Army, Commanding.
Headquarters Column from Oalipobnia,
Fort Barrett, Ariz. Ter,, June 21, 1802.
Col. George W. Bowie,
Fifth Infantry GaHfornia Volunteers, Fort Yuma, Cal. :
Colonel : If there is any property to be guarded at Gila City or
Texas Uill, please send the guard from Fort Yuma, that the men now
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1152 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Chap. LXIL
at those places may be relieved and sent to join their companies now in
the advance in this column. Please let the men to be relieved come
forward with Veck's train, now at or near your post. Captain Moore
will doubtless send for the store-keeper, Mr. McAchran, now at Yuma,
to be store-keeper under Lieutenant Toole, Fifth Infantry, depot quar-
termaster at Tucson, Ariz. Ter. Please direct McAchran, to come for-
ward with Veck's train.
I am, colonel, respectfully,
JAMES H. CARLETON,
Brigadier-Oeneral, U. S. Army.
Hbadquartebs Column from Cai-ifornia,
Fort Barrett, Ariz. Ter., June 21, 1862.
Maj. Theodore A. Coult,
Fifth Infantry California Volunteers, Comdg. at Fort Barrett:
Major: You will, without delay, move the troops of the Fifth
Infantry California Volunteers to some suitable point on the left
bank of the Gila Biver within a mile and a half of what is known as
the Sacaton Station. Here you will, without delay, establish a defen-
sive work large enough for a garrison of two companies, and of suffi-
cient additional capacity to hold store-houses for, say, 200,000 rations
of subsistence stores. You will order Lieutenant Coleman, with Quar-
termaster-Sergeant Hutchinson, First Cavalry California Volunteers,
and a guard sufficient to protect the public property which may then
remain at and near White's mill (the present Fort Barrett). Make
arrangements with the chief quartermaster by which you will have
three teams to keep your troops supplied with subsistence from Fort
Yuma, and one to be used for post purposes. This will do away with
the necessity of your disturbing loads of subsistence stores in transitu
from Fort Yuma for Tucson. I call your attention especially to this
point, as such disturbance of loading is unauthorized and leads to great
embarrassments. The four teams named include those you have now.
lieUeve at Blue Water Station, and order them to join their company,
Corporal Crosson, and Privates Rader, Langdon, and Adle, of Com-
pany B, First Infantry California Volunteers. Send a noncommis-
sioned ofQcer and three men of the Fifth Infantry California Volunteers
to replace them.
I am, major, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JAMES H. CARLETON,
Brigadier-Oeneral, U. 8. Army.
Note. — ^There must be no expense to the United States in making
your work, except paying men extra-duty pay for molding adobes.
J. H, C.
Headquarters Column prom California,
Fort Barrett, Ariz. Ter., June 21, 1862.
Maj. Theodore A. Coult,
Fifth Infty. California Vols., Comdg. Fort Barrett, Ariz. Ter. :
Major: Order Companies B, E, and F, First Infantry California
Volunteers, to Tucson, Ariz. Ter., to start to-day and proceed thither
via the Picacho route; also order Capt. John C. Cremony, with his
company (B), Second Cavalry California Volunteers, to proceed to Tuc-
son, Ariz. Ter., with a herd of beeves now at Maricopa Wells, via the
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CBAP.im.] COBBESPONDBNCE — ^UNION AND CONPEDEBATE. 1153
Leech wagOD road to Alamo Spring, and thence via Canada del Oro to
Tucson ; also, order Corporal Timmons, of Company C, First Cavalry
California Volunteers, and Sergeant Harrison, of Company P, First
Infantry California Volunteers, together with the ten privates of that
company now at Gila Bend, to Tucson. You will send to replace them
one first-rate non-commissioned oflBcer and three privates. The party
then at Gila Bend will be three privates of Company C, First Cavalry,
and a non-commissioned ofiScer and three privates of the Fifth Infantry.
I am, major, very respectfidly, yoor obedient servant,
JAMES H. CARLETON,
Brigadier- Oetieral, U. 8. Army.
Hbadquabtebs Humboldt Militaby Di-jtbict,
Fort Humboldt, June 21, 1862.
Capt. Thomas E. Ketcham,
Third Ii\fantry California Volunteers, Comdg. Fort Baker:
CAPTAIN: Tour company will be relieved by the first company of the
Second Infantry California Volunteers that will arrive irom the north,
one being now expected every hour. You will therefore keep your
command together and in readiness to march to this post in order to
embark for San Francisco to proceed to Benicia,. agreeably to instruc-
tions fi'om department headquarters. You will call in the detachments
at McEiitee's Crossing and at Keed's ranch whenever you shall deem it
expedient, by the 1st of July at all events.
By order of Colonel Lippitt:
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JOHN HANNA, Jb.,
First Lieut, and Adjt. Second In/ty. Galifornta Vols.,
Actg. Asst. Adjt. Oen., Humboldt Military District,
Special Oedbes, ) Hdqes. Depaetment of the Pacific,
No. 108. J San Francisco, Gal., June 23, 1862.
• ••••••
2. Brig. Gen. Beiuamin Alvord having, under instructions from the
War Department, reported for duty at these headquarters, will proceed
to Fort Vancouver and assume command of the District of Oregon.
• ••••••
By order of Brigadier-General Wright:
R. C. DRUM,
AssistoMt Adjutant- General.
Headquabtebs Httmboldt Militaby Distbiot,
Fort Humboldt, June 23, 1862—7.30 p. m.
Capt. D. B. Akey,
Comdg. Company E, Second Ca,valry Cali/omia Volunteers:
Captain: The colonel commanding the district has just received
information that 200 well-armed Indians are now concentrated near the
head (the mouth is evidently intended) of Mad River for the purpose
of attacking Areata. In order to verify the truth of this leport you
are directed to proceed immediately to Axcata, then take one or more
73 s B — VOL L, pt I
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1154 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST, [Chap. LXU.
monnted men of Lieatenant Davis' command and proceed at once to
make a thorongh reconnaissance of the neighborhood of the month of
Mad Eiver on both sides of it, if practicable. Yon are expected to
complete the reconnaissance before daylight to-morrow morning. If
yon find bat a small number of Indians assembled yon will proceed to
capture them at once with Lieutenant Davis' command if you deem it
large enough. If you find the Indians in any force yon wiU report the
fact as speedily as i)088ible to these headquarters. Begimental Quar-
termaster Swasey is directed to hire a guide for you if one should be
needed.
By order of Colonel Lippitt:
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JOHN HANNA, Jb.,
First Lieut, and Adjt. Second Infty. California Volt.,
Aetg. Aast, Adjt. Oen., Humboldt Military District.
Headquabtkbs District of Oreoon,
Fort Vancouver, Wash. Ter.,June23, 1862.
Assistant Adjutant-General,
Headquarters Department of the Paeijic, San Francisco f Cal.:
Sir : I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of communication
from department headquarters dated 12th instant, directing the move-
ment of companies of Second Infantry California Volunteers. In reply
I have respectfully to report that M^. 0. H. Eumrill, First Washington
Territory Infantry, with Companies B and C of that regiment, will leave
this post on the morning of the 5J5th instant for Fort Oolville direct, to
relieve Mtyor Curtis with the two companies of the former regiment now
posted there. With reasonable dispatch Mtyor Curtis with his command
should reach this place about the 2oth proximo. The remaining com-
pany of the Second California Infantry now at Fort Hoskins will be
relieved by Company D, Captain Seidenstriker, to arrive here at the
same time. Prompt compliance will be made with the directions for
the embarkation of these troops to Fort Humboldt, Cal.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JUSTUS STEINBEKGER,
Colonel First Washington Territory Infantry, Comdg. District.
Headquarters District op Oreoon,
Fort Vancouver, Wash, Ter., June 23, 1862.
Assistant Adjutant-Generax,
Headquarters Department of the Pacific, San Francisco, Cal. :
Sir: I have the honor to report that I have directed the establish-
ment of a temporary depot on Snake Biver at the mouth of Palouse to
facilitate the sending forward to Fort Oolville troops and supplies.
The ferry-boat on Snake Kiver has been carried away by high water,
and communication by wagon trains cutoff between Forts Walla Walla
and Colville. It is found even under ordinary circumstances that to go
by steam boat to the mouth of Palouse River, thence to Fort Colville,
is much the shortest and most economical route. At this time it is the
only practicable one. The commanding officer at Fort Walla Walla
has been instructed to have a reliable agent employed and sent to the
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Chap. LXn.] COBBE8PONDENCE UNION AND CONFEDERATE. 1155
point mentioaed with the necessary material for a temporary depot,
and will go out with the transportation furnished from that post for
the march of Major Bumrill's command to Fort Colville and bring down
M^jor Curtis in return. By an arrangement with the navigation com-
pany the teams will be ferried across Snake River by the steam-boat
taking up the troops. The supplies for Fort Colville will be pressed
forward at once to the depot, the commanding officer at that post having
been directed to send down to that point his trains for the land trans-
portation. By an approximate estimate made from information col-
lected here it is expected that not over two months will be required to
have all the supplies for Fort Colville on the road, when the depot will
be broken up. Information has not been received either here or at Fort
Walla Walla of any arrangements already made for the forwarding of
supplies to Colville, and in view of the urgent necessity of immediate
action in the matter I trust the commanding general will approve the
course taken.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JUSTUS STEINBEBGEE,
Colonel First Washington Territory Infantry, Comdg. JHatrict.
Special Orders, ) Headquarters .District of Oregon,
No. 20. J Fort Vancouver, Wcuh. Ter., June 23, 1862.
I. The battalion of First Oregon Cavalry under Lieut. Col. R. F.
Maury, of that regiment, now at Camp Clackamas, Oreg., will pro-
ceed by water to The Dalles, Oreg., and thence by land to Fort Walla
Walla. Lieutenant-Colonel Maury will commence this movement on
the 2ith instant by sending forward M^j. J. S. Riuearson, of that regi-
ment, and one of the companies of his command. On the 26th instant
another company will be sent forward, and one each day following
until the whole command is moved.
II. Major Einearson, on arriving at The Dalles, will proceed with the
company to Five- Mile Creek, and establish a camp somewhere in that
•vicinity, where the horses will be herded and grazed until the whole
command arrives there. The quartermaster's department will furnish
the necessary transportation, confined strictly to the field allowance to
insure the prompt execution of the orders above indicated.
• ••••••
By order of Colonel Steiuberger:
WM. B. HUGHES,
First Lieut., Ninth Infantry, Acting Assistant Adjutant-Oeneral.
Special Orders, ) Headquarters District of Oregon,
No. 21. J Fort Vancouver, Wash. Ter., June 23, 1862.
Maj. C. H. Bumrill, First Washington Territory Infantry, will, with
Companies B and C, of the same regiment, proceed on Wednesday, the
25th instant, to Fort Colville, Wash. Ter., by the Oregon Steam Navi-
gation Company's transportation to the month of the Palouse, on Snake
Eiver; thence by transportation furnished by the commanding officer
at Fort Walla Walla. Fifteen days' subsistence for this command will
be furnished by the acting commissary of subsistence at this depot.
On arriving at Port Colville, Major Bumrill will relieve Mi^or Curtis,
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1156 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Obaf.LXEC.
Second Infantry California Volunteers, who with the two companies
now under his command will proceed without delay to Fort Vancouver,
Wash. Ter. The quartermaster's department will make the necessary
arrangements to insure the prompt execution of the orders above
indicated.
By order of Colonel Steinberger:
WM. B. HUGHES,
First Lieut., Ninth Infantry, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.
Hbadquabters District of Obeoon,
Fort Vancouver, Wjosh. Ter., June 23, 1862.
Col. T. B. COBNELIUS.
First Oregon Cavalry, Comdg. Fort Walla Walla, Wash. Ter. :
SiK : It is designed to send one company of your regiment from Fort
Walla Walla to a point on or near the Indian reservation of the Nez
Perc(£s, and at least two companies on the emigrant road toward Fort
Hall. The object of these movements is to preserve quiet and order in
our relations with the Kez Perc6 Indians and adjacent tribes, and give
protection to the emigration coming this season from the Atlantic States.
You have heretofore been advised to have these headquarters furnished
with all the information you can collect that may involve the disposi-
tion of troops eastward from your post, and your report is looked for
daily. It is now directed, in view of the movements herein referred to,
that an accurate and detailed report be transmitted at the earliest
practicable moment of the amount of available transportation on hand
at your post and belonging to it, and if it will meet the demands these
expeditions will make,- as well as provide for the current requirements
of the garrison. The wagons and mules taking Mf^or Eumrill's com-
mand to Fort Colville will bring back Major Curtis', and will be directed
to return at once to Fort Walla Walla. They should be back about the
20th of July. The greater part of the transportation carrying Lieuten-
ant-Colonel Maury's command to your post will be retained by you. It
is presumed that the company dispatched to the Nez Perc6 country *
will leave during the month of July; yet upon this subject much will
depend upon your own report of its necessity and opinion of the proper
time. The experience of former expeditions has proven that protection
has been most required for the latter part ot the overland emigration,
and that the 1st of August is early enough to start troops eastward.
Of this, however, your report is expected with your views in full. This
expedition will in all probability require transportation for two months'
subsistence. If upon a carefril examination of the resources of your
post it is ascertained that you cannot supply transportation for these
expeditions and provide for the post, direct your quartermaster to make
estimates for the supply of fuel and forage by contract, and, if posi-
tively necessary, for the hauling of supplies from the steam-boat land-
ing on Columbia Biver to the post. Let these estimates be sent to the
proper staff officer at department headquarters for approval, with full
and explicit reports of the necessities therefor. In your own reports
to these headquarters on this subject it is to be borne in mind that all
estimates for transportation should be based upon the most rigid econ-
omy and strictly in accordance with regulations. You will institute
immediately the necessary preparations for the march and support of
of these troops iu the t.^d, looking forward to their departure from
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CBAP.Lra.] COBBESPONDENCE — ^UNION AND CONFEDERATE. 1157
Fort Walla Walla not later than the Ist of Angnst, and it is required
that fall and frequent information be sent to these headquarters of the
progress made and your wants.
Very respectftilly, your obedient servant,
JUSTUS STBrNTBERGEE,
Colonel First Weuhington Territory Infantry, Comdg. District.
Headqttabtbbs Distbict op Oregon,
Fort Vancouver, Wash. Ter., June 23, 1862.
Lieut. Ool. R. F. Mauey,
First Oregon Cavalry, Camp Clackamas, Oreg. :
Sib : Direct Major Binearson, who goes to The Dalles in compliance
with Special Orders, No. 20, to select a suitable place for a temporary
camp of a few days, with a view to the accommodation of the four com-
panies of yoor battalion. The quartermaster's department will be
directed both here and at Fort Dalles to expedite your movement
toward Fort Walla Walla, and I have to request that the utmost dis-
patch and promptness be employed in your march to that post. Owing
to the inability of the transportation company between Cascades and
The Dalles to supply subsistence, it will be well to direct your men to
carry one day's cooked rations. Let them also take one day's forage
for the horses. For the march from The Dalles to Fort Walla Walla
subsistence will be furnished by the commanding ofScer at Fort Dalles.
Yon will take with you from The Dalles for the march not less than ten
days' rations. Two wagons to each company will be flimished for the
transportation of your supplies and baggage. A strict adherence is
required to the regulation allowance for transportation of troops in the
field, and if in the employment of the means furnished a surplus is
found, let it be used to convey an increased number of rations. Yon
will be furnished with other instructions from these headquarters for
the march from The Dalles before your command leaves that point.
Very respectfully, yoor obedient servant,
JUSTUS STEINBBRGEB,
Colonel First Washington Territory Infantry, Comdg. District.
Heabquabtebs Depaetment op the Pacipic,
San Francisco, Cal., June 24, 1862.
COMUANDINO OPPICBB DISTEIOT OP OBEGON,
Fort Vancouver, Wash. Ter. :
Sib : The mode proposed in yonr letter of the 19th instant for sup-
plying Fort Colville is approved by the department commander. The
general directs that the Oregon cavalry must be on the emigrant route
in time to protect the approaching emigration. The obstruction s caused
by the recent freshets will no doubt be removed in time to permit an
early march. The troops under orders to relieve the present garrison
of Fort Colville will, the general directs, be paid previous to leaving
Fort Vancouver, if it is possible to do so.
Very respectfiilly, your obedient servant,
R. C. DRUM,
Assistant Adjutant- General.
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1158 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Chap. Utn.
Headquabtbbs District of Oregon,
Fort Vancouver, Wash, Ter., June 34, 1862.
Maj. 0, H. RuMBiLL,
First Washington Territory Infantry,
Under Orders for Fort Colville, Wash. Ter. :
Major : In carrying out the order for your march to Fort Colville
with the two companies of yoar regiment, it is expected that the utmost
dispatch will be secured in the movement. You will take with you
from this post fifteen days' subsistence, and this, with yonr company
property and baggage, it is'important should go directly through with
the troops. Owing to the flooded condition of the Columbia River at
Cascade portage, some delay may occur in getting over the property.
It will require on the part of your quartermaster careful attention and
active exertion to insure its passage across. You will arrive at The
Dalles on the night of the 25th, and as the steam-boat which carries yon
up the Columbia River leaves the Des Chutes on the morning of the 27th,
one day will be given you to make the march between these points.
Transportation will be furnished by the navigation company across both
these portages, and it will only be necessary to see that this company
press forward your command promptly. On arriving at the mouth of
the Palonse you will find on the left bank of the Bnake River ten wagons
and one ambulance with teams for your land transportation to Fort Col-
ville. This the navigation company have agreed to ferry over to the
right bank of the river, where a depot will be established by tbe qnar-
termaster's department. Start from this point as soon as possible, and
as it is important to have Major Curtis' command relieved and brought
down here at the earliest practicable moment, lose no time on the march.
The trausportation employed by you from Palouse will be used by
M^or Curtis returning, and you will request him to have it ferried
back on arriving at Snake River on its way to Fort Walla Walla by
the steam-boat bringing the command down.
Let me enjoin upon you on the march the enforcement rigidly of the
discipline of the service as essentially requisite for tbe preservation of
good order and condition in your command. A very high responsi-
bility and valuable charge is intrusted to you in assigning you the com-
mand of the distant post of Fort Colville, and in commiUing it to yonr
hands I rely with confidence upon your judgment and discretion in
guarding the public interests and sustaining the honor and credit of
the service.
Very respectftilly, your obedient servant,
JUSTUS STEINBERGER,
Colonel First Washington Territory Infantry, Votndg. District.
Adjutant-General's Office,
June 25, 1862.
Brig. Gen. George Wright, U. S. Yolanteers,
San Francisco, GaU:
If General Alvord is not needed in Pacific Department, order him to
report here. If he is needed, assign him.
L. THOMAS,
Adjutant- Oeneral.
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CHAP.LXn.] CORRESPONDENCE — UNION AND CONFEDERATE. 1159
Tucson, Abiz. Teb., June 25, 1862.
Col. J. K, West,
First Infantry California Volunteers^ Oommandingj Present:
SiB: I have the honor to report that in compliance with iustractions
from the colonel commanding Colnmn from California, of date June 11,
1862, 1 proceeded on the afternoon of that day to Magdalcna, in Sonora,
where I arrived on the morning of the lOth instant. I at once com-
menced to inquire into the resources of that place and vicinity to supply
the troops in this Territory with subsistence, forage, &c., and the prices
at which responsible parties are willing to deliver supplies at this place.
The following is the result of my observation and inquiries, viz: Mag-
dalena is the center of a popniatiou of about 6,200 inhabitants, along
the river of the same name for about thirty miles, and in towns situated
as follows: First. Imuris; population about 1,000; fifteen miles this side
of Magdalena. Second. La Mesa; population about 500; twelve miles
this side of Magdalena. Third. Terrenute; population about 500; nine
miles this side of Magdalena. Fourth. Sanlgnacio; population about
7t)0; five miles this side of Magdalena. Fifth. Magdalena, population
about 1,400. Sixth. San Lorenzo; population about 200; three miles
beyond Magdalena. Seventh. Santa Marta; population about 350; ten
miles and a half beyond Magdalena. Eighth. Santa Ana; popula-
tion about 850; fifteen miles l^yond Magdalena. The above includes
the whole population on the river, as all are in the immediate vicinity
of the towns and villages. The first cultivated laud is met with within
about five miles this side of Imuris, and the last on the river two or
three miles beyond Santa Ana, from which point to Hermosillo there is
no land in cultivation, a distance of about 120 miles. The crops con-
sist principally of wheat, corn, and barley. Beans are raised, but in
small quantities. There are none of the latter at present on the river.
The harvest of wheat yields about 8,000 fanegas annually. The yield
could, did the demand require it, be trebled. Of barley there Is but
little raised, and the only parcel for sale is in the hands of Don Fran-
cisco Gonzales Torano, of Magdalena, and does not exceed 500 fanegas,
say 70,000 pounds. There is no corn in any considerable quantity at
present on the river. Francisco O. Torafio, of Magdalena, offers to sell
at Magdalena wheat in such quantities as we may require for 2 cents
per pound, and will deliver it at Tucson for 4 cents per pound. Pablo
Touruier of the same place offers to deliver at Tucson 2,000 fanegas of
wheat at 4 cents per pound, the deliveries to be made as follows, viz,
600 fanegas per month. The first delivery, 300 fanegas, on the 15fh day
of July and 300 every subsequent fifteen days. The number of neat
cattle of every kind on the Magdalena Kiver does not exceed 2,000 head.
Of these about seventy-five are fat oxen, corn fed, each averaging about
700 pounds net, and owned by various parties, who ask from $45 to $50
per head for them where they are owned. All the cattle, with the
exception of the oxen above mentioned, are at present lean, in conse-
quence of the necessity of corralling them at night to prevent them
from being stolen by the Apache Indians, who are nightly in the habit
of prowling about the towns to steal horses and cattle. In regard to
flour, on my arrival I made arrangements to purchase all for sale on the
river. I bought of Mr. Toraiio, of Magdalena, all he had, amounting
to twelve cargas, say 3,526 pounds (now delivered here), at $15.50 per
carga; and eight cargas additional (to arrive on the 30th instant) at
$14.50 per carga. The above flour is not bolted. I contracted with
Don Alejandro Dagucrre, of San Ignacio, for the delivery at Tucson on
the 30th instant of 20,000 pounds of bolted flour, at 7^ cents per pound,
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1160 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. IChap.LXIL
and as mach more as he can deliver on the 5th of Jaly of unbolted flonr,
at $16 per carga (of 300 poands). The qaautity of the latter I fear will
not exceed 15,000 poands. Mr. Dagaerre has had to employ all the mills
in the neighborhood to fulfill his contract, and to work night and day to
have the flour bolted. What I have purchased comprises all the flour
obtainable on the Magdalena Biver. On my arrival at Magdalena one
Don Onofre Navarro, of that place, proposed to fixrnish, in connection
with the two principal merchants of the place, F. G. Torano and Nich-
olas Maria Ganiica, from Hermosillo, 250 cargas of the best brands of
bolted flour, delivered at Tucson for 8 cents per pound. Assured by
those parties that the flour could be obtained, I had Mr. Navarro send
an express immediately to Hermosillo to order the flour, which Navarro
assured mo could be delivered at Tucson on the 30th instant. But on
the 23d instant he was advised by the parties owning the flour they
would not deliver for less than 9 cents per pound, and they required an
escort for their train besides. There was evidently a combination
effected between the millers of Hermosillo to raise the prices, specnlat-
ing upon our necessity for the article. I was assured by the three gen-
tlemen, Navarro, Torano, and Garnica, the only responsible parties in
Magdalena, that flour could be purchased at Hermosillo and placed at
Tucson at a profit for 8 cents per pound. I then authorized Navarro to
go to Hermosillo to purchase 60,000 pounds of flour at 8 cents if he
could, 9 if necessary, delivered herej^which amount I agreed to receive
from him on the 10th day of July. Under any circumstances flour from
Hermosillo could not be brought here sooner than the 6th, and the party
asking 9 cents would not agree to deliver sooner than the 10th proximo.
I have no doubt a contract can be made with Ynigo, Mendez, Gonzales,
or Moreno, of Hermosillo, for flour delivered here for from 8 to 9 cents
per pound. Juan Yiiigo arrived at Magdalena a few minutes before I
left, evidently with the intention of endeavoring to get a contract for
flour on account of his father. I oftered him 8 cents per pound for
60,000 pounds, delivered here July 10, or sooner, but he would take no
less than 9 cents. Being informed that he was {dways late in ful-
filling contracts of the same nature for the supply of Fort Buchanan,
I also stipulated that in case of nonfulfillment of the contract in time
he should forfeit $2,000, to which he would not accede. I have no
doubt Navarro will deliver 60,000 pounds by the 10th proximo, and
perhaps part of it on the 5th proximo. The following are the flour mills
on the River Magdalena, viz: At Imuris, 1, small, owned by Hor-
rosco", not going. At Terrenate, 1, small, owned by a Mr. Pierson, will
grind about 3,000 pounds daily when there is water, Mr. Pierson is at
present at Guaymas on his way to Terrenate with a new flour mill
from Galifornia. At San Ignacio, 1, owned by Jo8<5 Maria Redondo;
it will grind about 4,000 pounds daily when there is water. At Magda-
lena, 1, owned by Padres, not going at present; it is capable of grinding
about 6,000 pounds daily when there is water. At San Lorenzo, 1,
owned by Emanuel Barragan, small, with bad stones, not going. At
Santa Marta, a small road side mill without a house, owned by a Mr.
Bird, an American ; it can grind about 1,000 poands daily. Mr. Bird is
about putting up another mill at Santa Ana. I give the capacity of the
mills as informed by respectable parties, but I think their powers exag-
gerated, as they are extremely primitive — indeed, somnch so as to appear
absurd. None of the mills bolt flour. This operation has to be per-
formed by hand. The principal owners of cattle and sheep are as fol-
lows, viz : Of cattle, first, Jesus Estrella, Rancho de la Noria Verde,
fourteen leagues this side of Hermosillo, near the Magdalena road.
On my arrival at San Ignacio I got Estrella's son-in-law, Don Conrado
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C!itf.I.zn.] COEBE8PONDENC3E — ^UNION AND CONTEDEBATE. 1161
Agdirre, to send an express to him to inqaire the price at which ho
wonid deliver 200 head of three-year to six-year old steers at Tucsou.
On the 22d instant an answer was received stating that he (Estrella)
would deliver at his rancho (and there only) 200 to 300 head at $15
each. Mr. Aguirre offers to take his father-in-law's cattle and deliver
them here at $18 per head. It is also necessary that the cattle be col-
lected at once, as on the commencement of the rains they scatter over
the country, whereas in the dry season they remain in the neighbor-
hood of water and are easily collected, Second, Dionisio Gk>nzales,
Bancho las Graces, twenty-two leagues from Magdalena, on the Altar
road. Gonzales will deliver cattle on his rancho (and there only) for
$14 per bead. Gonzales' cattle are wilder than Estrella's. Estrella
has the reputation of being one of the best and most responsible men
in Sonora. Third, General Job6 Maria Ellas Gonzales, at Goc6spera,
is represented as having cattle, but I was not able to communicate
with him. Cattle are poor in all parts at present, and I am informed
that they are in fine condition in September and October, and can then
be bought on the ranches for $10 a head. In regard to sheep, there
are but few, and they of a small size and in poor condition. F. G.
Torano, of Magdalena, has about300, large and small. He will sell the
lot for $400. Juan Lopez, of Imores, has about 800 head. He asks $2
each for them there. Santos Siqueirroz, of the same place, has about
the same number at the same price. His agent is Torauo, of Magda-
lena. Antonio Bergara, of Santa Gmz, has about 80 head in Arispe;
price not known. Moreno, of Tubutama, has abont 1,500 head;
price on the rancho from $2.50 to $3 per head. Corn can be obtained
from Santa Cruz principally, delivered here at 4 cents per pound.
Francisco Padres, of Santa Gmz, has about 2,000 fanegas; price at
Santa Cruz and Gocdspera 2^ cents per pound. Onofre Navarro, of
Magdalena, will freight it here for l| cents per pound. Theroailis
good; distance about 120 miles. Joaquin Qnirroga (K. M. Garnica,
agent) has 200 fanegas; price 2 cents per pound iu Santa Cruz. Hilario
Gabilondo, same place, has 300 to 400 fanegas; ]>rice 2 cents i>er pound
in Santa Cruz, or (which he prefers) 4 cente iu Tucson (N. M. Garuica,
agent). Imannel Boniero, same place, has 200 fanegas at 2 cents per
pound (corn represented as three years old). Sundry other persons in
Santa Gmz have about 100 fanegas; about the same price. The corn
harvest at Santa Gmz is in October. There is none of any consequence
at any other point. On the Magdalena corn is harvested in March and
November. The following articles of subsistence can be obtained at
Magdalena in sufBcient quantities at the following prices, viz : Panoche
about $30 to $33 per carga; salt at 4 cents i>er pound; soap, an excel-
lent article, at 24^ cents; sugar (Hermosillo made) at 24 cents per
pound; flour, in the coarse of a little time, unbolted, at /> to 6 cents
per pound ; bolted at 7 to 7 J cents per pound. All delivered at Tucson
at the above prices. Beans in sufficient quantities can be placed here
from Hermosillo for 6 to 7 cents per poand. It is very difUcult to get
the business men of Sonora to act with promptness and energy, yet I
have nodoubt that all our subsistence supplies, except pork, refined sugar,
coffee, tea, candles, and rice, can be obtained on more favorable terms
than drawing them from California. Grain can be had in abundance
at 4 cents per pound, delivered here. I have the satisfaction to state
that I was received by Senor Don Rafael Buelva, the prefect of Mag-
dalena, with kindness and evidences of good will and friendship toward
our people. The people of the country gave every evidence of good will
and of a decided sympathy with the cause of the United States in regard
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1162 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Chap. LXH.
to the rebellion of the Southern States. I mnst report, however, that
cash on delivery is a nine qua non with them in regard to famishing
sui)]>lie8.
I am, sir, very re8i)ectfuUy, your obedient servant,
D. FERGUSSON,
Major, First Cavalry Gali/omia Volunteers,
Chief Commissary of Subsistence, Column from California.
Spkcial Obdebs, ) Hdqbs. Column fbom Gaxifobnia,
No. 19. ) Canada del Oro, Ariz. Ter., June 26, 1862.
Capt. Nathaniel J. Pishon, First Cavalry California Volnnteers, will,
without delay, withdraw the troops from Fort Stanford, Ariz. Ter., and
establish them iu a camp in Canada del Oro until farther orders.
By order of Brigadier-General Garleton :
BEN. C. CUTLER,
First Lieut., First Infty. California Vols., Actg. Asst. Adjt. Gen.
State op Califobnia, Executive Department,
Sacramento, June 27, 1862.
Brig. Geu. George Weight, U. S. Army,
Commanding Department of the Pacific, San Francisco, Oal. :
Genebal : Inclosed I send you a copy of a communication addressed
to me by a committee appointed at a meeting of the citizens of Chico
and vicinity, in Butte County, held on the 26th instant, iu which repre-
sentations are made of recent Indian outrages committed on Rock
Creek, Butte Creek, and vicinity, and calling upon me for men and
means, ammunition and arms, to assist tbem iu quelling said outrages.
Since receiving the communication I have learned through private
sources entitled to credit that the bodies of the children referred to
have been found brutally murdered. I would respectfully request that '
you forward to the scene of Indian depredations in Butte County one
company of infantry to assist the citizens in effectually putting an end
to Indian outrages. And t would also ask of you, if it is possible, to
deliver to the State of California, under whatever arrangement you
may think proper, 500 stand of arms, that I may enable the citizens of
the different counties to protect themselves against these reiieated
Indiau outrages, and at the same time relieve yourself from the fre-
quent demands I am compelled to make upon you for assistance, as the
State has not one stand at her command. This communication will be
handed you by Dr. S. M. Sproul, a highly respectable citizen of Butte
County, who will more fully explain affairs as they now exist in said
county, and to whose statement I would earnestly call your attention.
I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
LELAND STANFORD,
Governor.
[Indoanre.]
His Excellency Leland Stanpoed,
Governor of the State of California :
At a meeting of the citizens of Chico and vicinity, held June 2G,'
1862, to adopt measures for putting a stop to the depredations now
being committed by the mountain Indians on Rock Creek, Butte Creek,
and adjacent country, the undersigned were appointed a committee to
petition Your Excellency for men and means, ammunition and arms, to
assist our citizens in quelling these Indian outrages. Your petitioners
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CHAP. Lxn.] CORRESPONDENCE — UNION AND CONFEDERATE. 1163
would respectfully represent that said Indians have been robbing and
killing our citizens, and for the protection of our lives and property we
invoke Government aid. On tlie 25th instant one Thomas Allen, a
teamster, was killed aud scalped on the road from Stratton's Mill to
Reefer's, his four mules shot, a valley Indian accompanying him also
shot, but escaped. Three children, a boy and two girls, were gather-
ing blackberries on Sock Creek, about six miles east of the Shasta
road, where on searching for them their horses were found shot, but the
children gone, leaving evidence of a struggle for escape. Portions of
their dresses were found near the horses. These children are now
doubtless in possession of the Indians. Parties are now in pursuit
of them, but it is difficult to obtain arms and means enough to success-
fully pursue them. The committee has appointed Dr. S. M. Sproul to
wait upon Your Excellency and more fully present our case.
J. 8. HENNING, Chairman,
E. B. POND,
GEO. WEST,
S. M. SPROUL,
H. H. JOHNSON,
Committee.
Heasquabtebs District of Oregon,
Fort Vancouver, Wa»h. Ter,, June 27, 1862.
W. H. Reotob,
Superintendent of Indian Affairs, Salem, Oreg. :
SiE: I have the honor to inform you that directions have been
received by me from department headquarters to confer with you upon
tbe requirements of a military force near Jacksonville for protective
purposes. The only disposable troops for such service now under my
command is the First Oregon Cavalry Battalion (four companies),
Lieutenant-Colonel Maury commanding. This battalion is now moving
toward Fort Walla Walla, where it had been deemed important to
concentrate the entire regiment, with a view to early movements into
the Salmon Biver mining country and along the overland emigrant
trail. I will retain one company of this regiment at Camp Clackamas,
near Oregon City, for the present, and have respectfully to request that
yon will at your earliest convenience furnish me with your views and
wishes upon the subject indicated. Let me suggest to yoa that as the
California volunteers now on duty in this district are being gradually
withdrawn to be relieved by the Oregon cavalry and Washington Ter-
ritory infantry and that there is the well-founded belief of urgent
demand for troops east of Fort Walla Walla the present season, a well-
authenticated necessity only should divert this company from its march.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JUSTUS STEINBBBGBR,
Colonel First Washington Territory Infantry, Comdg, District.
Special Orders, ) Headquarters District op Oregkjn,
No. 23. J Fort Vancouver, Wash. Ter., June 27, 1862.
I. In conformity to instructions from headquarters Department of
the Pacific, Fort Umpqua will be abandoned forthwith.
• ••••••
JUSTUS STEINBERGER,
Colonel First Washington Territory Infantry, Comdg. District.
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1164 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Chj>p. Ijn,
Special Obdebs, ) Headqttabters District of Oregon,
No. 24. i Fort Vancouver, Wash. Ter., June 27, 1862.
• ••••••
II. Major Binearson, First Oregon Oavalry, will repair without delay
to Camp Clackamas and assume command.
• ••••••
JUSTUS STELNBERGER,
Colonel First Washington Territory Infantry, Comdg. District.
Special Orders, ) Headquarters District of Oregon,
No. 25. ; Fort Vancouver, Wash. Ter., June 27, 1862.
I. Capt. F. Seidenstriker, First Washington Territory Infantry, with
his company (D), will proceed without delay to Fort Hoskius, Oreg.,
and relieve Capt. J. 0. Schmidt, Second California Infantry. The lat-
ter on being relieved will without delay repair with his company to
Fort Vancouver, Wash. Ter.
• ••••••
JUSTUS STEINBEEGER,
Colonel First Washington Territory Infantry, Comdg. District.
Headquarters District of Oregon,
Fort Vancouver, Wash. Ter., June 27, 1862.
Lieut. Col. R. F. Maury,
First Oregon Cavalry,
Under Orders for Fort Walla Walla, Wash. Ter.:
Sir : On arriving at Fort Dalles you will take prompt measures to
prosecute your march to Fort Walla Walla with the three companies
of cavalry under your command. Transportation, the allowance of
two wagons to a company, will be furnished you by the commanding
officer at Fort Dalles, as also ten days' subsistence for the march.
Report has been made to these headquarters that a band of thieves are
driving a number of Government mules stolen from Fort Walla Walla.
It is desired to apprehend them and recover the property, and it has
been suggested that by detaching a small portion of your command
near John Day's River and sending them around by the headwaters of
Butter Creek, there is a good prospect of recovery. Mr. Hamason, of
the Oregon Steam Navigation Company, is fully informed upon the
matter and the locality, and I have to request that you will consult
him on arriving at The Dalles and use your own judgment as to the
necessity of dispatching such a party and its direction. If any appre-
hension be made take the property and thieves to Fort Walla Walla.
Trusting to hear of the early and safe arrival of your command at
Fort Walla Walla, I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JUSTUS STEINBERGER,
Colonel First Washington Territory Infantry, Comdg. District.
Headquarters Department op the Pacific,
San Francisco, June 28, 1862.
Brig. Gen. L. Thomas,
Adjutant- General U. 8. Army, Washington, D. C:
General : On the 26th instant I reviewed and inspected the Third
Infantry California Volunteers, commanded by Col. P. B. Connor,
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CHAP.Lxn.] C0BBE8P0NDENCE — ^DNION AND CONFEDERATE. 1165
encamped near Stockton. The regiment made a veiy fine appearance;
the arms, clothing, and equipments were in high order. The industry
and untiring zeal and energy of Colonel Connor is manifest throughout.
He has a regiment that the State may well be proud of. Colonel
Connor has a field battery of four guns in fine order which he will take
with him on his march to Salt Lake. The colonel wUl march on the 5th
l)roximo. I am preparing the headquarters and two companies of the
Second Cavalry, under Colonel Sims, now encamped at Camp Alert,
near this city, to follow the movement of Colonel Connor, in connection
with forces destined for the protection of the Overland Mail Route.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
G. WRIGHT,
Brigadier- General, U. 8. Army, Commanding.
Headquarters Department of the Pacific,
San Francisco, June 28, 1862.
Brig. Gen. L. Thomas,
Adjutant-Oeneral U. 8. Army, Washington, D. C. :
General: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of yonr tele-
graphic dispatches of the 19th and 25th of this month. In anticipation
of the intentions of the War Department, I had previously assigned
Brigadier-General Alvord to the command of the District of Oregon.
My latest advices from Colonel Steinberger, commanding the District
of Oregon, represent everything as quiet in that quarter. Colonel Cor-
nelius, with his headquarters and two companies of Oregon cavalry,
had reached Fort Walla Walla. The balance of the regiment (four
companies) would move from the Willamette Valley to Wsdla WaDa as
soon as the route over the portage at the Cascades was practicable.
The unprecedented rise of the Columbia River had destroyed a portion
of the railroad, swept away the bridges on the military road, and caused
a suspension of the transit of troops and supplies, but I am assured by
the president of the transportation company that the road will be
repaired within ten days. From the District of Humboldt I have
nothing new to report. The Indians still continue to commit depreda-
tions, and Colonel Lippitt, the commander, is actively engaged with his
troops in protecting the inhabitants and collecting the Indians prepar-
atory to their removal to the reservation. In the Southern District of
California quiet prevails. Lieutenant-Colonel Evans, Second Cavalry
California Volunteers, has moved with three companies of his regiment
from Camp Latham, near Los Angeles, north to the vicinity of Owen's
Lake to look' after the Indians in that quarter who have assumed a
hostile attitude.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
G. WRIGHT,
Brigadier-Qeneral, U, 8. Army, Commanding.
Headquarters Department of the Pacific,
8an Franoisoo, Cal., June 28, 18ti2.
Col. Francis J. Lippitt,
8econd Infantry California Volunteers,
Commanding District of Humboldt, Fort Humboldt, Oal. :
Sir: The general commanding the department desires the whole of
Captain Stuart's company concentrated at Camp Lincoln. All the
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1166 OPEEATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. {Chap. LXIL
movable property at Ter-Waw will be taken to that camp. The sup-
plies for Gamp Lincoln will be landed at Orescent Gil^ and transported
thence by land.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
R. C. DRUM,
AssUtant Adjutant- OeneraL
Headquabtebs District of Oregon,
Fort Vancouver, Wash. Ter., June 28, 1862.
. Assistant Adjtttant-Geneeal,
Headquarters Department of the Pacific, San Franciaoo, Gal. :
Sir: I have the honor to inform you that this morning Lieutenant-
Colonel Maury with the last company of his battalion went up the river
to Fort Dalles and Fort Walla Walla. He will probably move with
his three companies on the 30th by laud to the latter post. Information
having been furnished me that a band of thieves are herdinga large
number of mules stolen from the Government at Fort Walla Walla in
one of the small valleys to the right of the crossing on John Day's
River, I have directed Colonel Maury to detach near that point a small
force and scour the country in that neighborhood and attempt the
recovery of the property. The fourth company of this battalion
(Company C, Captain Kelly) will remain at this post and Camp Clacka-
mas until a reply is received to my communication to the 8ni)eriutend-
ent of Indian affairs of Oregon, heretofore referred to. Two companies
of the First Washington Territory Infantry (B and 0) under Major
Bumrill left here on the 25th for Fort Colville with directions to use the
utmost dispatch on the march. Every precaution had been taken to
insure their speedy and safe arrival at that post, personally superin-
tended by myself and staff officer. I regret to mention, in explanation
of Special Orders, No. 27, accompanying, that from some neglect, con-
fusion, or incapacity the subsistence (fifteen days') was left behind at
Cascade Portage. This command, in order to effect the speedy relief
of Major Curtis and his two companies, was pressed forward while the
portage presented some obstruction. Yet I can imagine no justifica-
tion for such grave mischance, for the command was guarded against
all probable contingency of accident and with the clearest and most
detailed instructions for the march. Lieutenant Hughes has been
directed to overtake and make a critical inspection of the troops and
property of the command, and especially investigate the causes of the
error referred to. He is also instructed to take prompt and immediate
measures to promote the rapid march of the column to its destination,
using his own judgment in correctionary means even to the arrest and
displacement of any ofScer of the command.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JUSTUS STEINBERGEB,
Colonel First Washington Territory Infantry, Comdg, District.
Special Orders, > Headquarters District of Obegon,
No. 27. ) Fort Vancouver, Wash. Ter., June 28, 1862.
First Lieut. W. B. Hughes, Ninth Infantry, U. S. Army, acting assist-
ant adjutant-general, will accompany the command of Major Rumrill
as far as Wallula, taking such measures to promote the march toward
Fort Colville as he may deem proper under instructions this day trans-,
mitted to him. From Wallula he will proceed to Fort Walla Walla and
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CHAP.Lxn.] C0BKE8P0NDENCE UNION AND CONFEDERATE. 1167
personally direct the prompt execution of orders already furnished the
commanding officer of that post for transportation for this command from
Palouse Depot. Lieutenant Hughes will repair without delay to Fort
Vancouver upon the completion of the duties herein directed.
JUSTUS STEINBERGER,
Colonel First Washington Territory Infantry^ Comdg, District.
Special Obdebs, ) Headquabtebs Distbict of Obboon,
No. 28. J Fort Vancouver, Wash, Ter., June 30, 1862.
I. Maj. J. S. Binearson, First Oregon Cavalry, with Company C of
the same regiment, will proceed without delay and take post at Camp
Baker, near Jacksonville, Oreg.
II. The quartermaster's department will furnish the necessary trans-
portation for the prompt execution of this order.
JUSTUS STEINBERGER,
Colonel First Washington Territory Infantry, Comdg. District.
Headquabtebs,
Canada del Oro, Ariz. Ter., June 30, 1862.
Lieut. Ben. C. Cutlee,
Aetg. Asst. Adjt. Oen.for Column from California, Tucson:
Lieutenant : I have the honor to report the following changes in
the location of the troops under my command, viz : On the 28th instant
Companies D and E, First Cavalry California Volnnteers, Lieutenant
Thompson's artillery detachment, the quartermaster's and commissary
stores, left Fort Stanford and arrived at this camp at 2 p. m. the same
day. The next day I returned two wagons for Company A, First Cav-
alry California Volunteers, which arrived here to-day at 3 p. m. Grass
is abundant here, but water very scarce. In fact, in the course of a
day or two there would not be water enough for one company of cavalry,
as the holes and springs in the bed of the creek are fast drying up.
I am, lieutenant, very respectfiilly, your obedient servant,
N. J. PISHON,
Captain, First Cavalry California Volunteers, Commanding.
P. S. — It will require four more wagons to move the command, as the
teams I now have are almost entirely broken down.
N. J. P.
Headquabtbbs Distbict of Obbgon,
Fort Vancouver, Wash. Ter., June 30, 1862.
Assistant Adjutant-Genebal,
Headquarters Department of the Pacific, San Francisco, Cal. :
Sib: I have the honor to report that in reply to my communication
on the subject the superintendent of Indian affairs for Oregon has rep-
resented the urgent necessity of a military force near Jacksonville for
the protection of the inhabitants of that section of country from Indians.
In compliance Avith instructions from department headquarters and
this representation, Maj. J. S. Rinearsoa with one company (C) of the
First Oregon Cavalry, is under orders to take post at Camp Baker,
near Jacksonville, Oreg.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JUSTUS STEINBERGER,
Colonel First Washington Territory Infantry, Comdg. District.
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1168
OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST.
[ClAP. T.TTT
HSADQUABTEBS DISTRICT OF OBEOON,
Fort Vancouver, Wash. Ter., June 30, 1862,
W. H. Eeotob, Esq.,
Sv/perintendent of Indian Affairs, Salem, Oreg. :
Sib : I have the honor to inform you that M{^. J. S. Kinearson, First
Oregon Gavalry, with Company C of that regiment, has been this day
ordered to proceed to and take post at Camp Baker, near Jacksonville,
Oreg., in compliance with your request for a military force in that
section.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JUSTUS STEmBBBGER,
Colonel First WashtTtgton Territory Infantry, Gomdg. District.
Abstract from return of the Department of the Pacific, Brig. Gen. George Wright, XJ. 8.
Armg, commanding, for the month of June, 1862.
Oommuid,
Preeent for
doty.
I
s
PiecMof
•rtUlerr.
General headqnarten
Diatriot «f Oregon (Stolnberger)
Diatrictof Hamboldt (Lippitt)
Troops serving in Califomw and Kevada
District of Arizona (Carleton)
Troops en route
Total
«
24
112
S2
10
1
8M
4U
2,146
1,31»
242
15
1,025
595
2,728
1,5<3
252
IS
1,188
844
3,038
1,7<0
1«7
258
4,808
«,17C
7.008
187
23
Organization of troops in the Department of the Paei/ie, commanded by
Brig. Oen. George Wright, U. 8. Army, June 30, 1862.
DISTRICT OP OREGON.
Col. Justus Steinbrrgkr.
FORT VANCOUVER, WASH. TER.
Bvt. Maj. PiNKMBY LUQEMBEEL.
9th United States, Company A.
Ist Washington Territory, Companies A
andD.
Ist Oregon Cavalry, Company C.
VANCOUVER DEPOT, WASH. TEB.
Capt. THEODOKB J. ECKERSON.
Detachment of Ordnance, IT. S. Army.
CAMP PICKETT, SAM JUAN ISLAND, WASH.
TER.
Capt. Lyman Bissbll.
9th United States, Company C.
FORT COLVILLE, wash. TEB.
Maj. James F. Curtis.
2d California, Companies C and D.
FORT 8TEILACOOM, WASH. TER.
Mnj. George W. Patten.
4th California, Company £,
FORT WALLA WALLA, WASH. TBR.
Col. THOMAS R. CORNEUUB.
4th California, Companies A and C.
Ist Oregon Cavalry, Companies B and E.
FORT DALLES, OREO.
Capt. J. Ives Fitch.
4th California, Company B.
FORT YAMHILL, OREG.
Capt. Lyman S. Scott.
4th California, Company D.
FORT HOSKINS, ORBG.
Capt. John C. Schmidt.
2d California, Company B.
MULLAN ROAD.
Lieut. Salem S. Marsh.
9th United States (detachment).
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.:;bap.I.XII.i COEBESPONDENCE UNION AND CONFEDEKATE. 1169
DI8TEICT OF HUMBOLDT.
Col. Francis J. Lippitt.
FORT nUMBOLDT, CAL.
Capt. EUOKNE B. GIBBS.
2<l California, Company E.
2d California Cavalry, Company E.
CAMP BAKER, CAL.
Capt. Thomas E. Ketcha.m.
3d California, Company A.
CAMP LYON, CAL.
Capt. Hknry Flynn.
2d California, Companies A and K.
CAMP ANDKRSO.V, CAL.
Capt. C1IARLE8 D. DocGLAS.
2d California, Company F.
CAMP LINCOLN, CAL.
Capt. William W. Stuart.
2d California, Company G.
FORT CROOK, CAI..
Capt. Henry B. Mellf.n'.
2d California Cavalry, Company C.
FORT GASTON, CAL.
Capt. William M. Johns.
2d California, Companies H and I.
3d California, Company I).
FORT BRAGG, CAL.
Capt. Jehemiah B. Moore.
3d California, Company B.
TROOPS SERVING IN CALIFORNIA AND NEVADA.
BENICIA BARRACKS, CAL.
Maj. Henry Hancock.
4th California, Companies I and K.
BKNICIA ARSENAL, CAL.
Capt. Julian McAllister.
Detachment of Ordnance, U. S. Army.
PRESIDIO OF SAN FRANCISCO, C^AL.
Lieut. Col. Caleb C. Sibley.
9th United States (seven companies).
2d California Cavalry, Company F.
SAN FRANCISCO, CAL.
Capt. Jt>sEPH Stewart.
3d i;. S. Artillery, Battery H.
FORT POINT, SAN FRANCISCO HARBOR, CAL.
Bvt. Mig. George P. Andrews.
0th United States, Company K.
3d U. 8. Artillery, Battery B.
ALCATRAZ ISLAND, CAL.
Capt. William A. Winder.
Ist Washington Territory, Company F.
3d U, 8. Artillery, Batteries D and I.
CAMP HALLECK, CAL.
Col. P. Edward Connor.
3d California (seven companies).
74 R B— VOL L, PT I
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1170 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Chap. LXn.
CAMP ALEBT, NEAR SAN FRANCISCO, CAL.
Col. Columbus Sims.
2d California Cavalry, Companies K and L.
CAMP LATHAM, NEAR U>S ANGBLBS, CAL.
Col. Ferris Forman.
4th California, Companies F, G, and H.
LONE PINE, OWEN'S RIVER, CAL.
Lient. Col. George S. Evans.
2d California Cavalry, Companies D, G, and I.
CAMP AT adobe MEADOWS, MONO COUNTY, CAL.
Capt. Edwin A. Rows.
2d California Cavalry, Company A.
FORT CHURCHILL, NBV. TER.
Mi^. Charles McDerhit.
2d California Cavalry, .Company H.
FORT YUMA, CAL.
Col. George W. Bowie.
Ist California, Company G
5th California (five companies).
SAN DIEGO, CAL.
Capt. WiLUAM Ffrench.
5th California, Company D.
DISTRICT OF ARIZONA."
Brig. Gen. Jambs H. Carleton.
FORT BARRETT, ARIZ. TER.
Mi^. Theodore A. Coult.
5th California, Companies A and E.
TUCSON, ARIZ. TER.
Col. Joseph R. West.
Ist California (nine companies).
6th California, Companies B and G.
8d U. S. Artillery, Battery A.
EN ROUTE.
Lient. Col. Edward E. Eyre.
let California Cavalry (five companies).
2d California Cavalry, Company B.
TROOPS EN ROUTE.
Brig. Gen. Benjamin Alvord.
1st Waahinjcton Territory, Companies B and C, Maj. Calvin H. Ramrill.
2d California Cavalry, Company M, Capt. George F. Price.
" The troops in Arizona constituted the Column from California.
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AliTBBNATE DESIGNATIONS
0BGANIZATI0N8 MEITTIOirED IH THIS TOLUME.
Adaois' (John) Dragoona. See Union Troopi, Regulari, lit Regiment.
Akey's (David B.) Cavalry. See Califomia Troopt, gd Regiment.
Alexander's (Edward P.) Sappers and Bfiners. See Union Troop*, Regular*,
Engineer*.
Anderson's (Joseph) Infiantry. See California Troop*, Sd Regiment.
Andrews' (George P.) Artillery. See Union Troop*, Regular*, Sd Regiment, Batten) A.
Apperson's (John T.) Cavalry. See Oregon Troop*, Itt Regiment.
Archer's (James J.) Infantry. See Union Troop*, Regular*, 9tk Regiment.
Arizona Scouts, Cavalry. See Texas Troop*, Confederate.
Armistead's (Lewis A.) In&ntry. See Union Troops, Regular*, 6tk Regiment.
Atchison's (Charles) Infantry. See California Troop*, 4th Regiment.
Augur's (Christopher C.) In&ntry. See Union Troop*, Regulars, 4th Regiment.
Austine's (William) Artillery. See Union Troops, Regular*, Sd Regiment.
Ayoook's (John T.) Cavalry. See Texas Troop*, Confederate, Id Regiment.
Baker's (Charles A.) Infantry. See California Troop*, 6th Regiment.
Baker's (Eugene M.) Dragoons. See Union Troop*, Regular*, Itt Regiment; also Ut
Cavalry.
Baldwin's (Ephraim C.) Cavalry. See California Troop*, Ut Regiment.
Barrett's (James) Cavalry. See California Troop*, 1st Regiment.
Barry's (Edward) Infantry. See Washington Territory Troops, Ut Regiment.
Beall's (Benjamin L.) Dragoons. See Union Troop*, Regular*, Ut Regiment; also Ut
Caralry.
Beckwith's (Leonard C.) In&ntry. See CaHfomia Troop*, l*t Battalion, Moun-
taineer*..
Bellon's (Francis) Infantry. See CaHfomia Troop*, 6th Regiment.
Bennett's (Clarence E.) Cavalry. See California Troop*, Ut Regiment.
Blssell's (Lyman) Infantry. See Union Troop*, Regular*, 9th Regiment.
Black's (David) Infantry. See California T\roop*, Sd Regiment.
Black's (Henry M.) Infantry. See Union Droop*, Regular*, 9th Regiment.
Blake's (George A. H.) Dragoons. See Union Troop*, Regulars, Ut Regiment.
Bowen's (John) Cavalry. See Oregon Troops, Ut Regiment.
Bowie's (George W.) In&ntry. See California Troop*, 6th Regiment.
Bryant's (Montgomery) In&ntry. See Union Troop*, Regulars, 6th Regiment.
Buchanan's (Robert C.) Infantry. See Union Troops, Regulars, 4th Regiment.
Buckley's (Thomas) Infantry. See California Troops, 6th Regiment.
Burton's (Henry S.) Artillery. See Union Troops, Regulars, Sd Regiment.
Caldwell's (Richard S.) Cavalry. See Oregon Troops, Ut Regiment.
Calloway's (William P.) Infantry. See California Droops, 1st Regiment.
Carleton's (James H.) Dragoons. See Union Troops, Regulars, Ut Regiment; also
Cal\fomia Troops, Ut Regiment Infantry.
Carr's (Milton T.) Dragoons. See Union Troop*, Regular*, Ut Regiment.
Casey's (Thomas L.) Sappers and Bfiners. See Union Troops, Regulars, Engineer*.
* Beferenoe*, aaleu otherwlM indlosttd, are to index foUowlDg.
(1171)
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1172 OPEEATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. (Chaf. LXIL
Clark's (Cyrus D.) Cavalry. See CaHfornia Troopi, Sd Regimtnt.
Clark's (William H.) Cavalry. See Nmada Troopi, Ut Battalion.
Collins' (Edward) Infantry. See California Troops, id Segimeni.
Colllna' (Joseph B.) In&ntry. See Union Troopt, Begulara, 4tk Begimient.
Connor's (P. Edward) Infontry. See California Troopt, Sd BtgitHonU
Cook's (Eli) Infontry. See California Troopi, 6th Begimeni.
Cornelius' (Thomas R.) Cavalry. See Oregon Troopi, Ut Regiment.
Coult's (Theodore A.) Infantry. See California Troopt, Sth Regiment.
Cox's (Thomas) Infiuitry. See California Troopi, Ut Regiment.
Cremony's (John C.) Cavalry. See California Troopi, Sd Regiment.
Crownlnshield'a (John C.) Infentry. See California Troopi, 4tk Regiment.
Cwctvj'n (Gieorge B.) Cavalry. See Oregon Troopi, Ut Regiment.
Cnrtis' (James F.) Infiuitry. See California Troopi, id Regiment.
Davidson's (John W.) Dragoons. See Union Troopi, Regulari, Ut Regiment ; also Ut
Cavalry.
Davis' (Nicholas S.) Infantry. See California Troopt, Ui Regiment.
Davis' (Stephen R.) Cavalry. See California Troopi, 2d Regiment.
Delgado's (Manuel Baca y) Inliantry. See New Mexieo Troopi, td Regiment.
De Merritt's (David A.) Cavalry. See California Troopi, Sd Regiment.
Denf s (Fredericlc T.) Infantry. See Union Troopi, Regulari, 9th Regiment.
Dillon's (Edward) Infiuitry. See Union Troopi, Regulari, 6th Regiwtent.
Dobbins' (John J.) Infantry. See California Troopi, id Regiment.
Dobbins' (Marcus D. ) Infantry. See California Troopi, Sth Regiment.
Donghty's (James C.) Cavalry. See California Troopi, 2d Regiment.
Douglas' (Charles D.) Infiuitry. See California Troopi, Sd Regiment.
Drake's (John M.) Cavalry. See Oregon Troopt, lit Regiment.
Dresher's (Valentine) Infiuitry. See California Troopi, lit Regiment.
Dre'w's (Charles S.) Cavalry. Seo Oregon Troopi, Ut Regiment.
Dryer's (Hiram) Infantry. See Union Troopi, Regulari, 4tk Regiment.
Eaton's (Chnrles H.) Cavalry. See California Troopi, id Regiment.
Ellis' (John S.) lOUltia. See California Guard, miilia.
Emory's (Campbell D.) Infantry. See Union Troopt, Regulari, 9lh Regiment.
English's (Thomas C.) Infiuitry. See ITiitoii Troopi, Regulari, 9lh Regiment.
Ethier's (Anthony) Cavalry. See California Ih>opi, Sd Regiment.
Evans' (George S.) Cavalry. See California Troopi, Sd Regiment.
Eyre's (Edward E.) Cavalry. See California Troopi, Ut Regiment.
Feilner's (John) Dragoons. See Union Troopi, Regulari, Ut Regiment.
Fergnsson's (David) Cavalry. See California Troopi, Ut Regiment.
Ffrench's (William) Infantry. See California Troopi, Sth Regiment.
Fitoh's (J. Ives) Infantry. See Cal\fomia Troopi, 4th Regiment.
Fleming's (Hugh B.) Infantry. See Union Troopi, Regulari, 9th Regiment.
Floyd-Jones' (De Lancey) Infantry. See Union Troopi, Regulari, 4th Regiment.
Flynn'a (Henry) Infantry. See California Troopi, Sd Regiment.
Ford's (Silas P.) Infantry. See California T\roopi, Sth Regiment.
Forman's (Ferris) Infantry. See California Troopi, 4tk Regiment.
Frazier's (William W.) Infiuitry. See California Troopi, Ut liattalion, Mountaineer*.
Ftink's (Edwin B.) In&ntry. See California Troopi, Sth Regiment.
Fritz's (Emil) Cavalry. See California Troopi, Ut Regiment.
a«er'8 (Knyphausen) Infantry. See Calif omia Troopi, Ut Ratlalton, ilountainetri.
Oibbs' (Eugene B.) Infantry. See California Troopi, Sd Regiment.
Goodman's (Theodore H.) Cavalry. See California Troopi, Sd Regiment.
Oorley's (Hugh A.) Infantry. See California Troopi, Ut Regiment.
Greene's (Dnane M.) Infiuitry. See CaHfomia 7h>opi, 6th Regiment.
Qreea&B (Henry A.) Infantry. See Cal\fomia Troopi, Ut Regiment.
Gregg's (David McM.) Dragoons. See Union Troopi, Regnlart, lit Regiment.
Grier's (William N.) Dragoons. See Union Troopi, Regulari, Ut Regiment.
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LXII.] ORaXNIZATIONS MENTIONED. 1173
cett's (Jacob P.) Infantry. See California Troops, 6th Regiment.
it'a (Granville U.) Infentry. See Union Troopt, Regulars, 4lh Regiment.
;ock'B (Henry) Infantry. See California Troops, 4th Regiment.
I's (William H.) Cavalry. See Oregon Troops, 1st Regiment.
la's (John, jr.) Infantry. See California Troops, Sd Regiment.
ie's (James A.) Artillery. See Union TVoops, Regulars, Sd Regiment, Battery G.
lin's (Martin I).) Artillery. See Union Troops, Regulars, Sd Regiment, Battery L.
ling's (Elisba J.) Cavalry. See Oregon Troops, 1st Regiment.
is' (Richard B.) Infantry. See California Troops, 1st Battalion, Mountaitieers.
over's (Benjamin F.) Infantry. Sue California Troops, oth Regiment.
ay's (Benjamin l'\) Cavalry. See California Troops, 1st Regiment.
iman's (Charles) Infontry. See California Troops, 2d Regiment.
Irickson's (Thomas) Infantry. See Union Troops, Regulars, 6lh Regiment.
er's (Louis) Infantry.' Stte California Troops, 4th Regiment.
s' (William C.) Infantry. See California Troops, 1st Battaliou, Jfountaineers.
'er's (Edgar W.) Infantry. See California Troops, 4lh Regiment.
Is' (Hugh L.) Infantry. See California Troops, 5th Regiment.
u-t's (Charles) Cavalry. See Oregon Troops, 1st Regiment.
lemd's (George W.) Cavalry. See I'ltton Troops, Regulars, Sd Regiment.
t's (Samuel N.) Infantry. See California Troops, Sd Regiment.
sard's (Charles G.) Infantry. See California Troops, Sd Regiment.
les' (John S.) Infantry. See California Troops, 1st Battalion, Mountaineers.
8 (William E.) Infantry. See California Troops, gd Regiment.
:'b (Lewis C.) Infantry. See Union TVoops, Regulars, 4th Regiment.
:er's (Sherod) Cavalry. See Arizona Scouts, ante.
on's (Hampton) Infantry. See California Troops, 6th Regiment.
a' (William M.) Infantry. See California Troops, Sd Regiment.
son's (Parish B.) Infantry. See California TVoops, 2d Regiment.
a' (William) Cavalry. See California Troops, Sd Regiment.
h's (Henry M.) Infantry. See California Troops, 4th Regiment.
I's (Henry B.) Artillery. See Union Troops, Regulars, Sd Regiment, Battery L.
3gg's (John) Infantry. See California Troops, 5th Regiment.
y'a (William) Cavalry. See Oregon Troops, 1st Regiment.
iiedy's (William B.) Cavalry. See California Troops, 1st Regiment.
'ham's (Thomas E.) Infantry. See California Troops, Sd Regiment.
'hum's (William S.) Infantry. See Union Troops, Regulars, 4th Regiment.
I's (Charles) Cavalry. See California Troops, 1st Regiment.
9 (Harvey) Infantry. See California Troops, 4th Regiment.
Irum's (John H.) Artillery. See Union Troops, Regulars, 3d Regiment, Battery I.
is' (Micajah G.) InfEmtry. See California Troops, 3d Regiment.
itt'a (Francis J.) Infantry. See California Troops, Sd Regiment.
ill's (Charles S.) Infantry. See Union Troops, Regulars, 6th Regiment.
inbeel's (Pinkney) Infantry. See Union Troops, Regulars, 9th Regiment.
i's (Daniel D.) Infantry. See Union Troops, Regulars, 6th Regiment.
Jail's (John M.) Cavalry. See Oregon Troops, 1st Regiment.
Ileary's (John) Infantry. See Union Troops, Regulars, 6th Regiment.
Ueave's (William) Cavalry. See California Troops, 1st Regiment.
l-arry's (Edward) Cavalry. See California Troops, Sd Regiment.
Oowan's (Alexander B.) In&ntry. See California Troops, 1st Regimeni.
■angblin's (Moses A.) Cavalry. See California Troops, 3d Regiment.
■ean's (Daniel) Cavalry. See California Troops, Sd Regiment.
dullen's (William) Infantry. See Califomia Troops, 1st Regiment.
lae's (Alexander) Artillery. t See Alexander McRae.
ruder's (William T.) Cavalry. See Union Troops, Regulars, 1st Regiment.
* Temporarily oommanding. t Provisional battery
Digitized by LjOOQIC
1174 OPERATIONS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. [Chap. LXn.
Martin's (JnmeH P.) Infantry.* See Union TroopB, Segulars, 6t\ Regiment.
Maaon'B (William F.) Infantry. See Washington Tetritors Troope, let Regiment.
Maury's (Renben F.) Cavalry. See Oregon Troope, l»t Regiment.
May's (John H.) Infantry. See California Droope, Sd Regiment
Mead's (William C.) Cavalry. See Cal\fornia Troops, 1st Regiment.
Merchant's (Cbarles S.) Artillery. See Union Troops, Regulars, Sd Regiment.
Merrlam's (John L.) Cavalry. See California Troops, 1st Regiment.
Middleton'B (Thomas) Infantry. See California Troops, 1st Battalion, Mountaineers.
Miller's (Abraham) lufontry. See CaHfomia Troops, 1st Battalion, Mountaineers.
Moore's (Jeremiah B.) Infantry. See California Troops, Sd Regiment; also Xational
Guard, Militia, post.
Morton's (Alfred) Infimtry. See California Troops, ti Regiment.
Mullan's (John) Infimtry.* See Union Troops, Regulars, 9th Regiment.
Myers' (John D.) Infimtry. See California Troops, 3d Regiment.
National Guard (California), Militia. See California Troops.
Noble's (Heman) Cavalry. See California Troops, gd Regiment.
Noble's (John F.) Cavalry. See Oregon Troops, lit Regiment.
Noyea* (William H.) Infimtry. See Cdlifomia Troops, Sd Regiment.
O'Brien's (Michael) Infantry. See California Troops, Sd Regiment.
Olney's (James N.) InfEmtry. See California Troops, Sd Regiment.
Olney's (Nathan) Cavalry. See Oregon Troops.
Ord's (Edward O. C.) ArtiUery. See Union Troops, Regulars, Sd Regiment, Batterg C.
Osmer's (Richard A.) Cavalry. See California Troops, Sd Regiment.
Ousley's (George W.) Infimtry. See California Troops, 1st Battalion, Mountaineers.
Parvin's (Washington L.) Infantry. See California Troops, 1st Regiment.
Patten's (Oeorge W.) Infimtry. See Union Troops, Regulars, 9th Regiment.
Pioketf s (Oeorge E.) Infimtry. See Union Troops, Regulars, 9th Regiment.
Pierce's (Nathaniel P.) Cavalry. See California Troops, Sd Regiment.
Pino's (Msnnel D.) Infantry. See 2fete Mexico Troops, Sd Regiment.
Pishon's (Nathaniel J.) Cavalry. See California Troops, 1st Regiment.
Potts' (Izatna) Infimtry. See California Troops, Sd Regiment.
Piioe's ((}eorge F.) Cavalry. See California Troops, Sd Regiment.
Reno's (Marcus A.) Dragoons. See Union Troops,- Regulars, 1st Regiment.
Rlgg's (Edwin A.) Infantry. See California 3Voop«, 1st Regiment.
Rlnearson's (Jacob S.) Cavalry. See Oregon Troops, 1st Regiment.
Rlnehart's (William V.) Cavalry. See Oregon Troops, 1st Regiment.
Roberts' (Thomas L.) Infimtry. See California Troops, 1st Regiment.
Rowe's (Edwin A.) Cavalry. See California Troops, Sd Regiment.
Rowell's (Converse W. C.) Infantry. See California Troops, 4th Regiment.
Rumrill's (Calvin H.) Infimtry. See Washington Territory Troops, 1st Regiment.
Russell's (David A.) Infimtry. See Union Troops, Regulars, 4th Regiment.
Schmidt's (John C.) Infantry. See California Troops, Sd Regiment.
Scott's (Lyman S.) Infimtry. See California Troops, 4th Regiment.
Seidenstriker'B (Frederick) Infimtry. See Washington Territory Troops, 1st Regi-
ment,
Sena's (Jos^ D.) Infantry. See Xew Mexieo Troops, Sd Regiment.
Shaw's (Julius C.) Cavalry. See New Mexieo Troops, 1st Regiment.
Shepheard's (John J.) Infantry. See Cal\fomia Troops, Sd Regiment.
Shlnu's (John B.) Artillery. See Union nvops. Regulars, Sd Regiment, Battery A.
Shirland's (Edmond D.) Cavalry. See California Troops, 1st Regiment.
Simpson's (John P.) Infimtry. See California Troops, 1st Battalion, Mountaineers.
Sims' (Columbus') Cavalry. See California Troops, Sd Regiment.
Small's (Henry C.) Cavalry. See Oregon IVoops, 1st Regiment.
* lemponrily oommuiding.
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CHAP. Lxn.] OBOANIZATIONS MENTIONED. 1175
Smith'* (Andrew J.) Dragoons. See Union Troopt, Begulari, lit Begitntnt; also gd
Cavalry.
Smith's (Charles A.) Inlkntiy. See California Troops, 5th Begiment.
Smith's (Charles W.) Infantry. See California Troops, 2i Regiment,
Smith's (Joseph) Infantry. See California Troops, 5th Regiment
Sopor's (Sylvester) Infiuitry. See California Troops, 5th Regiment.
Staples' (John F.) Infantry. See Cal^omia Troops, 3d Regiment.
Steen's (Enoch) Dragoons. See Union Troops, Regulars, 1st Regiment.
Steinberger's (Justus) Infiintiy. See Washington Territory Troops, Ist Regiment.
Ste'wart's (Joseph) Artillery . See Union Troops, Regulars, Sd Regiment, Battery H.
Stuart's (William W.) Infantry. See California Troops, Sd Regiment.
Taylor's (Edward G.) Infantry. See California Troops, 1st Regiment.
Taylor's (John B.) Infantry. See California Troops, 6th Regiment.
Teal's (Trevanion T.) Artillery. See Texas Troops, Confederate.
Thayer's (John S.) In&ntry. See California Troops, 5th Regiment.
Theller's (Edward R.) Infentty. See California Troops, 2d Regiment.
Thompson's (William A.) ArtUlery." See William A. Thompson.
Tidball's (Thomas T.) Infantry. See California IVoops, 5th Regiment.
Tolles' (John U.) Infantry. See 2fevada Troops, 1st Battalion.
Turner's (Thomas £.) Infantry. See Union Troops, Regulars, 4th Regiment.
XTpham's (John J.) Infontry. See Union Troops, Regulars, 6th Regiment.
Van Voast's (James) Infantry. See Union Troops, Regulars, 9th Regiment,
Vestal's (De Witt C.) Infantry. See California Troops, 1st Regiment.
Wallaoe's (William) Infantry. See Nevada Troops, 1st Battalion.
Wallen's (Henry D.) Infantry. See Union Troops, Regulars, 4th Regiment.
'Weu:ner's(EdwaTdR.)Artillery. See Union Troops, Regulars, Sd Regiment, Battery C.
Watson's (Grove) Infantry. See California Troops, Sd Regiment
Watson's (Stephen) Cavaliy. See Oregon Troops, 1st Regiment.
Waymlre's (James A.) Cavalry. See Oregon Troops, 1st Regiment.
Wellman's (Chauncey R.) Cavalry. See California Troops, 1st Regiment.
Wells' (Almond B.) Cavalry. See Nevada Troops, 1st Battalion.
VTest's (Benjamin B.) In&ntry. See California Troops, 4th Regiment.
West's (Charles F.) Infantry. See Washington Territory Troops, 1st Regiment.
VTest's (Joseph R.) Infismtry. See California Troops, 1st Regiment.
Whipple's (Stephen Q.) Infantry. See CaHfomia li^oops, 1st Battalion, Mountaineers.
Whitlock'a (James H.) Infimtry. See California Troops, 5th Regiment.
Whittlesey's (Joseph H. ) Dragoons. See Union Troops, Regulars, 1st Regiment ; also
1st Cavalry.
'Williams' (Loren L.) In&ntry. See Oregon Troops, 1st Regiment.
W^illls' (Edward B.) Infantry. See California Troops, Isl Regiment.
Winne's (James) Cavalry. See California Troopt, Sd Regiment.
Woodruff's (Dickinson) Infantry. See Union Troopt, Regulars, 9th Regiment,
Wright's (Thomas F.) Infantry. See California Ti-oopt, 6th Regiment.
Tager's (George W.) Cavalry. See California Droops, Itt Regiment.
• ImproTlied bsttwy.
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IISTDEX.
ides, Divisions, Oorps, Armies, and improTised organisatioiis are "Mentioned" vnder name of eom-
■mding officer; State and other organizations under their official designation. (See Alternate Desig-
■tions, pp. 1171-1176.)
bott, a«OTge H. Mentioned 13,14,438
bott, Ira. Mentiouetl 230
twtt, ■William. Meutioued 568
a-el-Kadir. Mentioned 974
:lve,U.S.S. (Coant Survey.) Mentioned 535,537,645,611,626,664,94.5
ams, . Mentioned 81
ams, Miss. Mentioned 155
ams, Jobu.
Correspondence with
Johnston, Albert Sidney 451,453
Sumner, Edwin V .•...-. 486
Mentioned 428,526
iutant-Oeneral's Office, U. 8. A.
Correspondence with
Alexander, Edmund B 1023
Alvord, Benjamin 1146
Army Headquarters '. 32,537
California, Governor of 799,985
Canby, Edward R. S 113
Cnrleton, James H 671
Cornelius, Thomas R 632,885
Denver, James W.... 1023
Harding, Benjamin F 632
Hunter, David 801
Johnston, Albert Sidney 433,439,4.54,463
Maury, Reuben F 632
Oregon, Governor of _. 795, 918
Steen, Enoch 515
Sumner, Edwin V 50i5, 518, 543, 545, 546, 578
Utah Territory, Commanding Otticer in 523
War Department, U. S 765,836,1055
Wright, George 54,177,181,184,204,
315, 667, 6«8, 723, 726, 732, 756, 757, 765, 768, 771, 773, 782, 787, 788, 791,
792, 796, 798, 800, 812, 828, 830, 836, 837, 849, 855, 882, 895, 897, 910, 917,
918, 938, 942, 943, 953, 956, 966, 982, 984, 988, 995, 999, 1001, 1011, 1014,
1034, 1035, 1039-1041, 1043, 1055, 1069, 1074, 1086, 1091, 1092, 1109, 1117,
1119, 1120, 1128, 1131, 1133, 1134, 1137, 1141, 1149, 1151, 1158, 1164, 1165
Orders, Circular, series 1861 : March 21, 454.
Orders, General, series 1862: No. 29, 99.
Orders, Special, series 1861: No. 5, 431; No. 86, 456; No. 181, 530; No.
203, 646.
(1177)
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1178 INDEX,
awe.
Adle, Oliver. Mentioned 1152
Agan, Patrick. Mentioned 189,193
Aguirre, Conrado. Mentioned 1161
Alns^^orth, John C. Mentioned 1124
Akey, David B.
Correspondence with Francis J. Lippitt 924,954,977,1153
Mentioned 51-53,
60, 63, 69, 83, 86, 909, 955, 956, 959, 982, 983, 1027, 1028, 1076, 1127, 1131
Report of operations in Hnmboldt Military District, Cal., March 22-Aag.
31, 1862 86
Albee's Ranch, Cal. Skirmish near, July 29, 1862. See Humboldt Militarji
Dittrict, Cal. Operationt in, March gg-Ang. Si, 180S. Report of
Lippitt, p. 62.
Albright, . Mentioned 784
Alden, Farrelly.
Correspondence with
Moody, W.G 990
Wright, George 1030
Mentioned 988, J»91, 992, 1013, 1036
Alexander, . Mentioned 542
Alexander, Andre^r J. For correspondence as A. A. A. G., see George Sloneman.
Alexander, Edmnnd B. .
Correspondence with Adjntant-General's Office, U. S. A 1023
Mentioned 630,1023
Alexander, Edward P. Mentioned .'...: 485,453
Alexander, George C. Mentioned 115
Alexander, H. R. Mentioned 1026
Alexander, JohnD. Mentioned 392
Allen, . Mentioned 739,740
Allen, Gkibriel. Mentioned 853,1003
Allen, Jesse R. Mentioned 130,132
Allen, Lucius H. Mentioned 1092,1093
Allen, Robert. Mentioned 470
Allen, Thomas. Mentioned,, 1163
Allison, • Correepmdence with Dan. Showalter 40
Allyn, John. Mentioned ; 1099
Alvord, Benjamin.
Assignment to command 1153
Assumes command of District of Oregon 3
Correspondence with
Adjutant-General's Office, U. S. A 1146
Currey, George B 309
English, Thomas C 307
McDowell, Irvin 334
Maury, Benben F 168,214
Wright, George 308,346,1145
Mentioned 156, 159, 166, 214, 307, 309, 310, 316, 321-323, 325-329, 331,
333-336, 340, 397, 399, 400, 419, 436, 1134, 1137, 1151, 1153, 1168, 1165, 1170
Relieved from command of District of Oregon 5
Relinquishes command of District of Oregon 6
Reports of
Grande Ronde Prairie, Wash. Ter. Expedition from Fort Walla Walla
to, Aug. 10-22, 1862 158
Harney Lake Valley, Oreg. Expe<Iitiou to, from Camp Lincoln, near
Canyon City, March 24-AprU 16, 1864 309
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INDEX. 1179
Page.
Alvord, Bei^amin — Continued.
Keportsof
Oregon, District of. Operations in, July 7, 1862-Oct. 6, 1863 156
Oregon. Expedition to southeastern part of, from Fort Dalles, Oreg.,
and Fort Walla WaUa, Wash. Ter., April 20-Oct. 26, 1864 316
Snake Indians in Idaho. Expedition against. May 4-Oct. 26, 186S 2U
AlTord, 'William, & Co. Mentioned 691
AmTTinna^ Heiuy J. Mentioned 164
Anderson, . Mentioned 973
Anderson, Captain. Meutioned 46
Anderson, Allen L. Mentioned 363
Anderson, David. Mentioned 568
Anderson, Joseph.
Mentioned 63,66,76,909,1007,1011
Report of operations in Hamboldt Military District, Cal., March 22-Aug.
31,1862 84
Anderson, Camp. See Camp Anderton.
Anderson, Fort. See Fort Anderton.
Andrews, . Mentioned 232
Andrews, David P. Mentioned 234
Andrews, Oeorge.
Correspondenoe with
Carleton, . fames H 661,672,704
Davidson, JohnW 687
Sumner, Edwin V 537,653,600,611
WTiite, Ammi M 588
Wright, George 648,681
Mentioned . - . 429, 634, 570, 660, 663, 671, 672, 678, 682, 689, 697, 715, 724, 725, 727, 728
Andrews, George P. Mentioned 732,1169
Andrews, Stiles B. Mentionied 1068
Angel's Ranch, on the Mad River, Cal. Skirmish at, May 14, 1862. See
Humboldt Military Dittrict, Cal. Operationt in, March SS-Aug. SI,
1862. ReporU of Lippitt, p. 56 j Flynn, p. 73.
Antelope Creek, Cal. Expedition fVom Camp Bidwell to, April 5-18, 1865.
Report of James C. Doughty 406
Antonio. (Indian.) Mentioned 839
Apperson, JohnT. Mentioned 160,162,223
Arbuckle, Samnel. Mentioned 568
Areata, Cal.
Skirmishes at. See Daley's Ferry, and on the Mad Siver, near Areata, Cal.
Skirmithee at, June 6-7, 1861!.
Skirmish near, April 8, 1862. See Humboldt Military VUtrict, Cal. Oper-
atUmi in, March gS-Aug. SI, 186S. Report of LippUt, p. 64.
Skirminh at Light Prairie, near. See Lifht Prairie, near Areata, Cal.
Sleirmith at, Ang. SI, 186i.
Aroher, James J. Mentioned 17,509,517,536
Archer, Samnel. Mentioned 118
Arizona Territory.
Affairs in, generally. Commnnications At>m
Brady, Peter B 912,964
Hay ward, O. Charles 867
Jones, Samuel j., etal 501
Mills, John B 631
Redondo, Jo84 M 901
Rigg,EdwinA 866,963
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1180 INDEX.
Page.
Arizona- TerrltoiT—CoDtinued.
Affairs in, generally. Commnnications from
Walker, William 898,899
Warner, S 867
White, AmmiM 899
CarletoD, .James H., assumes control of, as Military Governor 96
Expedition throngh. See Texot and New Mexico. Expedition to, etc., through
Arizona, April IS-Sept. SO, 186S.
Martial law in.
Communication from James H. Carleton 1127
Proclamation of James H. Carletou 96
Military department embracing 6
Operations in. Commnnications from
Andrews, George 587
Barrett, James 940
Baylor, John R 716,899
Carleton, James H 927,928,931,934,937,962
Rigg, Edwin A 939,950,965,978
White, AmmiM 588
Proposed expedition into. Communications from
Army Headquarters 753
Wright, George 762, 772
Reported movements of Confederate troops in. Communications from
Brady, Peter R 824
Clymer, Frank P 811
Martin, George 823
Mazatlan, Mexico, U. S. Consul at 1012
Rigg, Edwin A 857
Robinson, Thomas 831
White, AmmiM 867
Arizona, District of. ( Union.)
Carleton, James H., relinquishes command of 115
Limit« defined 115
Mason, John S., assigned to command of. 5
Orders, General, series 1862— Car/eton ; No. 15, 144; No. 17, 114; No. 20,
116.
>See also California Column.
West, Joseph R.
Assigned to command of 115
Assumes command of 3
Armlstead, Le^vis A.
Correspondence with Albert Sidney Johnston 454
Mentioned .' 429,518,566,639
Arms, Ammunition, etc. See MttuHUyHi of War.
Armstrong, Absalom. Mentione«l 432
Army Headquarters.
Correspondence with
Adjutant-General's Office, U.S. A 32,537
Connor, P. Edward 187
Denver, James W 624
Johnston, Albert Sidney 434,443,445,447,457
Lyon, Nathaniel •. 496
Mansfield, Joseph K. F 645
Scott, Henry L 445,496
State Department, V. S 626
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INDEX. 1181
Pag*.
Atmy Headqaarteta — ContiDued.
Correspondeuce with
Sumner, Edwin V 455,471,474,481,486,498,
511, 531, 541, 672, 574,577,579,583,610,613,620,623,641,645,654,658,723
War Department, U. S 185
Wright, George 156,612,
654, 684, 685, 688, 690, 607, 702, 703, 720, 724, 730, 740, 742, 751-753, 814, 862
Orders, Special, series 1861 : No. 160, 643; No. 309, 730.
Atmy Transportation. See JfitntlioN* of War.
Arnold, O., e% aX. Correspondence with Justus Steinberger 162
Arnold, John M. Mentioned 23
Arnold, Ransom, ei al. Correspondence with Charles S. Lovell 562
Arroyo, Jnan. Mentioned 364
AttweU, . Mentioned 580,581,586
Attwell,Mr8. Mentioned .586,587
Atwill, Joseph F. Correspondence with Edwin V. Sumner 499
Aagar, Christopher C. Mentioned 429,512,526
Austin, Jacob. Mentione<l 1100
Austin, THe'T. Skirmish near, Muy 29, 1865. See Humboldt Riter, Xer. Expe-
dition* to, front Fort Rubg.
Austlne, 'WilUam. Mentioned 526,731,786,787
Aycook, JohnT. Mentioned 912
Ayers, . Mentioned 839
Ayers, Z. Q. For correspon<lence, see Sa» Bernardino, Cal., Union Club of.
Babbitt, Camp. See Camp Babbitt.
Babbitt, Bdwln B.
Correspondence with George Wright 151, 190
Mentioned 150,151,190,436,444,478,
485, 512, 583, 616, 619, 644, 682, 803, 813, 814, 842, 895, 994, 1072, 1119, 1133
Bachman & Co. Mentioned 1026
Baoon, Joseph N. Ment.iune<l 66-68, 1136
Bacon, T. H. & J. 8. Mentioned 591
Bagchart, . Mentioned 543
Bailey, . Mentioned 22
Baily, BUsbal. Mentioned 116
Baird, John H. Mentioned 640
Baker, . Mentioned 41
Baker, A. W. Mentioned 568, 728
Baker, Charles A.
Mentioned 278
Keportof operations in Humboldt Military District, Cal., Feb. 1-June30,
1864 281
Baker, Bdward D.
Correspondence with
Birdseye, J. C 470
War Department, U. S 470,480
Mentioned 470,571,633,680,686,815
Baker, ]3ugene M.
Correspondenre with (ieorge A. H. Blake 667
Mentioned 24, 429, 50^-511, 611, 630, 644
Report of attack on emigrant train nt-ar Great Salt I^nke, I'tah Ter., Aug.
8-9,1861 24
Baker, P. Mentioned 568
Baker, Robert 8. Mentioned 568
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1182 INDEX.
Page.
Baker, 'WilllamL. Mentioned 1036
For correspondence, etc., see GuaytMM, Mexico, U. S. Coniul at.
Baker, Fort. See Fort Baker.
Bald Mountain, Cal. Scout from Camp Anderson to, Aug. 8-12, 1864.
Report of William C. HilUs 385
Bald Spring Cafion, Bel River, Cal. SkirmisU at, March 22, 1864. See
Humboldt ifilitary Distriet, Cal. Operation* in, Feb. t-June SO,
ISU. ReportofBttllfTf. 257.
Baldwin, . Mentioned 653
Baldwin, Bpbralm C.
Correspondence with Joseph R. West 1090
• Mentioned ; 118,120,126,1089
Baldwin, J. C. Mentioned 568
Banks, J. 8. Mentioned 657
Banning, Phineas. Mentioned 147, 626, 653, 678, 853, 911, 1019, 1115
Banta, Peter. Mentioned 568
Barbee, . Mentioned , 642
Barella, Anastaoio. Mentioned 119
Barella, Mannel. Mentioned 119
Barker, Judge. Mentioned 828
Barker, J. G. Mentioned 1026
Barker, Richard. Mentioned 331,337,346
Barker, T. O. Mentioned 668
Barnes, . Mentioned 441
Barnes, James D. Mentioned 264
Barnes, Joseph K. Mentioned 515
Barney, Clinton. Mentioned 346
Bamhart, 'William H.
Correspondence with Justus Steinberger 160
Mentioned 159-161,163,1149
Barr, John. Mentioned 129,131
Barragan, Bmaunel. Mentioned 1160
Barrett, James.
Correspondence with Edwin A. Bigg 940
Mentioned; 120, 142,877.905,939,946,965, 1049, 1061, 1109
Barrett, Richard 8.
Correspondence with James H. Carleton 1145
Mentioned 679,1075,1098,1113
Barrowa, Henry D.
Correspondence with
Carleton, James H 738,993
Wright, George 996,1015
Mentioned 568,569
Barry, Bdinrard.
Mentioned 319,320,325,327
Report of expeditions from Fort Dalles, Oreg., and Fort Walla Walla,
Wash. Ter., to Southeastern Oregon, April 20-Oct. 26, 1864 328
Barth, Charles H. For correspondence as A. A. A. O., see Franci* J. Lippitt.
Bartlett, Thomas T. Mentioned 112
Basey, Joseph, et al. Correspondence with Edwin V . Sumner 607
Bates, . Mentioned 61,56,73,956
Bates, Edward. Mentioned 997
Bates, Francis H. Mentioned 706
Baxter, Thomas. Mentioned 1058
Bayley, Benjamin F. Mentioned 1114
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INDEX. 1183
Baylor, John R.
Correspondence with
Helm, Thomas 942
McCuUoch, Henry E 716
Robinson, Palatine 899
War Department, C. S 1106,1148
Mentioned 554,639,661,677,683,698,809-812,
819,825,828,831,852, 865, 867, 871, 881, 898-900, 912, 925, 944, 1013, 1041
Bazalgette, O«org«. Mentioned 434, 435
Beale, Edward F.
Correspondence with Edwin V. Snnmer 606
Mentioned 610,911
Beale, Bdward F., et al. Correspondence with Albert Sidney Johnston 437
Beall, . Mentioned 196
Beall, Mi^or. Mentioned 5^
Beall, Benjamin L.
Assignments to command 584,619
Asjnmes command of District of Oregon 620
Correspondence with
Kendall, Bion F 649
Simpson, Marcus D. L 432
Siunner, Edwin V 482,598,602,621,635,644,646,1137
Whittlesey, Joseph H 665
Wright, George 619
Mentioned. 1, 428, 432, 458, 484, 638, 584, 586, 604, 619, 656, 674, 682, 703, 724, 738, 1137
Believed from command of District of Oregon 656
Relinquishes command of District of Oregon 675
Beard, . Mentioned 879,880
Beard, Mrs. Mentioned 784
Beard, Joaeph R. Mentioned 976,1010,1057
BearHnnter. (Indian.) Mentioned 182,183,187
Bear River, Idaho Ter. Expedition to Soda Springs on. See Soda Springs,
on Bear River, Idaho Ter. Expedition to, from Camp Douglas,
Utah Ter., May 5S0, 1863.
Bear River, Utah Ter. Engagement on, Jan. 29, 1863.
Communication from George Wright 184
Report of P. Edward Connor 185
Beauregard, O. T. Mentioned 664,993,997
Beckwith, Leonard C.
Mentioned 295
Report of operations in Humboldt Military District, Cal., Feb. 1-Jnne30,
1864 801
Beebe, Charles A. Mentioned 668
Belden, Oeorge H., el al. Correspondence with Edwin Y. Samner 698
BeU, . Mentioned i. 879,880
Bell, Alexander. Mentioned 668
Bell, Charles H.
Correspondence with George Wright 103^
Mentioned 1036,1050,1061
Bellon, Francis.
Mentioned 253-255
Reports of operations in Hnmboldt Military District, Cal., Feb. 1-Juue 30,
1864 279,280
Bell Spring, Cal. Skirmish opposite, on Eel River, June 4, 1861. See Mad
and Eel Riven, Cal. Operation* on, iHtk skirmiihee, May SS^une
17, 1861.
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1184 INDEX.
Page.
Benbrook, Charles. Mentioned 33,36,37,40,839
Benchley, L. B., 8c Co. Moutionetl 591
Benioia, Steamer. Mentioned ' 691
Benjamin, JodabP. Mentioned 637
Bennett, Clarence B.
Correspondence with
Carleton, James H 536,876
State Department, U. 8 628
Snmner, Edwin V 556
Mentioned 622,628,667,761,878,879
Reports of
Fort Buchanan, Ariz. Ter. Skirmish »t, Feb. 17, 1865 401
Gila River, Ariz. Ter. Expedition from Fort Bowie to, June 26-July
6,1865 415
Maricopa Wells, Ariz. Ter. Expedition from Fort Bowie to, July 10-
21,1865 421
Bennett, Hannon.
Correspondence with State Department, U. S 630
Mentioned 630
Bennett, James F. Mentioned 1075
Bennett, Joseph F. Mentioned 115,117
Benaell, Royal Ii. Mentioned 351
Benson, Henry M. Mentioned 678,684,689,817,942,951
Benton, Thomas Hart. Mentioned 640
Bergara, Antonio. Mentioned 1161
Bemon, . Mentioned 311,313
Berty, David J. Mentioned 185
Berry, John. Mentioned 2.54,292
Berry, Joseph. Mentioned 103
Besat, Hubert. Mentioned 404
Bettis, . Mentioned 879,880
Bettis, Mrs. Mentioned 565
Biddle, Benjamin R. Correspondence with
Campbell, Thomas B 768
Srhmidt, lobn C 903
Bidwell, Camp. See Camp JiidweU.
Big Bar on the South Fork of the Trinity River, Cat Skirmishes near,
Kov. 13-14, 1863. See Humboldt Military DUtriot, Cal. Opera-
tiont in, Sept. 3-Dec. 31, 1S6S. Seportt of Taylor, p. 240; MiUer,
p. 240.
Big Bend of Bel River, Cal. Skirmish at, April 28, 1864. See Humboldt Mili-
tary Ditirict, Cal. Operations in, Feb. 1-Jnne 30, 1864. Report of
Hall, p. 260; Wright to Black, p. 262.
Big Flat, Cal. Skirminh at, May 28, 1864. See Humboldt itilitarg Dittricf,
Cal. Operations in, Feb, 1-June SO, 1864. Seport of Fratier,
p. 299.
Big Jim. (Indian.) Mentioned 282,283,295,301,302
Bigler, John. Mentioned 608
Bilderbook, John P. Mentioned 709
Billy. (Indian.) Mentioned 295,302
Bird, ——. Mentioned lloO
Birdseye, J. C. Correspondence with Edward D. Baker 470
Bishop, Samuel A. Mentioned 935, 939
Bishop, Samuel A., et al. Correspondence with Albert Sidney Johnston 437
Bishop's Creek, Cat Skirmish near, April 9, 1862. See Owen's Hirer, Cal.
FxpeditioH from Camp Latham to, etc., March 19-Aptil '28, 186S.
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INDEX. 1185
Pace.
ill, Iiyman. Mentioned 895, 1168
k., . Mentioned 568
k., . (Wagon-master.) Mentioned 127
k, David. Mentioned 203,226
k, Henry M.
Lasignment to command 5
Correspondence with
Van Voast, James 686
Wright, George 249-251, 258, 262, 286, 576, 579-682, 686, 592
kleationed.247, 248, 255, 265, 268, 270, 272, 282, 495, 511, 626, 575,576, 581, 589, 593, 619
Reports of operations in Hnmboldt Military District, Cal., Feb. l-JuneSO,
1864 248,249
ikburn, John. Mentioned 600,510
r, Montgomery. For correspondence, etc., see FotUOffite Department, U. S.
ce, Oeorge A. H.
Correspondence with
Baker, Eugene M 667
Moore, Tredwell 510
Nevada Committee of Safety .-. 600
Sumner, Edwin V 24,478,491,493,
499, 601, 503, 506, 507, 509, 529, 530, 538, 641, 547, 560, 611, 624, 625, 630, 644
Wright, George 688,693,715
Mentioned 429,431,466,505,527,538,647,724,741
keney, Thomas J. Mentioned 365,367-370
kenshlp, Benson. Mentioned 841
n-a-har. (Indian.) Mentioned 577,580,586
no, Iiouis. Mentioned 233,234
isdel, Henry O. Mentioned 410
lynay, Chad. W. Mentioned 302
idsoe, R., et al. Correspondence with Commanding Officer at Fort Walla
Walla, Wash. Ter 658
}dgett, Ed. O. Mentioned 568
le Rock Station, Cal. Skirmish on Red Mountains near. See Bed Moun-
tains, near Slue Bock Station, Cal. Skirmith on, March 17, 1864.
ant, James Q. Mentioned 107, 109
lb. (Indian.) Mentioned 59,62,283
igan, . Mentioned 612,617
)gert, J. C. Mentioned 557,879,880
>68''i • Mentioned 441
}gg8, Charles S. Mentioned 545
lis^. Fort. See Fort Soia6.
}land, . Mentioned 948
onaparte. Napoleon. Mentioned 637
onette, H. S., «< oZ. Correspondence with George F. Price 1139
onnevllle, Benjamin L. B. Mentioned 636
onny, . Mentioned 543
oone, J. C. For correspondence, see Soonville, Idaho Ter., Citizens of.
oonville, Idaho Ter. Expedition from Fort Bois^ to, July 20-Aug. 17,
1864. Report of Benben F. Maury 381
•oonville, Idaho Ter., Citizens of. Correspondence with George B. Carrey. 323
looth, David B. Mentioned 208
lootb's Run, Cal. Affair at, Ma^ 1, 1864. See Sumholdt Militar]/ JHstrict,
Cal. Operation* in, Feb. 1-June SO, 1864. Beports of Wright,
p. 254; Hackelt, p. 274; Geer, p. 292.
75 E B — VOL L, PT I
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1186 INDEX.
PsKft.
Boren, A. D.
Correspondence with James H. Carleton 876
Mentioned 555,556,878,879
BoBtvTlo, E., ct al. Correspondence trith Commanding Officer at Fort Walla
WaUa, Wash. Ter 658
Bours, Messrs. Mentioned 993
Bouts, T. Roblnaon. Mentioned 993
Bovren, John.
Mentioned 328
Beport of expedition from Fort Lapwai to The Meadows, Idaho Ter., Aug.
23-Sept. 20, 1863 232
Bo'vrers, George. Mentioned 203,204
Bo^Krie, Fort. See Fort Bowie.
Bowie, George W.
Assignment to command 1075
Assumes command of District of Southern California 1077
Correspondence with
Carleton, James H 935,
941, 949, 961, 968, 986, 998, 1015, 1036, 1091, 1098, 1103, 1151
Wright. George 788,795-798
Mentioned 46,
117, 137, 366, 771, 794, 798, 837, 849, 874, 895, 898, 919, 920, 948, 957, 963, 969,
973, 975, 976, 980, 1000, 1057, 1075, 1096, 1097, 1111, 1116, 1122,1145,1170
Staff. Announcement of 1077
Boyd, . Mentioned 569
Boynton's Prairie, Cal. Skirmish near. May 6, 1864. See Sumioldt Military
District, Cal. Operations in, Feb. J-June SO, X864, Report of
Buckley, p. 264.
Bradley, James. Mentioned .205-207,228
Brady, A. B. Mentioned 568
Brady, BUen. Mentioned 120
Brady, Peter R.
Correspondence with
Bigg, Edwin A 911,912,964
Yager, L.J.F 824
Mentioned .' 819,828,911,929,931,963,964
Bragg, Gtoorge F.,& Co. Mentioned 591
Bragg, Thomas. Mentioned 925
Bratton, J. 8. Mentioned 117
Bremer, . Mentioned 916
Brennan, David. Mentioned 63
Breslauer, B. Mentioned 555
Brevoort, ZUias. Mentioned 930,938
Brevrer, Charles. Mentioned 566
Brewster, R. E., & Co. Mentioned 591
Bridge, Samuel J. Mentioned 998
Btldger, Joseph. Mentioned 555,565
Bridges, Thomas 8. Mentioned 736
Biiggs, . Correspondence with Charles Duval 600
Brisintine, . Mentioned 834
Brittem, J. W. Mentioned 591
Biitton, C. P. Mentioned , 568
Brisentine, . Mentioned 74
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INDEX. 1187
Pace.
Brook, Jamea. Mentioned 76
Brooks, Charles 'W,, & Co. Mentioned 591
Brooks, OeoiBeJ.,8c Co. Mentioneil 591
Brooks, Samuel.
Correspondence with "On the Way " 41
Mentioned 34,41
Brown, . Mentioned 853
Brown, . (Sacramento.) Mentioned 559,564,565,879
Brown, . (Upper Mattole.) Mentioned 75
Brown, Albert, el al. Correspondence with George "Wright 733, 736
Brown, O. Mentioned 823
Bro^ra, Henry. Mentioned 54
Brown, John. Mentioned 500
Brown, John (Second). Mentioned 555
Bro'wn, Joseph B. Mentioned... 515,701,750
Bro'wn, Wilmer. Mentioned 208
Bmoe, . Mentioned 8
Bmnean Valley, Idaho Ter. Skirmish in, Feb. 15, 1866. See Fort Boi»4,
Idaho Ter. Operation* about.
Bryant, Montgomery.
Correspondence with Edwin V. Samner 600,603
Mentioned 29,595,597,614,725
Bryaon, 'William.
Correspondence with George M. Hanson 1093
Mentioned 1093
Buchanan, Fort. See Fort Buchanan.
Buohanan, James. Mentioned 637,638
Buchanan, Robert C.
Correspondence with
Sumner, Edwin V 492
Wright, George 493
Mentioned 466,526,581,584,585,633,647,660,677,685,687,688,741
Buckley, . Mentioned 510
Buckley, Michael.
Correspondence with John L. Merriam 403
Mentioned 403
Buckley, Thomas.
Mentioned 249-251
Reports of operations in Homboldt Military District, Cal., Feb. 1-Jnne
30, 1864 262-264
Bnokner, Frederick C. Mentioned 854,882,964,965
Bnell, Don Carlos.
Correspondence with
Lovell, Charles S 530
Snmner, Edwin V 627,530
For correspondence as A. A. O., see Edmn V. Sumner.
Mentioned 431,487,518,546,560
Buelva, Rafael. Mentioned 1161
Buffinan, Almon C. Mentioned 828
Bufiiim, Ira. Mentioned 997,1122
Buroh, John C. Mentioned 1107
Burgess, Henry. Mentioned 568
Burgher, Jacob. Mentioned 230
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1188 INDEX.
Burk, Michael. Mentioned 1018
Barton, Henry S. Mentioned 481, 526, 570, 731, 771, 775, 794, 1086
Batter Creek, Oreg. Scents from Fort Walla Walla, Wash. Ter., and .Fort
Dalles, Oreg., to. See Umatilla Siver and Willow and Butter
CreeJct, Oreg. Sooutt, etc. Feb. 6-17, 1861.
Batterfield, Heniy. Mentioned 411
Batterfield, J. Mentioned 661
Buxton, JarviB. Mentioned 184
B3rmeB, MiohaelJ. Mentioned 296,298,299
Cable,
Correspondence with E. M. Morgan 35
Mentioned 27,29,33
Cache Valley, Utah Ter.
Expedition from Camp Donglas to, No7. 20-27, 1862.
Commnnication from P. Edward Connor 181
Beport of Edward McOarry 182
Skirmish in, Nov. 23, 1862. See Cooke Valley, Utah Ter. Expedition from
Camp Douglas to.
Cady, Albemarle.
Assignment to command 666
Assumes command of District of Oregon 675
Correspondence with
Campbell, Thomas B 739,768
Dent, Frederick T 696
Marsh, Salem S 790
Mullan, John 1043
Oregon, Governor of 690,695,708,962,1006
Schmidt, John C 808,902
Sumner, Edwin V 624,536
AVhittlesey, Joseph H 696
Wright, George 650,666,673-676,682,695,701,
716, 717, 722, 726, 730, 731, 738, 745, 746, 752, 759, 764, 782, 789, 870, 897, 959
Mentioned 429, 527, 534, 656, 665, 675, 696, 702, 703, 756, 758, 782, 903, 1053, 1133
Csesar, Julias. Mentioned 641
Cain, Andrew J. Mentioned 430,468,469
Caldwell, Joseph. Mentioned 552
Caldwell, Richard 8.
Mentioned 328
Beports of expeditions from Fort Dalles, Oreg., and Fort Walla Walla,
Wash. Ter., to Sontheastern Oregon, April 20-Oct. 26, 1864. . . 348, 349
Calboon, James 8. Mentioned 636
California.
Affairs in, generally. Communications from
Bennett, Clarence E 556,628
California, Citizens of •- 589
Carleton, James H 548,549
Danford, William 827
Davidson, John W 562,567,582,614,621
Dimmick, Kimball H 559
■ Dorris, Beqjamin F 522
Hancock, WinHeldS 477,479,480,482,483
Haynes, J. P 522
KeUer, Matthew 563
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INDEX. 1189
Page,
fomia — Continned.
Affairs in, generally. Commimications from
Ketchum, William Scott 606
Lovell, Charles 8 584,633
Sherman, Edwin A 496,551
Steams, Abel 563,565
Sumner, Edwin V 471,525,537,538,641
Willis, Henry M 564
Expedition from. Seo Texas and Neio Mexico. Expedition to, from Southern
California, eto., April IS-Sept. SO, 186S.
Indian depredations in. Communications from
California, Citizens of 651,1141,1162
California, Governor of 452,650,754,1162
Carleton, James H 542
Davis, Benjamin 1-' 542
Denver, James W 456
Farley, Anderson 652
Hastings, L. L. Y.,««ol 631
Rohrer, JohnB., «t oJ 507
Ryan, James T., H al 457
Van Dyke, Walter 755
Ward, John S., «« oJ 1139
Warner, Edward R 459
Woodman, George H 755
Military departments embracing 6
Operations against Indians in. Communications from'
Adams, John .' 451
Boell, Don Carlos 527,530
Carleton, James H 620
Carr, Milton T 520
Dillon, Edward 464
Johnston, Albert Sidney 452,453,457-459
Moore, Orlando H 539
Price, George F 1137
Rowe, Edwin A 1102
Sumner, Edwin V 528,613
Underwood, Edmund 466,472
Wright, George 1030
Organization of Home Guard in Los Angeles County 568
Removal of Indians from. Communications from
Dnngan, J. H., e< aZ 562
Hanson, George M 792
Lovell, Charles S 562
Resolutions of citizens of Del Norte County, protesting against removal
of U. S. troops 522
Secession sentiment in 472,474,476,496,497,549,552,
553, 556, 557, 559, 563-666, 569, 590, 614, 622, 629, 827, 828, 876-879, 997, 1038
!allfomia, Adjntant-General oC
Correspondence with
Lincoln, Abraham 743
War Department, U. S 607
Wright, George 742,815,906,985
Betnin of militia for the year 1861 744
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1190 INDEX.
Pag&
Califomia, Citizens of. Correspondence with
California, Governor of 651,1141,1182
War Department, U. S 589
Califomia Column.
Designation of, announced 1075
Operations of. See Texas and New Mexico. Expedition to, from Southern
California, etc.
Orders, General, series 1862— Car/eto/i ; No. 1, 1075; BTo. 2, 1095; No. 3,
1101; No. 10, 90; No. 11, 92; No. 16, 111.
Orders, Special, series lS62—Carfeton : No. 3, 1100; No. 9, 1128; No. IS,
141; No. 18, 1148; No. 19, 1162; No. 36, 119. Kfest: No. 11,
1127.
See also Arizona, District of.
California, Department of. (Union.)
Created and limits defined 6
McDowell, Irvin, assigned to command of 6
Merged into Department of the Pacific 433
Union troops in. Organization, strength, etc., Dec. 31, 1860 428, 429
Califomia, District of. (Union.) Orders, Special, series 1865 — McDermit:
No. IS, 404.
California, Governor of.
Correspondence with
Adjutant-General's Office, U. 8. A 799,985
Califomia, Citizens of 651,1141,1162
Johnston, Albert Sidney 452,457
Lincoln, Abraham 600
Stoneman, George 815
Sumner, Ed win V 502, 587, 589, 601, 604, 605, 609, 613, 615, 635, 650, 655, 668
Van Dyke, Walter 755
War Department, U. 8 543, 569,570,602,714,736, 1039
Woodman, George H 755
Wright, George 754,799,802,805,893,1141,1143,1162
Proclamation calling for organization of volnnteers 602
Califomia Troops.
Annual return of militia for the year 1861 744
Call for organization of volunteers, by proclamation of the Governor 602
Mentioned.
CAyalij—Begiments: Iflt, 34, 35, 42-45, 91-93, 98-100, 102, 104, 110-115,
119-128,136, 137, 143, 144, 176, 232-234, 360-362, 364-369, 402, 403, 415-
419, 421-423, 601, 660, 661, 663, 670, 682, 702, 703, 723, 751, 752, 757, 772,
775, 777, 794, 806, 807, 833, 836, 851-853, 856, 857, 859, 865, 869-872, 875,
885, 891-894, 905, 906, 910, 922, 923, 928-930, 933, 934, 937, 940, 943, 945,
946, 950, 951, 957, 969-972, 975, 976, 978, 979, 991, 994, 1002, 1003, 1009,
1010, 1014, 1019, 1022, 1024, 1045, 1057, 1059, 1061, 1064-1066, 1070, 1083,
1088, 1090, 1095, 1096, 1101, 1109, 1110, 1113, 1121, 1127, 1145, 1153, 1167,
1170 ; 2d, 46-52, 55, 56, 60, 63, 69, 86-88, 90, 91, 102, 104, 110, 111, 128, 130,
132-134, 137, 146-153, 178, 179, 181, 185, 198, 200-203, 205-212, 226, 228,
408, 414, 415, 615, 616, 620, 635, 652, 659, 670, 691, 702, 723, 733, 734, 751,
754, 755, 757, 772, 785, 789, 791, 792, 794, 798, 803, 826, 832, 838, 843, 845,
873, 889, 894, 897, 909, 919, 920, 946, 953, 957, 959, 968, 980, 983, 985, 1000,
1007, 1011, 1019, 1040, 1041, 1045, 1047, 1059, 1071-1073, 1075, 1080, 1083,
1092, 1103, llOft-1108, 1110-1113, 1116, 1118, 1122, 1123, 1127, 1128> 1140,
1142, 1148, 1151, 1152, 1154, 1165, 1169, 1170.
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INDEX. 1191
Page,
forziia Troops — Continaed.
sntioned.
latantTj—BattttUona: 1st Mountaineers, 188, 190, 196-198, 234-236,
238-242, 250, 254-256, 269-271, 274, 276, 282-306, 385, 386, 391-395. Com-
ponies: California GKiard, Militia, 448; National Guard, Militia,
471. Regiments: 1st, 32-35, 42, U, 90, 92, 93, 99, 100, 102, 104, 106, 110,
114, 119, 130, 136, 137, 361, 366, 366, 368, 369, 601, 604, 625, 635, 646-648,
• 653, 654, 659, 660, 663, 663, 671, 677-679, 683-686, 689, 692, 699, 702, 704,
709-714, 723, 751, 752, 762, 764, 772, 785, 794, 818, 829, 636, 847, 852,
854-857, 859, 868, 880, 886-889, 894, 906, 913-915, 920, 929, 934, 935, 937,
939, 950, 951, 957, 969, 970, 975, 976, 978, 980, 987, 998, 1003, 1010, 1014,
1022, 1045, 1047, 1057, 1064, 1066, J091, 1098, 1100, 1109, 1111, 1112, 1126,
1128, 1152, 1170; 2d, 50-53, 55-65, 67-77, 79, 169-176, 188-191, 193-196,
249, 256-262, 635, 652, 674-676, 684, 702, 723, 740, 750, 760, 769, 771, 786,
793, 794, 798, 800, 843, 874, 889, 902, 909, 913, 915-917, 941, 953, 955, 958,
968, 973, 983, 984, 992, 1001, 1003, 1007, 1011, 1013, 1016, 1020, 1028, 1040,
1050, 1076, 1077, 1105, 1119, 1124-1127, 1132, 1135, 1136, 1139, 1144, 1153,
1154, 1156, 1158, 1164, 1165, 1168, 1169 ; Sd, 62, 55, 62, 63, 65, 68, 69, 76-86,
88, 182-185, 226, 228, 230, 652, 664, 702, 723, 727, 731, 754, 794, 803, 805,
843, 845, 909, 913, 915, 957, 958, 960, 1021, 1077, 1081, 1091, 1104, 1110,
1119-1121, 1124, 1126,1133, 1151, 1163, 1164, 1165, 1169; 4tb, 162-164,
244, 245, 353, 354, 652, 673, 684, 697, 698, 701, 702, 705, 722, 723, 768, 793,
791,801,832,941,957,984, 1015, 1037, 1040, 1041, 1096, 1007, 1112, 1168-
1170; 5th, 90, 91, 95,100, 104, 110, 135-137, 141, 213, 242, 361, 362, 364-369,
617, 723, 771, 772, 786, 788, 791, 792, 794-798, 826, 832, 833, 836, 849, 855,
857, 859, 862, 873, 874, 885, 889, 895, 896, 898, 902, 905, 913, 914, 919, 920,
923, 941, 945, 947, 948, 957, 961-963, 968-970, 973, 975, 976, 979, 980, 986,
987, 998, 1003. 1014, 1015, 1036, 1041, 1045, 1047, 1057, 1064, 1067, 1083,
1091, 1097, 1098, 1103, 1109, 1111, 1152, 1153, 1170; 6th, 250-257, 262-
281, 288-292, 294, 295, 302, 306.
Recrnitment, organization, etc. Commnnications from
Baker, Edward D 470
Birdseye, J. C 470
California, Governor of.. 589,604,609,615
SteveuBon, John D 476
Sumner, Edwin V 578,587,596
War Department, U. S 480,543,569
Status of officers of. Commnuications from
Cremony, John C.,etal 733
Wright, George 736
allsher, M. Mentioned 555
alloway, William P. Mentioned 684,
689, 733, 812, 928-930, 932, 934, 950, 951, 970, 978, 999, 1020, 1046
ameron, Simon. Mentioned 32,
464, 496, 515, 537, 602, 613, 625, 676, 703, 714, 746, 747, 795, 799, 801
For correspondence, etc.. Bee War Department, U. S.
amp Anderson, Cal. Scont from. See Bald Mountain, Cat. Scout from
Camp Auderton to, Aug. 8-12, 1864.
amp Babbitt, Cal. Expedition from. See KegtvilU, Cal. Expedition from
Camp Babbitt to, April 13-24, 1863.
'amp Bidi^ell, Cal. Expedition from. See Antelope Creek, Cal. Expedition
from Camp Bidteell to, April 5-18, 1866.
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1192 INDEX.
Camp Douglas, Utah Ter.
Expeditions from.
Not. 20-27, 1862. See Cae^ Valleg, Utah Ter. Expedition from Camp
Douglat to.
March 26-April 3, 1863. See Cedar Mountaiiu, Utah Ter. Expeditum
from Camp Douglat to.
April 2-6, 1863. ) See Spanith Fork, Utah Ter. Expedition* from Camp
April 11-20, 1863. ] Douglat to.
Expedition to, ftom Fort Ruby, Ner., Sept. 30-Oct. 29, 1862. Beport of
Edward McGarry 178
Camp Orant, Cal. Scont from. See Eel River, Cat. Scout from Camp Oramt
to North Fork of, Sept. l-g9, 1864.
Camp Latham, Cal. Expeditions from.
March 19-April 28, 1862. ) See Oieen't Biter, Cal. Expedition* from Camp
June 11-Oot. 8, 1862. ) LatJiam to.
Camp Itinooln, near Canyon City, Greg. Expedition to Harney Valley from.
See Sameg Lake Valley, Oreg. Expedition to, etc. March g-i- April
16, 1864.
Camp Iiyon, Idaho Ter. Expedition from. See Malheur River, Oreg. Expe-
dition to, from Camp Lyon, Idaho Ter., July g-13, 1866.
Campbell, Judge. Mentioned 565
Campbell, Franklin. Mentioned 407
Campbell, Raymond. Mentioned 61, 71, 72
Campbell, Thomas B.
Correspondence with
Biddle, 'Benjamin R 768
Cady, Albemarle 739,768
Mentioned 64-66,191,903,1139
Campton, . Mentioned 1064
Canby, Edward R. S.
Correspondence with
AtUntant-General's Office, tl. S. A 113
Carleton, James H 95-97,106-110,113
New Mexico, Governor of 1140
Mentioned 89,90,100-104,113-115,124-127,
142-1 14, 777, 917, 944, 954, 974, 984, 1003, 1018, 1049, 1 132, 1 140, 1 146, 1 151
Relinquishes command of Department of New Mexico 116
Canuady, LW. Mentioned 900,978
Cafion Station, Nev. Affair at, June 23, 1863. Report of Patrick A. Galla-
gher 230
Canyon City, Oreg. Expedition from near. See Barney Lake Valley, Oreg.
Expedition to, etc., March 24-April 16, 1864.
Canyon City Road, Oreg. Operations on, with skirmishes, Jan. 1-Nov. 30,
1865. Reports of
Hand, William M 398,399
Small, Henry C 396,397
Caperton, Captain. Mentioned j , 511
CaptalnDlok. (Indian.) Mentioned 212
CaptalnJim. (Indian.) Mentioned 211
Captain John. (Indian.) Mentioned 296
Captain Sun. (Indian.) Mentioned 810
Carey, John^J7. Mentioned 1058
Cturey, 'William. Mentioned 841
I
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INDEX. 1193
P«go.
leton, James H.
Assignments to command 114,659
Assumes command of Department of New Mezioo 116
Assumes command of District of Sonthem Califomia 659
Assumes control of Territory of Arizona as Military Governor 96
Congratulatory Orders to CaUfomia Colanm 146
Correspondence with
Adjutant-Oeneral's OflBoe, U. 8. A 671
Andrews, George 661,672,704
Barrett, Richard 8 1146
Barrows, Henry D 788,993
Bennett, Clarence E 556,876
Boren, A. D 876
Bowie, George W 935,
941, 949, 961, 968, 986, 998, 1015, 1086, 1091, 1098, 1103, 1151
Canby, Edward R. 8 95-97,106-110,113
Carr, Milton T 520
Clark, Joseph C 583
Cook, Charles E 664,667
Coult, Theodore A 913,1082,1162
Cremony, John C 973
Cntler, Benjamin C 32
Davis, Benjamin F 642
Dennis, Thomas 664,667
Dickey, Dudley R 876
Dobbins, Marcns D 857,862
Evans, George 8 1065
Eyre, Edward E 98,
669, 681, 700, 706, 708, 737, 762, 851, 853, 857, 859. 864, 971, 1088, 1098, 1142
Fergnsson, David 763,
764, 875, 877, 883, 892, 904, 906, 926, 927, 936, 946, 948, 1002, 1018, 1133
Hnse, Charles E 664,667
Kellogg, John 874
Ketchum, William Scott 661,687
Kirkham, Ralph W 688,974
Leonard, James 553
McAllister, Julian 596,616
McCleave, William 931
McLaughlin, Moses A 1018
McMullcn, William K2
McNulty, James M 704
Maguire, F. J 664,667
Merriam, JohnL 402
Moore, Tredwell 853
Morris, William G 1034
Pereau, Joseph H 553
Pierce, Nathaniel P 985
Pishon, Nathaniel J 1144,1167
Rigg, Edwin A 360,
654, 679, 680, 685, 689, 692, 699, 706, 715, 724, 725, 727, 742, 763, 780, 808, 815,
820, 824, 825, 847, 851, 854, 861, 865, 869, 880, 884, 891, 898, 911, 922, 928, 934,
937, 939, 942, 946, 950, 954, 957, 963, 965, 976, 978, 980, 998, 1009, 1019, 1021
Roberts, Thomas L 772
SanAntouio, Tex., Commanding Officer at 114
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1194 INDKX.
Pace.
Carleton, Jamea H. — Continued.
Correspondence with
San Bernardino, Cal., Citizens of 651,555
Sherman, Edwin A 651
hinn.JohnB 887,950,1033,1066
Shirland, Edmond D 111,1002,1010
Sonora, Mexico, Governor of 1044, 1117
Sumner, Edwin V 476, 487, 520, 521, 524, 528, 538, 542, 548, 554, 555, 663
Warner, J. J 698,717,747,782
West, Joseph B 98,105,117-119,625,
662, 672, 677, 683, 689, 698, 704, 709, 718-721, 732, 738, 847, 850, 856, 859, 880,
886, 888, 891, 905, 914, 932-934, 941, 961, 969, 975, 980, 986, 1022, 1042, 1045,
1048, 1050, 1052, 1054, 1057, 1064, 1066, 1070, 1088, 1089, 1100, 1101, 1137
Willis, Henry M 564
Wright, George 99,
663, 660, 665, 668, 671, 681, 682, 697, 703, 715, 718, 727, 729, 736, 737, 741,
743, 758, 763, 765, 769, 772, 773, 786, 789, 791, 836, 849, 855, 868, 873, 874,
883, 887, 888, 893, 896, 910, 919, 925, 944, 960, 962, 968, 973, 999, 1003, 1006,
1009, 1017, 1042, 1069, 1060, 1066, 1069, 1071, 1077, 1094, 1106, 1128, 1146
Mentioned 32,88,91,95,100,109,
111-116, 118-120, 123, 125-129, 135-145, 360, 365, 366, 369, 480, 481, 484, 485,
527, 545, 562, 564, 566, 567, 570, 577, 600, 601, 604, 609, 613, 615, 620, 6K, 630,
642, 646-649. 654, 658-660, 663, 668, 685, 690, 702-704, 706, 718-720, 730, 735,
736, 738, 746, 748, 751-753, 756, 759, 763, 764, 773, 782, 784, 785, 792, 794, 798,
812-815, 818, 819, 828, 829, 841, 855, 856, 859, 869, 876-877, 880, 882, 887, 888,
894, 895, 898, 905, 917, 922, 923, 926, 929-«31, 933, 937, 939, 942, 943, 949-952,
954, 957, 960, 963, 968-970, 973, 975, 979, 980, 982, 984-986, 993, 996, 997, 999,
1010, 1012, 1014, 1015, 1018, 1022, 1023, 1026, 1034, 1037-1039, 1041, 1048,
1054, 1066, 1059, 1064, 1069, 1070, 1075, 1088, 1089, 1091, 1096-1099, 1101, 1109,
1112-1115, 1120, 1121, 1127, 1128, 1131-1133, 1140-1147, 1151, 1159,1168,1170
Proclamation of martial law in Arizona 96
Promotion of. Commnui cation from Governor of California 600
Relinquishes command of District of Arizona 115
Relinquishes command of District of Southern California 1075
Reports of expedition from Southern California, through Arizona, to North-
western Texas and New Mexico, April 13-Sept. 20, 1862. . 88, 80, 92, 100
Resumes command of District of Southern California 846
Staff. Announcements of 116,677,1075
Statements of, regarding Mormons 549
CarllBle, Robert. Mentioned 818,976
Carpender, Ed'ward W. Correspondence with Edwin V. Sumner 574
Carpenter, . Mentioned 1078
Carpenter, . (Los Angeles.) Mentioned 36
Can-, Milton T.
Correspondence with James H. Carleton 520
Mentioned 28,29,520,542
CanlUo, Ramon. Mentioned 29,672,678,680,686,692,698,699,747
Carroll, Oeorge H. Mentioned 894
Carson Lake and Truokee and Humboldt Rivers, Nev. Expeditions
from Fort Churchill to. May 3-June 15, 1865. Reports of Charles
McDermit 409^11
Carter, . Mentioned 435
Carter, Judge. Mentioned 583
Carter, A., e( al. Correspondence with Commanding Officer at Fort Walla
Walla, Wash. Ter 658
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INDEX. 1195
Page.
Canithen, James. - Mentioned 912
Casey, Patrick. Mentioned t7
Casey, Silas.
Correspomlence with George Wright 435
Mentioned' 429,447,449
Casey, Thomas L. Mentioned 435,436,453,469,471
Casteel, Robert: H. Mentioned 312,314,315
Casualties In Action. See Union Troopi. Camtaliit*.
Catley, Henry. Mentioned 314
Cavalry Gallon, Ariz. Ter. Skirmish at, Jnly 4, 1866. See Gila Biver, Ariz.
Ter. Expedition from Fort Bowie to.
Ceazer. (Indian.) Mentioned 30Q
Cedar Fort, Utah Ter. Skirmioh at, April 1, 1863. See Cedor Mountaini,
Utah Ter. Expedition from Camp Douglai to.
Cedar Mountains, Utah Ter. Expedition from Camp Douglas to, March 26-
April 3, 1863. Reports of
Connor, P. Edward 198
Ethier, Anthony 200
Chaddock, John 8. 8. Mentioned , 535
Chapin, . Mentioned 866
Chapin, Qurden. For correspondence as A. A. A. G., see Edward S. S. Canby.
Chaplin, D., et al. Correspondence with Jostos Steinberger 162
Chapman, . Mentioned 853
Chapnum, Charles. Mentioned 568
Chapman, Charles P. Mentioned 668
Chapplns, Edward. Mentioned 233
Charley. (Indian.) Mentioned 75,435
Chase, Darwin. Mentioned 178,179,186
Chase, Salmon P. Mentioned 1099,1131
Chavez, Guide. Mentioned 89,1146
Chavez, Manuel. Mentioned , 640
Cheatin, . Mentioned 871
Cheesman, D. W. Mentioned 828,998
Chlco, Jos^. Mentioned , 209,212
Chllds, M. W. Mentioned 568
Chlpman, William H. Mentioned 770
Chiricahua Motmtains, Ariz. Ter. Slcirmishes in, Sept. 8-9, 1863. Report
of James H. Whitlook 242
Chivington, John M.
Correspondence with Edward E. Eyre 127
Mentioned 90,93,101,110,123,124,126-128
Christian, Robert A. Mentioned 969,1017,1019,1037
Chriswell, Calvin M. Mentioned 877,893
Chum, F.N. Mentioned 33,35,39,40,839,922,931
Churchill, Fort. See Fort Churchill.
Cisco, John J.
Correspondence with War Department, U. S 62S
Mentioned 625
Clark, . Mentioned 841
Clark, Cyrus D. Mentioned 179,185,205-207,226,228,229
Clark, H. Mentioned 555
Clark, Joseph C. Correspondence with James H. Carleton 583
Clark, 'William H. Mentioned 405-407
Clarke, Ne'wman 8. Mentioned 1,452
Cla^7-Foot. (Indian.) Mentioned 169
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1196 INDEX.
Clay, Heniy. Mentioned 638
Clemens, Orion. For correspondence as Acting Oovemor, see Xevada, Gov-
ernor of.
Clifton, H., et al. Correspoudence witli Commanding Officer at Fort Walla
Walla, Wash. Ter 658
Cline, . Mentioned 27.30
Clothing, Camp and Gtanlson Equipage. See Munition) of War.
Clymer, Frank P.
Correspondence with Edwin A. Bigg 811
Mentioned 808,828,868,881,882,964
C. M. Webber, Steamer. Mentioned 925
Cochise. (Indian.) Mentioned 418
Cocopah, Steamer. Mentioned 721, 733, 808, 809, 819, 820, 841, 865, 884, 885, 981
Coffinan, Byron S. Mentioned 231
Coghlan, Thomas. Mentioned 418
Cohn, Isador. Mentioned 555
Cohn, Jacob. Mentioned 555
Cohn, 'Wolf Mentioned 655
Cole, AsaW. Mentioned -. 689
Coleman, . Mentioned 818
Coleman, Daniel. Mentioned 15
Coleman, D. C, et al. Correspondence with Commanding Officer at Fort
Walla Walla, Wash. Ter 658
Coleman, James H. Mentioned 926,946,971,975,1152
Coleman, 'William T., & Co. Mentioned , 591
Collins, Edward.
Mentioned 170-172
Report of Slcirmish on Redwood Creek, Cal., Sept. 8, 1862 175
Collins, James L. Mentioned 638
Collins, John A. For correspondence as Secretary, see Nevada Committee of
Safety.
CoUins, Joseph B.
Mentioned 18,451,508,531
Reports of
Fort Humboldt, Cat. Operations in the vicinity of, Jan. 16-May 18,
1861 12
Mad and Eel Rivers, Cal. Operations on, with skirmishes. May 23-
Junel7, 1861 18
Van Dnsen's Creek, Cal. Skirmishes on, near Mad River, April 14-15,
1861 17
Colt, Samuel. Mentioned 824,867,868
Colton, D. D. Mentioned 602,605,624
Columbia, Steamer. Mentioned 731,834
Columbia, Department of the.
Constituted and limits defined 6
Wright, George, assigned to command of 6
Columbia Rivet, Oreg. Skirmishes on, Feb. 8 and 10, 1861. See Vmatilla
River and Willow and Butter Creekt, Oreg. Seouie to, etc., Feh. 5-
17, 1861.
Columbia River, Wash. Ter.
Aifair on, near the Kootenay River, March 18, 1861. Reports of Pinkney
Lugenbeel 16, 17
Defenses of. Communication from George Wriglxt 498
Colville, Fort. See Fort Colville.
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INDEX. 1197
Paga,
Confedorate Troops.
Mentioned. See respeotive States.
Recruitment, organization, etc. Commtinication'from War Department,
C. S 1108
CoiifiBcationi Proclamation of Oeorge Wright 1041
Congress, C. S. Correspondence with Jefferson Davis 925
Connell, Anthony. Mentioned 172, 174, 175
Connelly, Henry. Mentioned 638
For correspondence, etc., see 2f«w Mexico, Governor of.
Connor, P. Edward.
Assnmes command of the District of Utah 3
Correspondence with
Army Headquarters 187
WaUace, William 8 199
Wright, George 177,181,693,694,960,1104
Mentioned 88,157,177,181-186,
200, 201, 205, 206, 216, 217, 219, 221, 222, 230, 355, 358, 359, 617, 686, 754, 794,
996, 1039, 1069, 1079, 1081, 1091, 1100, 1109, 1110, 1133, 1151, 1164, 1165, 1169
Reports of
Bear River, Utah Ter. Engagement on, Jan. 29, 1863 185
Cedar Mountains, Utah Ter. Expedition from Camp Douglas to,
March 26-April 3, 1863 198
Qovemment Springs, Utah Ter. Skirmish near, June 20, 1863 229
Soda Springs, on Bear River, Idaho Ter. Expedition to, from Camp
Douglas, Utah Ter., May 5-30, 1863 226
Conrad, Gtoorge D. Mentioned 178, 179, 182, 183, 185, 201-203, 355, 356, 358
Conway, Charles R. Mentioned 568
Cook, . Mentioned 409
Cook, Charles E. Correspondence with James H. Carleton 664,667
Cook, Ell.
Mentioned 249,252,253,267
Report of operations in Humboldt Military District, Cal., Feb. 1-Jnne 30,
1864 272
Cooke, Philip St. Qeorge. Mentioned 556
CooUdge, Richard H. Mentioned 690,868,1014,1039
Cooper, . Mentioned 51
Cooper, Samuel. Mentioned 449
For correspondence, etc., see A4jutant-General'$ Office, U. S. A.
Coos Bay, Oreg. Expedition from Siletz River Block-House to, April 21-May
12,1864. Report of Louis Herzer 353
Cornelius, Thomas R.
Correspondence with
Adjutant-General's Office, U.S. A 632,885
Steinberger, Justus 1063,1085,1086,1156
Wright, George 890,935,949,994,1005,1020,1076
Mentioned 632,668,674,675,696,716,731,
732, 758, 812, 850, 943, 953, 956, 960, 999, 1009, 1055, 1067, 1068, 1073, 1074,
1076,1081, 1082, 1084-1086, 1105, 1109, 1117, 1123, 1130, 1149, 1151, 1165, 1168
Comwell, Q. H. Mentioned 651
Cortez, Steamer. Mentioned 478, 512, 614, 517, 518, 604, 696, 696, 742, 764, 870
Corwln, Thomas. Mentioned 626
For correspondence, etc., see Mexico, U. S. Minitter to.
Coso. (Indian.) Mentioned 212
Costello, John. Mentioned 781,820,821,881
Cota, Juan. Mentioned 245
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1198 INDEX.
Cotton'wood Creek, Ariz. Ter. Skirmish at, July 3, 1865. See Oila River,
Ariz. Ter. Expedition from Fort Bowie to.
Cottrell, or Cottring, Mrs. Mentioned 543
Coult, Theodore A.
Assignment to command S
Correspondence with
Carleton, James H 913,1062,1152
West, Joseph R 991
Mentioned 90, 104, 115, 857, 902, 913, 914, 920, 933, 998, 1111, 1170
Report of expedition from Southern California, through Arizona, to North-
western Texas and New Mexico, April 13-Sept. 20, 1862 134
Coulter, . Correspondence with Dan . Showalter 41
Cotilter, Mrs. Mentioned 41
Covey, Edward N.
Correspondence with
Jones, Samuel J 501
Kelley, R. P 501
Lucas, James A 501
Owings, L. S 501
Mentioned 117
Coz, George. Mentioned 415
Coat, 8. B. Mentioned 568
Cox, Thomas. (Captain.) Mentioned 892
Coz, Thomas. (Citizen.) Mentioned 568
Craig, Robert Orr. Mentioned 676,741
Craig, Fort See Fort Craig.
Craigle, . Mentioned 516,548
Crawford, LeRoy. Mentioned 155,390
Crawford, Medorem.
Mentioned 156,157,167,214,219-221,953,966
Report of emigrant road expedition from Omaha, Nebr. Ter., to Portland,
Oreg., June 16-Oct. 30, 1862 153
Creeden, Patrick. Mentioned 233,234
Creighton, J., et al. Correspondence with Commanding OfBoer at Fort Walla
Walla, Wash. Ter 658
Cremony, John C.
Correspondence with James H. Carleton 973
Mentioned 102,105,111,128-131,894,1019,1021,1152
Reports of expedition from Southern California, through Arizona, to North-
western Texas and New Mexico, April 13-Sept. 20, 1862 132, 133
Cremony, John C, et al. Correspondence with George Wright 733, 736
Crenaha'w, O. H. Correspondence with Dan. Showalter 41
Crittenden, Fort. See Fort Crittenden.
Crittenden, Oeorge B. Mentioned 637
Croghan's Ranch, Cal. Skirmish at. May 7, 1862. See Humboldt Militarn
Dittrict, Cal. Operations in, March iS-Aug. SI, 186!!. Bytortt of
lAppitt, p. 56; Flynn, p. 72.
Crook, Fort. See Fort Crook.
Crook, a«orge. Mentioned 428,522
Crosby, J. F. Mentioned 683,1013
Cross, Reuben. Mentioned 568
CroBson, John J. Mentioned 1152
Crouch, Robert. Mentioned 651
Crowell, Henry. Mentioned 33,38,40,839
Crowninshleld, Jolrn C. Mentioned 793
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INDEX. 1199
Page.
Col-pas. (Indian.) Mentioned 16,16
Ctirrey, George B.
Correspondence with
Alvord, Bei^amin 309
BooDville, Idaho Ter., Citizens of 323
Steinherger, Justus 160
Williams, Loren L 425
Mentioned 158,159,161-
163, 218, 219, 224, 307, 308, 310, 316, 333, 336, 338, 339, 349, 384, 387, 388, 1073
BepoTts of
Grande Ronde Prairie, Wash. Ter. Expedition from Fort Walla Walla
to, Aug. 10-22,1862 •. 164
Oregon. Expeditions to southeastern part of, from Fort Dalles, Oreg.,
and Fort Walla Walla, Wash. Ter., April 20-Oct. 26, 1864 317-
319, 321-328
Snake Kiver, Wash. Ter. Expedition from Fort Walla Walla to, Feb.
16-23,1864 307
Ctirrey, James Ii. Mentioned 319, 321
Cxirtis, Captain. Mentioned 510
Curtis, James F.
Assignment to command 4
Mentioned 62, 652, 674, 675, 695, 793, 1124, 1154, 1155, 1158, 1166, 1168
Keport of occupation of Santa Catalina Island, Cal., Jan. 2, 1864 244
Curtis, N. Oreene. Mentioned 497
Cuthbert, J. Mentioned 1142
Cutler, Benjamin C.
Correspondence with
Carleton, James H 32
Fergiisson, David 756
West, Joseph R 748
Wright, George 751,752
For correspondence as A. A. A. G., see Jamet H. Carleton; also Joteph R.
We»t.
Mentioned 40,
95, 104, 116, 116, 677, 700, 707, 752, 891, 1049, 1060, 1075, 1077, 1132, 1147
Cutterback, Mru. Mentioned 60,87
Cutterback's House on Van Dusen's Creek, Cal. Attack on. July 2, 1862.
See Humboldt Military Dittrict, Cal. Operationi in, March gg-
Aug. SI, 1861. SeporU of Lippitt, p. 60; Eaton, p. 87.
Cyane, U.S. Sloop. Mentioned 539
Daguerre, Alejandro. Mentioned 1159, 1160
Daley, Robert. Mentioned 63,209,889,909
Daley, Stillman. Mentioned 67
Daley, Stillman, Mrs. Mentioned 67,69,1120
Daley's Ferry, and on the Mad River, near Areata, Cal. Skirmishes at,
June 6-7, 1862. See Bumboldt Military DUtrict, Cal. Operationi
in, March Zl-Aug. SI, 186g. Beport* of Olney, pp. 67, 69,
Dalles, Fort. See Fort Ballet.
Dalton, G^eorge 'W. Mentioned 520
Dana, William A. Mentioned 591
Danahue, Peter. Mentioned 591
Danford, VTilllam.
Correspondence with State Department, U. S 827
Mentioned 918
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1200 INDEX.
Danaken, Mrs. Mentioned 67
Davidson, John W.
Correspondence with
Andrews, George 387
Ketchnm, William Scott '. 596
Los Angeles Connty, Cal., Home Onard 583
San Bernardino, Cal., Union Clnb of 633
Snmner, Edwin V 562, 564, 567, 570, 574, 677, 581, 582, 595, 597, 607, 614. 621
Mentioned 29,46,555,566,603,606,612,646,677,688,915
Davidson, Solomon. Mentioned 233,334
Davis, . Mentioned 401
Davis, Captain. Mentioned 310,311
Davis, Benjamin F.
Correspondence with James H. Carleton 5*2
Mentioned 642,578,5961,613,646,690,700
Davis, Jefferson.
Correspondence with
Congress, C. S 925
South Carolina, Governor of 566
Mentioned 499,
500, 525, 562, 556, 614, 616, 623, 629, 636-640, 664, 739, 826, 876, 893, 993, 997
Davis, Nelson H. Mentioned .' 360-364,366,387,415
Davis, Nicholas S. Mentioned 115, 176, 762, 975, 1148
Davis, R. D. 'W., & Co. Mentioned 591
Davis, Richard. Mentioned 291
Davls,8. 8. Mentioned 230,231
Davia Stephen R. Mentioned 69,843,908,909,1123,1127,1131
Day, Znias'W. Mentioned 197
Daysey, Simon. Mentioned 10
Dean, . Mentioned 6J3
Dean, J. H., «( al. Correspondence with George Wright 860
De La Qaerra, Pablo, e< al. Correspondence with Edwin Y. Somner 492
Delany, James H. Mentioned 193
Delgado, Manuel Baca y. Mentioned 638,610
Del Norte County, Cal. Resolutions of citizens of, protesting against removal
of U. S. troops 522
De Long, Sidney R. Mentioned 361, 9M
De MeiTltt, David A. Mentioned 761,1121
Deuerd, . Mentioned 1061
Dennis, Thomas. Correspondence with James H. Carleton 664, 667
Denny, Plrle B. Mentioned 211
Dent, Frederick. T.
Correspondence with A11>emarle Cady 896
Mentioned 182,430,609,612,619,676,739,1073
Denver, Arthur St. Clair. Mentioned 608
Denver, Frank. Correspondence with James W. Denver 6K
Denver, James W.
Correspondence with
Acyutant-General's Office, U.S. A 103
Army Headquarters 63*
Denver, Franli 608
Johnston, Albert Sidney 436
Mentioned 672,607-609,621,658,678,801,1033
Denzeg, Charles. Mentioned iS6
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INDEX. 1201
Page.
Susay, Ren^ XI.
Correspondence with
War Department, U. 8 7U
Wright, George 760,799,807,861,863
Mentioned 771,802,893,895
Witt, Alfred. Correspondence with War Department, U. S 625
Qa, Steamer. Mentioned 505
k. (Indian.) Mentioned 301
kenson, A. Mentioned _ 568
key, Dudley R.
Correspondence with James H. Carleton 876
Mentioned 556,630,670,811,817,875,878,879
key, Haywood. Mentioned 838,839,855,861
key, R. R. Mentioned 842
go, Don. Mentioned 901
lahanty, Henry J. Mentioned 301
Ion, Edward.
Correapondence with
Johnston, Albert Sidney 453,464
Lovell, Charles S 494
Martin, James P 508
Sumner, Edwin V 474,494
Mentioned 429,513
omiok, Kimball H.
Correspondence with Edwin V. Sumner 559
Mentioned 568
c, John A. For correspondence, etc., see Treasury Department, U. S.
bbins, John J. Mentioned 959,1063
bbins, Marcns D.
Correspondence with
Carleton, James H 857,862
West, Joseph R '. 833
Mentioned 826,832,833,852,896,902,914,919,973
dge& Shaw. Mentioned 591
Ian, John. Mentioned 404
le, William P. Correspondence with George Wright 967
naldson, James L. Mentioned 107
nohoe, Peter. Correspondence with War Department, U. S 1051
noboe, Ralston & Co. Mentioned 591
rris, Benjamin F. Correspondence with Edwin Y. Somner 522, 626
raey, . Mentioned 963,965
ten, . Mentioned 928
ty, James D. Mentioned 157,199,219,221,227,1023
For correspondence, etc., see Utah Territory, Governor of.
ugherty, Reese. Mentioned 331,337
lUghty, James C.
Mentioned 378,411
Report of expedition from Camp Bidwell to Antelope Creek, Cal., April
5-18,1865 408
luglas. Camp. See Camp Douglas,
luglas, Charles D.
Correspondence with
Lippitt, Francis J 76, 915, 962, 956, 959, 972, 983, 1001, 1003, 1034
Noyes, William H 174
76 B B — ^VOI. L, FT I
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1202 INDEX.
Pmgc
Donglas, Charles D. — Continned.
Mentioned 61,53,56,59,
61, 62, 69, 84, 85, 170, 190, 800, 803, 843, 909, 953, 955, 1007, 1126, 1132, 1169
Reports of
Humboldt Military District, Cal. Operations in, March 22-Ang. 31,
1862 70,71
Bedwood Creek, Cal. Skirmish on, Sept. 8, 1862 174
Round Valley, Cal. Operations in, Jnly 20-26, 1863 230
Williams' Valley, Cal. Expedition from Fort Wright to, April 7-11,
1863 203
Donglas, Stephen A. Mentioned 690,608,609
Downer, James S. Mentioned 285,301,395
Downey, John O. Mentioned 466,457,459,497,525,545,549,
568, 572, 578, 690, 602, 613, 617, 620, 623, 682, 690, 700, 715, 734, 737, 796, 799
For correspondence, etc., see California, Governor of.
Draohman, P., & Co. Mentioned 555
Draco. Mentioned 638
Drake, John M.
Correspondence with Reuben F. Manry 424
Mentioned 223,310,316,320,322-324,335,336,346,349
Reports of
Malheur River, Oreg. Expedition to, irom Camp Lyon, Idaho Ter.,
July 2-13, 1865 419
Oregon. Expeditions to sontheastem part of, from Fort Dalles, Oreg.,
and Fort Walla Walla, Wash. Ter., April 20-Oct. 26, 1864 329,
332,333,335
Drake, Thomas J. Mentioned 199
Dresher, Valentine. Mentioned 678,689,809,817
Drew^, Charles S.
Mentioned 325,326,886
Report of attack on \ragon train on the John Day's Road, near Fort
Klamath, Oreg., June 24, 1864 381
Drown, B. Mentioned 663,668
Drum, Richard C.
Correspondence with George Wright 750,1110
Mentioned 94,487,530,535,546,
564, 738, 763, 858, 874, 985, 996, 999, 1000, 1009, 1014, 1041, 1069, 1096, 1137
For correnpondence as A. A. G., see Edwin V. Sumner, Oeorge Wright and Irvin
MeDowell.
Diyer, Hiram. Mentioned 725
Dryer, Hiram, Mrs. Mentioned 35,728
Dummer, Captain. Mentioned 1026
Dumphreys, . Mentioned 63,242
Dumreioher, Conrad C. Mentioned. 380,336
Dungan, J. H., «( at. Correspondence with Charles S. LoYell 662
Don Olen, Nev. Expedition fh>m. See Fairianlct Station, N«v. Expedition
from Dun Glen to, June lS-t6, 1866.
Dunlap, . Mentioned 818
Dnnlap, Jim. Mentioned 839
Dusky, Andrew V. Mentioned 241
Duval, Charles.
Correspondence with Briggs 500
Mentioned 600
Dwyer, John. Mentioned 841
Dyer, Oeorge M. Mentioned 640
Dysart, . Mentioned 415,416
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INDEX. 1203
Page.
le-of-the-Light. (Indian.) Mentioned 658
tman, George W. Mentioned 197, 283, 284, 290, 300, 301, 393-395
3n, Charles H. Report of operations in the Hnmboldt Military District,
Cal., March 22-Ang. 31, 1862 87
on, Ethan W. Mentioned 377
gon. (Indian.) Mentioned 389
:erson, Theodore J. Mentioned 596,793,1168
;erton, Henry, et al. For correspondence, etc., see California, Citizent of.
vards, James. Mentioned 568
7ards, 'William. Mentioned 33,37,38,40,839,922,931
River, Cai
Engagement on, March 28, 1864. See Beport of Hull, p. 257.
Scout from Camp Grant to North Fork of, Sept. 1-29, 1864. Report of
John P. Simpson 391
Skirmishes on.
May 26, 1861. ) See Mad and Eel Siveri, Cal. Operations on, with (Mr-
June 4, 1861. \ miahet, May iS-June 17, 1861.
April 26, 1862. See Beportt of Lippitt, p. 55; Ketcham, p. 79.
May 31, 1862. See Reports of Lippitt, p. 59; Staples, p. 84.
Mafoh 21, 1863. See Reports of Lippitt, p. 188; Flynn, p. 194; Uppitt to
Wright, p. 189.
March 24, 1863. See Beport of Flynn, p. 195.
March 19, 22, and 27, 1864. See Beport of Hull, p. 257.
April 28, 1864. See Big Bend of Bel Biver, Cal.
Skirmishes on South Fork of.
May 28, 1861. > See Mad and Eel Bivers, Cal. Operations on, with
June 14 and 16, 1861. ) skirmishes, May ^3-June 17, 1861.
July21, 1861. Report of James P. Martin 21
Dert, AngnstuaR. Mentioned 66
as, J. M. Mentioned 1101
: Camp, Cal. Affair at Miller's Ranch, near. See Miller's Banch, near Elk
Camp, Cal. Affair at, July SO, 1862.
iott, JaoobH. Mentioned 230
is, John S. Correspondence with Albert Sidney Johnston 448
is, Moses & Co. Mentioned 591
lerson, Ralph. Mentioned .'>68
dgrant Road Expedition. See Portland, Oreg. Emigrant road expedition
from Omaha, Jfebr. Ter., to, June 16-Oet. SO, 1862.
dgrant Train. Attack on. See Great Salt Lake, Utah Ter. Attack on emi-
grant train near, Aug. 8-9, 1861.
lory, Campbell D.
Correspondence with George Wright 558,573
Mentioned 561
glish, J. L. Mentioned t 497
glish, Thomas C.
Correspondence with
Alvord, Benjamin 307
Wright, George 544
Mentioned 308, 317, 533, 5U, 577, 619, 673, 702
sign, Heman B. Mentioned 76
calante, Manael.
Correspondence with W. G. Moody 990
Mentioned 989-991,1030
parza, SeSor. Mentioned 454
trella, Jesus. Mentioned 1160,1161
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1204 INDEX.
Ethier, Anthony.
Mentioned 148,198,199,201-203,205,207
Report of expedition from Camp Donglan to Cedar Monntains, Utah Ter.,
March 26-April 3, 1863 200
Evans, . Mentioned 22
Evans, Andre'w W. Mentioned 116
Evans, a«orge S.
Correspondence with
Carleton, James H 1065
Pierce, Nathaniel P 1049
Wright, George 46,1121,1128,1148
Mentioned .■ 145,204,210,786,
789, 791, 826, 846, 847, 887, 894, 896, 897, 910, 919, 920, 935, 936, 939, 1003,
1024, 1025, 1038, 1047, 1059, 1097, 1112, 1113, 1115, 1116, 1140, 1165, 1170
Beports of
Oiren's River, Cal. Expeditions ftom Camp Latham to.
March 19-April 28, 1862 46
Jane 11-Oct. 8,1862 146-149,151,152
Spanish Fork CaQon, Utah Ter. Expedition from Camp Douglas to,
Aprilll-20, 1863 205
Evans, Jerry. Ifentioned 739
Bvertson, John. Mentioned 879,880
Ewell, Benjamin S. Mentioned 636,637
Eyre, Ed-nrard E.
Correspondence with
Carleton, James H 98,
669, 681, 700, 706, 708, 737, 762, 851, 853, 857, 859, 864, 971, 1088, 1098, 1142
Chivington, Jolin M 127
Fritz, Emil 761
Howe, Marshall S .' 127
MoCleave, William 871
West, Joseph E 805,806,818,834,991,1078
Wright, George 760
Mentioned 88-90,93,99,101-105,109,
115, 118, 119, 132, 137, 143, 660, 661, 703, 737, 753, 760, 763, 787, 807, 826, 832,
833, 856, 894, 969, 974, 975, 987, 1010, 1064, 1095, 1096, 1144, 1145, 1147, 1170
' Reports of expedition f^om Soathem California, through Arizona, to North-
western Texas and New Mexico, April 13-Sept. 20, 1862... 120, 124, 126
Fabnr, C. L. Mentioned 555
Fairbanlcs, . Mentioned 414
Fairbanks Station, Nev. Expedition {torn Dan Glen to, June 13-26, 1865.
Report of Richard A. Osmer 414
Falrehild, . Mentioned 16
Fairfield, . Mentioned 1063
Fairfield, Chaunoey P. Mentioned 63
Fall,John C. Mentioned 491
Fargo & Co. Mentioned 591
Farley, Anderson. Mentioned 652
Famaworth, . Mentioned 879
Farrell, J. D. Mentioned 591
Faulkner, . Mentioned 77
Fauntleroy, N. H., et al. For correspondence, etc., see California, CitiJien* of.
Fauntleroy, Thomas T. Mentioned : 636-638
Fa'wn Fralile, near Liscombe's Hill, Cal. Sltirmish at, June 8, 1862. See
Humboldt Military Dittriet, Cal. Operation* in, March St-Aug. SI,
186t. Btportt of lAppitt, pp. 57, 69 ; Mgen, p. 85.
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INDEX. 1205
ler, John.
lentioned 21,22,26
teports of
Pitt River, Cal. Expedition from Fort Crook to, with skirmish (19th),
Aug.15-22, 1861 35
Round A'alley, Cal. Soout from Fort Crook to, with skirmish (5th),
Aug. 3-12, 1861 22
an, C. C, et al. Correspondence with Commanding Officer at Fort Walla
Walla, Wash. Ter 658
fusoti, . Mentioned 436
:uson, Joe. Mentioned 879,880
:usoD, 'William. Mentioned 27,595,879,880
;usson, David.
Vssignment to command 92
"orrespondenco with
CarlutoD, James H 763,
761, 875, 877, 883, 892, 904, 906, 926, 927, 936, 946, 948, 1002, 1018, 1133
Cutler, Benjamin C 756
Fritz, Emil 759,761
Jones, William 1025
Kennedy, W.L 1025
West, Joseph R 806,1159
Wright, George 752,945,1024
Mentioned ... 32, 33, 35, 92, 104, 115, 119, 737, 741, 742, 748, 761, 764, 794, 806, 818, 829,
834, 840, 850, 856, 857, 891, 893, 894, 910, 928, 934, 971, 1000, 1025, 1037, 1146
Report of affair at San Pedro Crossing, Ariz. Ter., Sept. 21, 1862 176
noh, William. Mentioned 906,919,1170
nore, Millard. Mentioned 637
ey, John. Mentioned 841
lerty, James. Mentioned 207
ler, O. B. Mentioned 568
:h, J.Ives. Mentioned 1168
igerEild, Edward. Mentioned 981
igerald, James. Mentioned 841
shman & Seibel. Mentioned 1026
nlng, Hugh B. Mentioned .'. 191,514,517,518
ning, John H. Mentioned 1058
ning, Stephen. Mentioned 20,194,255,304,306
It, .
Correspondence with Thomas Robinson 831
Mentioned 830,832,894
It, Franklin P. Mentioned 724,732
It, Peabody & Co. Mentioned 591
Srd, Brig. Mentioned 479,488
jrd, JohnB. Mentioned 616,640
yd-Jones, DeLancey. Mentioned 509,517
nn, Henry.
Mentioned 63,
5.5-57, 61, 71, 171, 174, 188, 189, 191, 909, 913, 1028, 1029, 1108, 1126, 1132, 1169
Reports of
Hnmbuldt Military District, Cal. Operations in.
March 22-Aug. 31, 1862 72
March 10-July 10, 1863 193
Hydesville, Cal. Skirmish near Simmons' Ranch, near, Oct. 21, 1862. . 179
ks, S. Mentioned 556
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1206 INDEX.
Forbes, H. M. Mentioned 568
Forbes & Baboock.
Correspondence with Edwin V. Sumner 532,534
Mentioned 591,988
Ford, John S. Mentioned 639
Ford, Silas P. Mentioned 998
Foreman, Hamilton. Mentioned 557
Foreman, W. Mentioned 557
Forman, Ferris.
Assignment to command 4
Assumes coimuand of the District of Sonthem California 4
Correepondentse with George Wright 145,
786, 801, 832, 1015, 1037, 1047, 1058, 1096, 1097, 1116, 1140
Mentioned 146, 147, 149, 715, 794, 1041, 1097, 1112, 1122, 1128, 1170
Forry, 'William. Mentioned 147
Fort Anderson, Cal.
Attack on Whitney's Ranch, near. See Whitney'i Ranch, near Fort Ander-
son, Cal. Attack on, July US, 186$.
SIcirmish near, April 6, 1862. See BumioUtt Military District, Cal. Oper-
ations »», March SS-Avg. 31, 1861. Reports of Lippitt, p. 53;
Douglas, p. 70.
Fort Baker, Cal. Skirmish on Eel River, near. See Eel -Biver, Cal. SMr-
mishes on, April S6, 186S.
Fort Benton and Fort Walla Wedla Military Road. Construction of.
Communications from
Humphreys, Andrew A 439
Johnston, Albert Sidney 461
Mullan, John 434,462
Steen, Enoch 515
Fort Bois6, Idaho Ter.
Expeditions from.
July 20-Ang. 17, 1864. See Boonville, Idaho Ter. Expedition from Fort
Boi»4 to.
Aug. 27-Oct. 5, 1864. See Salmon Falh, Idaho Ter. En^dition from
Fort Bmtd to.
Operations about, Feb. 1-20, 1865. Reports of Frederick Seidenstriker. 399,400
Fort Bowie, Ariz. Ter.
Affair at, Aug. 27, 1863. Report of Charles Knhl 233
Expeditions from.
June 26-Jttly 6, 1865. See Oila Biver, Ariz. Ter. Expedition from Fort
Bowie to.
July 10-21, 1865. See Maricopa Wells, Ariz. Ter. Expedition from Fort
Bowie to.
Skirmish near, April 25, 1863. Report of Bei^amin F. Harroyer 213
Fort Bnchanan, Ariz. Ter. Skirmish at, Feb. 17, 1865.
Communication from Michael Buckley 403
Reports of
Bennett, Clarence E 401-
Merriam, John L 40?
Fort Churohlll, Nev.
Expeditions from.
June 8-Aug. 9, 1864. See Sumboldt Biver, Nov. Expedition to, from
Fort Churchill.
March 12-19, 1865. See Pyramid and Walker's Lakes, Sen. Expeditions
from Fort Churchill to.
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INDEX. 1207
Fort Churchill, Nev. — Continued.
Expeditions from.
May 3-Jane 16, 1865. See Carton Lake and l\ruekee and Sumholdt
Rivert, Nev.
Scont from. See Honey Lake ralley, Cal. Seoutt to, etc., from Fort
Churchill, Xev., Nov. S-29, 186g.
Fort Colvllle, Wash. Ter., Commanding OfBcer at. Correspondence witli
Jostas Steinberger 1125
Fort Craig, IT. Mex. Expedition from. See Fort Goodmn, Ariz. Ter. Expe-
dition to, from Fort Craig, N. Mex., May 16-Aug. 2, 1864.
Fort Crittenden, TTtah Ter. Expedition from. See Fort Mojave, Ariz. Ter.
Expedition to, from Fort Crittenden, Utah Ter., May 9-J%ne Sg, 1864.
Fort Crook, Cal.
Affair near. See Yreka Road, Cal. Affair on, near Fort Crook, Sept. tl, 186S.
Expedition from. See Pitt River, Cal. Expedition from Fort Crook to, with
skirmith (19th), Aug. 16-S2, 1861.
Scoato from.
Aug. 3-12, 1861. See Round Valley, Cal. Scout from Fort Crook to. '
Nov. 3-29, 1862. See Hottey Lake Valley, Cal, Sooutt to, from Fort
Crook.
Fort Dalles, Greg.
Expedition from. See Oregon. Expedition! to southeaeiem part of, from
Fort Ballet, Oreg., etc., April 20-Ocl. 26, 1864.
Scout from. See UmaUlla River and Willoui and Butter Creekt, Oreg, Scouti
to, etc., Feb. 6-17, 1861.
Fort Oaston, Cal. Skirmishes near.
Aug. 6, 1862. See Humboldt Military Dittriot, Cal. Operationt in, March
22-Aug. SI, 1862. Report of Lippitt, p. 63.
Dec. 25, 1863. See Humboldt Military Dittrict, Cal. Operationt in, Sept. S-
Dec. SI, 1863. Report of Whipple, p. 236.
Deo. 26, 1863. See Humboldt Military DUlr'iet, Cal. Operationt in, Sept. 3-
Dec. SI, 1863. Report of Whipple, p. 236.
Fort Qoodwln, Ariz. Ter. Expedition to, from Fort Craig, N. Mex., May 16-
Aug. 2, 1864. Report of Edwin A. Eigg 360
Fort Hoskina, Greg., Commanding Gfficer at. Correspondence with Justus
Steinberger ; 1125
Fort Humboldt, Cal. Operations in the vicinity of, Jan. 16-May 18, 1861.
Communications from
Johnston, Albert Sidney 451,464
Lynn, Daniel D 7
Reports of
Collins, Joseph B 12
Lovell, Charles S 6
Lynn, Daniel D 8
Fort Klamath, Greg. Attack on wagon train near, June 24, 1864. See John
Day't Road, near Fort Klamath, Oreg.
Fort Lap'wal, Idaho Ter. Expedition to The Meadows from. See The
Meadowt, Idaho Ter. Expedition from Fort Lapwai to, Aug. ii-
Srpt. 20, 1863.
Fort Mojave, Ariz. Ter. Expedition to, from Fort Crittenden, Utah Ter.,
May 9-June 22, 1864. Report of George F. Price 355
Fort Ruby, Nev. Expeditions from.
Sept. 30-Oct. 29, 1862. See Camp Douglat, Utah Ter. Expedition to, from
Fort Ruby, Nev,
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1208 INDEX.
Plgt
Fort Ruby, Nev. Expeditions ftom — Contlnned.
Nov. 22-27, 1862. See Sierra Xevada Mountains. Ei^edition to, from Fort
Suhy, Net.
May 25-Jiuie 15, 1866. See Humboldt S%v«r, Xer. Expoditioni to, from
Fort Suhy,
Fort Tejon, Cal Bemoval of. Communication from Samnel A. Bishop, et al. iS!
Fort Tejon, Cal., Commanding Officer at. Correspondence with Edwin V.
Snmner SOS
Fort Walla Walla, Wash. Ter. Expeditions f^om.
Aug. 10-22, 1862. See Orande Sonde Prairie, Wa*\. Ter. Expediti4m from
Fort Walla Walla to.
Feb. 16-23, 1861. See Snake Siver, Waek. Ter. ExpedUion from Fort WalU
Walla to.
April 20-Oot. 26, 1864. See Oregon. Expediiiont to eouiheastem part of,
from Fort Dallee, Oreg., and Fort Walla Walla, Wash. Ter.
Fort Walla Walla, Wash. Ter., and Fort Dalles, Oreg. Seonts item, Feb.
5-17, 1861.
Communications from
Ketchniu, William Scott 440,441
Steen, Enoch 438, 4M
Wright, George 442
See also VmatiUa Biver and Willou and Butter Creeks, Oreg., 8eo%t* to.
Fort Walla Walla, Wash. Ter., Commanding Officer at. Correspondence
with
Bledsoe, R., et al 651
Bostwic, E., etal K8
Carter, A., etal tSU
Clifton, H., e<oI 638
Coleman, D. C, etal 658
Creighton, J., etal 638
Felton, C. C.,etal 658
French, L., et al , 658
Hines, J. v., e« ol 658
Fort Wingate, N. Mez. Exx>edition from. See Gila and San Carlos Bivert,
Ariz. Ter. Expedition to, from Fort Wingate, N. Hex., May tS-
July IS, 1864.
Fort Wright, Cal. Expedition from. See Williams' ValUg, Cal. BxpoHtion
from Fort Wright to, April 7-11, 1863.
Fort Tnma, Cal Defeases of. Communications from Joseph B. West 719-T21
Foster, Samuel A. Mentioned 29
Pox, C. B. Mentioned 163
Fox, C. E., et al. Correspondence with Justus Steinberger 162
Francis, . Mentioned 117,119
Francis, Simeon. Mentioned 114(
Francisco, . Mentioned 372,374
Francisco. (Indian.) Mentioned 417,418
Frank. (Indian.) Mentioned 240,282J48<
Franklin, William B. Mentioned 496
Frazler, William W.
Mentioned M
' Beports of operations in Humboldt Military District, Cal., Feb. 1-June 30,
1864 296,5»7-299
Freeman, Qeorge L*. Mentioned 331,337
Fremont, John C. Mentioned 38
French, . Mentioned 441,442
French, Albert H. Mentioned U7,«B6
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INDEX. 1209
Pace.
Qch, George D. Mentioned 47, 309, 212, 737, 876, PU, 936, 939
Doh, Ii., et al. Correspondence with Commanding Offlcei at Fort Walla
Walla, Wash. Tor 658
IB, Angel. Mentioned 639
ik, . Mentioned 491
Dk.EdwinB. Mentioned 369,936,939,969,1019
tz, Unail.
Correspondence with
Eyre, Edward E 761
FerguBMOu, David 759,761
Mentioned 90,
118-121, 124, 125, 127, 670, 703, 760, 873, 878, 884, 910, 1088, 1127, 1142, 1143
>hling, Louis. Mentioned 568
Uer, John. Mentioned 612,617
nk, Herman E. Mentioned 382,384
rlong, Andre^r. Moutioned 129
bilondo, HUatlo. Mentioned 1161
briel. (Indian.) Mentioned 586,587
ines, R. Mentioned 657
le, . Mentioned 643
11, "W. VT. T. Meptioned 557
llagher, Patrick A.
Mentioned ; 185,187
Reports of
Canon Station, Nev. Affair at, Jnne 23, 1863 230
Sierra Nevada Mountains. Expedition to, from Fort Ruby, Nev.,
Nov. 22-27, 1862 183
trber, G-eorge. Mentioned 398
ircia, Qulrlno. Mentioned 781
ircia, Tgnacio. Mentioned 568
irdner, J. W. Mentioned 124
urdner, William H.
Correspondence with
Rankin, Ira P 634
Sumner, Edwin V 532-535,537,545,546,561,584,591
Wright, George 835,838,921,933,925,936
Mentioned 921,938
aresob^, Julioa P. For correspondence as A. A. G., see Adjutant-Gmeral't
Office, U. 8. A.
arland, John. Mentioned 636
amett, Robert S. Mentioned 492
arnica, Nicholas Maria. Mentioned 1160,1161
aniaon, Amos F. Mentioned 116,118
ass, John B. Mentioned 356,357
aston. Fort. See Fori Gatton.
ates, N. H., ei al. Correspondence with George Wright 860
ates, PeterP. Mentioned 325,419
andara, Manuel.
Correspondence with Joseph R. West 1065
Mpntioned 684,689,690,783-785,910, 1064, 1078, 1101,1146
eary, Edward R.
Correspondence with
Johnston, Albert Sidney 450
Wright, George *67
Mentioned 455,465,468,469
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1210 INDEX.
Oeer, Knyphaosen. Pa^a.
Conespondence with
Middleton, Thomas 290
Wright, Thomas F 306
Mentioned 247, 249, 252, 254-^7, 269, 273-275, 279, 302, S05, 307
£eport8 of operations in Homboldt Military District, Cal., Feb. l-Jnne 30,
1864 287-290,292,293,295
Oeftardns, . Mentioned 43
Oeneral Jesup, Brig. Mentioned 488,489,496,974
G«orge, Doctor. Mentioned 209,212
aibba, Addison C. Mentioned 316,319
GMbbs, Eugene B. Mentioned 58,189,684,1169
Oibba, Isaao L. Mentioned 187
Olbson, Oeorge. Mentioned 432
Olbson, Horatio O-. Mentioned 691
CMffln, O. H., & Bro. Mentioned 591
Oifford, . Mentioned 41
Qlla River, Ariz. Ter. Expedition from Fort Bowie to, Jnne 26-Jnl7 6, 1865.
Report of Clarence E. Bennett 415
Oila and San Carlos Rivera, Ailz. Ter. Expedition from Fort Wingate,
N. Mex., to. May 25-Jnly 13, 1864. Report of Julias C.Shaw... 370
Gilbert, . Mentioned 38,41
Gilbert, . Mentioned 852,853,856,861
Oillespie, Christopher. Mentioned 47,48
Oillespie, Oeorge T. Mentioned 640
Gilmer, Jeremy F.
Correspondence with Albert Sidney Jolinsion 444
Mentioned 447
Gilpin, William. Mentioned 638
OUson, Christopher. Mentioned 15,16
Glancy, Thomas. Mentioned 841
Glasser, Charles. Mentioned 555
Glenn, Captain. Mentioned 154
Goldberg, . Mentioned 655
Golden Gate, Steamer. Mentioned 688,700
Gonnisson, JohnB. Mentioned 60, 191,1126
Gonxales, . Mentioned 1146,1160
Gonxales, Dionislo. Mentioned 1161
Gonxales, Feoonda. Mentioned 747,784
Gonsales, Job£ Maria Blias. Mentioned 1161
Good, Hi. Mentioned 408
Goodman, James H., & Co. Mentioned 651
Goodman, Theodore H. Mentioned 150,151,153,1122
Goodwin, Fort. See Fort Goodwin.
Goodwin, John N. Mentioned 368
Gordon, Elijah W. Mentioned 202,357
Gorle7,Hu^A. Mentioned 35,671,707,725,811,816,841,922
Government Springs, Utah Ter. Skirmish near, June 20, 1863. Report of
P. Edward Connor 229
Graham, Captain. Mentioned 993
Grande Ronde Frairie, Wash. Ter.
Affair at, Aug. 14, 1862. See Grande Sonde Prairie, Wath. Ter. Expedition
from Fort Walla Walla to.
Expedition from Fort Walla Walla to, Aug. 10-22, 1862.
Commnnicatlons from
Bambart, William H 160
Fox,C.E.,e»aI 162
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IHDEX. 1211
Fa«e.
ade Ronde Prairie, 'Waab. Ter. — Continned.
Expedition from Fort Walla WaUa to, Aug. 10-22, 1862.
Reports of
Al void, Benjamin 158
Currey, George B 164
Steinberger, Justns 159,161,163
nt. Camp. See Camp Grant.
jit, "U. B. Mentioned 247,248
:vea, 'Williams & Buckley. Mentioned 591
ly, . Mentioned 79,81,82
ly, Colonel. Mentioned 958
ly, Robert. Mentioned 655
lyson, John B. Mentioned 637,638
iat Salt Lake, Utah Ter. Attack on Emigrant Train near, Aug. 8-9, 1861.
Communications from George A. H. Blake 24,611
Report of Eugene M. Baker 24
jen, . Mentioned 612,617
sen, Doctor. Mentioned 828
Ben, Duff. Mentioned 639
Ben, Oardner. Mentioned 568
een, John. Mentioned 419
een, Tbomaa. Mentioned > 1013
eene, Duane M.
Mentioned 247,249,252-254
Reports of operations in Humboldt Military District, Cal., Feb. 1-June
30, 1864 265,268,270
eene, Henry A.
Mentioned 34,671,692,783,880,934
Report of pursuit and capture of the Showalter Party at Warner's Ranch
intbeSanJosfiVaUey, Cal., Nov. 20-29, 1861 42
■eenlls, Mrs. Mentioned 543
reenly, W. A. Mentioned 935,939
reenwade, James M. Mentioned 27,30,565,699,927
regg, David McM.
Correspondence -with
JoImstoD, Albert Sidney 442,455
Sumner, Edwin V 483
Mentioned • 450,561
regor, . Mentioned 817
relely [?], Sergeant. Mentioned 362
lier, William V.
Mentioned.: 13,438,447,616
Report of scouts from Fort Walla Walla, Wash. Ter., and Fort Dalles,
Oreg., to Umatilla Kiver and to Willow and Butter Creeks, Oreg.,
etc., Feb. 5-17, 1861 13
'ii£Bn, Alexander. Mentioned 426,428
riiffin, WilUam. Mentioned 197
hrlnnel, . Mentioned 929,931,940,943,947,965,979
brooms, . Mentioned 27,29
rround, Preston. Mentioned 555
rrounds, . Mentioned 81
house Creek, Cal. Skirmish at. May 23, 1864. See Humboldt Mililary DU-
trict, Cal. Operation* in, Feb. 1-Jun« SO, 1864, Seports of Gear,
p. 294 ; Barrif, p. 305.
trover, Caleb M. Mentioned 14,441,442
luaymas, Meadoo, V. S. Consul at. Correspondence -with George Wright. 992, 1050
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1212 INDEX.
QaeiTero, Franoiaoo. Mentioned 315
Onlrado, Joan F. Mentioned 176,87^878
Gkwin, William M. Mentioned (37
Haber, Jacob. Mentioned UO
Haokett, Jacob F.
Correspondence •witli Thomas F. Wright SOS
Mentioned 249, %2, 254, 2%, 268, 269, 288, 289, 292, 2M, 305, 306
Reports of operations in Hnmboldt Military District, Cal., Feh. l-Jnne 90,
1864 272,274,23
Haden, Fofter. Mentioned 111,113,120,36
HadjiAU. Mentioned 672, 678, 689, 721, 748, 7«
Hagan, . Mentioned 7,291
Haist, Jack. Mentioned SOO
Hale, Ed^vard. Mentioned 238
Hal-eese. (Indian.) Mentioned 15
Halleck, Henry W.
Assignment to command , 6
Mentioned 92,108,104.156,181
For correspondence, etc., see Army HeadqyuurUrt.
Halleck, J. T., & Co. Mentioned 5W
Haller, Oranville O.
Correspondence with' Edwin V. Sammer 493,518
Mentioned 429,626,559,681,728,911,913
Halpin, . Mentioned 642
Halstead, . Correspondence with L. J. F. Yager 812
Hamason, . Mentioned 1164
Hambleton, John. Mentioned K7
Hamblin, Jacob. Mentioned 1 3S9
Hamilton, . Mentioned 582
Hamilton, J. A.
Correspondence with Francis J. Lippitt 890
Mentioned 834, 836
Hamilton, William. Mentioned 37,39,40,43,44^816
Hamlin, . Mentioned 881
Hammond, Lafayette. Mentioned 104,677,682,686,687,
833, 852, 863, 874, 905, 913, 926, 946, 949, 976, 960, 1000, 1002, 10S6, 1075, 1100
Hammond, William A. Mentioned 1099
For correspondence, etc., see Surgeon-OtmeraVt Office, U. S. J.
Hancock, Henry.
Correspondence with George Wright 1079,1100
Mentioned 801,11(9
Hancock, Winfield S.
Correspondence with Edwin V. Sumner 473, 477, 479, 480, 48.i-4S4, 486
Mentioned 476, 482, 554-656, 569, S«6
Hand, B. C, & Co. Mentioned S91
Hand, William M.
Mentioned 335,396,3?>
Reports of operations on the Canyon City Boad, Oreg., Jan. 1-Not. 90,
1865 398,399
Handsome Billy. (Indian.) Mentioned 340^282
Handy, A. Mentioned 1029
Hanna, Aqnila W. Mentioned 2(!i
Hanna, John, jr. Mentioned 60, 63, 64, 69, 189, 800, 909, 968, b69, 1^
For correspondence as A. A. A. O., see Francit J. lAppitl ; also Jame* X. Olmq/.
Hanaon, . Mentioned 4*
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INDEX. 1213
Page.
(California.) Mentioned 169
laon, a«orge M.
Correspondence with
Bryson, William 1093
Kingsbury, G 1094.
Mason, E 1087
Wright, George 786, 792, 1084, 1087, 1092, 1093, 1096
Mentioned 795,803,1105
iBon, Oeorge M., Mrs. Mentioned 1094
ison, Iiysander B. Mentioned 115,687,852
dcastle, Aaron B. Mentioned 566
dee, WilUam J. Mentioned 681,1112
rdle, James A. Mentioned 475
For correspondence as A. A. A. G., see George Wright.
•din, MartinD. Mentioned 526,605
rdlng, Benjamin F.
Correspondence with Adjutant-General's OfBce, U. S. A 632
Mentioned 632,668,716,885
rding, Elisha J. Mentioned 1073,1140,1149
rding, Stephen S. Mentioned 1024
rdy, . Mentioned 859
rdy, 'William. Mentioned 840
rgrave, Joseph P. Mentioned 39,692,838
rkinson, James. Mentioned 331,337
mey Lake Valley, Oreg.
Expedition to, from Camp Lincoln, near Canyon City, with skirmishes,
March 24-April 16, 1864. Reports of
Alvord, Benjamin 309
Waymire, .James A 310
Skirmish in, Sept. 23, 1865.
Casualties. Returns of. Union Troops 428
Reports of Loren L. Williams 425,427
rriman, 8. M. Mentioned 24
rris, . Mentioned 280
rrls, John. Mentioned .* 47
rris, Richard B.
Mentioned 248,255,300,306,307
Report of operations in Humboldt Military District, Cal., Feb. 1-June 30,
1864 303
rris, Thomas S. Mentioned 207
niaon, Benjamin. Mentioned 1153
rrover, Benjamin F.
Mentioned 135,364,366
Report of skirmish near Fort Bowie, Ariz. Ter., April 25, 1863 213
irshaw, David T. Mentioned 367,368
irt, Simeon.
Correspondence with Henry H. Sibley 683
Mentioned 1013
iitman, John. Correspondence with Edwin V. Sumner 532
irvey, Amoa. Mentioned 353,354
irvey, Benjamin F. Mentioned 851, K2, 855, 865, 869, 871, 939, 940, 978
irwood, Franklin. Mentioned 101
iskeU, Daniel B. Mentioned 365,366
iskins, Henry C. Mentioned 894
isson, Alexander B. Mentioned 750
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1214 INDEX.
Hastings, Henry H. Mentioned 841
Hastings, L. L. T., et al. Correspondence -with Edwin V . Snmner 631
Hathaway, . Mentioned E52
Hatha'way, Senator. Mentioned 990
Hathaway, William. Mentioned 393
Hawley, . Mentioned 867
Hayes, Andrew J. Mentioned 36a
Haynes, J. F. Correspondence witli Edwin V. Saniner 522, 52
Haynea, J. P., et al. Correspondence with Albert Sidney Johnston 437
Haynes & Lawton. Mentioned G81
Hays, John C. Mentioned 27, 29, 510,53}
Hayward, A. B. Mentioned 36B
For correspondence as Chairman of Committee, see Zoa AngeUt County, CtU,
Some Guard.
Hayward, O. Charles. Mentioned 8^,867,881.9'it
Haywood, Doctor. Mentioned SSI
Head, John F. Mentioned 730
Heath, . Mentioned 255.384
Hubert, Paul O. Mentioned 698
Heckmann, John F. Mentioned 4i0
Heffeman, Charles.
Correspondence with Francis J. Lippitt 916^K3,10G3
Mentioned 54,86,61,81,843,910,913,959,1136
Heger, Anthony. Mentioned 741,759,764
Heines, Christopher. Mentioned 267,270
Heintselman, Samuel P. Mentioned 9K
Heller, Paul. Mentioned ^ J71
Helm, Thomas. Correspondence with John R. Baylor 942
Helon, William. Mentioned 86,87
Helser, David. Mentioned 432
Hempfield, Isaac W. Mentioned 190,338,239,253
Hempstead, Charles H. Mentioned 80
Hendriokson, Thomas.
Correspondence with
Nevada Committee of Safety 490
Snmner, Edwin V 489
Mentioned 429.49(1^493
Henllne, William H Mentioned SSLST
Hennlng, J. 8. Mentioned 116S
Hennlng, J. S., et al. For correspondence, etc., see California, CUixmu of.
Henry, Anson O. Correspondence with Edwin Y. Snmner 654
Herbert, Philemon T. Mentioned 6JS
Herman, . Mentioned SOO
Heron, Thomas. Mentioned S^W
Henick, Rufns F. Mentioned 30
Hervey, William 8. Mentioned S»
Hener, Louis. Report of expedition from Siletz Rirer Block-Honae to Coos
Bay, Oieg., April 21-May 12, 1864 35J
Hester, R. Z. Mentioned 5f
Hill, . Mentioned 9(S
Hill, OranvUle. Mentioned »
Hillls, William C. Report of scont from Camp Anderson to Bald Monntain,
Cal., Aug. 8-12, 1864 385
HiUyer, Bdgar W. Mentioned 159,161-16*
Himbert, John. Mentioned 3]i
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INDEX. 1215
Pass.
shman, A. F. Mentioned 568
is, Hugh L. Mentioned r. 136
is, J. v., et al. Correspondence with Commanding Officer at Fort Walla
Walla, Wash. Ter 668
:on, F.
C^orresjwndence with
Martin, George 823
Warner, S 867
Mentioned 808,810,816,819,820,864,866,882
ton. Jack. Mentioned 786
shcock, C.B. Mentioned 691
gland, . Mentioned 81
Iton, Michael. Mentioned 53,70
tart, Charles.
Mpntioned 328,383,384,386-388,419,424
Reports of
Malhenr Riyer, Oreg. Expedition to, from Camp Lyon, Idaho Ter.,
July 2-13, 1865 420
Owyhee Kiver, Idaho Ter. Skirmish on, July 17, 1865 424
Salmon Falls, Idaho Ter. Expedition from Fort Bois^to, Ang. 27-Oct.
5,1864 388
Iges, Henry C. Mentioned 16
Igkinson, Thomas J. Mentioned 973
fman, WilUam. Mentioned 782,820
56, Doctor. Mentioned 652
laday, . Mentioned 894
land, . Mentioned 87
land, 'William. Mentioned 830
mes, A. Mentioned 668
t, Joseph. Mentioned 437,439,444,447,448
For correspondence, etc., see War Department, U. S.
It, Levi B. Mentioned 256,275,292,306
Itz, . Mentioned 106
nely. (Indian.) Mentioned 13
aey Lake Valley, CaL Scouts to, from Fort Crook, Cal., and Fort
Churchill, Nov., Nov. 3-29, 1862. Reports of
Ketcham, Thomas E 181
Mellen, Henry B 180
aeyman, Francis. Mentioned 185,206-208
opa Valley, Cal. Skirmish in, Sept. 3, 1863. See Bumboldt Military
DUtriet, Cal. Operatiotu in, Sept. S-Deo. SI, 1S6S. Report of
Taylor, p. 239.
oper, . Mentioned 785
oper, O. F. Mentioned 786
oper, Joseph. Mentioned 720,736,865,882
oper& Hinton. Mentioned 816
over, V. A. Mentioned 568
pklns, . (Arizona.) Mentioned 401,402,417
pkins, . (California.) Mentioned 552
pkins, Henry. Mentioned 839
pkins, James. Mentioned 839
pkins, John W. For correspondence as A. A. A. O., see Benjamin Alvord.
rrosco. Mentioned 1160
skins. Fort. See Fort Hoikim.
«mer, Joslab. Mentioned 230
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1216 INDEX.
Houllah Wampo (Indian.) Mentioned 316
Ho-ward, Ruasel. Mentioned 925
Howard, Volney B. Mentioned 997
How-deu-doo (Indian.) Mentioned 15
Ho-we, Marshall 8.
Correspondence with Edward £. Eyre 127
Mentioned 101,106,110,127,128
Howes, Gtoorge, &Co. Mentioned 591
Howie, N. Mentioned 154
Howland, Gteorge W. Mentioned 125-127
Howland, W^ilUam. Mentioned 245
Hojrt, Samuel N. Mentioned 185,186
Hubbard, Charles O.
Correspondence with
Lippitt, Francis J 1064
Olney, James N 1108
Mentioned 54,59,61,68,80,889,890,909,959,1007
Beport of operations in Hnmboldt Military District, Cal., March 22-Ang.
31, 1862 73
Hubbs, Paul K. Mentioned 438
Hughes, . Mentioned 401
Hughes, John 8. Report of operations in Hnmboldt Military District, Cal.,
Feb. 1-June 30, 1864 303
Hughes, 'William B. Mentioned 214, 217, 222, 1079, 1084, 1123, 1166, 1167
For correspondence as A. A. A. O., see Ju»ttu Steinberger.
Hull, WUliam E.
Mentioned 189,247-250,258,262,296
Reports of operations in Hnmboldt Military District, Cal.
March 10-Jnly 10, 1863 196
Feb. I^une30,1864 257-281
Humason, O. Mentioned 16
Humboldt, Fort. See Fort Humboldt.
Humboldt MiUtary District, Cal
Affairs in, generally. Communications trom
Lippitt, Francis J 803,842,889,890,906,915,916,924
Moore, Jeremiah B 834
Wright, George 858
Black, Henry M. Assigned to command of 5
Constituted and limits defined 760
Lippitt, Francis J.
Assigned to command of 760
Assumes command of. 800
Operations in.
March 22-Ang. 31, 1862.
Communications from
Donglas, Charles D 1001,1003
Ketcham, Thomas E 982,1008
Lippitt, Francis J 952-955,
958, 959, 972, 982, 983, 1006, 1020, 1026, 1029, 1053, 1054, 1131, 1139, 1153
Mannheim, H 1120
Olney, JamesN 1108,1117,1123,1126
Stnart, William W 1061
Van Dyke, Walter 1134
Woodford, Clinton 1028
Wright, George 992, 1016, 1039, 1106, 1119, 1134-1136, 1143
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INDEX. 1217
Page,
aboldt Military District, Cal. — Continaed.
Operations in.
March 22-Aiig. 31, 1862.
Reports of
Akey, David B 86
Anderson, Joseph 84
Dooglas, Charles D 70,71
Eaton, Charles H 87
Flynn, Henry 72
Hubbard, Charles G. 73
Johnson, Parish B 76
Ketcham, Thomas E 77-82
Lippitt, Francis J 50,53,55,57,58,60-62,61
Myers, John D 85
Olney, James N 67,68
Staples, John F 84
March 10-July 10, 1883. Reports of
Flynn, Henry 193
Hull, William E 196
Lippitt, Francis J 188-191
Olney, James N 191,192
Whipple, Stephen G 196
Sept. 3-Dec. 31, 1863. Reports of
Miller, Abraham 240
Onsley, George W 241
Taylor, William S. E 237,240
Whipple, Stephen G 234,235
Jan. 1-28, 1864. Reports of Stephen G. Whipple 242,243
Feb. 1-Jnne 30, 1864.
Commanications from
Geer, Knyphansen 306
Hackett, Jacob P 306
Middleton, Thomas 290
Reports of
Baker, Charles A 281
Beckwith, Leonard C. 301
Bellon, Francis 279,280
Black, Henry M 248,249
Buckley, Thomas 262-264
Cook, Eli 272
Frazier, William W 295,297-299
Geer, Knyphansen 287-290,292,293,295
Greene, Daane M 265,268,270
Hackett, JacobP 272,274,275
Harris, Richard B 303
Hughes, John S 303
Hull, William E 257-261
Button, Hampton 277
Middleton, Thomas 300
Miller, Abraham 282,284,285
Onsley, George W 286
Taylor, John B 277,278
Whipple, Stephen G 281,282
Wright, George 247,248
Wright, Thomas F 250,251,254-256
77 B E— VOL L, PT I
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1218 DTOEX.
Page.
Humboldt Military Distrlot, Cal. — Continaed.
Orders, series 1862— Uppitt : No. 1, 800; No. 4, 994; No. 5, 1014.
Orders, General, series 1662— Douglas : No. 1, 947; No. 2, 948.
Orders, Special, series 1862— ^>p/ff; No. 1, 800; No. 22, 912; No. 26,
920; No. 46, 1016; No. 61, 1076; No. 72, 1131. OIney: No.
67, 1123; No. 68, 1126; No. 69, 1127.
Whipple, Stephen G., relieves Francis J. Lippitt of command of 4
Humboldt River, Nev.
Affairs on, Oct. 11 and 15, 1862. See Camp DougUu, Utah Ter. Expedition
to, from Fort Ruhy, Nev.
Expeditions to, from Fort Chorchill.
June 8-Ang. 9, 1864.
Commanication from John Littlefleld 380
Beports of
McDermit, Charles 377
Wells, Almond B 378
May 3-Jane 15, 1866. See Car$on Lake and Truckee and ITumholdl
Sivert, Ner.
Expeditions to, from Fort Enby, May 25-Jone 15, 1865. Beport of John
U.ToUes 412
Humphreys, Andreiv A.
Correspondence with War Department, U. 8 439
Mentioned 439
Hundertmzurk, John H. Mentioned 1058
Hunt, Iiewia C.
Correspondence with Edwin V. Sumner 597
Mentioned 429,512,743
Hunt, Paul R. Mentioned 552,1042
Hunter, David.
Correspondence with Adj ntant-General's OfBce, U. S. A 801
Mentioned 1023
Hunter, John S. Mentioned 35
Hunter, Sberod. Mentioned 930,
932, 934, 935, 937, 944, 951, 958, 965, 966, 1045, 1048, 1078, 1088
Hurst, 'WiUiam. Mentioned 238,239
Huse, Charles E. Correspondence with James H. Carleton 661, 667
Hutchinson, John F. Mentioned 1152
Hutton, Hampton.
Mentioned 249,252,254,255,267,294,306
Beport of operations in Humboldt Military District, Cal., Feb. l-June 30,
1864 277
Hyatt, John O. Correspondence with Edwin V . Sumner 528
Hydesville, Cal. Skirmish near Simmons' Banch near, Oct. 21, 1862. Beport.
of Henry Flynn 179
Idaho Territory.
Expeditions against the Snake Indians in.
Aug. 19-Oct. 11, 1862. )
Mav 4-Oct 26 1863 \ ^** Snake Indians in Idaho. JExpediiiong againil.
Military department embracing 6
Has. (Indian.) Mentioned 1087
Indians.
Articles of agreement between the United States and the Kez Percys . . . 467, 468
Treatment of, etc. Commonioations from
Baylor, John B 942
Bryson, William 1093
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INDEX. 1219
Page.
TnH<aii» — Continued.
Treatment of, etc. Communications from
Cady, All>emarle 808
DiUon, Edward 494
Douglas, Cbarloa I) 948
Hanson, George M 1084,1087,1093
Kingsbury, G lOM
Lippitt, Francis J 920,977,994,1014
Mason, E 1087
Price, George F 1107
Steen, Enoch 465
Wright, George 967
See also Snake Jndian$ in Idaho.
Ingrsihani, Cyrus R. Mentioned 315
Intercourse. See Trade and Intercourse.
Ipson, Oeorge. Mentioned 285,300,301
Iron-clad Steamers. Construction of. Communication from Peter Donohoe. 1051
Isaacs, H. P., «( al. Correspondence with George Wright 860
Itineraries. See Texat and yetv Mexico. Expedition to, etc., April IS-Sept. SO,
186S.
Iturbide, Augustin de. Mentioned 637
jves, Joseph C. Mentioned '. 911
Jack. (Indian.) Mentioned 266,267
Jacks, Pulaska. Mentioned 651
Jackson, . Mentioned 834
Jackson, Aldman. Mentioued 655
Jackson, Alexander M. Mentioned 925
Jackson, J. J. Mentioned 942
Jacobs, Mzurk, «( al. For correspondence, see San Bernardino, Cat., Citizens of.
Jacoba & HarriB. Mentioned 555
Jacoby, A. Correspondence with Francis J. Lippitt 955
James, Hanison M. Mentioned 948,971,975
James, Horace P. Mentioned 591
Janson, Bond & Co. Mentioned 591
Janson, Henry. Mentioned 909
Jaqnith, Oeorge N. Mentioned 315
Jay, Leroy. Mentioned 1058
Jeagers, . Mentioned 40
Jenkins, J. W. Mentioned 668
Jenninga & Brevrster. Mentioned 691
Jesoup, Richard M. Mentioned 591
Jesup, Gtoneral, Brig. Mentioned 488.489,496,974
Jim. (Indian.) Mentioned 73,586,587
Joaquin Jim. (Indian.) Mentioned 211,212
Joe. (Indian.) Mentioned 73,75
Joe Iiane, U. 8. Revenue Cutter. Mentioned 533, 535
John. (Indian.) Mentioned 1068
John Day's Road, near Fort Klamath, Oreg. Attack on wagon train on,
June24, 1864. Report of Charles S. Drew 381
Johns, William ia.
Corrospondence with Francis J. Lippitt 982, 1011,1139
Mentioned 51,794,842,889,909,1007,1028,1169
Johnson, Andrew. Mentioned 410
Johnson. Charles. Mentioned 241, 245
Johnson, G, A., & Co. Mentioned 823
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1220 INDEX.
Johnaon, Oeorge. Mentioned 1061
Johnson, Oaorge A.
Correspondence with Edwin A. Bigg 822
Mentioned .... 707, 721, 722, 781, 808, 810, 817, 819, 820, 824, 912, 940, 943, 978, 9TO, iW
Johnson, H. H. Mentioned IIO
Johnaon, John. Mentioned H5
Johnson, Parish B.
Mentioned 53,66,66,70,76,909,90
Report of operations in Hamboldt Military District, Cal., March 23-Aag.
31,1862 78
For correspondence as Adjutant, see CharUi D. I>o»gla».
Johnson, Samuel. Mentioned 443
Johnson, 'William J. Mentioned 436.437
Johnston, Albert Sidney.
Arrest of, ordered 49t
Assomes command of Department of the Pacific 4S
Correspondence with
Adams, John 451,433
Adjntant-Oeneral's Oiflce, U.S. A 433,439,454,46}
Armistead, Lewis A 454
Army Headquarters 434, 443, 44fi, 447, 4?7
Beale, Edward F., etal 4S7
Bishop, Samuel A., etal 437
California, Governor of 452.457
Denver, James W 436
DiUon, Edward 453,464
Ellis, Johns 44«
Geary, Edward R «0
Gilmer, Jeremy F 444
Gregg, David McM 442, fie
Haynes, J. P., t« «1 457
KerUn, F. E., «< at 4J7
Logan, 3., etal 457
Lovell, Charles S 451,459,461
McAllister, Julian 438,444
Merchant, Charles 8 446,44$
Mollan, Jolin 46!
Pickett, George E 449
Ryan, James T., etal «7
Spencer, John D. S 4£
Steen, Enoch MS
Stewart, Joseph 448
Swords, Thomas 144
Underwood, Edmund 458^4(6
Warner, Edward R 45»
Washington Territory, Governor of 437,448
Wright, George 433,436,455,46!
. Memorial to, from Legislature of Washington Territory 43S
Mentioned 6,13,433,438,442,444-446,448,449,451.
453, 455, 456, 458, 459, 462, 464, 466, 468, 471, 472, 496, 566, 629, 630, fflS^Sn
t Eolieved from command of the Department of the Pacific i
Resignation of commission in U. S. Army 46J
Johnston, Joseph E. Mentioned 516
For correspondence, etc., see QHar(«raMi«(er>(j«>i«raI'« Ofic«, V. 8. A.
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IMDBX. 1221
Paga
jobnstoD, William B. Mentioned 591
Jones, . Mentioned 9
Jones, . (California.) Mentioned 592
Jones, Andre^7. Mentioned 82,83
Jones, Dixon & Co. Mentioned 691
Jones, OeorgeR. Mentioned 707,729,817,841,931
Jones, J. Mentioned 568,1026
Jones, J. H. Mentioned : 568
Jones, John. Mentioned 89, 119, 121, 123-125, 402, 1049, 1057, 1146
Jones, J. W. Mentioned 861, 880, 882, 885, 899, 934, 936, 937, 940, 951, 952, 976
Jones, Samuel J.
Correspondence with Edward N. Covoy 501
Mentioned 636,640,925
Jones, W. Claude. Mentioned 625
Jones, 'William. (Captain.)
Correspondence witli David Fergnsson 1025
Mentioned 153,209,1024
Jones, William. (Private.) Mentioned _ 233,234
Jones, William R. Mentioned 420
Jordan, . (California.) Mentioned 551
Jordan, . (Idalio.) Mentioned 323,.382-384
JoB^Maiia. (Indian.) Mentioned 373
Josephus. (Indian.) Mentioned 405-407
Josselyn, Robert. Mentioned 925
Jossynsky, Zi. Mentioned 568
Juarez, Benito Pablo. Mentioned 989
Judah, Henry M. Mentioned 613,1097
Jndd, Henry B. Mentioned 479,605
Jolla, Steamer. Mentioned 618
Karr, J. H. Mentioned 568
Katz, Marcus. Mentioned 555
Kearny, Stephen W. Mentioned 610,636
Keatuok Creek, Cal. Skirmish on, May 30, 1861. See Mad and Eel Siver$,
Cat. Operation! on, tcith »kinnifhe$, May SS-June 17, 1861.
Keene, Andre'w J. Mentioned 678,
781, 809, 814, 817, 820, 824, 818, 861, 881, 929, 976, 1037
Keho, Patrick M. Mentioned 1058
Keim, OUver F. Mentione<I 132,133
Keith, James F. Mentioned 126.131
Keller, Matthe'w. Correspondence with Edwin V. Snmner 563
Kelley, JohnH. Mentioned 392
Kelley, R. P. Correspondence with Kd ward N. Covey 501
Kellogg, Hewston & Co. Mentioned 581
Kellogg, John.
Correspondence with
Carleton, James H 874
Wright, George 151
Mentioned 151, 60€, 610, 613, 615, 617, 1097
B^llogg, Josiah H. ■
Correspondence with Edwin V. Sumner 21,25
Mentioned 15
KeUogg's Lake, Cal. Skirmish near, Aug. 19, 1861. See Pitt Riter, Cal.
Expedition from Fort Crook to, ivith tkirmi»k {19th), Aug. 15-Sg,
1861.
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1222 INDEX.
Kelly^ Eugene, & Co. Correspondence with War Department, U. S 625
Kelly, Henry 'W. Mentioned 63
Kelly, ■William. Mentioned 1067,1073,1130,1166
Kelsey, Samuel. Mentioned .... 557, 659, 564, 565, 595, 876, 877, 879, 880, 883, 893, 905
Kendall, Bion F.
Correspondence •with Benjamin L. Beall 649
Mentioned 682
Kennedy, Bennett. Mentioned 331,337
Kennedy, Dennis. Mentioned 61,62,71
Kennedy, 'WiUlam B. Mentioned 366-368
Kennedy, W. L.
Correspondence with David Fergnsson 1025
Mentioned 1024,1026
Kenyon, Charles. Mentioned 415
Kerlin, P. B., et al. Correspondence with Albert Sidney Johnston 437
KershaMT, . Mentioned 65
Ketcham, Thomas B.
Correspondence with
Lippitt, Francis J 915,977,982,1008,1020,1153
Olney, James N 1117
Mentioned 55,59,60,66,75,79,82,180,808,910,913,1126,1169
Reports of
Honey Lake Yalley, Cal. Scouts to, from Fort Crook, Cal., and Fort
Churchill, Nov., Nov. 3-29, 1862 181
Hnmboldt Military District, Cal. Operations in, March 22-Ang. 31,
1862 77-82
Ketchum, William Scott.
Correspondence with
Carletou, James H 661,687
Davidson, John W ...» , 595
Sumner, Edwin V 569,585,594,601,606,612,617,621
Whittlesey, Joseph H 441
Wright, George 16,450,495,669
Mentioned ; 15,429,
466, 512, 515, 527, 549, 556, 567, 569, 595, 597, 612, 614, 660, 663, 669, 670, 688
Report of expedition from San Beniardino to the Temecula Ranch and Oak
Grove, Cal., Sept. 25-Oct. 5, 1861 27
Kettenshaim', Cal. Skirmish near, June 17, 1861. See Mad and Eel Sirer»,
Cal. Operations on, with skirmishes, May SS-June 17, 1861.
Keyes, Erasmus D. Correspondence with War Department, U. S 634
Keysville, Cal. Expedition from Camp Babbitt to, April 12-24, 1863. Report
of Moses A. McLaughlin 208
Kibbe, ■WllUam C. Mentioned 846,907,1097
For correspondence, etc., see California, Adjutant-General of.
Kilbride, John. Mentioned 881,882,894,929,931,964
Kilgore, 'William. Mentioned 557
Killed and Wotinded. See XInion Troops. Casualties.
King, . Mentioned 940
King, A. Mentioned , 33,38-40,839
King, Andrew J. Mentioned 993,994,997
Bang, Bradley. Mentioned 132,133
Kingsbury, G. Correspondence with George M. Hanson 1094
Tftninaii, Nathan. Mentioned ^5
Kinney, John P. Mentioned 187
Kippen, . Mentioned 812
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INDEX. 1223
Page,
kham, Ralph W.
Correspondence with James H. Carleton 688,974
For correspondenco as A. A. A. O., see George Wright.
Mentioned 462, 547, 554, 578, 616, 644, 697, 765, 777, 849, 874, 985, 1078, 1079
rkpatrlck, Charles A. Mentioned 230
rtle, De 'Witt, & Co. Mentioned 591
;tridge, 'WilUamA. Mentioned 98,122,969
imath. Fort. See Fort Klamath.
3mp, . Mentioned 412,413
eeland's Praiiie, Cal. Skirmish on, May 2, 1864. See Humboldt Military
JHttrict, Cal. Operations in, Feb. l-June SO, 1864. Reports of
Wright, p. 254; Geer,p. 291.
lighten, 'William H. Mentioned 271
io^(rltoii, . Mentioned 200
103C, 'WilliamM. Mentioned 978
>11, F. 'W. Mentioned 568
)otenay River, Wash. Ter. Affair near. See Columbia Biver, Waeh. Ter.
Affair on, near the Kootenay River, March 18, 1861.
ihl, Charles.
Mentioned 234
Report of affair (it Port Bowie, Arisj. Ter., Aug. 27, 1863 233
I Cruz, Marto. Mentioned 840
ifferty, . Mentioned 75
illy.F. T. Mentioned 824,825,867,868,944
imbert, John. Mentioned 364,365,369
imson, George F. Mentioned 568
incaster, IJ. S. S. Mentioned ,.... 539,923,925,938
ine, . Mentioned 884,1049
ine, Joe, U. S. Revenne Cutter. Mentioned 533,535
ine, Joseph. Mentioned 571,740
me, 'WiUlam C. Mentioned 636
ingdon, . Mentioned 74
mgdon, Joseph H. Mentioned 1152
*nge, August F. C. Mentioned 233, 234
inslng, Oarrlt J. Mentioned 406,407
apwai. Fort. See Fort Lapwai.
urcom, Thomas H. Mentioned 211
iren, D. M. Mentioned 568
arkin, . Mentioned 817
arkins, Patrick. Mentioned 568
arrabee, . Mentioned 7,10,11
arrabee. Corporal. Mentioned 19
arrabee's House, Cal. Skirmishes near, June 2 and 8, 1861 . See Mad and Eel
Rivers, Cal. Operations on, with skirmishes. May SS-June 17, 1861.
arrabee's Ranch, Cal. Skirmish near, May 23, 1861. See Mad and Eel
Rirers, Cal. Operations on, with skirmishes. May SS-June 17, 1861.
askChluen. (Indian.) Mentioned 15
as-SIc. (Indian.) Mentioned 19,80,82,83,169
atham, Camp. See Camp Latham.
atham, Milton 8.
Correspondence with
Sumner, Edwin V 624
War Department, U. S 454
Wright, George 796
Mentioned 608,1023,1051
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1224 INDEX.
Latimer, EUahaE. Mentioned 9(6
Iiawrence, James. Mentioned 33,37.40,8X1
tiavraon, S-waln. Mentioned 245
IiaivBon, Thomaa. Mentioned 439
Iiawton, A. T. Mentioned 591
Lawyer. (Indian.) Mentioned 469,638
Ledyeurd, Ebenezer C. Mentioned 423
Lee, Daniel. Mentioned 61,62,71
Lee, Harvey.
Correspondence with George Wright 88
Mentioned 652,673,696,701,793
Lee, John D. Mentioned 359
Leece, 'William. Mentioned : 39!
Leight. (Indian.) Mentioned 181
Leighton, 'W. H, Mentioned 568
Lemon, John. Mentioned 134
Lendmm, John H. Mentioned 444
Lennau, . Mentioned lOS
Leonard, . Mentioned 965
Leonard, O. F. Mentioned 568
Iieonard, Hiram. Mentioned 8^,838
Leonard, James.
Corre8i>ondence with James H. Csrloton 533
For other correspondence, see San Bernardino, Col., UnUtn Clmb of.
Mentioned 551,5^,876
Leonard, Nelson. Mentioned.., 236,2ai-286,392,393
Lesley, James, jr. • For correspondence as Chief Clerk, see War D^artment,
V. S.
Letterman, Jonathan. Mentioned 68!
Level, John H, Mentioned 33I,33i
Levergood, Daniel W. Mentioned 468
Levy, P. H. Mentioned aSo
Levy, L., & Co. Mentioned 565
Le'werkrup, H. Mentioned 555
Lewis, . Mentioned 196,527,530,539
Lewis, David. Mentioned 56i*
Lewis, Micajah O. Mentioned 182,229
Light Praiile, near Areata, Cal. Skirmish at, Ang. 21, 1862. See Humboldt
Military Digtrict, Cal. Operations in, March SS-Aug. SI, 1S63.
Reporti of Lippitt, p. 65; Johneon, p. 76.
Lincoln, Abraham.
Correspondence with
California, Adjntant-Oeneral of '. 743
California, Governor of. SOD
McDongall, James A *5
Nelson, Williom 631
Stevenson, John D 476
Washington Territory, Governor of lOTJ
Mentioned 97,
136, 152, 199, 409, 463, 476, 477, 489, 493, 504, 511, 557, 566, 589, 602, M8,
609, 628, 630, 631, 638, 641, 737, 743, 867, 897, 918, 938, 976, 997, 1021, 1090
Lincoln, Camp. See Camp Lincoln.
Lippincott, Benjamin F. Mentioned 510,511
Lippitt, Francis J.
Assignment to command 760
Assumes command of Hnmboldt Military District 805
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INDEX. 1225
Page.
Iiippitt, Francis J. — Continued.
Correspondence with
Akey, David B 924,954,977,1153
Douglas, Charles D 76, 915, 952, 955, 959, 972, 983, 1001, 1003, 1034
Hamilton, J. A 890
Heffernan, Charles 916,953,1053
Hubbard, Charles G 1054
Jacob}', A..... 955
Johns, William M 982,1011,1139
Ketcham, Thomas E 915,977,982,1008,1020,1153
Moore, Jeremiah B 834
Olney, James N 193
Stuart, William W 983,1061
War Department, U. S 750
Whipple, Stephen G 198
Woodford, Clinton 1028,1029
Wright, George 189,795,803,807,842,858,889,906,
958, 992, 1001, 1006, 1010, 1020, 1026, lOSd, 1052, 1084, 1105, 1119, 1135, 1165
Mentioned 54,55,78,80,85,170,
171, 191, 192, 19ft-198, 604, 760, 771, 786, 794, 798, 800, 858, 915-917, 952-954,
956, 959, 967, 972, 977, 982, 983, 996, 1003, 1011-1013, 1016, 1029, 1040, 1069,
1084, 1087, 1088, 1091, 1096, 1109, 1133-1135, 1144, 1153, 1165, 1168, 1169
Relieved from command of Humboldt Military District 4
Reports of.
Humboldt Military District, Gal. Operations in.
March 22-Aug. 31, 1862 50,53,55,57,58,60-62,64
March lO-Jnly 10, 1863 188-191
Redwood Creek, Cal. Skirmish on, Sept. 8, 1862 169
Staff. Annonncement of 800
Iiiscombe's Hill, CaL Skirmish near. See Fawn Prairie, tiear Liseombe't Hill,
Cal. Skirmith at, June 8, 18G2.
Littlefield, John.
Correspondence with Almond B. Wells 380
Mentioned 379,380,411
Little River, Cal. Affair on, Aug. 23, 1862. See Humboldt Military IHttrict,
Cal. Operationt in, March SS-Aug. 31, 186$. Report of Lippitt,
p. 66.
Livingston, LaRbettL. Mentioned 642
Lock, Doctor. Mentioned 402
Locke & Montague. Mentioned 591
Lockhart, Jacob T. Mentioned • 1107
Logan, J., el al. Correspondence with Albert Sidney Johnston 457
Logan, 'William.
Correspondence with Joseph H. Whittlesey 666
Mentioned 717
Lojinio. (Indian.) Mentioned 415,422
Lolita, Schooner. Mentioned 808,819,820,822,823
Long, Armistead L. Mentioned 487
Longstreet, James. Mentioned 637
Lopez, Juan. Mentioned 1161
Lorain, Lorenzo. Mentioned 428
Lord, Richards. C. M.;ntioned 867,871
Lorlng, "William "W. Mentioned 636-638
Los Angeles County, Cal., Home Quard.
Correspondence with John W.Davidson 582
Organization of 568
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1226 INDEX.
Tage.
LoMMB In Action. Se« Union Troopt. Catualtie*.
Lovell, Charles S.
Correspondence with
Arnold, Ransom, et al 562
Bnell, Don Carlos 530
Dillon, Edward 494
Dnngan, J. H., etal 562
Johnston, Albert Sidney 451,459,464
Lynn, Daniel D 7
Myers, E. W., e( al 5ffi
Snnmer, Edwin V 18,487,513,535,559,562,584,633
Wright, George 694
Mentioned 428,473,494,508,526,539.558,664,724,732
Report of operations in the vicinity of Fort Hamboldt, Cal., Jan. 16-May
18,1861 6
Iaw, C. Adolphe, & Co. Mentioned .591
ZiOTver California, Mexico. Filibustering movements against. Conimnni-
cations from
Army Headqaarters 498
Gardner, William H 533,535
Spragae, Thomas 475
State Department, U, 8 497
Snmner, Edwin V 532
War Department, U. S 504
Iiowtber, Rob«rt J. Mentioned 976
Iitioas, Jamea A.
Correspondence with Edward N. Covey 601
Mentioned 636
Luce, M. Mentioned 568
Iingenbeel, Pinkney.
Mentioned 167, 222, 429, 626, 619, 675, 738, 759, 791, 793, 1034, 1036, 1124, 1168
Reports of affair on the Colombia River, near the Kootenay River, Wash.
Ter., March 18, 1861 16,17
Iinll,Z>. R. Mentioned 990
Lyle, . Mentioned 81,82
Lynch, Timothy. Mentioned 189,194
Lynde, Isaac. Mentioned 639
Lynn, Daniel D.
Correspondence with Charles S. Lovell 7
Mentioned 7,464
Report of ojMrations in the vicinity of Fort Hnmboldt, Cal., Jan. 16-May
18, 1861 8
Lyon, Camp. See Camp Lyon.
Lyon, Caleb. Mentioned 388
Lyon, Nathaniel. Correspondence with Army Headqaarters 496
Lyons, . Mentioned 81,82
McAchran, . Mentioned 1152
McAllister, Jnlian.
Correspondence with
Carleton, James H 696,616
Johnston, Albert Sidney 438,444
Samner, Edwin V 496,513,547
Wright, George 921,1121
Mentioned 429, 526, 535, 657, 760, 751, 754, 775, 794, 876, 895, 921, 1000, 1081, 1169
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iin>EX. 1227
Page.
McCaU, John M.
Mentioned 316,330,331,336,337,346
Beport of expeditions from Fort Dalles, Oreg., and Fort Walla Walla,
Wasti. Ter., to Southeastern Oregon, April 2&-Oct. 26, 1864 345
McCann, Henty. Mentioned 1140
McClaggan, . Mentioned 784,785
McCleary, John. Mentioned 725
McCleave, William.
Correspondence with
Carleton, James H 931
Eyre, Edward E 871
Mentioned 89,94,124-126,134,135,367,737,851,852,855,869,
870, 882, 885, 892, 922, 928-931, 934, 937, 939, 940, 944, 951, 962, 965, 966, 981
McClellan, Oeorge B. Mentioned 32,
702, 703, 724, 730, 741, 752-754, 772, 814, 836, 850, 862, 898, 938,997, 1022
For correspondence, etc., see Army Headquarters.
McConnell, . Mentioned 622
MoCormick, Charles. Mentioned 690,1014,1144
McCormlok, John. Mentioned 841
McCoy, . Mentioned 879
MoCracken, BamueL Mentioned 240
McCulloch, Henry B.
Correspondence with John R. Baylor 716
Mentioned 661
McCallongh, Charles. Mentioned 266,267,271
McCnmmlns, . Mentioned 424
McDermit, Charles.
Correspondence with George Wright 180,972
Mentioned 378,380,412,606,919,1080,1170
Reports of
Carson Lake and Trnckee and Humboldt Riyers, Mev. Erpeditions
from Fort Churobill to, May 3-June 15, 1865 409-411
Hamboldt River, Nev. Expedition from Fort Charchill to, Jnne 8-
Aug.9,1864 377
McDonald, . Mentioned 1015,1020
McDongal, David.
Correspondence with Edwin V. Samner 481,482
Mentioned 481
McDougeUl, James A.
Correspondence with Abraham Lincoln 486
Mentioned 608,1061
McDowell, Irvln.
Assignment to command 6
Assnmes command of Department of the Pacific 5
Correspondence with
Alvord, Benjamin 334
Wright, George 378,403,410
Mentioned 334,346,378,608
McFarland, . (California.) Mentioned 9
MtiFarland, . (Idaho.) Mentioned 388
McFarland, a«orge P. Mentioned 134
MoFerran, John C. Mentioned 116
McGarry, Bd^rard. (Citizen.) Mentioned 651
McOarry, Edward, (Major.)
Correspondence with George Wright 694,796
Mentioned 177,181,185-187,601,755,794,800,803,919
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1228 INDEX.
McQany, Edward. (Major.)— Continued.
Keports of
Cache Valley, Utah Ter. Ezpeilition from Camp Doaglas to, Nov.
20-27,1862 182
Camp Doaglas, Utah Ter. Expedition to, from Port Ruby, Nev., Sept.
30-Oct. 29, 1862 178
MoGtoe, Matthew. Mentioned 432
McGUl, Heniy M. Mentioned 435,489,501,540
For correspondence as Secretary and Acting Governor, see Wathiugton Terri-
tory, Goremor of.
BCeOowan, Lieatenant. Mentioned 411
MacOowan, Alexander B. Mentioned 130, 684, 689, 707, 817, 851, 809, 884
MacOowan, Alexander B., Mrs. Mentioned 7K
MoGowan, Edward. Mentioned 636
McGregor, . Mentioned 424
McHirron, Henry C. Mentioned 83
Mack, R. Mentioned 568
Maokall. William ■W. Mentioned 431,447,476,482,487
For correspondence as A. A. G., see Benjamin L. Beall, Albert Sidney Jokntton,
and Edwin V. Suntner.
McKay, Alexander. Mentioned 161
McKee, J. Ii. Mentioned 432
McKee, Samuel. Mentioned.. 603,677,682
HcKee, William H. Mentioned 132,856,930.937,952
McKenna, M. Mentioned 568
MoKenzie, . Mentioned 1025
McKenzle, James. Mentioned 543
McLane, Allan. Correspondence vith War Department, U. S 474
MoLane, Lonla.
Correspondence with George Wright \ 766,964
Mentioned 720,730,753,956,961,1022,1023
McLanghlln, B. Mentioned 568
McLaughlin, D aniel. Mentioned 211
McLaughlin, Moses A.
Correspondenco with
Ciirleton, James H 1018
Wright, George 213
Mentioned 145,152,980,981,1122
Reports of
Keysville, Cal. Expedition from Camp Babbitt to, April 12-24, 1863. . 206
Owen's River, Cal. Operations in valley of, etc., April 24-May 26, 1863. 210
McLean, Daniel. Mentioned 179,185,770
McMahon, Bernard J. Mentioned 672,679,682
McMeans, Doctor. Mentioned 490,499,500
McMullen, William.
CorreBpondenoe with James H. Carleton 852
Mentioned 104,1096
McNeal, Moutravil. Mentioned 192,193
McNulty, C. P. Mentioned 568
McITulty, James M.
Correspondence with
Carleton, James H , 704
Handle, Peter W 704
Surgeon-General's Office, U. 8. A 136
Mentioned 04,104,115,116,143,777,969,1019,1075,1089
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INDEX. 1229
Page.
McNulty, James M.— Con tinned.
Report of expedition from Soathern California, throngh Arizona, to Nortli-
western Texaa and New Mexico, April 13-Sept. ao, 1862 136
Macondray & Co. Mentioned 591
McParlin, Thomas A. Mentioned 759,772
McPherson, Colbum. Mentioned 426,427
McPherson, James B. Mentioned 514
McRae, Alexander. Mentioned 944
Macwillie, M. H. Mentioned , 526
Mad River, Cal.
Affair at Weaver ville Crossing of. See Wearerrille Crosting of Mad Biver,
Cal. Affair at, July 9, 1862.
Skirmishes on.
May 14, 1862. See Angel'i SanoK on the Mad Him; Cal. Skirmiah at.
June 6-7, 1862. See Daley's Ferry, and on the Mad Hirer, near Areata,
Cal. SIcirmiehes at.
June 11, 1862. See Humboldt Military District, Cal. Operations in,
March 22- Aug. SI, 1862. Reports of Lippitt, p. 59 ; Keicham, p. 80.
Skirmishes near. See Van Du$en's Creek, Cal Skirmishes on, near Mad
Hirer, April 14-15, 1861.
Mad and Eel Rivers, Cal. Operations on, with slurmisbes. May 23-Jane 17,
1861. Reports of
Collins, Joseph B 18
Martin, James P 19
Magee, John. Mentioned '. 28
Magill, 'William. Mentioned 1058
Magruder, John B. Mentioned 637
Magnider, William T. Mentioned 701,745,759,772
Maguire, F. J. Correspondence with James H. Carleton 664, 667
Maguire, Thomas J. Mentioned 257,258,262
Mahan, James. Mentioned 568
Malhem- River, Oreg. Expedition to, from Camp Lyon, Idaho Ter., Jnly
2-13, 1865, with skirmish (9th). Reports of
Drake, John M 419
Hobart, Charles 420
Mallard, J. S. Mentioned 568
Mallory, Francis. Mentioned 566
Maloney, Mauice.
Correspondence with George Wright 432
Mentioned 429
Maloney, Peter. Mentioned 126,131
Mann, . Mentioned 75
Man-na-'wa-he. (Indian.) Mentioned 1102
Mannheim, H. Correspondence with James N. Oluey 1120
Mansfield, Joseph K. F.
Assignment to command 643
Assignment to command revoked 645
Correspondence with Army Headquarters 645
Mentioned 643
Maps and Slzetohes. See Sketches.
Marchessault, . Mentioned 552
Marcy, Azbon C. Mentioned 118
Mare Island Navy-Tard, Cal.
Measures for protection of. Communications ttom
McDougal, David 481,482
Navy Department, U. 8 628
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1230 INDEX.
Fasa
Mare Island Navy-Tard, Cal. — Continaed.
Measures for protection of. Communications from
Sumner, Edwin V 481,482
Secessionists employed in. Commnnications from Edwin V. Sumner 584,591
Maricopa Wells, Ariz. Ter. Expedition from Fort Bowie to, July 10-21,
1865. Report of Clarence E. Bennett 421
Marsh, Salem S.
Correspondence with
Cady, Albemarle 790
Wright, George 1119
Mentioned 17,461,1119,1136,1137,1168
Marshall, . Mentioned 124
Martial La-w. Proclaimed in Arizona by James H. Carleton 96
Martin, Oeorge.
Correspondence with F. Hinton 823
Mentioned 819,929,931,958,963,965
Martin, James P.
Correspondence with
Dillon, Edward 508
Moore, Orlando H 639
Wright, George 731
Mentioned 18, 531, 735, 8K
Beports of
Eel Riyer, Cal. Skirmish on South Fork of, July 21, 1861 21
Mad and Eel Rivers, Cal. Operations on, with skirmishes. May 23-
Junel7, 1861 19
Martin, John. Mentioned 361,362,368,369,707,729
Martin, Moses. Mentioned 630
Martin, R. M. Correspondence with Edwin V. Sumner 508
Martin, Thomas A. Mentioned 867
Martin, ■William J. Mentioned 116
SSason, E. Correspondence with George M. Hanson 1087
Mason, John S.
Assignment to command 5
Mentioned 416,419,421,476,512
For correspondence as A. A. A. G., see George Wright.
Maaon, 'William F. Mentioned 222,225,900
Massachusetts, U. S. S. Mentioned 435, 498, 512, 519, 520, 545, 588
Mastin, Thomas J. Mentioned 639
Matthias, Frank. Mentioned 489
Mattole Valley, Cal. Skirmish in, Jnne 7, 1862. See Humboldt Military
Diitrict, Cal. Operations in, March 2S-Aug. 31, 1863. Report* of
Lippitt, p. 59; Hubhard, p. 73.
Maury, Reuben F.
Assomes command of District of Oregon 6
Correspondence with
Adjutant-General's Office, U. S. A 632
Alvord, Benjamin 168,214
Drake, John M 424
Steinberger, .Justus 1167,1164
Utah Territory, Governor of 219
Wright, George 1005,1068
Mentioned 156,157,159,167,214,310,326,335,632,668,716,
885,886,935, 1005, 1058, 1068, 1074, 1081, 1123, 1129, 1130, 1155, 1163, 1166
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INDEX. 1231
Maury, Reuben F. — Continned.
Beports of
Boonville, Idaho Ter. Expedition from Fort Bois^ to, July 20-Ang.
17,1864 381
Salmon Falls, Idaho Ter. Expedition from Fort Bois^ to, Ang. 27-
Oct.5,1864 386-388
Snake Indians in Idaho. Expeditions against.
Ang. 19-Oct. 11, 1862 167,168
May4-Oct.26, 1863 214-223,225
May, John H.
Correspondence with George Wright 743,805
ML'ntioned 794,909
Mayberiy, Isaao. Mentioned 668
Mayfield, Colonel. Mentioned 47,48,1025
Maynadier, Henry E. Correspondence with War Department, U. S 460
Maynard, Jesse T. Mentioned 132, 133
Mazatlan, Mezloo, IT. S. Consul at. Correspondence with George Wright. 1012, 1061
Meacham, Frank. Mentioned 817,821,1009,1017,1019
Mead, 'William C. Mentioned 794,885,927,946
Mean, . Mentioned 823
Mears, Frederick. Mentioned 168
Mecbem, Abel F. Mentioned 410,411
Meekham, J. F. Mentioned 668
Meiga, Montgomery C. Mentioned 566,812,814,1069
For correspondence, etc., see Quarternuuier-Oeneral's Office, U. S. A.
Mellen, Henry B.
Mentioned 794,11^
Reports of
Honey Lake Valley, Cal. Scouts to, from Fort Crook, Cal., and Fort
Chnrchill, Nev., Nov. 3-29, 1862 180
Yroka Road, Cal. Affair on, near Fort Crook, Sept. 21, 1862 177
Mendez, . Mentioned 1160
Merchant, Charles S.
Correspondence with
Johnston, Albert Sidney 446,449
Snmner, Edwin V 659
Mentioned 429,526,646
Merehildo. (Indian.) Mentioned 415
Meri'wether, Da'vid. Mentioned 636
Merriam, John L.
Correspondence with
Buckley, Michael 403
Carleton, James H 402
Mentioned 401
Report of skirmish at Fort Buchanan, Ariz. Ter., Feb. 17, 1866 402
Merrick, Madam. Mentioned 238
Merritt, Sam. Mentioned 691
Merryman, James H.
Correspondence with George Wright 1099
Mentioned 1131
Metzker, J, TIV. Mentioned 668
Mexico.
Relations with. Communications from
Alden, Farrelly 1090
Carleton, James H ,,.,,.. 1M4, 1069, 1071
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1232 INDEX.
Mexico — Continued.
Relations with. Communications from
Reily, James 825,1031,1032
Sibley, Henry n 766,1031
Sonora, Mexico, Governor of 1117
Wright, George 1035,1012,1047,1106
Beported movements of Confederate forces through. Communications from
Cady, Albemarle 536
Mexico, U. S. Minister to 626
State Department, U. 8 626
Sumner, Edwin V 524
Mezioo, V. S. Minister to. Correspondence with State Department, U. S .. 636
Middleton, Thomas.
Correspondence with Knyphausen Geer 290
Mentioned 197,236,265,283-285,289,290,392,393
Reports of
Humboldt Military District, Cal. Operations in, Feb. 1-June 30, 1864. 300
Trinity River Valley, Cal. Operations in, Sept. 1-Dec. 3, 1864 394, 395
Miller, . Mentioned 62,84,85
Bliller, . Mentioned 946
Bliller, Abraham.
Mentioned 234, 235, 240, 241, 382, 286, 3«
Reports of
Humboldt Military District, Cal. Operations in.
Sept. 3-Dec. 31, 1863 240
Feb. 1-Jnno 30, 1864 282,284,285
Trinity River Valley, Cal. Operations in, Sept. 1-Dec. 3, 1864 392, 393
MiUer,C.H. Mentioned 309,311-313
Miller, Charles A. Mentioned 841
Miller, James. For correspondence, see BoonHUe, Idaho Ter., Citizeut of.
Miller, 'W. 'W. Correspondence with Governor of Washington Territory 540
Miller's Ranch, near lUk Camp, Cal. Affair at, July 30, 1862. See ^um-
ioldt Military District, Cal. Operations in, March SS-Aug. 31,
186S. Reports of Lippitt, p. 62; Anderson, p. 84.
MilUgan, . Mentioned 123
M1U», . Mentioned 1143
Mills, D.O. Mentioned 591
Mills, Otoorge. Mentioned 254,274,275,292
Mills, John B.
Correspondence with William Nelson 631
Mentioned 631
MmSrWilUam 'W. Mentioned 1012
Miltenberger, Charles. Mentioned 903
Minor, H. C. Mentioned 557,981
Missonrl, Department of the. (Union.) Limits extended 5
Mitchell, . Mentioned 61,72
Mitchell, Digby. Mentioned 270
MitcheU, Francis S. Mentioned 705,733,840,841,882
Mitchell, Rnfus C. Mentioned 154
MitcheU, Titus B. Mentioned 130-133
Miyera, Joseph D. Mentioned 313
Moeller, Charles TIV. Mentioned 568
Moffitt, . Mentioned 238
Mogo, Charles. Mentioned 612
For correspondence, see San Bernardino, Cal., Union Club of.
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INDEX. 1233
Page.
Mojave, Port. S«e Fort Mojare.
Monihon, James D. Mentioned 1058
Montgomery, John B.
Correspondence with Edwin V. Sumner 531,539
Mentioned 532
Montre, . Mentioned 41
Moody, 'W. G.
Correspondence with
Alden, Farrelly 990
Eacalante, Manuel 990
Mentioned 989,991,1030,1035
Moore, . Mentioned 950
Moore, F. Mentioned 900,978
Moore, IsaiahN. Mentioned 867,871
Moore, Jeremiah B.
Correspondence with
Lippitt, Francis J 834
Sumner, Edwin V 471
Wright, George 735
Mentioned 794,1169
Moore, Merrick. Mentioned 22
Moore, Orlando H.
Correspondence with James P. Martin 539
Mentioned 526,531
Moore, Tred-well.
Correspondence with
Blake, George A. H 510
Carleton, James H 853
Sumner, Edwin V 505
West, Joseph R 832
Mentioned 91,
489, 491, 503, 507, 509, 510, 541, 754, 772, 829, 833, 856, 868, 883, 896, 897,
933, 948, 969, 971, 1000, 1024, 1034, 1058, 1060, 1075, 1115, 1147, 1148, 1152
Moore, 'William. (Captain.) Mentioned 653
Moore, WUllam. (Citizen.) Mentioned 568
Moran, Patrick. Mentioned 164
Moran, 'William. Mentioned 15
Moreno, . Mentioned 1160,1161
Moreno, Mathlas. Mentioned 464,783,839,840
Morgan, E. M.
Correspondence witli
Cable, 35
Wild, 40
Mentioned 27-29,34,35,38,39,44,816
Morgan, Frederick A. Mentioned 150, 151, 969, 1002, 1024, 1115
Morgan, Stone & Co. Mentioned 591
Morgan, 'William. Mentioned 408
Mormons. Statement of James H. Carleton regarding 549
MonlU, Joseph C. Mentioned 735
Morris, William O.
Correspondence with James H. Carleton 1034
Mentioned 244,920,1075,1122
Morrison, . Mentioned 1025
Morton, . Mentioned 84,85
Morton, Alfred. Mentioned 170,174,176,192
78 B K — VOL li, PT I
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1234 INDEX.
Mom, Jim. Mentioned 838
Mott, Gordon IT. Correspondence with Edwin Y. Somnet 50S,38S
Mo'whema. (Indian.) Mentioned 1$?
Mowiy, Sylvester. Mentioned 636, 867, 1129, 1142, 1143, lUT
Mad Lake, Nev. Skirmish at, March 14, 1865. See rjpramid and Waiker't
Lake*, Ner. Expedition* from Fort Ckurehill to.
Molkins, . Mentioned 784
MoUan, Jolin.
Correspondence with
Cady, Albemarle lOB
Johnston, Albert Sidney 462
Wright, George 431,972
Mentioned 439, 440, 462, 515-517, 619, 644^649,
676, 726, 730, 733, 738, 746, 750, 790, 897, 898, 957, 1117, 1119, 1120, 1136, 1137
MnnitionB of War. Supplies of, etc. Communications from
Baylor, John B lUJ
Canby, Edward E. 8 107
Carleton, James H 687, 688, 706, 736. 769, Tw,
778-780, 891, 892, 946, 949, 960, 961, 971, 973-976, 1056, 1059, 1091, 1144, IIC
Clark, Joseph C 585
Donohoe, Peter 106!
Fergusson, David 1155
Forman, Ferris IflS
Hart, Simeon 685
Johnston, Albert Sidney tU
Kellogg, John 151
McAllister, Jnlian 613,596.616
Sigg, Edwin A ". 679.82(^8®
Simpson, Marcus D. L 42
Steen, Enoch 431
Sumner, Edwin V 500, 547, 574, 588, 595. »
War Department, U. 8 736
West, Joseph R 719, 721, 832, 833, 1050, 1062, 1(B4, 11«
Wright, George 151, 649,66
Monroe, John. Mentioned 6K
March, T. 'W. Mentioned Kt
Mnrdock, O. A. Correspondence with George Wright UK
Morphy, Orant & Co. Mentioned 91
Marphy, Nicholas. Mentioned Ml
Mutine, British Steamer. Mentioned 993
Myers, E. W., e( al. Correspondence with Charles S. Lovell !£
Myers, Frederick. Mentioned K4
Myers, John D.
Mentioned 5^£(&
Report of operations in Humboldt Military District, Cal., March 23-Ang.
31,1862 »
Myles, 'William. Mentioned •*'
Narragansett, U. S. S. Mentioned S"
Nary, William, et al. Correspondence with Edwin V. Sumner 631
Navarro, Onofre. Mentioned lieft.lt*''
Navy Department, TT. S. Correspondence with War Department, U. S . .. 638,6C'
Neale, John H., et al. Correspondence with George F. Price Vi'
Nease, John C. Mentioned *"
Necce, . Mentioned *
Need, William. Correspondence with War Department, U. S ^
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INDEX. 1235
Page.
Nelson, "WllUam. Correspondence with
Lincoln, Abraham 631
Mills, John B 631
Nelson & Doble. Mentioned 769,776
Nesmith, James 'W.
Correspondence •with War Department, U. 8 544
Mentioned 571
Nevada.
Affairs in, generally. Comuunications from
Atwill, Joseph F 499
Baker, Engene M 667
Blake, George A. H 499,507,509,541
Duval, Charles 500
Hendriokson, Thomas 489
Moore, Tredwell 505,510
Mott, Gordon N 506
Nevada Committee of Safety 490
Nevada, Governor of 749,1071,1106
Rowe, Edwin A 770
Sumner, Edwin V 493,495,502,503,506,518
Wright, George 1118
Milit.ary department embracing 6
Operations in. Communications from
Nevada, Governor of 771
Price, George F 1071,1080
Secession sentiment in 490,499,500
Nevada Conunittee of BaSety. Correspondence with
Blake, George A. H 500
Hendrickson, Thomas 490
Sumner, Edwin y 490,495
Nevada, Governor of. Correspondence with
Rowe, Edwin A 771
Wright, George 735,745,749,947,1071,1106,1118
Nevada Troops. Mentioned.
Cavalry— fiaWatfons: Ist, 378-381,403-405,409-411.
Infantry— fiartatfone: Ist, 403-408,410,412-414.
Newcomb, . Mentioned 739
Ne'woomb, . (Interpreter.) Mentioned 121
Ne^rell, J. Mentioned 568
Newball, H. M., & Ca Mentioned 591
Ne'w Mexico.
Affairs in, generally. Communications from
Brady, Peter R 911
Canby, Edward R. S , 108
Need, William 635
Expedition to. See Texas and Xew Mexico. Expedition to, etc., .Ipril IS-
Sept. SO, 186i.
Military department embracing 6
Operations in. Communication from James II. Carleton 1009
Proposed expedition into. Communications from
Army Headquarters 7r)3
Wright, George 752
Relief of destitution in. Communications from
Carleton, James H 105
Shirland, Edmond D 106
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1236 INDEX.
P»ge.
Ne'w Meadoo — Contiuued.
Keported movements of Confedoratu troops in. Communicatiou from
EdwinA.Rigg 954
New Mexico, Department of. (Union.)
Canby, Edward R. S., relinquishes command of 116
Carleton, James H.
Assigned to command of 114
Assumes command of 116
liimits extended 4
Orders, General, series lS62—Carleton : ITo. 84, 116; No. 85, 145. Canby:
No. 83, 116.
Orders, Special, series 1862 — Canby: No. 153, 114.
New Mexico, Governor of. Correspondence witli Edward R. S. Canby 1140
New Mexico Troops. Mentioned.
Cavalry— /iegiments: iBt, 370-377.
lufantiy—flegimenfs: 1st, 361,367; 2d, 638,610.
Newspapers. Action touching. Communications from
Parker, Samuel H 896
Wright, George 895,897
Newton, JohnB., & Co. Mentioned 591
New Tork Troops. Mentioned.
Infantry— Ae^/menfe ; Ist, * 476, 477.
Nichols, CharlesP. Mentioned. 366-368, 811, 817, 821, 825, 851, 871, 872, 885, 939, 1022
Nichols, John G. Mentioned 568
Noble, Heman. Mentioned 47,48,211,1106
Noble, John F.
Mentioned 332,335,341
Report of expeditions from Fort Dalles, Oreg., and Fort Walla Walla,
Wash. Ter., to Southeastern Oregon, April 20-Oct. 26, 1864 351
Norris, 'William. Mentioned 591
North Fork of Eel River, Cal. Scont to. See Eel Birer, Cal. Scout from
Camp Grant to North Fori of, Sept. 1-S9, 186i.
Northwestern Texas. Expedition to. See Texat and New Mexico. Expedi-
tion to, April IS-Sept. 20, 186S.
Norton, Alfred W. Mentioned 401
Noyes, . Mentioned 940
Noyes, William H.
Correspondence with Charles D. Douglas 174
Mentioned 62,71,169,170,174,175
Report of skirmish on Redwood Creek, Cal., Sept. 8, 1862 171
Nuck-ea-pal-a-te. (Indian.) Mentioned 15
Nuzlee, H. M. Mentioned 591
Nye, James W. Mentioned.... 506,507,541,547,560,638,746,753,754,770,787,1011,
1022, 1030, 1069, 1072, 1076, 1080, 1083, 1092, 1102, 1103, 1107, 1119, 1137, 1149
For correspondence, etc., see Nevada, Oovemor of.
Oak Camp, Cal.
Attack near, April 30, 1863. Communicatiou from John J. Shepheard 193
See also Bumboldt Military Dittrict, Cal. Operation* in, March lO-Jnly
10, 1863. KeporU of Lippitt, p. 189; Olney, pp. 192, 193.
Skirmish at, June 6, 1863. See Humboldt Military Dittriei, Cal. Operations
in, March 10-July 10, 1863. Iteport of Lippitt, p. 190.
Oak Grove, Cal. Expedition from San Bernardino to. See TeniecuZa Jlanch
and Oak Grove, Cal. Expedition from San Bernardino to, /Sep/.
eS-Oct. 5, 1861.
' Uezican War Besiment.
Digitized by LjOOQIC
INDEX. 1237
Page.
OakB, John. Mentioned 262-265,279
Oath of Allegiance. Officers of the Army to renew. Commnnicatlon from
Edwin V. Sumner 498
O^tien, Charles M. Mentioned 131,1058
O'Campo, Prancisco. Mentioned 33, 34, 42, 43, 692, 707, 783, 970, 976
Ochoa, . Mentioned 361
Ogden, Richard Ii.
Correspondence with War Department, U. 8 573
Mentioned 572,796
OldJohn. (Indian.) Mentioned 903
OldManJlm. (Indian.) Mentioned 268,281,282
Olds, Benjamin S. Mentioned 870
Old Soldier. (Indian.) Mentionetl 201
OUver, . Mentioned 196,527,530,539
Oliver, John. Mentioned 175
OUver, William A. Mentioned 47,936,939,1122
Olmstead, . (California.) Mentioned 81-83
Olmstead, . ( Washington Territory. ) Mentioned 577
Olney, James N.
Correspondence with
Hubbard, Charles G 1108
Ketoham, Thomas E 1117
Lippitt, Francis J 193
Mannheim, II 1120
Wright, George 769,1001
Menti oned 58, 59, 63, 66, 169, 172, 174, 175, 190, 760, 771, 794,
798, 968, 973. 992, 1003, 1007, 1011, 1013, 1016, 1020, 1028, 1117, 1135, 1136
Reports of
Humboldt Military District, Cal. Operations iu.
March 22-Ang. 31, 1862 67,68
March KKTnly 10, 1863 191,192
Redwood Creek, Cal. Skirmish on, Sept. 8, 1862 170
Olney, Nathan. Mentioned 348,349
Omaha, Nebr. Ter. Emigrant road expedition from. See I'oriland, Oreg.
Emigrant road expedition from Omaha, Nebr. Ter., to, .fnne 16-Oct.
SO, 18G3.
O'Nell, John. Mentione<l 839
O'Neill, John M. Mentioned 145,153
"On the Way." Correspondence with Samuel Brooks 41
Ord, Edward O. C.
Mentioned 478,505,642
Relieved from duty in Department of the Pacific 642
Ord, James L., et al. Correspondence with Edwin V. Sumner 492
O'Regan. Daniel. Mentioned 222,399,400
Oregon, Steamer. Mentioned 443,447,1016
Oregon.
Affairs in, generally. Communications from
Biddle, Benjamin R 903
Campbell, Thomas B 739
Gregg, David McM 442,483
Isaacs, H. P., e« oJ 860
Maury, Reuben F 1005
Schmidt, John C 902
Stratton, Riley E 571
Wright, George 561.604,618
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1238 INDEX.
VfK.
Oregon — Continned.
Expeditions to southeastern part of, from Fort Dalles, Oreg., and Fort
Walla AValla, Wash. Ter., April 2(>-0ct. 26, 1864. Reports of
Alvord, Benjamin 316
Barry, Edward 328
CaldweU, Eichurd S 348,349
Cnrrey, George B 317-319,821-328
Drake, John M 329,332,333,335
McCall, JohnM 315
Noble, John F 351
Rinehart, William V 347
Waymire, James A 349
Indian depredations in. Commnnications from
Biddle, Benjamin R 768
Black, HenryM 586
Grover, Caleb M 441
Johnson, Samuel 442
Logan, William 665
Oregon, Governor of 599,962
Rector, William H 1057
VanVoast, James 586
Whittlesey, Joseph H 665
Military departments embracing 6
Operations in. Communications from
Black, HenryM S92
Cady, Albemarle 1008
Wright, George 430,1068
Secession sentiment in 739,740
Oregon, Department of. (Union.)
Affairs in, generally. Communication from George Wright 436
Merged into Department of the Pacific 433
Union troops in. Organization, strength, etc., Dec. 31, 1860 429
Oregon, District of.
Affairs in, generally. Communications from
Cady, Albemarle 764
Stelnberger, Justus 1073,1123-1125,1129,1130,1132,1150
Wright, George 1038
Alvord, Benjamin, assigned to command of 1153
Beall, Benjamin L.
Assigned to command of 584,619
Assumes command of 620
Relieved from command of 656
Relinquishes command of 675
Cady, Albemarle.
Assigned to command of ,. 656
Assumes command of 675
Maury, Reuben F. Assumes command of 6
Movements and disposition of troops in. Communications from
Cady, Albemarle 674,675,695-697,701,729,730,745,759
Steinberger, Justus. 1081, 1082, 1084, 1085, 1136, 1154-1158, 1163, 1164, 1166-1168
Sumner, Edwin V 572
Wright, George 478,509,512,514,517,518,533,619,1076,1143
Operations in, July 7, 1862-Oct. 6, 1863. Report of Benjamin Alvord 156
Orders, series 1861— Ifr/jrAf; No. 1, 475. Ketchum: Ho. S,4iO. Magruder:
No. 78, 726. Steen : No. 5, 438; No. 21, 469.
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INDEX. J 239
Page
jon, Distxict of— Continned.
Orders, 8eTieBl862— Cbr/>«//i/s.- Ho. lOS, 1120; No. 110, 1140. Steinberger:
ITo. 161, 163; No. 170, 160.
Drclers, General, series 1861— 5m//.- No. 2, 620; No. 3, 675. Cody : No. 4,
675. Wright: No. 1, 619.
Orders, General, series 1862 — Steinberger: No. 3, 1053; No. 5, 1079.
Orders, Special, series 1861 — Wright: No. 6, 491; Nos. 7, 8, 500; No. 9,
512; No. 11, 517; No. 12, 618; No. 13, 519; No. 18, 533; No.
20, 536; No. 28, 576; No. 31, 589. Beall: No. 43, 649, 738.
Cady: No. 44, 675; No. 46, 680; No. 47, 687; No. 48, 681;
No. 50, 696; No. 52, 697; Nos. 53, 54, 701; No. 55, 706; No.
57, 729; No. 61, 742; No. 63, 759; No. 66, 791. Buchanan:
No. 11, 581.
Onlera, Special, series 1862— Cady ; No. 2, 801; No. 7, 941; No. 11, 1060.
Steinberger: No. 14, 1082; No. 17, 1130; Nos. 20, 21, 1155;
No. 23, 1163; Noa. 24, 25, 1164; No. 27, 1166; No. 28, 1167.
Steinberger, Justus.
Assigned to command of 1014
Assumes command of 1063
Wright, George.
Relieved from command of 684
Resigns command of 619
3goii, Governor of Correspondence with
Adjutant-General's Office, U. 8. A 796,918
Cady, Albemarle 690,696,708,962,1008
War Department, U. S 1090
Wright, George 430,699,618,674
egon Troops.
Mentioned.
Cavalry— Com/Mr/i/es; Olney's, 324,348. ffegimenta: lat, 156,157,159,
160, 162-169, 214-216, 218, 224, 225, 232, 233, 307-316, 319-322, 324-353,
387-389, 396-399, 419-421, 424, 885, 886, 890, 935, 949, 953, 956, 984, 995,
1005, 1006, 1020, 1038, 1055, 1(B8, 1063, 1067, 1068, 1073, 1074, 1076, 1077,
1081, 1082, 1081-1086, 1106, 1109, 1123, 1130, 1140, 1143, 1161, 1166-1157,
1163 1168.
Infantry— ffes>/menfe: let, 4^-428.
Kecruitmcnt, organization, etc. Commnnioations from
Adjutant-General's Office, U.S. A 632
Cady, Albemarle 716
Cornelius, Thomas R 886,936
Nesmith, James W 544
Oregon, Governor of 918,1090
Steinberger, Justus 1063,1067
Sumner, Edwin V 578,679,598
War Department, IT. 8 644,560
Williamson, J. Daniel 560
Wright, George 618,849,890,994
rganizatlon, Strength, eto. Union troops .... 428,429,525-627,793,794,1168-1170
rosco, Guadalupe. Mentioned 824,963-965
sgood, Hosea. Mentioned 62
smer, Richard A. Report of expedition from Dun Glen to Fairbanks Sta-
tion, Nev., June 13-26, 1865 414
inltzhover, Mtdiher. Mentioned 267
•ury, Granville H. Mentioned 636
•usley, George W.
Mentioned 76,236,238,240,243,243
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1240 INDEX.
Pace.
Ousley, Oeorge W. — Continued.
Reports of operations in Humboldt Military District, Cal
Sept. 3-Dec.31, 1863 241
Feb. 1-June 30, 1864 286
Overend, William G. Mentioned 414
Overlander, Samuel. Mentioned 76,290
Overland Mail Route.
Issue of provisions to Indians on Commnnications from George Wright. 745, 746
Measnrcs for protection of. Commnnications from
Adjutant-General's Office, U.S. A 454,942,1022
Army Headquarters 720
McLane, Louis 954
Sumner, Edwin V 624
War Department, U. S 454,460
Wright, George 730,735,751,763,766,053,1109
Overton, . Mentioned 315
Owen, , Mentioned 745
O'wens, Doctor. Mentioned 1025
Owens, Robert. Mentioned 568
Owen's Lake, Cal. Skirmish at, June 24, 1862. See Otven't Itiver, Cal. F.rpe-
diliontfrom Camp Latham to, June 11-Oct. 8, 1863.
O'wen's River, Cal.
Expeditions from Camp Latham to.
March 19-April 28, 1862, with skirmish (April 9).
Commnnications from
Bowie, George W 939
Carleton, .Tatnes H 935,1066
Fergtisson, David 1024
Kennedy, W. L 1025
Wright, George 966,972,1047
Report of George S. Evans 46
June U-Oct. 8, 1862, with skirmish (June 24).
Commnnications from
Evans, George S 1121
Forman, Ferris 1140
Wright, George 1128
Reports of George S. Evans 146-149,151,152
Operations in valley of, and those adjacent, April 24-May 26, 1863. Report
of Moses A. McLaughlin 210
Owlngs, Ii. 8.
Correspondence with Edward N. Covey 501
Mentioned 636
Owyhee River, Idaho Ter. Skirmish on, Jnly 17, 1865. Report of Charles
Hobart 424
Pacific, Steamer. Mentioned 514, 697, 701, 702, 722, 729, 730, 759, 1081
Pacific, Department of the. (Union.)
Affairs in, generally. Commnnications from G«orge Wright 773,
812, 813, 830, 895, 897, 917, 956, 959, 1055, 1074, 1091, 1120, 1131, 1151, 1165
Alvord, Benjamin, assigned to command of District of Oregon 1153
Beall, Benjamin L.
, Assigned to command of District of Oregon 584
Assumes command of District of Oregon 620
Relieved from command of District of Oregon 656
Relinquishes command of District of Oregon 675
Bowie, George W.
Assigned to command of District of Southern California 1075
Assumes command of District of Southern California 1077
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INDEX. 1241
Page.
Pacific, Department of the. (Union.) — Continned.
Cady, Albemarle.
Assigned to command of Dintrict of Oregon 656
Assumes command of District of Oregon'. .. 675
Carleton, James H.
Assigned to command of District of Southern California 659
Assumes command of District of Southern California 659
Belinqnishes command of District of Southern California 1075
ResamoB commaud of District of Southern California 84G
Created by merging of Departments of California and Oregon 433
Curtis, James F. Assigned to command of District of Southern Cali-
fornia 4
Johnston, Albert Sidney.
Assumes command of 433
Relieved from command of. 2
Limits extended 6
Lippitt, Francis J.
Assigned to command of Humboldt Military District 760
Assumes command of Humboldt Military District..,. 800
McDowell, Irvin, assumes command of 5
Movements and disposition of troops in. Communications from
Army Headquarters 434,620,703
Johnston, Albert Sidney 443
Sumner, Edwin V 469,470,
484-486, 494, 502, 504, 558, 605, 606, 612, CIS, 620, 623, 044, 645, 652, 658, 659
Wright, George 673,684,693,694,
702, 703, 723, 724, 732, 740, 741, 752, 757, 771, 785, 786, 788, 789, 796-798, 1037
Operations in. Communications from George Wright 984,
995, 1011, 1039-1041, 1069. 1092, 1109, 1133
Ord, Edward O. C, relieved from duty in 642
Orders, series 1861— Johnston, A. S. : No. 1, 433. Sumner : No. 5, 469 ; Nos.
6, 7, 486; No. 8, 487.
Orders, series 1S62— Hancock : May 26, 1100.
Orders, General, scries 1861 — Sumner : No. 9, 488; No. 11, 494; No. 12,
498; No. 20, 603; No. 22, 644; No. 23, 645; No. 25, 652; No.
26, 657. Wright: No. 28, 666; No. 29, 690; No. 31, 726.
Orders, General, series 1862— Wright : No. 4, 838; No. 6, 883; No. 8, 914;
No. 15, 1014; No. 17, 1021; No. 22, 1144.
Orders, Special, series 1861— ^oA/)Sfo/i, A. S.: No. 18, 443; No. 25, 450;
No. 34, 453; No. 37,456; No. 41, 458; No. 50, 461; Nos. 60,
61, 466. Sumner: No. 64, 469; No. 66, 470; No. 67, 471; No.
68, 473; No. 71, 475; Nos. 76, 77, 479; No. 80, 484; No. 82,
485; No. 88, 488; No. 89, 489; Nos. 90, 91, 491; No. 93, 494;
No. 96, 499; No. 97, 502; No. 98, 505; No. 99, 507; No. 102,
514; No. 106, 518; No. 108, 519; No. 125, 534; No. 126, 535;
No. 128, 537; No. 129, 538; No. 138, 548; No. 139, 554; No.
142, 558; No. 143, 560; No. 145, 566; No. 146, 569; No. 147,
570; No. 152, 578; No. 153, 679; No. 155, 584; No. 156, 587;
No. 165, 605; No. 168, 615; Nos. 169, 170, 617; No. 172, 620;
No. 174, 624; No. 180, 633; No. 181, 635; No. 182, 642; No.
191. 656; No. 192, 657; No. 193, 659; No. 194, 661; No. 197,
664. Wright: No. 200, 670; No. 204, 688; No. 205, 690; No.
206,691; No. 207,697; No. 209,715; No. 212, 724; No. 214,
727; No. 218, 734; No. 221, 741; No. 225, 747; No. 228, 749;
No. 229, 751; No. 231, 759; No. 233, 760; No. 235, 766; No.
238, 772; No. 240, 785; No. 241, 787; No. 242, 788.
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1242 INDEX.
P»JS».
Pacific, Department of the. (Union.) — Continned.
Orders, Special, series 1862— Wright : JSfo. 6, 806; No. 39, 919; ITos. 54,
55, 985; No. 58, 996; No. 65, 1013; No. 66, 1016; No. 69,
1086; No. 82, 1081; No. 100, 1142; No. 108, 1153.
See also lespeotive Military Diatricts.
Steinberger, Jnstns.
Assigned to command of District of Oregon 1014
Assumes oommand of District of Oregon lOSS
Snmner, Edwin V.
Assigned to oommand of 456
Assumes command of..... — 489
Relinquishes command of 2
Union troops in. Organization, strength, etc.
June 30, 1861 5ffi-627
Deo. 31,1861 793, 7W
JuneSO, 1862 1168-1170
West, Joseph R., assigned to temporary command of District of SoaUiem
California 802
Wright, George. .
Assigned to command of 730
Assigned to oommand of District of Southern California 633
Assames command of 6S6
Assumes command of District of Southern California 617
Relieved from command of District of Oregon 584
Resigns command of District of Oregon 619
Resigns command of District of Southern California 659
Pacific Mail Steamera. . Measures for protection of. Communications Ctom
Forbes & Babcook 533
McLane, Allan 471
Montgomery, John B 539
Sumner, Edwin V 531,632,531
War Department, U. S 476
Pacific, Milltaiy Division of the.
Constituted and limits defined 6
Halleck, Henry W., assigned to command of 6
Pacific Telegraph Line. Construction of. Communication from Anson
Stager 866
Padres, Francisco. Mentioned 1160.1161
Paemps. (Indian.) Mentioned 433
Page, Nathaniel. Mentioned 591
Panama, Steamer. Mentioned 169,189,822,866,1091
Pape, Chris. Mentioned 1068
Parke, JTohn O. Mentioned 968
Parker, . Mentioned 62
Parker,E. H. Mentioned 591
Parker, Samuel H.
Correspondence with George Wright 896,896,98$
Mentioned — 895
Parry, Isaac. Mentioned 675
Parvln, 'Washington L.
Correspondence with Edwin V. Sumner 5JJ
Mentioned 671,785
Paaqoal. (Indian.) Mentioned 810^817
Patrick, James, & Co. Mentioned 591
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INDEX. 1243
Fage.
Patten, Oeorge W.
Correspondence with George Wright lOH
Mentioned 788,794,798,996,1168
PattOD^ . Mentioned 739
Payn, J. L. Mentioned 432
Payne, Robert C. Mentioned 411
Peabod7,R. V. Mentioned 900,978
Peale, . Mentioned 728
Peel, Fernando A. Mentioned 207,208
Penwell, Henry C. Mentioned 195
Peoples, . Mentioned 738
Fepoon, Silas. Mentioned 327,328
Perean, Joseph H. Correspondence with James H. Corleton 553
For correspondence, see San Bernardino, Cal., Union Club of.
Perez, Antonio. Mentioned 898
Perkins, . Mentioned 990
Perkins, N. L. Mentioned 715
Perkins, Sanrael. Mentioned 267
Perry, Joseph H. Mentioned 294
Perry, 'W. H. Mentioned B68
Perterson, 'W. H. Mentioned 568
Pesqneira, Ignaoio. Mentioned 639,689,691,
830, 944, 963, 964, 988-992, 1013, 1030, 1032, 1035, 1042, 1051, 1055, 1071, 1109
For correspondence, etc., see Sonora, Mexico, Governor of.
Peters, Oeorge. See Peter li. Brady.
Pfeiffer, AlbertH. Mentioned 368,369,371
Fhelan, Jeremiah. Mentioned 950,951,981
Phelps, Doctor. Mentioned 81
Phelps, Edward. Mentioned 197,236
PhUllps, . Mentioned 155
Phillips, Charles C. Mentioned 424
Phillips, Samuel. Mentioned 966
PhUUps, 'William B. Mentioned 419,421
Picaso, Job6. Mentioned 243
Piokens, Francis W. For correspondence, etc., see South Carolina, Gor-
emorof.
Pickering, William. For correspondence, etc., see Wathingion Territory,
Governor of.
Pickett, . Mentioned 626
Pickett, a«orge E.
Correspondence with
Johnston, Albert Sidney 449
Wright, George 544
Mentioned 429,434-436,446,512,519,520,526,527,633
Pickett, W^ilUam. Mentioned 568
Pico, Andres. Correspondence with Jos^ M. Kedondo 901
Pierce, Franklin. Mentioned 637,638
Pierce, Nathaniel P.
Correspondence with
Carleton, James H 965
Evans, George S 1049
Mentioned 1049,1122
Pierson, . Mentioned 1160
Pine, Daniel H. Mentioned • 409
Plngree, B. X, e( al. Correspondence with Edwin V. Sumner 598
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1244 INDEX.
Page.
Pino, Manael D. Mentioned 638, 640
Plsbou, Nathaniel J.
Correspondence with James H. Carleton 1144,1167
Mentioned 927, 928, 932, 934, 936, 937, it50, 051, 962, 979, 999, 1088, U47, 1162
Pitt River, Cal.
Expedition from Fort Crook to, with skirmish (19th), Aug. 15-22, 1861.
Report of John Feiluer 25
Skirmish in the Upper Valley of, Ang. 5, 1861. See Round Valley, Cal.
Scout from Fort Crook to, with skirmith (5th), Aug. S-12, 1S61.
Pleasant Orove, Utah Ter. Skirmish at, April 12, 1863. See Spanuih Fork
Caiion, Utah Ter. Expedition from Camp Douglas to.
Pleasants, . Mentioned 1025
Pleasants, J. E. Mentioned 568
Plunkett, James. Mentioned 354
Plympton, Peter 'W. L. Mentiono<l 368,369
Pocatello. (Indian.) Mentioned 187,219,222,227
Po-U-nl. (Indian. ) Mentioned 324, 331, 3.S3, 337-341, 349, 483
Polk, James K. Mentioned 476
Pollock, Robert. Mentioned 617
Pond, E. B. Mentioned 1163
Porter, David R. Mentioned 639
Porter, David 'W. Mentioned 335, 340, 994
Portland, Oreg. Emigrant road expedition from Omaha, Nebr. Tor., to, .Tnne
16-Oct. 30, 1862. Beport of Mcdorem Crawford 153
Post-Offlce Department, H. 8. Correspondence with War Department, U. S . 476
Potter, . Mentioned 207
Potter, John "W. Mentioned 397
Potter, N. A. Mentioned 568
Potter, O. M. Mentioned 568
Potts, Izatns. Mentioned 183, 184
Powell, .
Correspondence with Dan. Showalter 40
Mentioned 973,997
Powers, Amos S. Mentioned 392
Pratt, WmiamH. Mentioned 394
Pray, A. 'W. For correspondence, see Nevada Committee of Safely.
Prentiss, JohnH. Mentioned 91,
115, 361, K)3, 679, 683, 692, 811, 817, 821, 824, 825, 970, 971, 975
President, C. S. See Jefferson Davis.
President, TT. S. See Ahrdham Lincoln.
Price, a«orge P.
Correspondence with
Bonette, H. S., etal 1139
Neale, John H., e< al 1139
Sumner, Edwin V 625
Ward, Johns., et al 1139
Wright, Georg<! 1030, 1071, 1076, 1080,1083, 1094, 1107, 1137, 114><, 1149
Mentioned 185,201,206.207,1040,1092,1107,1170
Reports of
Fort Mojave, Ariz. Ter. Expedition to, from Fort Crittenden, Utah
Ter., May9-Jnnc22, 1861 355
Spanisli Fork, Utah Ter. Expedition from Camp Douglas to, April 2-6,
1863 201
Price, Johnson. Mentioned 603
Price, 'William C. Mentioned 450
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INDEX. 1245
Psga
PrisoneiB of 'Wax. Treatmeut, exchange of, etc. Commnnicatiou from
James H. Curleton 117
Pritohard, . Mentioned 74,75
Pugb, . Mentioned 22,25
Pordy, E. Sparro'w. For correspondence a» A. A. C, see George U'right.
Pyramid and 'Walker's Lakes, Nev. Expeditions from Fort Churchill tu,
March 12-19, 1865. Reports of
Wallace, WiUiam 405
Wells, Almond B 403
Qualey, John P. Mentioned 213,991
Qnarteimaster-General's Office, TT. 8. A. Correspondence with
Steen, Enoch 431
Sumner, Edwin V 627
Wright, George 813
Quinan, Pascal A. Mentioned 750, 772
Quinn, John. Mentioned 185,230
Quin-oga, Joaquin. Mentioned 1161
Rabe, . Mentioned 403,405
Rabe, WUliam. Mentioned 501,882
Rabo, . Mentioned 582
Racito, Juito. Mentioned 965
Rader, 'William. Mentioned 1152
Redns, . Mentioned 976
Rains, Oabiiel J. Mentioned .■ 662
Riiins, John. Mentioned , 565
Ramirez, . Mentioned 614
Ramirez, Francisco P. Mentioned 901
Rsindell & Jones. Mentioned 591
Randle, Peter 'W.
Correspondence with James M. McNnlty 704
Mentioned 661,704,1037
Randolph, George 'W. For corresjiondence, etc., see fTar Department, C. S.
Rankin, Ira P.
Correspondence with
Gardner, William H 534
Sumner, Edwin V 501,533,595,596
Wright, George 846
Mentioned 990
Ratbboume, . Mentioned 823
Rathbum, James. Mentioned 22
Reagan, John H. Correspondence with James Reily 825
Recruitment, Organization, etc.
Confederate Troops. See Confederate 'l^oopii.
Union Troops. Sec respective States.
Rector, William H.
Correspondence with
Steinherger, Justus 1163,1168
Wright, George 1057,1068
Mentioned 159-161,163
Red Mountain, near Bine Rock Station, Cal. Skirmish on, March 17,
1864. See Humboldt Military IHttrict, Cal. Operations in, Feb.
1-June SO, 1SG4. Report of Hull, p. 257.
Redondo, Jos6 M.
Correspondence with Andres Pico 901
Mentioned 1160
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1245 INDEX.
Red^rood Creek, Cal.
Attack on, July 9, 1863. See Humboldt MilUart/ Di»trict, Cal. Opertttimi$
in, March lO-July 10, ISGS. SeporU of Lippitt, p. 191 ; Bull, p. 197.
Skinnisbes on,
Sept. 8, 1862.
Conunnnication from William H. Koyes 171
Reports of
Collins, Edward Ii3
Douglas, Charles D 174
Lippitt, Francis J 169
Koyes, William H 171
Olney, James N 170
Sketch of lis
Feb. 29, 1864. See Humboldt Military District, Cal. Operationt in, Ftt.
1-June SO, 1864. Report of Geer, p. 287.
Redwood Mountains, Cal. Skirmish in, March 1, 1861. See Humboldt Mili-
tary District, Cal. Operationt in, Feb. 1-JuneSO, 1864. Report of
Geer, p. 287.
Reed, . Mentioned 29
Reed, . (California.) Mentioned 77
Reeder, . Mentioned 411
Reeder, Mrs. Mentioned Ill
Reeder, Ambrose. Mentioned $10
Reeder, David. Mentioned 640
Reea, . Mentioned 709
Reid, Robert K. Mentioned 185,187
Reily, James.
Correspondence with
Beagan, John H 825
Sonera, Mexico, Goyemor of 1031,1033
Mentioned 89,938,944,963,964,989-992,1030,10.31,1035,1041,1012,1118
Rencher, Abraham. Mentioned 636,639
Reno, Marcus A.
Mentioned 13,447,575
Report of scouts from Fort Walla Walla, Wash. Tcr., and Fort Dalles,
Oreg., to Umatilla River and to Willow and Butter Creeks,
Oreg., Feb. 5-17, 1861 14
Republic, Steamer. Mentioned 808, 819, 820, 822, 823, 811, 866, 866, 871, 884, 8S
Requerra, Manuel. Mentioned. 5G8
Reynolds, . Mentioned 637
Reynolds, Qeorge. Mentioned 330
Reynolds, Titus. Mentioned 86,87
Reynolds, William P. Mentioned 1042
Rhett, Thomas G-. Mentioned 637
Rhoads, J. S. Mentioned 568
Rhodes, . Mentioned 780,861,869,881,931,943,9X1
Rhodes, William. Mentioned 877
Rice,W^. D., Brig. Mentioned 922, 943, 945,999
Richardson, , Mentioned 683
Richart, Oeorge B. Mentioned 668
Richmond, Thomas. Mentioned 441,442
Rldgely, Aquila T. Mentioned 515
Riding, Thomas. Mentioned 296,297,299
Ridley, Alonxo. Mentioned SS3
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INDEX. 1247
Rlgg, Edwin A.
Correspondence with
Barrett, James 940
Brady, Peter E 911,912,964
Carleton, James H 360,
654, 679, 680, 685, 689, 692, 699, 706, 715, 724, 725, 727, 742, 763, 780, 808, 815,
820, 824, 825, 847, 851, 854, 861, 865, 869, 880, 884, 891, 898, 911, 922, 928, 934,
937, 939, 942, 946, 950, 954, 957, 963, 965, 976, 978, 980, 998, 1009, 1019, 1021
Clymer, Frank P 811
Johnson, George A 822
Taylor, Edward G 821
Walker, William 899
West, Joseph E 814,838,840,841,870
Wheeling, William 868
White, Ammi M 867,899
Mentioned 30,32,39,42,90,91,93,104,118,119,374,
375, 377, 654, 671, 678, 684, 703, 704, 718, 737, 741, 746, 748, 750, 751, 756, 762,
763, 783, 784, 787, 794, 819, 828, 855, 856, 869, 873, 875, 878, 880, 892, 894, 899,
905, 919, 925, 927, 928, 931-933, 999, 1006, 1057, 1058, 1091, 1098, 1111, 1112
Eeports of
Fort Goodwin, Ariz. Ter. Expedition to, from Fort Craig, N. Mex.,
Mayl6-Aug.2,1864 360-
Warner's Eanch in the San Jos^ Valley, Cal. Pursuit and capture of
thoShowalterParty at, Nov. 20-29, 1861 32,33
Riley, Edward B. D. Mentioned ' 566
Rinearson, Jacob 8. Mentioned .... 217, 219, 226, 384, 385, 1155, 1157, 1164, 1167, 1168
Rinehart, William V.
Mentioned 319
Eeport of expeditions trom Fort Dalles, Oreg., and Fort Walla Walla,
Wash. Ter. , to Sontheastom Oregon, April 20-Oot. 26, 1864 347
Ritchie, . Mentioned 38,44
Ritchie, William, et aJ. Correspondence with Edwin V. Sumner 507
Rives, Wright. Mentioned '. 902
Roberta, . Mentioned 209
Roberts, Joseph M. Mentioned 946
Roberts, Thomas L.
Correspondence with
Carleton, James H 772
West, Joseph E 829,837
Mentioned 100, 130, 133, 134, 671, 680, 707, 728, 794, 857, 906, 914
Reports of expedition from Southern California, through Arizona, to North-
western Texas and New Mexico, April 13-Sept. 20, 1862 128, 130
Roberts, T.L. Mentioned 33,36,37,40,42,839
Robertson, Richard L. Mentioned 1030,1031,1035
For correspondence, etc., see Mazaflan, Mexico, U. S. Consul at.
Robey, James R. Mentioned 62
Robinson, Angustos O. Mentioned 793
Robinson, Juan A. Mentioned 993
Robinson, Juan, & Co. Mentioned 819,820,822
Robinson, Lamb. Mentioned 668
Robinson, Palatine.
Correspondence with John B.Baylor 899
Mentioned 824,825,867,868,899,900,1143
Robinson, Thomas.
Correspondence with Flint 831
Mentioned 830,832,866,894
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1248 INDEX.
Pago.
Robles, Juan. Mentioned 867
Rogers, . Mentioned 176
Rogers, Levi. Mentioned 33,38,40,839
Rogers, Robert C. Mentioned 625
For correspondence, etc., see California, Citizens of.
Rogers, S. A. Mentioned 33,37,38,40,839
Robrer, John B., et al. Correspondence with Edwin V. Sumner 507
Rollins, Major. Mentioned.. 559,561,565,695
Romero, . Correspondence with Placido Romero 1140
Romero, Imauuel. Mentioned 1161
Romero, Placido.
Correspondence with Romero 1140
Mentioned 1140
Roop, Isaac. Mentioned 1072, 1080
Rosborougb, A. M. Correspondence with Kdwin V. Sumner 508
Ross, . Mentioned 8
Rossell, William H. Mentioned 116
Roundtree, N. L. Mentioned 832,833,853
Round Valley, Cal.
Operations in, July 20-26, 1863. Report of Charles D. Douglas 230
Scout from Fort Crook to, with skirmish (5tb), Aug. 3-12, 1861.
Communication from Josiah H. Kellogg 21
Report of John Feiluer 22
Rowe, Benjamin S. Mentioned 261
Rowe, Ed-win A.
Correspondence with
Nevada, Governor of 771
Wright, George 746,770,787,947,1102,1116
Mentioned 148,149,749,794,972,1106,1118,1170
Rowell, Converse W. C. Mentioned 726
Rnbottom, . Mentioned 565
Ruby, Port. See Fori Ititby.
Ruckel, Colonel. Mentioned 577
Rnggles, Oeorge D. For correspondence as A. A. G., see Adjuianl-General'a
Office, U. 8. A.
Rumrill, Calvin H.
Correspondence with .Tostus Stoinbergor 1158
Mentioned 900,1124,1125,1150,1154,1155,1166,1170
Rundell, George. Mentioned 336
Busk, Thomas J. Mentioned 836
Russell, David A.
Correspondence with Edwin V, Sumner 611
Mentioned 429,512,517,612
Russell, H. C. Mentioned 555
Russell, Philip A. J. Mentioned 1128
Russell, Rufas C. Mentioned 1058
Ryan, James T., etal. Correspondence with Albert Sidney Johnston 457
Rynerson, William I>. Mentioned 852
Saenger, Edward L. M. Mentioned 232
Saginaw, U. S. S. Mentioned 1051
Sagwioh. (Indian.) Mentioned 187,219,227,229
Saint John, . Mentioned 617
Saint Itouls, Steamer. Mentioned 988
Saint Mary's, U.S. Sloop. Mentioned 1061
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INDEX. 1249
Pago.
Salmon Falls, Idaho Ter. Expetlitiuii from Fort Bois^ to, with skirmishes,
Aug. 27-Oct. 5, 1864. Reports of
Hobart, Charles 388
Maury, Reaben F 386-388
West, Charles F 1... 389
Sampson, J. M. Mentioned 33, 37, 40, 839
Samuels, . Mentioned 852,853.856,861
San Antonio, Tex., Commanding Officer at. Correspondence with James
H. Carleton 114
San Bernardino, Cal.
Attack on, threatened. Communications from
Carleton, James H 555
San Bernardino, Cal., Citizens of. 554
Expedition from. See Temecula Banoh and Oak Orove, Cal. Expedition
from San Bernardino to, Sept. SS-Oct. 5, 1S61.
San Bernardino, Cal., Citizens of. Correspondence with James H. Carle-
ton 554,555
San Bernardino, Cal., Union Club of. Correspondence with John W.
Davidson 622
Sanborn, Washington I. Mentioned 401
San Carlos River, Arix. Ter. Skirmishes on, June 7 iind 8, 1864. See Gila
and San Carlos Rivere, Ariz. Ter. Expedition to, etc.
Sanches, Job6 Maria. Mentioned 370, 372, 374, 377
Sanchez, Tomas. Mentioned 567,622
Sanders, Alvin. Mentioned 841
Sands, Benjamin F.
Correspondence with Edwin V. Sumner 664
Mentioned 606
Sands, William. Mentioned 33,36,40,839
Sanford, . Mentioned 727,728
San Francisco, Cal. Defenses of. Communications from
California, Governor of 806
DeRussy, Rend E ; 807,863
Gardner, William H 926
Johnston, Albert Sidney 446-448
Wright, George 760,788,796,799,802,861,893,921,938
San Jos^ Valley, Cal. See Wamer'e Sanch in the San Joei Valley, Cal. Puriuit
and capture of tke Shoicalter Partj/ at, Nov. g0-£9, 1861.
San Juan Island, Wash. Ter. Occupation of, by American and English
troops. Communications from
Johnston, Albert Sidney 445,449
Spencer, John D. 8 434
San Pedro Crossing, Ariz. Ter. Affairs at.
Sept. 21, 1862. Report of David Fergnsson 176
Aug.22,1863. Report of George W. Yager 232
SanPitch. (Indian.) Mentioned 187,219,227,229
Santa Afka Caflon, Cal. Skirmish near the, Sept. 7, 1861. Communications
from William Scott Ketchum > 612,617
Santa Catalina Island, Cal. Occupation of, Jan. 2, 1864. Report of James F.
Curtis 244
Saunders, . Mentioned 84,85
Savage, . Mentioned 201
Sawyer, Andrew. Mentioned 131
Say-Winne. (Indian.) Mentioned 66,83,169
79 B B — VOL L, PT I
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1250 INDEX.
Schaif, Anton, Mentioned 555
Schiller, J. A. Mentioned 555
Schindler, "QVilliam F. R. Mentioned 1139
Soluniat, Albert. Mentioned 126,131
Solunldt, Joliu C.
Correspondence witli
Biddle, Benjamin B 903
Cady, All>emarle 808,902
Mentioned 64,65,676,680,696,768,793,1164,1168
SclimildeU, Henry. Mentioned 591
Sclmeider, . Mentioned 106
Scholl, Lotiia. Mentioned 336
Scliramling, David. Mentioned 568
Scott, . (Aurora.) Mentioned 41
Scott, . (Mono.) Mentioned 1025
Scott, Henry L. Correepondence with Army Headquarters 445, 496
Scott, J. G. Mentioned 568
Scott, JohnB. Mentioned 651
Scott, Lyman S. Mentioned 793, 116«
Scott, Robert N. Mentioned 681
Scott, Thomas A. Mentioned 667
For correspondence as Assistant Secretary, see War Department, V. S,
Scott, 'V7infield. Mentioned. 433,434,443-445,447,472,498,507,529,542,572,577,579,
593, 594, 605, 610, 613, 620, 623, 626, 641, 642, 645, 654, 657, 666, 685, 688, 690
For correspondence, etc., see Army Meadquartere.
Seale, Charles. Mentioned 557
Scale, J. S. Mentioned 557
Seamands, 'William O. Mentioned 410-412
Sea'well, Waaliington.
Correspondence with Edwin V. Sumner 481,503,506,592,593
Mentioned 526,606,723,724,732,1051
See-ah-ko-aee. (Indian.) Mentioned 213
Seibel, . Mentioned 1026
Seidenstilker, Fredoilck.
Mentioned 381,1124,1154,1164
Reports of operations about Fort Bois^, Idaho Ter., Feb. 1-20, 1865 399,400
Sena, Joa^D. Mentioned 638,640
Senator, Steamer. Mentioned 626,
646, 649, 654, 688, 700, 724, 737, 741, 789, 791, 827, 832, 853, K9,
914, 923, 945, 948, 977, 985, 997, 1002, 1015, 1017, 1024, 1037, 1121
Sepnlva, . Mentioned 33
Sepnlveda, . Mentioned 979
Seranaltin John. (Indian.) Mentioned 249,
252, 253, am, 268, 269, 281-283, 295, 301 , 302
Sesalons, Frank. Mentioned : l&t
Seward, WiUiam H. Mentioned 626,628,667,836,918
For correspondence, eto., see Stftle Dtfpartment, U. S.
Shaaff, Arthnr. Mentioned 566
Shackelford, . Mentioned 551
Shaffer, Iiyman. Mentioned 432
Shafter, . Mentioned 990
Shannon, Steve. Mentioned 835
Sharp, 'William. Mentioned 287
Shattnck & Hendley. Mentioned 591
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INDEX. 1251
Page.
Shaw, Jnlina C.
Mentioned 363
Report of exitedition from Fort Wingate, \. Max., to Gila and San Carloe
Elyers, Ariz. Ter., May 2&-Jnly 13, 1864 »70
Shearer, M. K. Mentioned 978
Sheffield, John. Mentioned 568
Shelter Cove, Cal. Skirmish at. May 9, 1863. See Humboldt Military Dittrict,
Cal. Operation* in, Mareh lO-JnXy 10, 1863. Beportt of Lippitt,
p. 189; Sull, p. 196.
Bhepheard, John J. Mentioned 1062,1139
Shepherd, EUasB. Mentioned 76
Sheridan, PhlUp H. Mentioned 526,536,561
Sherman, Edwin A.
Correspondence with
Carleton, James H 551
Snmner, Edwin y 496,509
For other correspondence, see San Bernardino, Cal., Union Club of.
Mentioned 538,519
Sherman, Thomas 'W. Mentioned 497
Shlnn, John B.
Correspondence with
Carleton, James H 887,950,1033,1056
Wright, George 796
Mentioned 94, 104, 137, 141, 766, 772, 836, 949, 1034, 1083, 1109, 1110, 1151
Shiriiioh, . Mentioned 510
Shirland, Bdmond D.
Correspondence with
Carleton, James H 111,1002,1010
West, Joseph B 105
Mentioned 100, 102, 105, 111,853,853,973,994, 1010, 1019, 1020
Shoemaker, ^^ilUani R. Mentioned 116
Shokap. (Indian.) Mentioned 529
Shorb, J. Campbell. Mentioned 558
Short, 'William H. Mentioned 191
Showalter, Dan.
Correspondence with
Allison, 40
Coulter, 41
Crenshaw, G.H 41
Powell, 40
Mentioned 30,32-34,36,38-40,44,698,700,701,706,717,
728, 738, 750, 752, 758, 759, 761-764, 781, 784, 785, 787, 828, 839, 875, 894, 981
Sho'walter Party. Pursuit and capture of. See Warner'* Banch in the San
Jo»4 Valley. Purenit and capture of the Showalter Party at, Nov.
20-S9, 1861.
Shreve, George C, & Co. Mentioned 591
Shrewsbury, Doctor. Mentioned 552
Shubrick, U.S.Cntter. Mentioned 535,637,545,546,626
Sibley, Caleb C. Mentioned 806,1169
Sibley, Ebenezer S. Mentioned 813
Sibley, Henry H.
Correspondence with
Hart, Simeon 683
Sonora, Mexico, Governor of 766,1031
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1252 INDEX.
Sibley, Henry H. — Continned.
Mentioned 8B,
95, 96, 125, 716, 811, 825, 826, 831, 899, 917, 934, 944, 954, 958, 974, 984, 988-
991, 1000, 1009, 1012, 1013, 1030-1032, 1036, 1042, 1048, 1051, lOK, 10», 1109
Sierra Nevada Monntains. Expedition to, from Fort Rnby, Nev. Ter., Nov.
22-27,1862. Beport of Patrick A. Gallagher 183
SUetz River Block-Honse, Oreg. Expedition from. See Coo$ Bay, Or«s-
Expedition from SileU Kiver Block-Hotue to, April Si-May IS, IS&i.
Sime, John, & Co. Mentioned 501
Simmons, M. T. Mentioned 435
Sinunons' Ranch, Cal. Skirmish near. See BydttvUU, Cal. Skirmitk near,
Oct. gi, isee.
Simpson, John P.
Mentioned 261,300
Export of scout from Camp Grant to North Fork of Eel River, Cal., Sept.
1-29,1864 391
Simpson, Marcus D. L.
Correspondence with Beqjamin L. Beall 433
Mentioned 151,536
Sims, Colmnbns.
Correspondence with George Wright...... 789
Mentioned 88,736,785,794,894,1151,1165,1170
Singer, 'William. Mentioned 670,8o6.93S
Siqneirroz, Santos. Mentioned 1161
Sketches.
Redwood Creek, Cal. Skirmish on, Sept. 8, 1862 173
Warner's Ranch, in the San Josfi Valley, Cal 31,15
Skinner, Silas. For correspondence, see BoonviUe, Idaho Ter., CHize»» of.
Skobel, Otto. Mentioned 10»
Slldell, John. Mentioned 637
Slocnm, John D. Mentioned 213
Small, Henry C.
Mentioned 330,333,335^338-340.352
Reports of operations on the Canyon City Boad, Oreg., Jan. 1-Nov. 30,
1865 396.397
Smart, Edwin R. Mentioned 87
Smith, . Mentioned 561
Smith, . (Wagon-master.) Mentioned 364
Smith, . (Sntier.) Mentioned 575
Smith, Abrahams. Mentioned 191
Smith, Andrew. Mentioned 189,193
Smith, Andrew J.
Correspondence with George Wright ffiO
Mentioned 336, 465, 469, 575, 577, 678, 609, 613, 615, 652, 670, 737, 749, 765
Smith, Charles. Mentioned 23S
Smith, Charles A. Mentioned SKT
Smith, Charles 'W. Mentioned .' 57,676,793.941
Smith, XSph. For correspondence, see Nevada Commillee of Sttfety.
Smith, Harry. Mentioned 834,83$
Smith, Hiram. Mentioned 1»
Smith, John A. Mentioned 5a<
Smith, Joseph. (Mi^or.) Mentioned 361-366,368-370,885
Smith, Joseph. (Private.) Mentioned 362
Smith, Robert 'W. Mentioned Stf
Smith, Samuel P. Mentioned 178,179,182,239
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INDEX. 1253
Paga
Smith, Tbomaa P. Mentioned 426,428
Smith, Victor. Mentioned 1074,1099,1131
Smith, 'Whitman B. Mentioned 34,42
Smith, VTiUiam M. Mentioned 366
Smithy, Michael. Mentioned 63
Smoke Creeli Sam. (Indian.) Mentioned 459,1080
Smoke Hollow. (Indian.) Mentioned 13
Snake Indiana in Idaho. Expeditions against.
Aug. 19-Oct 11, 1862.
Commnnioation from Benjamin AlTord 168
Keports of
Maury, Beulien F 167,168
Steinberger, Justus 166
May 4-Oct. 26, 1863. Reports of
Alvord, Benjamin 214
Maury, Eeuben F 214-223,225
Snake River, 'Wash. Ter. Expedition from Fort Walla Walla to, Feb. 16-23,
1864. Reportof George B. Cnrrey.. 307
Snider, . Mentioned 597,598
Snively, Colonel. Mentioned 861,881
Snow, R. A. Mentioned 568
Soda Springs, on Bear River, Idaho Ter. Expedition to, from Camp
Douglas, Utah Ter., May 5-30, 1863. Report of P. Edward
Connor 226
Soldado. (Indian.) Mentioned 374
Solomon, Max. Mentioned 555
Somers, . Mentioned 1083
Sonora, Steamer. Mentioned 674
Sonora, Mexico. Affaire in, generally. Communications from
Guaymas, Mexico, U. S. Consnlat 992
Moody, W.G 990
Waterman, Fred. H 988
Wright, George 690
Sonora, Mexico, Gk>vemor of. Correspondence -with
Carleton, James H 1044,1117
Reily, James 1031,1032
Sibley, Henry H 766,1031
Wright, George 1047
Soper, Sylvester. Mentioned 919,962
Sonth Carolina, Oovemor of. Correspondence with Jefferson Davis 566
Sontheaatem Oregon. Expeditions to, fVom Fort Dalles, Oreg., aud Fort
Walla Walla, Wash. Ter., with skirmisbes, April 20-Oct. 26,
1864. Communication from citizens of Boonville, Idaho Ter. . . 323
Southern California. Expedition from. See Texat and New Mexico. Expedi-
tion to, from Southern California, etc., April IS-Sept. SO, 1862.
Southern California, District of.
Affairs in, generally. Communications from
Barrows, Henry D 993,996
Boren, A. D., e( at 876
Carleton, James H 682,
689, 703, 708, 709, 715, 780, 850, 851, 864, 856, 861, 862, 875, 891-893, 922, 932
Diokey, Haywood 839
Dmm, Richard C 1110
Eyre, Edward E 669
FerguBSon, David 877
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1254 INDEX.
Soatbem Callfomla, Distxlot o£ — Continued.
Affairs in, generally. Commnnicationa from
Forman, Ferris 1096,1087
La Crnz, Marto 840
Magnire, V.J.,etal GM
Rigg, EdwinA 706,808,815,824,825,841,880,884,912
Somner, Edwin V 613
Warner, J. J 698,782
West, Joseph E 677,732,748,806,819,^6,837
Whitlock, H. G 878
Wright, George 646,647,667
Bowie, George W.
Assigned to command of 1075
Assumes command of 1077
Carleton, James H.
Assigned to command of CS9
Assnmes command of C3B
Relinqaishes command of 1075
Resumes command of .■ 846
Constituted and limits defined .. 633
Curtis, James F., assigned to oouimandof 4
Forman, Ferris.
Assigned to command of 4
Assumes command of 4
Movements and disposition of troops in. Commnnicationa from
Carleton, James H 653, 661-663, 671, 672, 913, 914, 919, 948, 968, S80, 1096
Ketchnm, William Scott 669
West, Joseph B 625,818,833,81$
Wright, George 648,654,660,697,769,791,865
Operations in. Communications firom
Carleton, James H 686,
700, 704, 762, 763, 782, 847, 852, 853, 855, 883, 905, 926, 98S
Davidson, John W 597
Eyre, Edward E 761
Fergusson, David 761,946
Fritz, Emil 759,761
Ketchum, William Scott 1 594,5B5
McCleave, William 871
Pierce, Nathaniel? lOa
Rigg, EdwinA 685, 692, 725, 737. 8«
West,JosephB .' 683,689,698,838,829
Wright, George 718,763
Orders, series 1862— Rigg: No. 80, 1045. West: Ho. 5, 1066.
Orders, General, series 1861— Car/efoA.- No. 2, 659. Wright: No. 1, 647;
No. 2, 659.
Orders, General, series 1862— Carleton : No. 1, 802; No. 2, 846; No. 3, 858;
No. 6, 1056; No. 8, 1061; No. 9, 1075. Bowie: No. 1, 1077.
fra/is: No. 4, 805; No. 20, 847; No. 34, 1047.
Orders, Special, series 1861— Car/efWi: Nos. 10, 11, 13,-677; Na 18, 748;
No. 20, 751; No. 22, 781. Wright: No. 2, 648; Nos. 4, 5, 660.
Orders, Special, series 1862— Carleton : No. IS, 894; No. 16, 896; No. 17,
897; No. 18, 898; No. 19, 902; No. 21, 913; No. 22, 914;
No. 23, 919; No*. 24, 25, 920; No. 28, 923; No. 31, 948; No.
36, 957; No. 37, 962; No. 38, 963; No. 40, 968; Nos. 41. 43,
980; No. 45, 994; No. 47, 1000; No. 51, 1033; No. 53, 1043;
No. 57, 1058. Bowie: No. 7, 939. West: No. 3, 833; No. 30, 967.
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INDEX. 1255
Page.
Southern California, District o£ — Continaed.
West, Joseph R., assigned to temporary command of 802
Wright, George.
Assigned to command of. 633
Assames command of 647
Resigns command of 659
South Fork of Bel River, CaL See Eel Biver, Cal. Skirmiihes on South
Fork of.
South Fork of Trinity Rivei, CaL Skirmishes on, near the Big Bar. See
Big Bar on the South Fork of the Trinity Rirer, Cal. Skirmi»he»
near, Nor. lS-t4, 1863.
Sonthwiok, . Mentioned 37
Spanish Fork, Utah Ter. Expeditions from Camp Douglas to, etc.
April2-6, 1863. Reportof George F. Price 201
April 11-20, 1863. Report of George S. Evans 205
Spanish Fork Cafion, Utah Ter. Actions at.
April 4, 1863. See Beport of Price, p. 202.
April 15, 1863. See Beport of Erant, p. 207.
Spanish Gteorge. (Indian.) Mentioned 1106
Sparks, Q. S. Mentioned 555
Spenoer, John D. S.
Correspondence with
Johnston, Albert Sidney 445
Wright, George 434
Mentioned 436,445,449
Spragne, Thomas.
Correspondence with State Department, U. 8 475
Mentioned 497
Spronl, . Mentioned 8
Sproul, S. M. Mentioned 1162,1163
Squibb, David. Mentioned 189
Stafford, H. B. Mentioned 568
Stager, Anson. Correspondence with War Department, U. S 666
Stanford, Leland. Mentioned ... 90, 140, 815, 861, 863, 895, 901, 918, 984, 985, 988, 1095
For correspondence, etc., see California, Governor of.
Stanly, Fabius. Mentioned 482
Stanton, Edwin M. Mentioned 108, 153, 156, 157, 185, 247, 248, 766, 836, 848,
918, 938, 942, 956, 960, 982, 995, 1001, 1023, 1039, 1055, 1066, 1086, 1092, 1093
For correspondence, etc., see War Department, U. S.
Staples, John F.
Mentioned 55,59,63,66,68,75,83,1021
Report of operations in the Humboldt Military District, Cal., March 22-
Ang. 31, 1862 84
Stapleton, Richard 'W. Mentioned 455
Starkey, VriUiam. Mentioned 398
State Department, U. S. Correspondence with
Army Headquarters 626
Bennett, Clarence £ 628
Bennett, Harmon 630
Danford, WiUiam 827
Mexico, U. S. Minister to 626
Spragne, Thomas 475
War Department, U. S 497,604,626,827
Steams, Abel.
Correspondence with Edwin V. Snmnor 563,565
Mentioned 563,568,679
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1256 INDEX.
Steams, Oliver. Mentioned 568
Stedenfeldt, G-eorge. Mentioned 841
Steel, James. Mentioned 154
Steele, VTiUiain. Mentioned 89,90,93,101,124,125,127,128
Steen, Alexander B. Mentioned 637
Steen, Enoch.
Correspondence •with
Adjutant-General's Office, U. S. A 515
Johnston, Albert Sidney 465
Quartermaster-General's Office, U. 8. A 431
Sumner, Edwin V 484,547
Wright, George 442, 446, .575
Mentioned ' 118,336,344,429,430,526,619
Report of scouts from Fort Walla Walla, Wash. Ter., and Fort Dalles,
Oreg., to Umatilla River and to Willow and Batter Creeks,
Oreg., Feb. 5-17, 1861 13
Steinberger, Justus.
Assignment to command 1014
Assumes command of District of Oregon 1053
Correspondence with
Arnold, G., «( al 162
Bamhart, William H 160
Chaplin, D., «< al 162
Cornelius, Thomas R 1063,1085,1086,1156
Currey, George B 160
Fort Colrille, Wash. Ter., Commanding Officer at 1125
Fort Hoskins, Oreg., Commanding Officer at 1125
Fox,C.E.,«*al 162
Maury, Reuben F 1157,1164
Rector, William H 1163,1168
Rnmrill, Calvin H 1158
War Department, U. S 656
Wright, George 848,849,900,977,987,
1038, 1063, 1055, 1067, 1068, 1073, 1076, 1079, 1081, 1084, 1086, 1105, 1117,
1119, 1123, 1124, 1129, 1132, 1136, 1143, 1149, 1150, 1154, 1157, 1166, 1167
Mentioned 157,
158, 161, 163, 657, 663,746, 747, 757, 768, 764, 849, 850, 910, 960, 984, 988, 1001,
1009, 1013, 1014, 1020, 1040, 1043, 1050, 1069, 1076, 1125, 1133, 1165, 1168
Reports of
Grande Ronde Prairie, Wash Ter. Expedition from Fort Walla Walla
to, Aug. 10-22,1862 159,161,163
Snake Indians in Idaho. Expedition against, Aug. 19-Oct. 11, 1862 . . 166
Staff. Announcement of 1079
Stemper, • . Mentioned 612,617
Stetson, VT. "W. Mentioned 668
Stevens, Baker & Co. Mentioned 591
Stevens, L. H., e( al. Correspondence with Edwin V . Sumner 681
Stevenson, John D.
Correspondence with
Lincoln, Abraham 476
War Department, U. S 476,514
Mentioned i85
SteTTard, John. Mentioned 18
St«wart, . Mentioned 403,405
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INDEX. 1257
P««e. '
[•wart, James H. Mentioned 189,192,193
!>wart, James F. Mentioned 76
i'wart, Joseph.
Correspondence with Albert Sidney Johnston 448
Mentioned 429,444,1121,1169
U, "V^UliamO. Mentioned 668
jck'well, A. Jerome. Mentioned 366
}ok, "Whitley. (Indian.) Mentioned 331,337,346
3ne. (Indian.) Mentioned 266,267
3ne, Charles P. Mentioned 133
one, B. Mentioned 668
one, Oeorge. Mentioned 665
oneman, George.
Correspondence with Governor of California 815
Mentioned 815
:oran, John. Mentioned 400
;over, Captain. Mentioned 611
xyvr, "W. "W. Mentioned 591
ratton, RUey E. Correspondence with Edwin V. Soniner 571, 578
:renB;th of Troops. See Organixation, Strength, etc.
:uaTt, William W.
Correspondence with
Lippitt, Francis J 983,1061
Wright, George 952,1105
Mentioned 51,57,909,910,1169
ubsistence Stores. See Mwntioni of War.
umner, . Mentioned 783
unmer, B. B.
Correspondence with T. A. Wilson 35
Mentioned 33-35,38-10,43,839
umner, Edwin V.
AHsignment to oommand 456
Assumes command of Department of the Pacific 469
Correspondence with
Adams, John 486
AtU Dtaut-General's Office, U. S. A 506, 518, 543, .545, 546, 578
Andrews, George 1.. 537,553,600,611
Army Headquarters 465,471,474,481,486,498,
511, 531, 641, 572, 674, 577, 579, 593, 610, 613, 620, 623, 641, 646, 654, 658, 723
Atwill, Joseph F 499
Basey, Joseph, »tal 507
Beale, Edward F 605
Beall, Benjamin L 482,598,602,621,636,644,646,1137
Belden, George H., tt al 698
Bennett, Clarence £ 656
Blake, George A. H 24,478,491,493,
499, 501, 603, 606, 507, 609, 529, 530, 538, 541, 547, 560, 611. 624, 625, 630, 644
Bryant, Montgomery 600,603
Bnchanan, Robert C 492
Bnell, Don Carlos 527,630
Cady, Albemarle 624,536
California, Governor of 502,
687, 689, 601^ 604, 606, 609, 618, 616, 635, 650, 656, 668
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1 258 INDEX.
VMp.
Sumner, Bdwin V.— Continued.
Correspondence with
Carleton, James H 476, 487, 620, 521, 524, 528, 538, 542, 648, 554, 555, 663
Carpendor, Edward W 674
Davidson, John W . . . . 562, 564, 567, 570, 574, 577, 581, 582, 595, 597, 607, 614, 621
DeLaGnerra, Pablo, etal 492
Dillon, Edward 474,494
Dimmick, Kimball H 559
Dorris, Benjamin F 522,525
Forbes & Babcock 632,534
Fort Tejon, Cal., Commanding Officer at 503
Gardner, William H 632-6.W, 537, 545, 546, 561, 584, 591
Gregg, David McM 483
Haller, Granville O 493,518
Hancock, Winfleld S 473,477,479,480,482-484,486
Hartman, John 532
Hastings, L. L. Y., et al 631
Haynes, J. P 522,525
Hendrickson, Thomas ; 489
Henry, Anson Q 651
Hunt, Lewis C .'... 597
Hyatt, John G 528
Keller, Matthew 563
Kellogg, Josiah H 21, 25
Ketchum, WiUiam Scott 569, 685, 594, 601, 606, 612, 617, 621
Latham, Hilton S 624
LoveU, Charles S 18,487.513,535,559,562,584,633
McAllister, Julian 496,513,547
McDougal, David 481,482
Martin, R. M 508
Merchant, Charles 8 esS
Montgomery, John B 531,539
Moore, Jeremiah B 471
Moore, Tredwell 5(6
Mott, Gordon N 503,506
Nary, William. e« al 631
Nevada Committee of Safety 490,495
Ord, James L., e( al 492
Parvin, Washington L 523
Pingree, B. J., etal 598
Price, George F 625
Quartermaster-General's Office, U. S. A 627
Kankin, Ira P 601,533,595,596
Ritchie, William, etal 507
Rohrer, John B., etal 507
Rosborongh, A. M 508
Russell, David A 611
Sands, Benjamin F : 664
SeaweU, Washington 481,503,505,592,593
Sherman, Edwin A 496,509
Stearns, Abel 563,565
Steen, Enoch 481,547
Stevens, L. H., e( al 631
Stratton, Riley E 571,578
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INDEX. 1259
Fage.
Simmer, Edwin V. — Continued.
Correspondence irith
Underwood, Edmund 472
WaUen, Henry D 515,528
War Department, U. S 628,644
Warner, Edward K 518
Washington Territory, GoTemorof. 488,500,521,529
Welty, D. W 596
Wright, George.. 469,478,485,498,504,511,513,514,517,519,521,523,627,541,
561, 572, 575, 576, 585, 588, 593, 598, 604, 618, 643, 646, 647, 649, 654, 656-658
Mentioned 27,137,456,469,471,473,476,478,
479, 481-485, 487, 489, 491-493, 495, 498, 500, 501, 503-505, 509, 511-513, 521,
523-532, 534, 637, 538, 541, 543, 547, 549, 553, 556, 560, 562, 569, 572, 674, 576,
678, 584, 587-590, 592-598, 600-603, 606, 607, 609-611, 616, 623-625, 628, 630,
633, 643, 644, 646, 660, 657, 659, 664-666, 668, 683, 703, 742, 754, 811, 879, 897
Eelinquishes command of Department of the Pacific 2
Staff. Announcements of 487,644,657
Sumner, Ed-win V., jr. Mentioned 604,613
Surgeon-Oeneral's Office, V. B. A. Correspondence with James M. McNnlty 136
Swain, R. B., & Co. Mentioned 591
Swan, Frederlok. Mentioned 894
S-wan, a«orge 'W. Mentioned 1058
Swasey, William F. Mentioned 64, 56, 60, 63, 803, 842, 843, 908, 910, 1016, 1154
Sweet, Andrew J. Mentioned 260
Swilling, Jack. Mentioned 118
Sworda, Thomaa.
Correspondence with Albert Sidney Johnston 444
Mentioned 469,615,616,619,653
Sykes, . Mentioned 16
Table Bluff, Cal. Affair at, April 4, 1862. See Sumboldt Military District,
Cal. Operationt in, Marek £t-Aug. SI, 186S. Report of Lippitt,
p. 54.
Talman, . Mentioned 46
Tateham, . Mentioned 739
Tay, Brooks & Backus. Mentioned 691
Taylor, . Mentioned 297
Taylor, . (Nevada.) Mentioned 491
Taylor, . (Owen's River.) Mentioned 46
Taylor & Co. Mentioned 491
Taylor, Lieutenant. Mentioned 595
Taylor, David H. Mentioned 347
Taylor, Edward G-.
Correspondence with Edwin A. Rigg 821
Mentioned 687,810,819,820,939,943
Taylor, John B.
Mentioned 262,264-267,266,267,290,291
Reports of operations in Humboldt Military District, Cal., Feb. 1-June 30,
1864 277,278
Taylor, Lewis. Mentioned 462,741,764,802,870
Taylor, William S. R.
Mentioned 198,234,235
Reports of operations in Hnmboldt Military District, Cal., Sept. 3-Dec. 31,
1863 237,240
Taylor, Zaobaxy. Mentioned 39
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1260 INDEX.
Teal, John'W. Mentioned 133
Teel, TrevanloD T. Mentioned 89
Tejon, Port. See Fort Tejon.
Temecula Ranch and Oak Qrove, Cal. Expedition ftom San Bernardino to,
Sept. 25-Oot. 5, 1861. Reports of
Ketohnm, William Soott 27
Turner, Thomas E 28
Temple, F. P.P. Mentioned 668
Ten Broeck, Peter O. S. Mentioned 1144
Tenimaha. (Indian.) Mentioned 212
Ten-ne-mah-ha-te el al. (Indians.) Correspondence with John P. H.
Wentworth 152
Tenounls, or Dreamer. (Indian.) Mentioned 159,161,163-166
Terrazaa, Lois. Mentioned 825,826
Terry, Chester N. For correspondence as Private Secretary, see Orego*,
Oovemor of.
Terry, David S. Mentioned 490,499,500,621,700,701,705,892
Tewksberry, . Mentioned 75
Texas. Proposed expedition into. Commnnications from
Army Headquarters 572
Beale, Edward F 605
Sumner, Edwin V 593,610
War Department, U. 8 673
Texas Troops. Mentioned. (Confederate.)
Artillery, Light — Batteries: Tool's, 89.
Cavalry— Com/Mtn/es.- Arizona Scouts (Hunter's), 929, 930, 932, 937, 964,
966, 979, 1095. Regiments : 2d, 942.
Texas and New Mexico. Expedition to, from Southern California through
Arizona, April 13-Sept. 20, 1862.
Congratulatory Orders. Carleton 145
Itineraries 138-142,1017,1056
Movements and disposition of troops during. Communications from James
H. Carleton 90,106,114,998-1000,1033,1034,1152
Operations during. Communications from
Carleton, James H 92,95-98,110,111,
118, 119, 873, 874, 884, 944, 969, 973, 975, 980, 1002, 1009, 1010, 1017-1019,
1045, 1048, 1057, 1060, 1077, 1082, 1094, 1095, 1098, 1103, 1104, 1128, 1146
Chivington, John M 127
Eyre, Edward E 1142
Jones, John 119
New Mexico, Governor of 1140
Sbirland,EdmondD Ill
West, Joseph R 138-140,
986, 991, 1022, 1064, 1065, 1070, 1078, 1088-1090, 1126, 1127
Wright, George 792,836,1003,1014
Reports of
Carleton, James H 88,89,92,100
Coult, Theodore A 134
Cremouy, John C 132,133
Eyre, Edward E 120,124,126
McNnlty, James M 136
Roherts, Thomas L 128,130
Wright, George 88
Subsistence stores required for. Estimateof 778-780
For Orders, see CaHfomia Column,
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INDEX. 1261
P»ge.
Tbatoher, Oeorge. Mentioned 568
Thayer, John S. Mentioned 363-365,369,975,987,1015
TheUer, Edward R. Mentioned 170,172,174,175,189,191
The Meadows, Idaho Ter. Expedition from Fort Lapwai to, Aug. 22-Sept.
^,1863. Report of John Bowen 233
Thorn, Oeorge. Mentioned 485
Thoman, Henry. Mentioned 194
Thomas, . Mentioned 283
Thomas, J. B. Mentioned 591
Thomaa, Lorenzo. Mentioned 102, 1£7, 444, 461, 530, 544, 646,
561,613,633,642,681, 714, 716, 724, 731, 753, 775, 918, 956, 987, 1022, 1146
For correspondence, etc., see Adjutant-Oe»eraV* Ofiet, U. S. A.; also Army
Headquarter*.
Thomas' House on Trinity River, Cal. Skirmish at. May 27, 1864. See
Humboldt Military District, Cal. Op«ration$ in, Feb. 1-June SO,
1864. Report of Miller, p. 284.
Thompson, . Mentioned 430
Thompson, Clint. Mentioned 823
Thompson, WUUam A. Mentioned 90, 130, 360, 364, 369, 728, 1058, 1167
Thurston, Gtoorge A. Mentioned 414
Tibbetto, . Mentioned 840
TidbaU, Thomas T. Mentioned 233,234,363,364,415,896
Tilford, Joseph O. Mentioned 127
Tilley, Oeorge H. Mentioned 1142
Tilton, James. Mentioned 900,910,977
Tim-e-tos. (Indian.) Mentioned 577,580
Timmons, Thomas O. Mentioned 1153
To-ohu-tenair-up. (Indian.) Mentioned 213
Todd, Simeon B. Mentioned 992,1113
Tolles, John U. Report of expedition from Fort Ruby to the Humboldt Val-
ley, May 26-Jone 15, 1865 412
Tompkins, Daniel D. Mentioned 496
Toole, James H. Mentioned 1152
Toombs, Robert. Mentioned 637
Tora&o, Francisco Oonzales. Mentioned 1159-1161
Toro. (Indian.) Mentioned 871
To-sah-o-i-do-bah. (Captain George. ) Mentioned 149, 211, 213
Totten, Joseph O. Mentioned 158
Toumier, Pablo. Mentioned 1159
Towle, a.'W. Mentioned 651,652
Townsend, Edward D. Mentioned 531
For correspondence as A. A. G., see Army Headquarter*.
Trade and Intercourse. Communications ttom.
Carleton, James H 1043
Rigg.EdwinA 1046
Trafford, Thomas. Mentioned 568
Trafforer, John. Mentioned 568
Treadwell & Co. Mentioned 591
Treasury Department, U. 8. Correspondence with War Department, U.S.. 449
Trinity River, Cal.
Skirmish at Thomas' House on. See Thomatf Houee on IHwUy Biver, Cal.
Shirmith at. May 57, 1864.
Skirmish near Willow Creek on. See WUloui Creek on the Trinity Siver, Cal.
Skirmiek near, Aov. 17, 1863.
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1262 INDEX.
Trinity River Valley, Cal. Operations In, Sept. 1-Dec. 3, 1864. Beporte of
Middleton, Thomas 394,395
Miller, Abraham 392,393
Trittle, . Mentioned 761
Tmaz, Sewall. Mentioned 233
Truckee River, Nev. Expedition from Fort Chnrohill to. May 3->Jtme 15,
1865. See Carson Lake and Truckee and Sumboldi Rivera, Net.
Tubbs & Co. Mentioned 591
Tugaskes, R. For correspondence, see Boonville, Idaho Ter., Citizent of.
Tomer, Thomas E.
Mentioned 597
Report of expedition from San Bernardino to the Temeoola Ranch and
Oak Grove, Cal., Sept. 25-Oct. 5, 1861 28
Turner, WilUam. Mentioned 33,38,40,839
Tumey, Leander J. S. Mentioned 618,646,657
For correspondence, etc., see Wathingion Territory, Acting Oovemor of.
Tuthill, Doctor. Mentioned 998
Tnttle, 'William H. Mentioned 76
XTlio, James. Mentioned 251
XHynan, A. Mentioned 568
TTma-how-litB. (Indian.) Mentioned 317
TTmatiUa River and Willow and Butter Creeks, Oreg. Scouts from Fort
Walla Walla, Wash. Ter., and Fort Dalles, Oreg., to, etc., Feb.
5-17, 1861. Reports of
Grier, William N , 13
Reno, Marcus A 14
Steen, Enoch 13
Whittlesey, Joseph H 15
UnderhlU, Jacob, & Co. Mentioned 591
Underwood, Edmund.
Correspondence with
Johnston, Albert Sidney 458,466
Sumner, Edwin y 472
Mentioned 429,526
Underwood, James H. Mentioned 239
Union Troops.
Casualties. Retoms of. Harney Lake VaUey, Oreg. Skirmish in, Sept.
23,1865 428
Mentioned.
Regu/ars.
Artillery, Light— Regimenta : 3d, 469, 620, 654, 668, 680, 685, 731, 741,
757, 758, 938, 1121; 3d {Balteriea), A, 90, 92, 95, 104, 110, 137, 139,
141, 429, 443, 447, 460, 484, 526, 659, 766, 772, 794, 796, 836, 837, 855,
887, 888,949, 950, 957, 1000, 1003, 1014, 1021, 1033, 1034, 1045, 1056,
1109, 1110, 1129, 1170; B, 429, 443, 447, 460, 626, 659, 794, 1169; C,
429, 489, 505, 507, 526, 642, 645, 646, 659, 691, 752; D, 429, 526, 646,
659, 673, 695, 701, 703, 722, 752, 758, 793, 801, 802, 895, 1169; E, 695;
0, 429, 470, 478, 484, 526, 659; H, 429, 447, 526, 645, 646, 659, 1169; I,
429, 443, 447, 450, 489, 491, 526, 645, 646, 659, 794, 1169; L, 428, 479,
489, 526, 605, 645, 646, 659 ; M, 429, 470, 478, 484, 526, 659.
Cay airy— Regiments: 1st, 642, 644, 645, 649, 656, 663, 666, 667, 676,
6Tr, 685, 696, 701, 724, 730, 734, 741-743, 745, 749, 754, 758, 759, 765,
772, 812; 3d, 89, 125, 127, 1024.
Dragooaa— Regiments : 1st, 13-16, 22-29, 428, 429, 438, 440,442,443,
446,450,453, 455, 458, 465, 469, 475, 481,482,484,486,503,526,527,
538, 575, 601-603, 606, 619, 630, 646.
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INDEX. 1263
Vaga.
Vnion Troops — Continued.
Mentioned.
Regulars
Engineers — 153, 469, 472.
lutttntTy— Regiments: 4th, 12, 28-30, 428, 429, 472, 473, 485, 486, 492,
507, 509, 512, 614, 615, 617-519, 526, 527, 558, 567, 569, 574, 584, 585,
597, 606, 611, 612, 620, 621, 623, 633, 645-648, 660, 669, 677, 685, 723-
725,741,743,750,754,765,798; 5th, 101,110; 6th, 6-12,19,29,428,
429, 453, 459, 485, 486, 502, 503, 618, 526, 527, 630, 537, 658, 692, 593,
600, eOo, 611, 634, 645, 657-659, 723-725, 731, 732, 741, 743, 750, 754,
765; 9th, 17, 429, 461, 462, 491-493, 495, 509, 61 1,512, 614, 515, 517-
519, 526, 533, 544, 545, 547, 658, 561, 673, 576, 580-583, 589, 593, 618,
619, 621, 619, 657, 669, 673, 675, 676, 685, 695-698, 701-703, 722, 729,
730, 732, 738, 741, 745, 762, 757-759, 761, 787, 791, 793, 794, 798, 801,
845, 870, 895, 897, 898, 957, 973, 1121, 1136, 1137, 1168, 1169.
Organization, strength, etc.
California, Department of 428,429
Oregon, Department of 429
PaciBc, Department of the 525-527, 793, 794, 1168-1170
For recruitment, organization, etc, see respective States.
TTpham, John J. Mentioned 592
TTpson, Columbus. Mentioned 925
Ustiok, "William L. Mentioned 66,228,908
Utah, District of.
Connor, P.Edward, assumes command of 3
Limits defined 4
Utah Territory, Coounandlng OfBoer in. Correspondence with Adjutant-
General's Office, U.S.A 523
Utah Territory, Oovemor of Correspondence ^rith Reuben F. Manry 219
Valle, Francisco. Mentioned 901
Van Alatein, . Mentioned 824
Van Bokkelen, Jacob L. For correspondence, see Nevada Committee of Safety.
Vancouver, Oeorge. Mentioned So6
Vanderhoof, DanleL Mentioned 409
Van Dora, Earl. Mentioned 137,531,698
Van Dusen's Creelc, Cal.
Attacic on Cntterbaok's House, on. See CutterhacVt Boute, on ran Dueen's
Creek, Cal. .4ttaek on, July S, 1S6S.
Skirmish near. See Eel River, Cal. Skirmith on. May St, 186S.
Skirmishes oh, near Mad River, April 14-15, 1861. Report of .Joseph B.
Collins 17
Van Dyke, Walter.
Correspondence with
California, Governor of 766
Wright, George 1134
Mentioned TO4
VauLe'weB, Anson. Mentioned 555
Van Orman, Zachias. Mentioned 167,182,386
Van Valklngburg, H. Mentioned 568
Van Vllet, Frederick. Mentioned 127
For correspondence as A. A. A. G., see Marehttll S. Howe.
Van Voast, James.
Correspondence with
Black, Henry M 686
Wright, George 547,599
Mentioned 576, 577, 580-582, 586, 58.'>, 592, 593, 618, 619, 673 787. 794
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1264 INDEX.
Veck, -WlUiam S. Mentioned 117,118,863,854,922,932
Vestal, De 'Witt C. Mentioned 34,44,105,707,728,783,975,991
Vincent, Thomas M. For correspondence as A. A. G., see Adjutaitt-OeKenil's
Office, U. S. J.
Wade, J. H. Mentioned 666
Wadleigh, Reuben D. Mentioned 404
■Wali-Hee. (Indian.) Mentioned 1107
Wainlout-hi-hl. (Indian.) Mentioned 165
■Walte, Alonzo. Mentioned 568
Walte, Carlos A. Mentioned 543,545
Walte, Charles B. Mentioned 199
■Waite, Edward D. Mentioned 378
Walte, Isaac. Mentioned 975
Waldron, . Mentioned 209
'Walker, David. Mentioned 396
Walker, James. Mentioned 420,421
'Walker, Leroy Pope. Mentioned 525
'Walker, Samuel H. Mentioned 39
'Walker, 'William.
Correspondence with Edwin A. Eigg 899
Mentioned 898-900
Walker's Lake, JXev.
Affair near, March 16, 1865. See Pyramid and Walker's Lakes, Ner.
Expedition from Fort Churchill to, March 12-19, 1865. See Pyramid and
Walker's Lakes, Nev,
Wallace, . Mentioned 692,706
'Wallace, J. M. Mentioned 568
'Wallace, Joseph B. Mentioned 420,421,424
Wallace, 'William.
Mentioned 403-405,410,411
Eeport of expeditions from Fort Churchill to Pyramid and Walker's Lakes,
Nev., March 12-19, 1865 405
W^allace, William H. Mentioned 634,656
'Wallace, 'William S.
Correspondence with P. Edward Connor 199
Mentioned 198,200,201
■WaBa 'Walla, Port. See Fort Walla Walla.
Wallen, Henry D.
Correspondence with Edwin V. Sumner 515,528
Mentioned 116,336,429,509,512,514,517,574,620
Waller, Bd^vard, jr. Mentioned 639
'Waoich. (Indian.) Mentioned 265,266
"Ward, J. N. Mentioned 842
Ward, John S., e( al. Correspondence with George F. Price 1139
'Ward.R. H. Mentioned 33,37,40,839,842
War Department, C. S. Correspondence with John R. Baylor 1108, 1148
War Department, XT. B. Correspondence with
Adjutant-General's Office, U.8.A 765,836,1056
Array Headquarters IK
Baker, Edward D 470,480
California, Adjutant-General of 607
California, Citizens of. 589
California, Governor of 543,569,570,602,714,736,1089
Cisco, John J 625
DeRussy, Ren^ £ 714
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iin>Ex. 1265
Fag&
Wax DeiMUtment, T7. S. Correspondence with — Continued.
De Witt, Alfred 625
Donohoe, Peter 1051
Hamphreys, Andrew A 439
Kelly, Eugene, <fe Co 625
Keyes, Erasmus D 634
Latham, Milton S 454
Lippitt, Francis J 750
McLaue, Allan 474
Maynadier, Henry E 460
Navy Department, U. S 628,643
Need, William 635
Nesmith, James W 544
Ogden, BiohardL 573
Oregon, Governor of 1090
Post-Office Department, U. S 476
Stager, Anson 666
State Department, U. S 497,504,826,827
Steinberger, Justus 656
Stevenson, John D 476,514
Sumner, Edwin V 628,644
Treasury Department, U. S 449
Washington Territory, Governor of. 663
Williamson, J. Daniel 544,560
Wool, John E 470
Wardwell, 'William V. B. Mentioned 948
Ware, M<uor. Mentioned 867
■Ware, J. L. Mentioned 552
Wameok, Samuel. Mentioned 680
'Warner, Charles C. Mentioned 410,411
Warner, Edward R.
Correspondence with
Johnston, Albert Sidney 459
Snmaer, Edwin V 518
Mentioned 642
Warner, J. J.
Correspondence with James H. Carleton 698, 717, 747, 782
Mentioned 34,35,568,692,700,703
Warner, S.
Correspondence withF. Hinton 867
Mentioned 810,823,854,865,869,882,899
Warner, 'William H. Mentioned 378
Warner's Ranch, in the San Joni '^Talley, Cal. Pursuit and capture of the
Showalter Party at, Nov. 20-29, 1861.
Reports of
Greene, Henry A 42
Rigg, Edwin A 32,33
Wellman, Channcey R 42-44
Wright, George 30
Sketches 31,45
Statements of
Benbrook, Charles 36
Chum, F.N 39
80 B B— VOL L, PT I
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1266 INDEX.
Warner's Ranch, in the San Joa< Valley, Cal. ParBuit and capture of the
Showalter Party at, Nov. 20-29, 1861— Continued.
Statements of
Crowell, Henry 38
Edwards, William 37
Hamilton, William 39
King, A 38
Lawrence, James 37
Roberts, T.L 36
Rogers, Levi 38
Rogers, 8. A 37
Sampson, J. M 37
Sands, William 36
Showalter, Dan 38
Sumner, E. B 39-
Turner, William 38
Ward, E. H 37
Wilson, T. A 36
Woods, T.W 37
Woods, William 36
Warren, W. C. Mentioned 568
Washburn, . Mentioned 867,868
Washington, G«orge. Mentioned 883,1144
Washington, JohnM. Mentioned 636
Washington, Richard A. Mentioned 409
Washington Territory.
Affairs in, generally. Communications fVom
Black, Henry M 579, 580
Henry, Anson G 654
Lee, Harvey 829
Van Voast, James 599
Washington Territory, Governor of 521
AVright, George 558
Indian depredations iu. Coouuunications from
Casey, Silas 435
Felton, C. C.,etal 658
Miller, W. W 540
Steen, Enoch 547
Steinberger, Justus 1149
Washington Territory, Governor of. 540
Wright, George 432,541
Memorial of Legislature of, to Albert Sidney Johnston, concerning protec-
tion of northern settlements 438
Military department embracing 6
Operations against Indians in. Communications from
Steen, Enoch 575
Wright, George i... 675,576
Recruitment, organization, etc., of Union troops in. Communications from
Steinberger, Justus 848,900,977
War Department, U. S 656,663
Wright, George 746,747,849
Withdrawal of troops from. Communications from
Kendall, Biou F 649
Sumner, Edwin V 528,529
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INDEX. 1267
Page.
'Washington Territory, Governor of.
Correepondence with
Johnston, Albert Sidney 437,448
Lincoln, Abraham 1077
MiUer, W. W 640
Sumner, Ed-win V 488,500,521,520
War Department, U. 8 663
Wright, George 540
Proclamation of, calling for militia 489
Washington Territory Troops. Mentioned.
IntantTj—RegimenU: 1st; 216, 225, 325, 328, 329, 389, 390,747,848-850,900,
910, 977, 978, 984, 987, 988, 1001, 1009, 1013, 1040, 1069, 1077, 1124, 1125, 1135,
1150, 1154-1156, 1158, 1164, 1166, 1168-1170.
Wassen, Warren. Mentioned 148, 152, 771, 1080, 1102, 1106, 1107
'Waterman, Fred. H.
Correspondence with Qeorge Wright 988
Mentioned 991,992,1030,1035
Watklns, 'William H. Mentioned 1073
'Watson, Edward Ii. Mentioned 213
'Watson, Grove. Mentioned 739,902,1125,1143
'Watson, Jack. Mentioned 39
V7ataon, John A. Mentioned 394
Watson, Peter H. Mentioned 918
For correspondence as Assistant Secretary, see War Department, r. S.
'Watson, Stephen. Mentioned 316, 330, 330, 331, 335-337, 345, 346
Waymire, James A.
Mentioned 224,309,310,320,321,335,339,341,342
Beports of
Harney Lake 'Valley, Oreg. Expedition to, fh>m Camp Lincoln, near
Canyon City, March 24-April 16, 1864 310
Oregon. Expeditions to southeastern part of, iVom Fort Dalles,
Oreg., and Fort Walla Walla, Wash. Ter., April 20-Oct. 26, 1864. 349
W. D. Rice, Brig. Mentioned 922,943,945,999
'Weatherton, 'William. Mentioned 180
Weaver, . Mentioned ... 960, 951, 954, 958, 981, 1049, 1(^7, 1061, 1065, 1089, 1090
'Weaver, Madam. Mentioned 238
M7eaver, Samuel. Mentioned 76
W^eaverville Crossing of Mad River, Cal. Affair at, July 9, 1862. See
Humboldt Military JHitriet, Cal. Operations on, March SS-Aug.
SI, 1SG2. Beportt ofLippitt, p. 60; Ketcham, i>p. 81, 82.
'Webber, C. M., Steamer. Mentioned 925
'Webber, Isaac T. Mentioned 1058
'Webster, Daniel. Mentioned 638
'Weed, Frederick. Mentioned 207
'Weeks, James "V. Mentioned 331,337
Wee-lo-la-cnm. (Indian.) Mentioned 15
'Weightman, Richard H. Mentioned 636
'Weir, J. B., & Co. Mentioned 591
'Welcker, William T. Mentioned 429,526
"Weld, B. Mentioned 699,943
WeUes, Gideon. Mentioned 476,482,644,838
For correspondence, etc., see Nary Department, V. S.
'Wellman, Chaunoey R.
Correspondence with Joseph K. West 1061
Mentioned 34-36, 361, 364, 703, 706, 728, 762, 806, 807, 875, 928, 1065, 1089
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1268 INDEX.
WeUmas, Chatincey R. — Continued.
Reports of pnrsuit and capture of the Showalter Party at Warner's Banoh
in the San Jos^ Valley, Cal., Nov. 20-29, 1861 42-44
■Wells, . Mentioned 834
'Wells, Almond B.
Correspondence with John Littlefield 380
Mentioned ^ 377,380,403,405,411,412
Reports of
Humboldt River, Nev. Expedition from Fort Churchill to, June 8-
Aug. 9, 1864 378
Pyramid and Walker's Lakes, Nev. Expeditions from Fort Churchill
to, March 12-19, 1866 403
Wells, Samuel. Mentioned 816
Welt, Mrs. Mentioned 542 ,
Welty, D. 'W. Correspondence with Edwin V. Sumner 596
Wentworth, John P. H.
Corre8i>ondeuce with
Ten-ne-mah-ha-te «t al. (Indians.) 152
Wright, George 213
Mentioned 152,212,213,669
Werk, Gtoorge W. Mentioned 907
'Wemlnger, William. Mentioned 809,811
West, Charles F.
Mentioned 386-389
Report of expedition from Fort Bois^ to Salmon Falls, Idaho Ter., Aug.
27-Oct.5, 1864 389
West, Oeorge. Mentioned 1163
West, Joseph K.
Assignments to command i 115,802
Assumes command of District of Arizona 3
Correspondence with
Baldwin, Kpbraim C 1090
Carleton, James H 98,105,117-119,625,662,
672, 677, 683, 689, 698, 704, 709, 718-721, 732, 738, 847, 830, 856, 839, 880,
886,888,891,905,914,932-934,941,961,960,975, 980, 986, 1022, 1042, 1045,
1048, 1050, 1052, 1054, 1057, 1064, 1065, 1070, 1088, 1089, 1100, 1101, 1127
Coult, Theodore A 991
Cutler, Benjamin C 748
Dobbins, Marcus D 833
Eyre, Edward E 805,806,818,834,991,1078
Fergnsson, David 806,11.59
Gaudara, Manuel 1065
Moore, Tredwell 832
Rigg.EdwinA 814,838,840,841,870
Roberts, Thomas L 829,837
Shirland, Edmond D 105
Wellman, Chauncey R 1061
Willis, Edward B 1126
Wright, George 746,819,826-828,832
Journal of march of First California Volunteer Infantry, Oct. 16-Nov. 3,
1861 710-714
Mentioned 34, 35, 88, 90, 91, 93, 100, 102, 103, 1(», 106,
114, 115, 137-140, 596, 659-663, 671, 673, 679, 680, 682, 686, 692, 700, 703, 710,
711, 718, 725, 728, 729, 736, 737, 742, 751, 761, 777, 778, 781, 784, 785, 802, 805.
817, 834, 841, 865-857, 859, 875, 881, 893, 894, 923, 931 , 940, 967, 963, 971, 973,
974, 976, 981, 999, 1000, 1006, 1009, 1017, 1019, 1056, 1060, 1061, lOW. 1066.
1077, 1088, 1091, 1095, 1096, 1106, 1109, 1112, 1130, 1128, 1143, 1147, 1170
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INDEX. 1269
Page.
Weatem Arizona, Diatiiot of.
Constituted and limits defined 92
Coalt, Theodore A., assigned to command of 3
Fergnsson, DaTid, assigned to command of 92
Weston, Benjamin. Mentioned 245
'Wheeler, James, jr. Mentioned 438
Wlieeler, John O. Mentioned 662
Wlieeler, Samnel P. Mentioned 258,260,268
W^heeUng, William.
Correspondence with Edwin A. Rigg 868
Mentioned 89,728,869,1049,1065,1146
Whipple, . Mentioned 1140
Whipple, Colonel. Mentioned 756
Wmpple, Stephen G.
Correspondence with Francis J. Lippitt 198
Mentioned 248,252,284,303
Relieves Francis J. Lippitt of command of Humboldt District 4
Reports of operations in Hnmboldt Military District, Cal.
March 10-July 10, 1863 196
Sept. 3-Dec. 31, 1863 234,235
Jan. 1-28, 1864 242,243
Fob. l^nne 30, 1864 281,282
Wmtaker, Oeorge H. Mentioned 841
White, . Mentioned 166
White, Ammi M.
Correspondence with
Andrews, Qearge 588
Rigg, Edwin A 867,899
Mentioned 125,809,
825, 865, 866, 869, 871, 882, 898, 899, 932, 934, 939, 940, 944, 962, 966, 966, 1050
White, Elijah. Mentioned 967
'White, Francis B. Mentioned 383,384
'White, H. For correspondence, see BoonvilU, Idaho Ter., Citizmt of.
■Whiteaker, John. Mentioned 158,571,618,740,918,1090
For correspondence, etc., see Oregon, Gorertior of.
Whltlook, H. G. Mentioned 877,878
WUtlock, James H.
Mentioned 361-363,370
Report of skirmishes In Chiricahaa Mountains, Ariz. Ter., Sept. 8-9, 1863 . . 242
Whitmer, David. Mentioned 154
'Whitney, . Mentioned 61,62,71
'Whitney, Bdward J. Mentioned 360
Whitney, J., jr. Mentioned 591
'Whitney's Ranch, near Fort Anderson, Cal. Attack on, July 28, 1862. See
Humboldt Milifarif District, Cal. Operationt in, March 23-Aug. SI,
1862. Reports of IdppM, pp. 61, 62; Douglas, p. 71.
Whittemore, James B. Mentioned 852
'Whlttemore, Samuel. Mentioned 977
Whittlesey, Joseph H.
Correspondence with
Beall, Benjamin L 665
Cady, Albemarle 696
Ketchum, William Scott 441
Logan, William 665
Mentioned 16,429, 440,618, 619, 674,675, 717, 742, 750, 754
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1270 INDEX.
Tase.
'Whittlesey, Joseph H. — Continued.
Report of soonts fjrom Fort Walla Walla, Wash. Ter., and Fort Dalles,
Oreg., to Umatilla River and to Willow and Batter Creeks,
Oreg.,Feb. 5-17, 1861 15
Why-ame. (Indian.) Mentioned 15
'Wickliffe, Nathaniel. Mentioned 461,566
Wiedemer, Henry. Mentioned 9,10
■Wllbum, . Mentioned 20
Wilcox, Captain. Mentioned 841,865,884,885
Wild, . Correspondence with E. M. Morgan 40
Wlldilok, Abram C.
Correspondence with George Wright "^
Mentioned 577,619,659,673,739
For correspondence aa A. A. A. G., see Oeorge Wright ; also Albemarle Cady.
Wiley, Austin. Mentioned 391
Wilkes, Charles. Mentioned 655
WilUams, Oeorge. Mentioned 933,961,1034
WUllams, Henry W. Mentioned 177
Williams, Loren L.
Correspondence with Oeorge B. Carrey 4%
Reports of skirmish in Harney Lake Valley, Oreg., Sept. 23, 1866 425, 427
Williams, R. M. Mentioned 456
WilUams, Seth. Mentioned 496
For correspondence as A. A. G., see Army Headquarter*.
WiUlams' Valley, Cal.
Expedition from Fort Wright to, April 7-11, 1863. Report of Charles D.
Douglas 203
Skirmish in, April 9, 1863. See WHliamt' Valley, Cal, Expedition from
Fort Wright to.
Williamson, David J. Mentioned 1059,1115
Williamson, J. Daniel.
Correspondence with War Department, U. S 544,560
Mentioned 544
Willis, Edward B.
Correspondence with Joseph R. West 1126
Mentioned 93,852,854,1142,1143
Willis, Henry M.
Correspondence with James H. Carleton 561
Mentioned 564
Willis, J. J. Mentioned 557
V7illow Creek, on the Trinity River, Cal. Skirmish near, Nov. 17, 1863.
See Humboldt Military Dittriet, Cal. Operations in, Sept. S-Dec.
SI, 186S. Beportt of Taylor, p. 240 ; Ovtley, p. 241.
'Willow Creek, Oreg. Scoots from Fort Walla Walla, Wash. Ter., and Fort
Dalles, Oreg., to. See Umatilla Biver and Willow and Butler
Creekt, Oreg. Seouta to, etc., Feb. 6-17, 1861.
'Wilson, . Mentioned 315
'Wilson, James H. (Citizen.) Mentioned 557
'Wilson, James H. (Lieutenant.) Mentioned 485
'Wilson, James 'W. Mentioned 555
'Wilson, John. Mentioned 568
Wilson, John G. Mentioned 284-286,392
'Wilson, Robert. Mentioned 891
'Wilson, Spencer H. Mentioned 245
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INDEX. 1271
Fags.
"VrjlBoa, T. A.
Correspondence with E. B. Sumner 35
Mentioned 33,36,38-40,839
■Wllaon, 'W. H. Mentioned 404
-WinchiU, Theodore C. Mentioned 188-190,192-195
Wlnchlll, W^atson 'W. Mentioned 1058
Winder, ■V^Ullam A. Mentione<l 977,1169
Wlnegar, . Mentioned 719
Wing, Ihuory. Mentioned 263,292
Wingate, Port. See Fort Wingate.
Winn, James. Mentioned 258,262
^7inne, James. Mentioned 46,936,939
Winne, James, et a^ Correspondence with George Wright 733, 736
'Winnell, Frederick. Mentioned 1058
Winnemuooa. (Indian.) Mentioned 404,459,1107
"Winston, J. B. Mentioned 1026
Winston, Joseph. Mentioned 119,853,1034
Winston, Thomas M. Mentioned 436
■Wise, . Mentioned 73
'Wise, Henry A. Mentioned 640
Wlaner, . Mentioned 739,740
Woeber Tom, or Utah Tom. (Indian.) Mentioned 183
Wolf, Morris. Mentioned 555
Wolff, A. Mentioned 655
■Wolverton, Joel. Mentioned 380
Wood, Erastus W^. Mentioned 951,978
Wood, O. A. Mentioned 432
Wood, James M. M. Mentioned 388,389
Wood, Nether. Mentioned 41
Wood, 'William. Mentioned 348
Wooden, Jolm. Mentioned 652
Woodford, Clinton. CorreHpondence with Francis J. Lippitt 1028, 1029
Woodman, Oeorge H.
Correspondence with Goremor of California 755
Mentioned 651,754
Woodruff, Dickinson. Mentioned 526, 533, 545, 619, 673, 697, 1011
Woods, . (New Mexico.) Mentioned 110
■Woods, . (Washington Territory. ) Mentioned 655
Woods, Charles R. Mentioned 741
Woods, SamueL Mentioned 897,999, 1000
Woods, T.W. Mentioned 33,37,40,42,839
Woods, 'William. Mentione<l 33,36,40,839
■Woodward, Lafayette. Mentioned 890
"Wool, John E.
Correspondence with War Department, U. S 470
Mentioned 645
'Woolsey, King S. Mentioned 366-368,370,861,881
WooBter, David. Mentioned 91,135,1017,1037,1111
Worthington, . Mentioned 412
Wright, . Mentioned ^
Wright, Fort. See Fort Wright.
'Wright, Oeorge.
Assignments to command 6,620,633,730
Assumes command of Department of tlue Pacific 666
Assnmeti command of District of Southern California 647
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1272 INDEX.
PapL
Wright, Oeorge — Continned.
Coirespondenoe Trith
Adjntant-General'8 Office, U. 8. A 54,177,
181, 184, 204, 315, 667, 668, 723, 726, 732, 756, 757, 765, 768, 771, 773, 782, 787,
788, 791, 792, 796, 798, 800, 812, 828, 880, 836, 837, 849, 8S, 882, 895, 897, 910.
917, 918, 938, 942, 943, 953, 956, 966, 982, 984, 988, 995, 999, 1001, 101 1, 1014,
1034, 1035, 1039-1041, 1043, 1055, 1069, 1074, 1086, 1091, 1092, 1109, 1117,
1119, 1120, 1128, 1131, 1133, 1134, 1137, 1141, 1149, 1151, 1158, IIW, 1165
Alden, Farrelly 1030
Alvord, Benjamin 306,316,1143
Andrews, George 648,681
Army Headquarters 156,612,
654, 6»t, 685, 688, 690, 697, 702, 703, 720, 724, 730, 740, 742, 751-753, 814. 863
Babbitt, Edwin B 151,190
Barrows, Henry D 996.1015
Beall, Benjamin L 619*
Bell, Charles H 1035
Black, Henry M 249-251, 258, 262, 286, 576, 579-682, 586, 5B
Blake, George A. H ^8,693,715
Bowie, George AV 788,795-796
Brown, Albert, e(al 733,736
Buchanan, Robert C 498
Cady, Albemarle 650,666,673-676,683,686,701,
716, 717, 722, 726, 730, 731, 738, 745, 746, 752, 759, 764, 782, 789, 870, 897, 9BB
California, Adjutant-General of 742,815,905,985
California, Governor of 754, 799, 802, 805, 893, 1141, UtS, IIBS
Carleton, James H 99,
653, 660, 665, 668, 671, 681, 682, 697, 703, 715, 718, 727, 729, 736i, 737, 741,
743, 758, 763, 765, 769, 772, 773, 786, 789, 791, 836, 849, ffi6, 868, 873, 874,
883, 887, 888, 893, 896, 910, 919, 925, 944, 960, 962, 968, 973, 999, 1003, 1O06,
1009, 1017, 1042, 1059, 1060, 1066, 1069, 1071, 1077, 1094, 11061, U38, U46
Casey, Silas 436
(Connor, P. Edward 177,181,693,694,960,1101
Cornelius, Thomas R 890,935,949,994,1005,1030,1076
Cremony, John C, e< o/ 7^736
Cutler, Beivjamin C 7SI,7S
Dean, J. B..,etal m
De Russy, Ren« E 760, 799, 807, 861, 88J
Dole, William P 967
Drum, Richard C "ROilllO
Emory, Campbell D 668v5i3
English, Thomas C 5tt
Evans, George S 46, 1121, 1128; 1148
Eyre, Edward E TiO
Fergusson, David ^ 752,9IS,l<ei
Forman, Ferris... . 145, 786, 801, 832, 1015, 1037, 1047, 1068, 1096, 1097, 1U8, llW
Gardner, William H 835, 838, 921, OB, 925, 9»
Gates, N.H.,««al 880
Geary, Edward R 467
Guaymas, Mexico, U. S. Consul at 992,1060
Hancock, Henry 1079,1100
Hanson, George M 786, 792, 1084, 1087, 1092, 1098. 10»
Isaacs, H. P., e<a{ 880
Johnston, Albert Sidney 433,438,455.468
Kellogg, John 151
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INDEX. 1273
Pica.
Wright, 0«oTge — Continued.
Correspondence -with
Ketchum, WiUiam Scott 16,450,495,668
Latham, MUton S 796
Lee, Harvey 829
Lippitt, Francis J 189,795,803,807,842,858,889,906,
968, 992, 1001, 1006, 1010, 1020, 1026, 1039, 1052, 1084, 1105, 1119, 1135, 1166
Lovell, Charles S 694
McAllister, Julian 921,1121
McDermit, Charles 180,972
McDowell, Irvin 378,403,410
McGarry,Edward 691,796
McLane, Louis 766,964
McLaughlin, Moses A 213
Maloney, Manrice 432
Marsh, Salem 8 1119
Martin, James P 731
Maniy, Reuben F 1005,1068
May, John H 743,805
Mazatlan, Mexico, U. S. Consul at 1012,1051
Merryman, James H 1099
Moore, Jeremiah B 735
MuUan,John 1 434,972
Murdock,C.A 1016
Nevada, Governor of 735, 745, 749,947, 1071, 1106, 1118
Olney, James N.... 769,1001
Oregon, Governor of. 430,599,618,674
Parker, Samuel H 895,896,988
Patten, George W 1011
Pickett, George E 544
Price, George F 1030, 1071, 1076, 1080, 1083, 1094, 1107, 1137, 1148, 1149
Quartermaster-General's Office, U. S. A 813
Bankin, IraP 846
Rector, WUliamH 1057,1068
Rowe,EdwinA 746,770,787,947,1102,1116
Shinn, JohnB 796
Sims, Columbus 789
Smith, Andrew J 693
Sonora, Mexico, Governor of 1047
Spencer, John D. 8 434
Steen, Enoch 442,446,575
Steinberger, Justus 848,849,900,977,
987, 1038, 1053, 1055, 1067, 1068, 1073, 1076, 1079, 1081, 1084, 1086, 1105,1117,
1119, 1123, 1124, 1129, 1132, 1136, 1143, 1149, 1150, 1154, 1157, 1166, 1167
Stuart, William W 952,1105
Sumner, Edwin V. 469, 478, 485, 498, 504, 511, 513, 514, 517, 519, 521, 523, 527, 541,
561, 572, 575, 576, 585, 588, 593, 598, 604, 618, 643, 646, 647, 649, 654, 656-658
Van Dyke, AValter 1134
Van Voast, James 547,599
Washington Territory, Governor of 540
Waterman, Fred. H 988
Went worth, John P. H 213
West, Joseph R 746,819,826-828,832
Wildrick, Abrani C , 750
Winne, James, «( al 733,736
81 B E— VOL L, PT I
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1274 INDEX.
Wright, a«orge — Continued.
Mentioned 1,16,82,46,58,63,70,92-94,97,99-104,
108, 119, 137, 146, 152, 158, 178, 187, 188, 191, 199, 213, 235, 242, 244, 246, 248-
250, 262, 286. 308, 309, 316, 378, 408-411, 427-429, 432, 442, 445, 449, 450, 472,
493-495, 503, 526, 529, 572, 576, 578-581, 584, 586, 598, 620, 621, 623, 633, 643,
658, 660, 661, 666, 668, 671, 673, 675, 676, 678, 679, 681, 682, 686, 683-695, 697,
701, 703, 704, 715, 717, 718, 724, 726, 730, 731, 736, 738, 743, 746, 747, 752, 753,
755, 758, 763, 769, 770, 772, 773, 776, 782, 786-789, 791, 793-797, 799, 807, 808,
829, 831, 836, 818, 849, 858, 877, 883, 888, 893, 895, 900, 918, 925, 930, 931, 936,
938, 949, 956, 960, 968, 972, 976, 988, 991, 992, 996, 997, 999, 1001, 1002, 1006,
1009, 1014, 1015, 1020-1024, 1029, 1030, 1032, 1035, 1037, 1039, 1044, 1051,
1055, 1059, 1065, 1067, 1068, 1072, 1074, 1075, 1079-1082, 1085, 1090, 1094.
1098, 1100, 1102, 1103, 1106, 1106, 1110, 1112, 1116, 1117, 1119, 1121-1125,
1128, 1130, 1135-1138, 1143, 1144, 1146, 1148, 1150, 1165, 1157, 1165, 1168
Relieved from command of District of Oregon ,.. 584
Resigns command of District of Oregon 619
Resigns command of District of Southern California 659
Reports of
Humboldt Military District, Cal. Operations in, Feb. 1-June 30,
1864 247,248
Texas and New Mexico. Expedition to, April 13-Sept. 20, 1862 88
Warner's Ranch in the San Jos^ Valley, Cal. Pursuit and capture of
the Showalter Party at, Nov. 20-29, 1861 30
Staff. Announcement of 985
Wright, Thomas F.
Correspondence with
Geer, Knyphaasen 306
Hackott, Jacob P 806
For correspondence as A. A. A. 6., see George Wright.
Mentioned 249,267,290,292,306,737
Reports of operations in Humboldt Military District, Cal., Feb. 1-June 30,
1864 250,251,254-256
Wright, Steamer. Mentioned 797,941
Wrightaon, . Mentioned 401-408,417
Wyatt, Edwin. Mentioned 60
Wyatt, Henry H. Mentioned 67,68,1136
Wyoming, U. S. S. Mentioned 539
Wyso, . Mentioned 1072
Tager, Oeorge. Mentioned 555
Tager, G«orge W. Report of affair at San Pedro Crossing, Ariz. Ter., Aug.
22, 1863 232
Tager, L. J. P.
Correspondence with
Brady, Peter R ; 824
Halstead, 812
Mentioned 699, 709, 719, 732, 781, 784y 808-812, 816, 817,
819, 820, 824, 840, 854, 866, 869, 885, 922, 930, 943, 965, 970, 979, 999, 1091
Tanlc, . Mentioned 46
Tfligo, Juan. Mentioned 1160
To-keel-la-bah. (Indian.) Mentioned 7,11
Toung, . Mentioned 253
Young, Brigham. Mentioned 198,199,201,550,666,1023,1024
Young, 0«orge. Mentioned 261,262
Young, George F. Mentioned 132,133
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INDEX. 1275
Tonng; Rlohard W. Mentioned 285
Treka Road, Cal. Affair on, near Fort Crook, Sept. 21, 18C2. Report of
Henry B.Mellen 177
Tnnw. (Indian.) Mentioned 839
Tuma, Fort. See Fort Tuma.
Zabrlakle, James A. Mentioned 1077
Zuloaga, Jos^ Maiia. Mentioned 1013
Zuni, Governor of. Mentioned 371
O
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